Debbie's Biz Talk posts

Problem Recording Attendance

The site won't allow me to record Biznik folks who didn't RSVP. When I start typing in their name, they show up, but there's nothing to click on to add them to the list of attendees.

Audio Recording of Your Presentations

Have you recorded your in-person workshops or keynote speeches and uploaded the audio files onto your website? What kind of equipment do you use/recommend for the best audio quality?

Thank you!

Growing Your Email List w/o Being an Unethical Pest

I'd love some input on this, especially from telecourse and workshop facilitators.

I've been offering telecourses for a while and I'm uncertain about the best way to stay in touch with participants. I don't want to automatically send them emails so I've been sending one follow-up email after the telecourse that says something like:

"Thank you for being on this week's call. (I include a comment that pertains to their goals). Out of respect for your privacy and time, this will be the last email you'll receive from me after today unless you decide to sign up for my email list."

I give them a few benefits associated with being a MoneyMindful member, the link, etc.

Very few people have been signing up despite lots of positive feedback about the telecourse and what they got out of it.

Any thoughts/advice? What are your methods for growing your email list in situations like this?

MoneyMindful Classes & Coaching

Economic Stimulus Resource for Small Businesses

Congressman Jay Inslee is presenting a workshop about the provisions in the stimulus bill that pertain to small businesses.

Monday, April 20th, 10am-12pm

Shoreline Center, Mt. Rainier Rm

18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA

For more info: 206-361-0233

RSVP: inslee.rsvp@mail.house.gov

Great resource: a blog about blogging

I've been following Brian Clark's CopyBlogger on Twitter. I always find his posts and articles very helpful.

www.copyblogger.com

Contract Position Available

The Eastside Human Services Forum (nonprofit) is seeking an Administrative Assistant for an average of 6-8 hours per month (not per week). Contract pay is $300/month. I am on contract as a part-time consultant for this coalition and will be involved in the hiring process.

Mostly, the work is from home, but there are a couple of monthly morning meetings in Bellevue, WA.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include: Prepare and finalize meeting minutes; Assist with event planning; Help prepare documents and mailings; Assist in organizing and coordinating publications; Schedule meetings; Maintain website updates; other duties as necessary and assigned.

The Successful Candidate will have the following qualifications: Associate or Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Human Services, or related field OR two (2) additional years equivalent work experience; Minimum three (3) years of professional experience providing administrative support; Intermediate proficiency with MS Office; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Familiarity with updating websites; Exceptional organizational and record keeping skills and attention to detail.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please email your cover letter and resume to info@eastsideforum.org. Position open until filled.

OFFERED: very affordable nearly full-time Seattle office

Available Jan. 1st, Monday through Thursday for $280 per month. Ideal for coaches and therapists. Large window, furnished, 2nd floor, good parking. Lease holder might be willing to have someone rent for fewer days. Contact me for details.

I've enjoyed this office for 3-1/2 years, but need to move into a larger space. Great deal for someone looking for a nice private practice office that won't break the bank!

Do you sell e-books via PayPal?

I have a merchant account on PayPal and know there's a way to have people buy and receive downloadable products in that system. Is anyone using PayPal for this? Does it work well?

Thanks for any input you can provide!

Alphabetize categories?

I'm glad to see the new member categories are up, but the list is unwieldy. Any plans to alphabetize it?

Offered: coaching sessions. Wanted: graphic design for brochure (Seattle, Kirkland)

Hello! I'd like to trade coaching sessions for your talented graphic design skills on a new brochure I need for this fall.

I do life coaching and certain types of small business coaching (visioning, attracting ideal customers, clarifying your strongest offerings, making decisions to add a service/product or do less, etc.)

Contact me and let's work out the details and create a good fit for both of us.

tops of photos cropped

I apologize if this topic has already been addressed. I've noticed that several of our photos are chopped off at the top (mine included). -- not on our profiles, but on the Members page and all other places where a thumbnail image appears. I plan to upload a new photo soon and want to see if there are any tips for me to correct this.

Thanks!

Carving out any fun time this summer?

There's nothing worse than getting to the end of a glorious Northwest summer and realizing you've missed out.

In the past, there have been summers so busy that I barely had time for a brief camping trip. Now I start thinking about this early in the spring when I'm planning my calendar and I intentionally create one light month each summer. This summer, it's August. I have a couple of nice weekend trips planned, no workshops or groups to facilitate, and more open space overall in my weekly schedule.

Do you make a conscious effort to carve out time for yourself? What works for you?

Warning: shameless promotion coming... I'm doing a Biznik book group on this topic on July 31st, 4-6pm in Seattle. If you're interested in continuing this discussion with other like-minded folks, I'd love to meet you. The book is How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner... and Still Have a Life by Bill Collier

One-legged cyclist

I've seen a one-legged guy riding a bicycle (no prosthetic) up hill on Juanita Dr. NE from Kenmore to Kirkland a couple of times now. I seem to come across him when I'm feeling down about something and there he is, zipping by and making my mountain seem like a molehill. Riding a bike is definitely one of the things I would've put on a "can't do" list if I only had one leg. Go figure.

Does anyone know him? Maybe you can pass along my thanks. I'm sure he's just doing what he loves and not intending to inspire others, but it's truly made a difference to me on the days I've seen him peddling up that hill.

Your thoughts on "cold approaches"

"Cold approach" -- similar to a cold call, but in-person. (I think I'm inventing a new term here. Networking gurus, please fill me in if there's already a name for this!)

In a coffee shop today I overheard a guy talking to someone about his life direction and the struggles he's having with his job. I would have loved to approach him -- as respectfully as possible, of course -- and mention what I do as a life coach. I decided not to, because I don't think I would react kindly if someone were to do that to me. The eavesdropping thing is tacky. But, it did get me thinking...

Have you ever "cold approached" someone? If so, what were the results? Is there a good way to do this? Or, is it an absolute no-no in your book?

Anyone interested in a book club event?

I'd like to gauge interest for a book club on "Attracting Perfect Customers: The Power of Strategic Synchronicity" by Stacey Hall & Jan Brogniez. It's got some real gems in it that I'm thinking of pulling out for a weekly group that would run for four weeks. I've used the exercises in the book with client groups and found that the material generates great discussions. Any interest out there in such a book club?

I could host it on the Eastside or in Seattle, so if you're interested, please put a vote in for location as well.

p.s. The book is available on Amazon for about $10 (used).

another newbie here

Hi Everyone! I launched my life coaching business five years ago and it's been a fun ride...still loving it. I just recently learned about Biznik -- what a great resource! I moved to Seattle from the East Coast in '96 and then moved to Kirkland 4 years ago, so I'm not a native, but have been here long enough to know I'm staying. Looking forward to meeting biznik folks at some events soon!