| 2/24/2012 Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly See "About SpeakerNet News" at the end for information on how to submit tips and use this newsletter. Remember, your "dues" for this free ezine are submitting two tips a quarter. Send your best tips to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com. Teleseminar Info Wednesday, February 29 Use Your Humor as Your Brand: Make Your Speeches and Writing More Buzz-Worthy with Gina Barreca, PhD  How do your clients and prospects think of you? An expert in your area? Most likely. Providing great content? Probably. A thought leader? Perhaps. What about humorous? Does your reputation for humor precede you so that clients know they're going to get your expertise wrapped in a package they're going to enjoy opening? Can your authentic humor help you grow your visibility and your business? You bet. Read about our next teleseminar at the end of this issue. Then join us on Leap Day as we talk with Gina Barreca, bestselling author on humor. More details of this session below, then register or pre-order the CD or MP3. Note: Everyone who registers for the teleseminar will get the MP3 recording of the session for free.
Save the dates:
Feedback from the recent SNN teleseminar Using Stand-Up Comedy Secrets to Funny Up Your Presentations with Judy Carter: "Judy Carter's teleseminar was delightful, refreshing, and filled with unexpected tips and pointers. I've been doing stand-up and humor for many years and so naturally I imagined I wouldn't hear anything new, but Judy shoots right to the heart of the matter. Don't let her kid you. A little ADD never hurt anyone." —Dorothy Wilhelm
Monetize Your Expertise through Online Products Just how do folks make income from the Internet? Aren't the only people making revenue the ones telling you how to make money? No. These three experts will share their best-practice techniques for using online products to supplement their speaking, training, coaching, and consulting businesses. You'll learn how they've successfully blended in-person services to drive business to their online products. - "Add a Recurring Stream to Your Revenue Mix" with Jeanette Cates, PhD
- "E-Business Strategies for Speakers: E-Products Equal E-normous Income" with Tony Alessandra, PhD, CSP, CPAE
- "Strategically Blending eCommerce into Your Practice" with Sam Silverstein, CSP
Download now All SNN single-focused packages are detailed here. Miscellaneous Tips Storytelling resources — David Lee If you are interested in refining your storytelling abilities, or are a relatively new speaker who knows it's important to use stories but not sure how, here's a three-part series on that topic. This link is for Part 3, which is on how to build your "analogy-creation muscles." It has links to parts 1 and 2. Also, put "Ira Glass on storytelling" in YouTube's search box and you'll get some outstanding storytelling advice from one of the masters of compelling storytelling.
— Lori Silverman ScoopIt is resource of daily curated articles on business storytelling to help grow your business. Recent articles of interest to SNN readers include a link to the no-cost e-Book: "Story Juice: How Ideas Spread and Brands Grow," "How to change the story—to stimulate change," and "Free Online Teleprompter." (Editors' note: For more great insights about storytelling, get our 3-recording special, "Storytelling Secrets from the Masters")
E-Book cover designer — Dan Janal Jim Kukral designed the cover for my book and e-Book, "Reporters Are Looking for You!" He offered a lot of creativity that I never could have brought to the table if I'd tried to design it myself. He was easy to work with and also created several different sizes and file formats to fit different needs (Create Space, Kindle, etc.). Best of all, he's very inexpensive (less than $200). (Editors' note: Dan Janal will be sharing his wisdom in the March 27 SNN teleseminar, "Apply the New Rules for Press Releases to Raise Your Visibility.")
Tip for starting projects — Adena DiTonno I recently attended a presentation on being better organized. One idea that caught my attention was "For Now"—when trying to motivate yourself to tackle a project that you don't enjoy but needs to get done, use the "For Now" principle. You'll work on the project for 15 minutes (For Now)—not a whole day, not half a day, not even two hours. Just 15 minutes—For Now. You can do almost anything for 15 minutes, plus you may find that you've made more progress than you realized you could in such a short amount of time. Maybe you'll decide to do it for 15 more minutes. If not, at least you've made a start on the project. This principle can work for many things in life: if you're on a diet, you'll give up ice cream (or whatever) For Now (for tonight—not forever). If you're starting an exercise program, you'll do only 15 minutes (For Now—not for an hour—just 15 minutes). Great way to tackle those not-so-favorite projects!
Add your comments to article on off-sites going virtual — Sandra Shelton You may want to offer your views on Keith Ferrazzi's article in the HBR Blog network, "Why Off-Sites Should Go Virtual." Post your comment on the blog posting on the site.
Smartphone app designer — John Drebinger At the NSA Winter Conference, in Randy Gage's session on social networking he referenced his smartphone app designer, David Matthies (949/340-6333, david@freshthink.com). I've begun working with him and am impressed with his work to date. One thing was clear at the workshop: taking action now is critical. (Editors' note: Our friends at NSA have a special offer for Randy's session audio recording. Make a $20 or more tax-deductible donation to the NSA Foundation by Feb. 28, and you'll receive the audio download as a thank-you.)
Schedule your writing — Heather Hansen I find it difficult to keep my different writing projects (blogs, books, freebie reports, program development) organized and moving forward. I now set specific deadlines for each project and actually schedule into my calendar when I should be writing on which topics. This is helping me stay disciplined and on target to finish my writing in a reasonable amount of time so I can get new products to market. (Editors' note: Heather shared nuances every speaker needs to know in her SNN teleseminar "Speak So Every Audience Understands: How Your Language Makes (or Breaks) Your Presentation.") Technology Tips Website form resource — Meggin McIntosh JotForm.com is a wonderful resource for creating—what else—forms for your website. I have been using it for gathering testimonials about particular programs and it's working great! And it's free unless you're receiving over 100 submissions/month.
"Mac OS Presentation Remotes for PowerPoint and Keynote" — Rebecca Morgan Tim Cimbura wrote a detailed article on three options for remotes using Macs—two of which also apply to PCs.
New LinkedIn features — Carol Mon Recently LinkedIn has added some new features. One of them is to add books you've published or have contributed to with your expertise. On the profile page at the bottom of the profile box there is a choice to add new sections. Choose that and browse through the options. One is to list your published works, one is to list awards; and there are more, take a look. Travel Tips Update on priority TSA screening — Jenny de St. Georges Two things have happened recently. - CLEAR has been reorganized and emerged from bankruptcy. If you were cut off with time left on your membership and they have not yet contacted you, contact them for a credit to a new membership which they seem to be doing in the form of number of days you paid for but the service was not available.
- TSA Pre—TSA has just announced a new no-charge screening service for low-risk passengers. After completing a one-time application, a vetted traveler receives a special marked boarding pass, goes through a special designated line, where you don't have to take off shoes, belts and coats, and computers can stay in briefcases.
Currently in seven airports, by the end of 2012 the service will be in another 20+ airports. Their goal, over a period of years, is to be in all airports. (Rebecca's note: If you are already part of Global Entry, check with TSA as you may be automatically eligible for Pre without any further paperwork. You then just need to enter your GE# when making your reservations and it's printed on your boarding pass, which gets you entry into the special line. Info here)
Overhead stowage now required for laptops — Peggy Duncan On a recent Delta flight, the attendant announced that it is now required during takeoff and landing to place all laptops, etc., in the overhead compartment so they don't become missiles if anything happens. My seatmate decided he'd hide his laptop under his newspaper instead.
Travel benefits of AMEX Platinum — George Walther If you carry the (expensive) AMEX Platinum card, be sure to get all the (valuable) benefits: - They'll pay your $100 Global Entry fee so you breeze through Customs/Immigration (where honored)
- Ask for their free "Priority Pass" for access to wide range of airport clubs worldwide. Some are airline clubs, and some aren't. You have to ask for it.
- Register the airline you fly the most, and they pay $200 of excess luggage, meals, legroom seats
There are several varieties of AMEX Platinum cards. Just be sure you get the expensive one, and these benefits offset the otherwise high cost. (Editors' note: George shared lots of great travel info in his SNN teleseminar, "Maximizing the Journey: Save Time, Money, and Aggravation While Turning Dreaded Trips into Adventures." Order the CD or MP3.)
United/Continental throwing the switch — Bob Treadway March 3 the merger of United and Continental Airlines takes another step and could present problems for us customers. They will throw the switch and move to a single reservation system—Continental's (but will call it United). For those of us who've been through similar situations on US Air and Delta (as they absorbed Northwest), we know it's going to be nerve-wracking. The CEO Jeff Smisek says they've thought through all the situations but we all have heard that before. Some things to expect: - The new reservations site will be driven by the Continental engine. If you're used to using United's, expect a learning curve. You can see a mockup at hub.united.com
- Your current reservations on United could have new locater numbers, most probably if you booked on the United site. Supposedly that will happen automatically but I think I'd have a copy of my e-ticket receipt on all future itineraries currently booked.
- You'll have a new, as yet unknown, frequent flyer number. You'll probably have to establish new login information, etc. for check-in and booking. This, too, is automatic but I'm not clear on how it's communicated to those of us leaving behind those old United numbers.
- If you have not yet "merged" your United and Continental frequent flyer accounts if you have both, do it now. This will ensure you don't lose miles.
- Expect the worst. Hope for the best. I'll be watching boards like FlyerTalk for the news on March 3.
Topic of the Month Our new TOTM is from Bob Treadway: How are you planning on transitioning into retirement or, more realistically, semi-retirement? What are the models? Who has done it well? What tells you when it's time to transition? What is the highest and best use of the aging speaker? Please send your brief, pithy responses to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com. Please put "Topic of the Month" or "TOTM" in the subject line. Requests for Info / Advice Automated webinar replay services — David Lee Do you use an automated webinar service that allows you to do replays that can be scheduled for a particular date/time, so they have the time sensitivity that on-demand ones don't (as with GoToWebinar, which I have)? If you do, would you recommend it? I'll compile the responses for SNN.
Looking for indexer — Debbie Allen We need 2 indexes created for books.
Seeking info on the company "Leadership Strategies" The Facilitation Co. — Ned Parks Has anyone attended any of their workshops? If so I would like some information on them. SpeakerNet News Teleseminar Info Wednesday, February 29 Use Your Humor as Your Brand: Make Your Speeches and Writing More Buzz-Worthy with Gina Barreca, PhD Impact. If you're a speaker, that's what you want more than anything else. You want to have an impact on those who hear you speak and work with you, because you know that the knowledge and wisdom you bring can help change individuals and organizations. You can have a greater impact by your message reaching more people and being more memorable to those you reach. Your authentic humor can help accomplish both of these. Finding and using your own signature humor can get you more attention than any other single strategy. Your sense of humor can distinguish you from your competitors more completely and more successfully than any other trait. Media producers and reporters are always in need of an expert who can speak in a light and enjoyable style. When you are known as someone who can who can think on your feet and speak articulately and humorously about complex issues, you become the go-to person for a topic. That visibility is invaluable when organizations are choosing speakers, trainers, and advisors. They know their people will want to hear what you have to say. How can you actively cultivate your signature sense of humor? How does cultivating your sense of humor help you succeed in other areas, such as risk-taking, relationship building, and the creation of a wider audience/community? How can you build on your humor to help your work get the attention it deserves in the media? How can humor help you focus, succeed, and earn repeat business? You will learn how to: - differentiate between authentic humor and ersatz humor to discover your own signature humor
- incorporate your humor in all ventures, from speaking appearances, to written materials, to media outreach
- use humor to approach the most complex topics without ever using it to bully or disrespect others
- accept the confidence that comes from seeing others appreciate your wit and your humorous perspective
- use your humor to get wider attention for your work and your ideas
- produce more effective humor through proven principles
Register or order the CD or MP3 recording. Note: people who register for the teleseminar will get the MP3 recording of the session for free. Date: Wednesday, February 29 Time: 7:00 pm Eastern, 6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, 4 pm Pacific Length: 60 minutes Cost: $25
Special Limited-Time Offer: If you want more information on insights from mega-selling authors, we're suggesting the MP3 recordings of several earlier programs to complement this program: - "The Psychology of Writing Bestselling Books" with Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD
- "Why the Internet Is Better for Your Career Than Book Tours with Traditional Media" with Barbara Sher
With your order of this live or recorded teleseminar, at checkout you will be offered these recordings. About SpeakerNet News Copyright note: Submission of an email message or artwork affirms that you are able to and have given us non-exclusive permission to reprint the content of your message in all forms, electronic or otherwise, in all languages throughout the world. Copyright ©2012 SpeakerNet News. Permission must be granted to reprint any item (other than your own posting). | | SpeakerNet News Sponsors  CartoonResource.com is the leading source of cartoons, caricatures, custom animation reels and logos for speakers and authors. Search and buy cartoons at cartoonresource.com. Contact us at andrew@ cartoonresource.com or 616/551-2238.
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A small group of speakers will spend April 12 with Larry Winget and Joe Calloway in Scottsdale. Includes on-going coaching after the event. Info at WingetCallowaySpeaker Event.com
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