Sunday, March 30, 2008

New To Me Tool for Online Success

Have you seen the latest tool all the online gurus are using? As I wrote in a separate entry, I am presently in an online intern program and have been shown ways to do presentations and videos with Camtasia Studio.

One of our projects was to record a video using word, or notepad, or a powerpoint presentation. The necessary equipment for this was the program you download and a microphone for recording your voice.

It was so easy. At this moment I am brainstorming ideas of ways to utilize this tool in my practice as a business coach. I believe there are so many possibilities for it.

In our intern project, I had to set up a video and download it to you tube. If you have an interest in checking it out here is a link to it



FYI--The name used in the video was a pen name chosen for my intern program. I'm not saying this is video is good but it was very enlightening. Again it helped me to become aware of the capabilities available to me at a minimal cost. If you are reading this entry and can think of some creative ways to utilize this tool in an offline environment, please comment. I will be working on a list of ways I believe this tool can benefit people offline and share with you once I get it completed.

Again, please leave your ideas or opinions on how this tool could be a benefit in an offline environment. I will be patiently waiting...

Carole DeJarnatt
Alliance Advisors, Inc.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Don't Give Up--The Goal is Not Far Away



As a business coach by trade, there are only so many hours in the day I can earn money. For the past two years I have been critiquing and enhancing my skills to improve my effectiveness in working with my clients while learning better ways to grow my business and make more money.

I recently signed up for an intern program to learn the ropes of an online internet business. I have always been intrigued by the thought of earning money while sitting at the computer or perhaps even while I am working with clients in the field. I am two weeks into the program now and am finding with each new lesson more dedication or perseverance is needed to complete as assigned.

When I first signed up it was explained that it takes approximately two hours to complete each assignment. Either I am very slow or too detailed; it is taking me two times the normal time to complete each assignment. I am one of those people that likes to excel at what I do so when the assignment calls for a list of 30 items, I will submit no less than 35.

I was also told that most people that sign up for the intern program do not finish it. In the first few lessons I could not imagine why anyone would not complete the program. Now that I am further into the program and I am struggling to keep up and also do my own work, I understand.

I also understand that if you want to succeed in life and are committed you have to have perseverance to succeed. In most areas of your life, when you are trying to move past a difficult job/experience/task, it takes perseverance to get through it.

I have seen this scenario too many times in my life, people who say they are going to do something and start on it but never finish. I have even did this myself (but hopefully I am learning). What is the purpose. I have learned to look at things differently now, somewhat like goal setting. If the goal is worthwhile, write it down, plan your time to commit to it, and finish it.

I should be done with this intern program within a month or maybe two. However long it takes me I will continue to work on the assignments, learn what is shared, and then apply what is taught. Otherwise my work and time will be in vain.

Keep the faith and don't give up!

Carole DeJarnatt
Alliance Advisors, Inc.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Planning for Networking Success

We are now into our third month of the year and I have been in the process of planning my marketing strategy. A big part of my strategy is networking. I believe the more relationships I build, the more likely the person or business will call me or refer me.

I recently wrote an article on networking and getting the most out of your dollar investment. Here is an excerpt from it:



Spending Wisely While Networking Smarter


Here are some other ways I prepare for events:


  • Depending on the type of event, plan my attire to the event. Attire is very important when attending events. If it is a trade show and as a business coach my attire would be a business suit. At an after-hours function, you will find a variety of styles so normally what I was wearing during the day will fit the venue.

  • Have an over-abundance of business cards. I cannot count the times I have met people that made excuses such as leaving them at home or ran out. Never let this be you.

  • Bring marketing materials. Even at a black tie event I always have materials in the car in case I happen to see an old acquaintance who asks me for a brochure or card.

  • Set goals. Perhaps my goal will be to connect with two new people at the event. Maybe it will be to meet the coordinator so I can volunteer to help or speak at their next function. Whatever the reasons, set a goal, make a plan, and take action.

  • Follow up on the actions. After the event, make contact whether it be by emailing, writing a note card, making a phone call; whatever your choice do not let a week go by without follow up.
Preparation in advance makes all the difference between a fun event and a discouraging event. I always feel more confident when I know what I want to accomplish and my plan of action. If I meet and exceed my goals, I am further ahead in my marketing plan.

Carole DeJarnatt
Alliance Advisors, Inc.

P.S. The full article is available for reading or publishing at Ezine Articles. Thanks for reading and feedback is always appreciated.