Netaim

Writers Conference

I've always wanted to go to a writers conference, but the time, place or something has always stood in the way.  Last year, when I was at a meeting of the San Diego chapter of the National Speakers Association, I met the woman in charge of the LaJolla Writers Conference and was so impressed by her, I made a pledge to attend this year.  Well, that's exactly what I did this past weekend, and it was amazing.  They had 5 to 6 different tracks going at all times, along with keynote speakers who are highly successful authors, but had gone through extraordinary tales of woe getting there.  Many of the attendees were into fiction, memoir or romance writing, but those of us in non-fiction had many interesting sessions directly relating to marketing. 

Although most speakers, online sellers, coaches and consultants don't like to talk about marketing, that's what most businesses are all about.  And the authors who attended didn't want to talk about it either.  They were in love with the idea of writing, but really gave no thought as to how to market their books.  Take a word from Tom and I--it's all about marketing.  We already believe you have the value or you wouldn't be in the association, but you have to sell what you have.

See your team

In case you wanted to know all the players, here are Moses, Tom and yours truly, Gayle all in one place at one time.  We were all attending a seminar where Tom was speaking, and thought it would be a great time to let you know what we all looked like.

I hope you are enjoying our new blogs and want to especially encourage you to check out the propeller head's postings because he really is giving you cutting edge stuff.  Remember, he gets his kicks out of hunting down the things that most of us think are dull and boring.

I also want to make sure you are aware we are holding a contest and will give away three web critiques from Tom (one a month) for thos who want to do it.  It's a $200 investment for what would be normally $500.  You need to send me your name so I can put it in the hat.

Making Money Online

Boy, Tom and I had a very active conversation yesterday.  I called him for something I thought was very simple and wanted only two minutes, and he gave me 30.  We got into a whole discussion on people who want to make at least six figures online, but don't want to do the work to earn it. 

I know we have a lot of Level 1 members who could be a lot more productive than you are.  In fact, many of you should now be at Level 2--it's been more than a year.  So, if there are some of you who are out there saying "Why am I not making more money?" then you need to ask yourself if you are putting in at least one full 12 hour day to improve your online business. 

The other thing we discussed are all the offline things you have to do to make your business work and grow.  You still can't neglect joint ventures and you can only do that by meeting people who compliment you.  You must get publicity so hopefully you subscribed to Joan Stewart's free tips.  You need visibility so I know you are writing articles, sending out press releases and networking at social and business functions, and if not, you better start.

Anyway, no one is going to get your business in gear, but you.

After the Outer Circle

Last week we met at Tom's house for the Outer Circle Retreat.  And just when I think I know everything there is about Tom (can we ever?), I learn something new.  He has taken up tennis and lost 18 pounds.  Isn't that great?

He has now entered the world of Infomercials and done a knock out job.  He's also hired a video and film editor on staff and is preparing his own DVD's. 

Anyway, we spent the morning working on EBay stuff and the afternoon mostly on DVD production but we get more out of a day with him, than the usual "gurus" in a week. 

I, meantime, continue my lost luggage route.  I had to wait until late the night before the retreat until a plane finally arrived with my lonely suitcase.  If I could just do without makeup, I could handle everything else!!

We dodged the Hurricane, and Moses had two days off from school, but we are still getting drenched from the rains and now they have moved up the coast toward's Tom's way.   

NSA convention

I'm just back from the National Speakers Association conference which was fabulous.  Held in Orlando at the World Marriott, it covered a lot of things, and for the first time we had full days with specific people who covered different areas of interest.  I spent one day on PR and the other on the world of business with Nido Qubein.  (all about mind set, just like in internet marketing).

Although Tom was there, we never crossed paths.  He did his butt camp on Thursday but I didn't get there until Friday and so he become the "exclusive figment of my imagination."

From there I went to Las Vegas for the IDEA fitness convention.  For an old-timer like me, the 5 classes a day made every joint in my body say "hello."  It was great however, because it seemed like the attendees are getting a bit older and even a little "chunkier" so I didn't feel like the Lone Ranger.

The only show I went to was Reba McIntyre and she put on one humdinger.  I was in the third row and felt like I could touch her.  Voice terrific, she's adorable, great figure and lots of personality.  And she even allowed picture taking which is a rarity in Vegas.

Now, I'm back in the office writing to you on our new blog as recommended by our new board members, The Blog Squad, otherwise known as Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff. 

Please add any comments you would like as we like to hear from you and want to know what you are all doing.