May 12, 2009
The Mic Is On: Seriously, What Do You Need?
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:02 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Everyone Needs Help
How do we survive in a world of extraordinary, wonderful ones all around us? Who’s not intimidiated by our friends and the folks we all admire? Don’t we all get distracted by the shiny and the brilliant around us? Let’s find out our brilliance together. Do you need …
- direction?
- strategy?
- more hands?
- ideas?
- to figure out what you need?
- How can we help you get there?
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
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136 Comments to “The Mic Is On: Seriously, What Do You Need?”
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Joe Hauckes said
Hey Liz,
I need a friend.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Joe!
You’ve got more than one friend here.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Bowing down to our cult priestess!
Joe Hauckes said
I know, why do you think I keep coming back!
Christa M. Miller said
I SO need to be here tonight!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Joe, what’s up?
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda, you brat!!
I think SOBCon has ruined you for sure!!
Joe Hauckes said
Hey Ms Glenda, how’re you tonight?
Christa M. Miller said
Hi Liz, hi Joe, hi Glenda!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Christa!!
Could you get those two to behave?
Christa M. Miller said
Who, me? I’m so worn out from trying to get my kids to behave, I’m in more of a “can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” frame of mind…
ME Liz Strauss said
uh-oh, I’m in trouble tonight!
Joe Hauckes said
Would it be too impolite to ask for you guys to take my poll?
http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2009/05/12/which-format-do-you-prefer-for-tele-seminars-poll/
I need to know which format works best for participants in tele-seminars.
I know what “I” like, but I want to do what is best for the majority of people who do these things. (It’s my first time)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
He Joe, I’m grrreat. And you?
Hi Christa!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Glenda,
Has anyone at home noticed a change?
ME Liz Strauss said
Took your poll Joe!
Love that it only had one question. heh heh
Christa M. Miller said
But Liz, it will be a fun kind of trouble!
Joe, I haven’t attended many teleseminars, but I know what worked well in the last one I attended.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, poll taken - a toss up between interview and Q&A, but I think it’d depend on the topic.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, you’ll need to ask Darrell that question.
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh sure, Glenda, as if you don’t know.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Why do I sense this will be a Klondike-tossing night!
Joe Hauckes said
CATCH!!!
Klondikes all around.
More coming soon for all the late comers…
ME Liz Strauss said
I need to go get a special Klondike display …
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Joe! I had my first real Klondike at SOBCon, thanks to Cheryl. Yummy.
ME Liz Strauss said
Klondike Bars rule SOBCon
SOBCon - a conference where you get Klondike bars at a cocktail party.
Amy said
I saw the phrase “cult priestess” and figured I must be in the right place…
I need a nap. Is anyone here selling those?
ME Liz Strauss said
heh heh
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda, so NOW you believe me about how good they are…
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Amy,
Glenda is playing to the bigger audience. She’s been changed by her trip to Chicago … gotten sassy.
Christa M. Miller said
Okaaaayyy… I can ditch the diet for one night…
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, I think Ms Glenda has always been sassy, but was to shy to tell us!
Amy said
I dunno… she seemed pretty sassy before.
Maybe I’m in the wrong cult? I hate when that happens.
ME Liz Strauss said
How can you be in the wrong cult?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Darrell just came home. He says the answer is “YES”. Email him for full details!
Amy said
I don’t know. I don’t have much cult experience.
I need icecream. And a nap. I’m getting demanding.
ME Liz Strauss said
All I want to know Glenda is whether Darrell was smiling when he said that “YES!”
Joe Hauckes said
Am I the only guy here again? :-0
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Amy! {big hug}
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
You’ve got us to yourself!!
Heh heh
Amy said
Glenda, does Faith still make you play string? I was thinking about that today.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, yes!
Joe Hauckes said
** embarrassed **
With a BIG smile on my face.
Amy said
*checking the cult bylaws*
Joe, I believe you were the only man invited.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good point, Amy.
But were we supposed to tell Joe?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Amy, not quite as much. She was actually hoarse when I got home, from crying so much. Kinda funny.
Joe Hauckes said
Did you know that today is Limerick Day? http://www.inquisitr.com/23873/limerick-day/
Now I know what I have to work on for the farewell tonight!
Amy said
Aw Glenda, that is sad.
One of my bunnies refused to eat the entire time I was gone and had to be force-fed. Silly grieving critters…
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Amy, how is that one sick bunny doing?
Amy said
Liz, maybe not. I dunno. I was never properly initiated.
(In addition to icecream and a nap, I also need the ability to write a limerick.)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hmm, should we perhaps get back to Liz’s topic?
Amy said
Glenda, the sick one is still sick. Which is better than the alternative, since the vet said she wouldn’t live more than a few days. That was two weeks ago now. I have been doing reiki on her. She actually seems to like it.
Amy said
There was a topic? Oops.
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda…
Why we NEVER stick to the topic anyway?
Joe Hauckes said
What were we talking about?
Joe Hauckes said
Ok, since Ms Glenda wants to keep on topic and she has written a very successful e-book (you too Liz)
How do you find the inspiration to FINISH a book?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, I need to scroll back to the top to see what the topic was/is.
Amy, what do drs/vets know anyway?
Christa M. Miller said
#55 Joe, I go back through the earlier pages and read through them to see my build-up. Even if those sections need to be strengthened, they give me enough of an outline to figure out the end.
My other problem has been wanting to jump the gun and finish the damn thing already, so I have to slow down and pace myself.
ME Liz Strauss said
We were talking about what you need.
or not.
Amy said
I feel like I have everything I need already. Is that too boring?
Joe Hauckes said
Christa, thanks I needed that.
That is probably my biggest problem at the moment.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Well Joe, you’ve spent all that time, effort and energy pouring your wisdom and soul into your ebook, why not finish it so you can share it with your peeps?
Publicly setting a deadline also helps!
What is keeping you from finishing your book?
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda, I think mostly… Is it good enough?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#59 Amy, that’s awesome!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Ah yes Joe, “is it good enough” is always a writing-stopper. Have you put your best into it? Noone can ask for more than you’re best.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
You need to give what you know and learn with your readers.
Amy said
Joe, what is your book about?
Christa M. Miller said
Hey, just figured I’d throw it out there. LOL Sometimes it also helps to get a pair of fresh eyes to help you see that build-up and encourage you!
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, that is how the book even got started. I listened to my readers and the searchers from the SE’s. I’m just trying to expand to a better explaination of what has already been presented.
Amy, Blog vs Website for Business on the Internet.
Boring to most of us, but it seems to be important to a lot of out of work people at the moment.
ME Liz Strauss said
So Joe,
What do you need with the book?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
You know, Joe, by not explaining every little angle or answering every last question in this ebook, you leave yourself room to do a follow-up ebook or course or something.
ME Liz Strauss said
I guess we’re not very needy tonight.
Heh heh
--Deb said
Hi folks! What do I need? More time. More energy. More concentration.
Not more friends, though–got plenty of them right here!
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, not sure.
It seems that as I am writing it the whole concept needs to change.
Websites are not the be all and end all of online business. Blogs seem to be taking on more and more aspects of static pages as well as dynamic content.
This doesn’t even take into consideration the new social media phenom ie Twitter et al.
Frustrating just keeping up, let alone trying to explain it to Noobs.
AAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Deb!
Christa M. Miller said
Well Liz, I need to figure out how to get over Blog Comment Shyness (I’ve commented on two blogs this week where I felt like a total idiot afterward, either because of responses or lack thereof) and I can’t help remembering advice I received long ago: “Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.” ! I want to participate more, but lack the experience to contribute. Maybe my biggest dilemma, the more into social media I get!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Interesting how, in these “difficult economic times”, someone has yet to say they need more money.
Christa M. Miller said
Glenda, I think in these times, that’s a foregone conclusion! LOL
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Christa, we’re a friendly bunch. Practice your blog commenting on us. What do you most need?
--Deb said
I could definitely use more money! But I figure that if I could get more time and energy, I could take care of that (grin).
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#77 Perhaps! BUT why has noone said it yet?
Joe Hauckes said
Christa, you helped me tonight with your experience. I even quoted you.
Never think your comments don’t count for something important, because they may help someone going through the same things you have experienced, even though you may never know for sure.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Deb, how could more time and energy result in more money for you?
Christa M. Miller said
#78 Oh, in this venue, I’m fine. I love open mic nights (when I can remember it’s Tuesday night). It’s the professional blogs that intimidate me. Not every one, either. I regularly read the ones that most resonate with me, and because they resonate, and because these are people I want to get to know, I feel I should have something to say… but then feel like a total dork when I say it, often because of the lack of response. You know?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Well said, Joe! Have you considered share your wisdom in a book?
Amy said
Christa, I felt that way too when I first started commenting on lawyers blogs back in the day. Even though I’ve been surrounded by lawyers for what seems like forever, I felt silly commenting on their blogs when I first started doing it. After a while, I just started feeling more comfortable. I’m sure you will too, once you’ve been at it for a while.
--Deb said
Glenda, because I wouldn’t run OUT of time and energy and would have more to use in my efforts to find clients and earn more money. As it is, I’m trying, but after working a full-time job all day, there’s only so much energy left, and at some point, my eyelids pretty much insist on closing.
Joe Hauckes said
I think Liz is right when she said you’re getting sassy, Ms Glenda.
I think that’s why I love the both of you so much.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Christa, Joe makes a good point. Just because there’s a lack of response doesn’t mean you haven’t touched someone. Keep going girl.
ME Liz Strauss said
Heya!
Is it really about more time and energy? Or is it about more focus?
Christa M. Miller said
Thanks, Joe and Amy. I’m talking more about social media/PR/marketing blogs.
Joe, I’ve written a book, so I felt qualified to answer you!
Amy, I’m comfortable with cops. It’s the SM people I want to get to know. I’m learning the space but sometimes I’m such a glaring noob, and yet I can’t. Shut. Up. (I blame Liz for praising me in tweeting her the first time we talked!)
--Deb said
Well, Liz, I DID say more concentration, too! Too easily distract…. ooh, what’s that over there!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Deb, do you know Pam Slim’s blog?
Christa M. Miller said
Deb, I’m self-employed full-time and I STILL don’t have enough time or energy! Marketing? Be serious. Blogging? HA. I blog once a week if I’m lucky, and it’s a blog I’m hoping will land me clients! Yikes! Gotta make money though… I do hear you…
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
I love Pam Slim and her blog!!
Amy said
Need to get back to work. Good night everyone.
Christa M. Miller said
Good night Amy! Thanks again!
--Deb said
No, I don’t know Pam Slim.
You don’t suppose the fact that I have three and a half separate blogs could be a problem, huh?
Not to mention a Lambcam addiction.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, yes, I began reading her book on the plan. A business book that is actually funny! So want to meet my virtual sister.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Night Amy!
Joe Hauckes said
I never “met” Pam Slim other than following her Blog, but I am so proud of her for what she has accomplished through her own inner drive.
She is one to be admired and emulated for sure.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Deb, it might mean prioritizing. What is most important to you?
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
I remember saying something similar to you. heh heh
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, yes, expect to see her on Oprah soon with her book!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, I knew those words came from a wise woman! Wishing I could ditch a few commitments so I could focus on my latest project.
Joe Hauckes said
Me to, Ms Glenda, Speaking of which, WHEN are YOU going to get on the Big “O”’s show?
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda, Joe, and Deb,
We always seem to find time for those things we care most about.
--Deb said
Glenda, well, that’s the question, isn’t it? Finding time for work, sleep, chores, all that stuff PLUS the other stuff that makes life fun AND still find the time to raise extra, much-needed money.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, were you watching the tweets this morning? I have a posse campaigning to get me on O. So funny!
ME Liz Strauss said
We get our minds around 30 minutes a day to do what we want to move forward.
Christa M. Miller said
Thank you Joe and Glenda for the perspective. That does help.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Deb, I bet if you truly passionate about working with your clients and that’s what brings you joy[and money], some of the PLUS stuff could be pared down.
Joe Hauckes said
I missed that Glenda, but I would surely vote for you to get your “15 minutes” of Fame.
You could even take over the Regis and Kelly time slot.
Joe Hauckes said
OOOhhhhh, My last comment got eaten.
Glenda, I didn’t see that but I would definately support you being featured on “O”. Heck, I’d even Watch it!
You may even be able to take over the Regis and Kelly time slot!
Christa M. Miller said
Hubs wants to jump online. Thanks again for the thoughts, everyone. Good night!
ME Liz Strauss said
Christa,
You’re as passionate about your work as anyone I know.
--Deb said
First, I need more clients! And the PLUS stuff (knitting, spinning, reading, playing with the dog) is the stuff that keeps me sane–AND that gets me away from the computer once in a while! I love my computer, but 8 hours at work and another 4 or 5 in the evening is kind of crazy (and bad for the eyes).
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Sorry you got swallowed there. Don’t know what that was about.
ME Liz Strauss said
Deb,
You should talk about what you’re working on more often on Twitter. Bet the folks who follow you would love to hear about it.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, one step at a time! Oprah first, then my own show - like Dr. Oz!
--Deb said
Liz, it’s not all that interesting. The knitting and spinning stuff is definitely more fun! (grin) So, who wants to hear about my lace shawl project?
Joe Hauckes said
No problem Liz, I just wanted Ms Glenda to know she has my full support for the Opra thing.
(put in a good word for her, “O” IS Chicago bound)
ME Liz Strauss said
Deb,
Don’t discount what you’re good at. At least, twitpic the final product.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Perfectly understandable, Deb. Perhaps there’s a way to turn one of your other joys into cash?
--Deb said
You know, I haven’t figured out twitpic yet!
Here’s a peek, though:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chappysmom/3508414829/in/set-72157617804255528/
Joe Hauckes said
Helpful and supportive to the end
SOB’s are known to be your friend
When there is a problem to be solved
Everyone on Tuesday night is involved
Together, forever ’til the very end
(Limerick day, remember?)
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey, Deb,
If you can do Flickr, you can do twitpic. It works the same from the web … it’s just easier from a phone.
That is beautiful!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
WOW Deb,that’s beautiful! Such an intricate pattern.
My Mom knits. Growing up, we often heard “Wait til I finish this row”.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Good one, Joe!
ME Liz Strauss said
Outstanding, Good night, Joe!
Sleepy Swell!
--Deb said
Do you know, I’ve had a phone/camera for years and I think I’ve only ever taken one picture with it, the first week? I always use a real camera for my pictures!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Deb,
I go through phases where I take lots of pictures. Then I don’t take any. Sometimes I use my iPhone. Sometimes I use my camera. I’m fickle that way.
--Deb said
I take pictures by the hundreds–and the quantity exploded when I started my knitting blog in 2005. Suddenly, LOTS of things to take pictures of!
Kevin Ferrasci OMalley said
Since Joe stepped out I guess I can step in now ?
--Deb said
Okay–I should really be writing a book review or something, so … ‘Night, all!
Thanks, as always, for being such a great hostess, Liz!
ME Liz Strauss said
Looks like we’re all sleeping now!
Good night!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Night Deb.
Thanks again Liz for the place to hang with friends, new and old.