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Learning Code to Open Possibility Thinking

By on October 21, 2012 in Cool Tools, Education with 0 Comments

“Code” seems to be a bad word, like “spinach” to a child. Yucch!

When I suggest “learning code” to some business owners, the response is out loud laughter followed by a raised eyebrow or curled lip, hoping I’m not serious.  Alas, serious I am – but in simple form.

Learning some simple basics can save time, money, and open a world of thought and possibilities. After showing one retail store operator how to “hyperlink” to her own pages and to other places and pages on the web (Be the Resource), she went to work creating hyperlinks on all of her old pages and posts.

In my gut, I believe that most owners cringe at “code” due to fear of breaking something (you won’t), not because of lacking an adventuresome spirit – heck, they operate their own business. That’s an adventure. Small Business owners are often Do-It-Yourself’ers.

If you have a bit of DIY in you, there’s a super-simple (and fun) site called Codeacademy that guides you through learning simple code and leads you into new possibilities. And it’s FREE!

codeacademy

If you want to dive deeper and really learn how to do more in-depth projects, including mobile, then Treehouse might be a place for you to developing your code chops. For a small monthly fee, you can learn quite a bit.

Ten years ago, I made those scrunched up faces when asked if I wanted to learn code. Then again, I said “yucch” to spinach when I was a kid. Now, I do it every day (code and spinach, though not together).

How about your future? Any code down the road?

Have fun!

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Stop Stealing Dreams [Video & eBook] from Seth Godin

By on October 19, 2012 in Education, Video with 0 Comments

Seth Godin shares a recent TEDx video he did on the future (and past) of education. The video is below. The ebook links are below that. How can some of these questions translate to your business practices?

Stop Stealing Dreams Resources

Writer’s Hour: Stop Banging Your Head on Your Keyboard

By on March 12, 2012 in Blog Coach, Education, Marketing with 2 Comments

Michael Drew: The Creation MethodMichael Drew is a revolutionary in the publishing industry. In just 14 years, he’s put 72 books on National Bestseller lists, including books with Lisa Nichols, Marshall Goldsmith, and John Assaraf.

Michael’s secret? He’s invented a specific step-by-step process not just for quickly overcoming writer’s block – but for creating content so powerful, it makes an immediate impact when released.

He calls this process The Creation Method. It’s been silently circulating for years among top shelf writers, expert coaches, change agents and trailblazing companies.

And now, it’s a 60-minute workshop available to us on March 13th at 6PM PST

The Writer’s Hour is a once in a life event where you will get the opportunity to listen the best practices and secret tricks from expert Michael Drew. Michael became the #1 Best Seller Book Publisher and is the man responsible for getting 72  authors in The National Best Seller lists, The New York Times, USA Today, just to name a few.

This workshop will be a great resource for:

- Writers (fiction or non-fiction)
- Bloggers
- Speakers or Presenters
- Teachers
- Copywriters
- Advertising or PR Pros
- Anyone that creates content (and isn’t that all of us now?)

Thanks to Mindvalley, I’ve received permission to offer two folks to this workshop free, here’s how:

  • Choose your writing platform: A comment below, a tweet, a Google+ post,  a Facebook message, a blog post of your own, an Instagram, whatever … (mention my name or link back to this post so I can find it).
  • Tell me about your content creation headaches: Is it time, words, too many thoughts, you don’t have a process (yet)…

To find out more about The Writer’s Hour, click the ticket:

The Writer's Hour Ticket

 

 

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Is Education Broken? Maybe it’s Time We Take a LEAP

By on December 1, 2011 in Books, Conversations, Education with 4 Comments

I’ve seen Steve Farber‘s works invigorate people and communities to positive action. I really like how his work is now being embraced by educators.

Steve is on a  mission to change the world. Watch:

This mission is not about Steve, not about me, and my not even be about you – but I share this with you because it’s about who’s next and what’s next for them: The Students. And the Teachers who lead them.

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Get the Magic Back & Improve Your Writing [Guest Post]

By on November 1, 2011 in Blogging, Brain Stew, Education with 0 Comments

Get the Magic Back & Improve Your Writing by Maranda Gibson

On Halloween I was excited to hand out candy to adorable kids for the first time as a homeowner. I was armed with name-brand candy (as I heard anything else will get your house egged) and my cute new Halloween-themed candy bowl.

I’m sure you can imagine my disappointment when the majority of the kids were older ones who just painted some stuff on their face and wanted free candy.  I couldn’t help but wonder where is the magic?

The magic is what makes some writing really special and when we lose that, everything just feels like a chore. We lose the magic when writing and simply call it writers block.

No one is more magical and creative than kids under five – take some queues from kids the next time you have writers block.

  • Use Your Imagination- There is no telling a child that something isn’t possible – they dream in the impossible and we should be writing that way.
  • Stop Over Thinking Everything- Have you ever seen the way a toddler is fascinated by colors on a TV screen or the way a bird flies? They aren’t questioning the reasons why the show isn’t very good or what kind of bird it is. The TV makes sounds and the bird flies – it’s just the way it is, and it’s kind of amazing.
  • Ask Questions- Kids love to ask why so the next time you read or hear something you disagree with, ask yourself why you disagree, and then write that down.
  • Embrace Your Spontaneity- My niece is known for running wild around the room and then stopping to burst into song or a cheer. Why? Because it’s fun. So have some fun and recharge your batteries. Go to a museum or take a lunch to the park. Just do something that feels good.

Being a kid is absolutely magical but as we meander into adulthood, those feelings of excitement about life and the things we love to do can get overshadowed by the responsibilities we take on. By embracing our inner child we can get some of that joy back.

What are you doing to get magical in your blogging?

–

Maranda Gibson is the quirky social media manager for AccuConference, a conference call provider located in beautiful Fort Worth, Texas. She writes feverishly for the popular AccuConference communications blog as well as being the face behind the AccuConference Facebook and Twitter accounts. She loves to meet new people so don’t be shy and stop by to say hello.

Photo on Flickr by Fle {S}

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What is The Dialing 8 Project?

By on October 15, 2011 in Blog Coach, Dialing 8, Education, Marketing, Social Media with 1 Comment

For seven years I’ve coached companies and individuals on how to use Social Media to extend their voice (and their listening eyes) so they can make better connections, amplify their relationships, and create new business.

During that time, I’ve also been writing ConverStations. With close to 1700 blog posts, but none going to in-depth in order to save time, attention, and frankly – giving away the farm, I feel it’s time to go deeper. A combination of the coaching and ConverStations.

While I plan to continue doing both coaching and ConverStations, I’m very excited about a new beginning: The Dialing 8 Project. As we gear up for its initial “soft”  launch on October 22, and a fully launched membership site on November 13, we’ve set up a Google Plus Circle just for Dialing 8 members.

This private area allows a few things to happen: The “charter” members – those who enter prior to 10/22 – receive access to:

  • premium content
  • private Dialing 8 Sessions using Google+ Hangouts
  • content creation workshop
  • measuring success discussions (no, not so much numbers of likes and followers)
  • genesis of a community that helps and profits from each others presence
  • other unique and special opportunities for the charter members (for those who gain access prior to 10/22)
  • access to discounted one-on-one coaching

On October 10th, I began slowly putting word out about the Dialing 8 Project. We started that first day with an entry free of FREE. Those who explored their way in on that first day receive lifetime memberships and all the perks we ever come up with (They didn’t know that at the time).

The investment is tiny in terms of money, only $271.00 (or about 74 cents a day).  But the work isn’t a skate. For to find success you will work – smart, not long or hard.

We’ll be building out the site Dialing8.com (right now it points right back here) and adding features and widgets and et al. By the end of the year, we’ll also have a fully functioning mobile app. Lots more info on the way.

But what about them? Who’s them? The 30% of small businesses and solopreneurs who aren’t yet on the web – those that don’t even have a web page yet, let alone a Facebook. Yep -what about them? That’s who I’m really hoping jumps all over this project.

I’ve been to Main Street USA. While some places are thriving, others are barely surviving. They can use our help in two ways:

  1. Let them know about Dialing 8. The sooner the better. Today it’s $233.00 a year. Regular Price is $271.00.
  2. Help them. Coach them within Dialing 8. There will be opportunities to co-create content and co-coach in this co-laboratory. There will be archives available – and maybe you’ll help build that library. It will be accessible to all members.
  3. (I know I said two, but let’s go an extra step). New Beginnings. Nobody is an expert. Things are changing so fast, the only constant is “people”. We all learn from each other. By our differing perspectives we can grow. In business and in life.

I’m excited about the possibilities. Looking far down the road, I envision a network of people who, as new members enter, we can match them up with experienced, caring coaches. Any coaching sessions held outside of the online community are independent of the online community. And therefore, should be invoiced or transacted as such by the coach who conducts any such session.

Wow, this may be the longest post I’ve ever written (thus far). I hope you’ll join me in building this project, and tell others about the project.

The form for entry is a click away.

Stay strong and last long. Here’s to New Beginnings.

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Digital Natives or Combining Imagination and Imitation?

By on October 8, 2011 in Brain Stew, Education with 0 Comments


As we sat around the kitchen table, her 2-year old started moving the magnets around on the refrigerator door. Audible sounds such as “doink” and “shwwsh” came with each move of a magnet.

“She thinks it’s an iPad,” mom looked in amazement. “These kids are so smart.”

I was amused by the child and bemused by mom.

“What did you think the magnets were when you were that age?” I asked.

Didn’t we all do that when we were kids?  Move the magnets, poke the buttons and dials on anything that wore such things? The Dishwasher?  The buttons on the car radio?

Kids poking and sliding things is a combination of imagination and imitation.

And isn’t that part of the genius of smartphones.  Slide. Poke. Even the thumb actions of a video game controller. Designed with simple in mind.

So next time you see the behaviors of a child, don’t knock your self down a notch – rather put on your creative hat and see what comes out of your observations.

Now, where did I put that silly putty . . . or maybe that stress cow I got at the last conference?

Photo on Flickr by M J M

Students: 4 Reasons Why Writing a Blog is Worth Your Time [Guest]

By on September 28, 2011 in Blog Coach, Education with 0 Comments


With over 150 million blogs and counting, it seems like everyone is getting in on the action these days. But for many students, the world of blogging is still a very foreign concept.

Based on my own conversations with other students, blogging just doesn’t seem like a valuable use of time to them (and let’s face it, a student’s time is a valuable thing).

Upon further questioning, students also don’t seem to relate —categorizing bloggers into two broad categories:

  • Seasoned professionals with much knowledge at their fingertips and time on their hands…
  • Or everyday people writing posts that are, unfortunately, only interesting to them.

While these descriptions may be true for a segment of bloggers out there, students are seemingly unfamiliar with the millions of bloggers that are just like them. And herein lies the beauty: anyone can be a blog writer, and as a student, there are plenty of reasons to consider starting today. Here are 4 reasons why blogging is worth your time and how it can even jumpstart your career:

1.       Become a better writer (and land a job)

Whether you’re a casual writer or a challenged writer, don’t let your natural abilities (or lack thereof) discourage you. Like any activity, the more you work on it, the better you get.

But besides improving your writing skills as a benefit alone, being a proficient writer is something that will help you win job opportunities, especially in this information age. With just about any white collar job, mentioning that you have writing experience is an additional skill you need to set yourself apart from the competition. And hey, it’s certainly a lot easier than learning a new language.

2.       Make connections  (and find a job)

Not only will you hone your writing skills, but the more writing you do the more contacts you will likely make. Whether you make connections through fellow student bloggers who might be covering a similar topic or through people who have sought you out, I cannot stress the importance of making connections enough. Look at the millions of people on Linkedin to see what I’m talking about.

Connections will help you find jobs, get in touch with the right people, or at the very least, give you a new friend to talk to online.

3.       Master the web  (and keep a job)

I’m surprised by how many fellow colleagues of mine are barely knowledgeable about the internet and all it has to offer. With trillions of pages of information out there, there is bound to be something that strikes your fancy, and yet it shocks me to meet students who don’t explore the internet past Facebook for social reasons or Google for help with homework. Does unending wisdom not entice you??

Simply put, starting a blog is fun, easy and a great way to unearth your creativity. With novice friendly sites like Weebly, setting up an account and getting started is as intuitive as uncapping a pen or unclasping a diary. Once you start writing regularly, you’re bound to understand the potential of the web as you seek out more inspiration to spark creativity. The more you become familiar with the internet, the easier your life will be as we continue to become a society where knowing how to navigate the internet is absolutely vital.

4.       Start a following (and create a job)

After you get the hang of things, it’s possible you’ll start amassing a following. It is then you’ll know what it feels like to have a real audience, and then you can even learn from their comments and perspectives and expand your horizons as well.

Moreover, a loyal following can be turned into future customers if you start a business of your own!

For example, maybe your blog is about photography and your experience as an amateur photographer. Get enough people hooked on your story and viewing your photos and you could have enough support to consider selling your full-sized prints. The possibilities are endless!

So what are you waiting for?

Find the blogging platform that works for you and set up an account to start blogging today. What interests you the most? What are you passionate about? Sometimes it’s better to let the thoughts spill out of your head offline so that you can decide on a more concrete direction afterwards.

One last thing to consider is that writing about college life, for example, will probably interest you less after you have graduated, so perhaps writing about a more long-lasting hobby is suggested. But either way, even if you’ve squeezed every last drop out of your topic, at least you will have the know-how and experience to start another one!

Remember, knowledge is a contagion that needs to be spread! So get to spreading!

—–

Brendan Baker is a writer for the Student of Fortune blog, where he writes about current education topics and college life.

Photo on Flickr by hackNY

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Social Media for Business Workshop – Jan. 29th in Medford, Oregon

By on December 29, 2010 in Blog Coach, Education, Marketing, Social Media with 0 Comments

Hold onto your conductor's cap, Paradux Media Group and Converstations have teamed up to offer a Social Media for Business Workshop in the Medford area!

If you think your company might benefit from being on Facebook, Twitter, or having a Blog – then this is the class for you. This will be a hands-on workshop, so plan on bringing your own laptop and leaving with tangible strategies and executable ideas to put your business online and in the world of Social Media!

In this class, you’ll learn how social media works together to create an authentic presence for your business.

  • Insider’s Facebook Techniques: the differences between page types, Facebook etiquette and norms, and how to create posts that get noticed. We’ll teach you about posting frequency, post ideas, and how to position your company as an expert.
  • Blogging Tips and Tricks: why your business should have a blog, how to build relevant page depth, increase findability in Google searches, how to create revenue by generating relationships. We’ll cover how to produce blog posts that count, that get read, and that get spread! How to save time, increase credibility and make money.
  • Decoding Twitter Profitably: how Twitter works, Twitter etiquette and roadmap. We’ll share how to create tweets that get noticed, the recommended post frequency, ideas for posts, twitter games, and how to create credibility and increase your Klout.

Registration for this class normally runs $99, but as our New Year’s gift to you, we’re offering it at half off the regular price. We have limited seating, so hurry and reserve your seat today for just $49.50!

Reserve your seat today and take your business into the World of Social Media!

Note: I've only been in Oregon a short time, but I've learned this quickly: Mike Frey and Tisha Oehmen are leading the way in developing real business strategies for small business owners to utilize social media as part of their marketing plan.

I'm honored to be part of this workshop, and blessed by their friendship and coaching. I hope to see you on January 29th in Medford, Oregon.

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Reflections and Reviews of Novembers Gone By

By on November 30, 2010 in Blog Coach, Education, Marketing, RSS Feeds, Social Media, Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

At the turn of the calendar, let's revisit some posts from this and past Novembers:

November 2010

Previous Novembers

Inside my head: It's fun for me to travel through the archives, but I also hope that these posts assist both long-time readers and newcomers.  Enjoy – and remember: Blog Posts are Inventory, Blog Sites are Displays

 

 

 

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