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Using a Blog to Promote Your Book Video + Upcoming Blogging and Event Marketing Workshops

May 20, 2013 By 10 Comments

I have a few things going on right now that I wanted to let you know about.

While I have been making updates to my classes and workshops page, I realize that not everyone checks static website pages on a regular basis.

And, guess what? If you are an entrepreneur, author, nonprofit or small business, this is a huge reason for you to be maintaining a regular blog! (hint, hint)

classroom

So here’s what I have coming up.

First, I’m excited to announce that I recently partnered with Zeeen to produce instructional videos on blogging and social media specifically for authors and aspiring authors. This partnership, as well as the company itself, is in the very early startup phase. I’m excited to offer my very first video on using a blog to promote your book.

I know I have readers who are writing books or who have written books in the past. I would love your feedback on this video (assuming you decide to purchase it, of course) and what other videos related to blogging and social media might be helpful to you.

Read more: Instructional Video: Using a Blog to Promote Your Book

This Thursday (May 23rd), I’ll be co-presenting with Bob Hutchins, owner (with his wife Ann) of Maine Made Photos, and Jim Bouchard, the guy who helps you think like a black belt. We’ll not only be talking about how to use social media to promote your event, you’ll actually help us create a social media marketing plan for the upcoming Oktoberfest event! This free workshop will be at the Priority Group Business Center in Topsham, Maine.

Read more: Event Marketing From Soup to Nuts: A Hands-On Workshop

On Tuesday, June 11th, I’ll be offering my How to Write, Grow & Sustain an Effective Blog once again. If you went to my 5Ws of Business Blogging workshop, this is the next step. In this class, we’ll talk about the how. Topics will include:

  • Basic blogging best practices - We’ll go over blogger etiquette
  • The anatomy of a blog post - We’ll discuss how to structure a blog post and make it the most readable for your audience
  • Identifying and avoiding common grammar mistakes - Some tips and resources for proof reading and looking up grammar rules quickly
  • Brainstorming your best categories / topics -A discussion on blog categories + members of the class will come up with a specific list of categories and topics their blogs should cover
  • Finding your voice - We’ll talk about the best ways to keep the writing and creativity flowing
  • What to do after you publish a blog post - A discussion on the best ways to share your blog post using social media, commenting and other techniques
  • Time management tips - We’ll talk about ways to incorporate blogging into your busy schedule

This class will also be offered at the Priority Group Business Center in Topsham, Maine. I’ve had several people outside of Maine tell me that they are interested in this class and am considering taping the class and offering a video for a small fee ($10-$15 or so) after the fact. If this is something you would like, let me know in the comments or contact me so I can gauge interest.

Read more: How to Write, Grow & Sustain an Effective Blog

Finally, I was going to to hold my online class, How to Write Blog Posts That Build Community, again at the end of June. However, I’d really like to revamp this class a bit. Skillshare online classes are a little different from when I first started teaching the class (in a good way).  I just need some time to create a few videos and resources for you. I’m thinking August for the next time I run this online class.

With that said, my focus right now is on creating a brand new class on writing a personal giving strategy. I’m not ready to reveal too much yet, but if you read this blog and enjoy my posts on philanthropy, I think you’ll really love this class. More on this soon!

Phew. Lots going on.

Will you join me?

photo by: dcJohn
Filed Under: Blogging, Marketing, Social Media Tagged With: , , , ,

Are you committed?

May 2, 2013 By 8 Comments
My library of books from the conference.

My library of books from the conference.

What would happen if you threw your whole self into your dream?

What do you give back for what you get?

These are questions that were asked during Be the Change in Orlando this past weekend. The four-day conference opened with a marching band and cheerleaders. There were pom-poms waiting for attendees when we first arrived in the Peabody Ballroom.

Suzanne Evans used the theme of of sports to convey that when you understand the game of business, everything becomes easier. According to Suzanne, the two keys to success are enthusiasm and commitment.

Enthusiasm is fairly simple, particularly if you are doing something that you love. But commitment takes some work.

One of the quotes I shared on Tuesday from Suzanne Evans was “God gave you a gift and he deserves a return on his investment.” She pushed us to find our point of view and to “make your mess your message.” I will probably talk more about this piece in a future vlog, but for now, I wanted to share a video Suzanne played for us. (And, no, this conference had nothing to do with religion. It was all about making money as an entrepreneur.)

This video is 23 minutes long and well worth your time. If you don’t have time to watch it now, I hope you will make some time later. And while it is a sermon, you don’t have to be religious (or Christian) to get the message.

My question to you is, are you fully committed to what you are doing in your personal and professional life?

Filed Under: Business, Writing Lab Tagged With: , , ,

My #BTCE2013 Recap in Quotes and Mr. Bacon Photos

April 30, 2013 By 19 Comments

I just spent 4 straight days getting my mind blown at the Be the Change event (#BTCE2013 on Twitter) in Orlando, Florida.

The days were long (8:00am – 10:00pm or later on most days). The experience is almost indescribable.

There was a DJ, thundersticks, a marching band, cheerleaders and circus acts involved. Oh, and a whole lot of swearing.

Seriously, Suzanne Evans knows how to put on an event.

I laughed. I cried. I learned. I danced. Above all, I gained some serious clarity for my business and the direction I want to will commit to going in.

I took a ton of notes and came back with a library of resources. Following is my recap in the form of quotes (in the order that they were heard) and photos of my travel companion, Mr. Bacon. (Mr. Bacon totally partied the whole time, as you will see.)

“Indecision is a form of self-abuse – be ready to step up!”

~ Suzanne Evans

from Maine to Be the Change

The journey to Be the Change started in Maine with an awesome group of entrepreneurial women.

“Whenever you can make something more simple, do it.”

~ Bert Jacobs

“Takers may eat well, but givers sleep well.”

~ Bert Jacobs

“Business is a tool to do what you love.”

~ Bert Jacobs

Mr. Bacon in the airport

Mr. Bacon and I traveled from Portland to Orlando via Baltimore. We had an extraordinarily expensive lamb burger for lunch.

“Entrepreneurs are 300% more likely to have ADHD.”

~ Laurie Dupar, PMHNP, RN, PCC, SCAC

Squirrel! (Sorry. I got distracted.)

“Commit to telling your truth, not just the truth.”

~ Darla LeDoux 

“Truth never speaks to us through fear.”

~ Darla LeDoux

Ducks in the pool at Peabody Hotel

We stayed at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. There were ducks that paraded through the lobby. These wild ducks were just chilling in the pool.

“You create your own economy.”

~ Suzanne Evans

“God gave you a gift and he deserves a return on his investment.”

~ Suzanne Evans

“Find a problem that you can provide a solution to.”

~ Larry Winget 

hell yeah props

There were long days with tons of amazing content. Suzanne kept us entertained with awesome props, loud music, dancing and entertainment.

“To make the best, most prominent transformation and live it!”

~ Scott Robley’s interpretation of the meaning of “Be the Change”

“Be flexible about how to do things, but inflexible about why.”

~ Scott Robley

“Anything you do fearless, you do in mediocrity.”

~ Suzanne Evans

f-bomb

There were several f-bombs dropped during the event. Mr. Bacon giggled every time. He’s wicked immature.

“The cash is always behind your fear.”

~ Monica Shah

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

~ Suzanne Evans

“You cannot be a secret and be profitable.”

~ Suzanne Evans

Mr. Bacon drinking coffee.

Despite the long hours and information overload, Mr. Bacon’s enthusiasm (and mine) did not wane.

How would I sum up my Be the Change experience? Two words: Game changer.

While in Orlando I developed a nice tribe, and we plan on staying in touch to support each other and keep each other accountable.

Next year, Be the Change is going to be held in Las Vegas from April 23- 27, 2014.  Do you know what I say to Be the Change in Las Vegas?

Hell yeah!

hell yeah!

My kids now own many items that say Hell Yeah! on it. Because I’m a rockin’ mom.

If you are interested in getting a complimentary ticket to the event – you would still have to pay for your travel expenses and lodging, of course – let me know. My good friend and colleague, Bambi Thompson, is going to be a sponsor again next year and has a limited amount of tickets she can offer to people. You don’t necessarily need to commit now, but I can keep you in the loop as we get closer to the event.

Are you an entrepreneur? Have you ever spent 4 straight days committed solely to your business? What was the result?

[p.s. Mr. Bacon thinks he wants to start his own Tumblr blog to share his adventures with his fans. What do you think?]

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