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A Sample 6-Minute Transition

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A Sample Transition–Try It

A short transition, like the one I wrote about this morning, is not only a great way to prepare for writing, it’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

So with that in mind, I saved this sample transition-retreat for now. Put some kick back music in your headphones and enjoy this photo (or choose one of your own). If you want a written reflection, click the image and you can use the one I wrote for it.

Heart on the Water

Heart upon the Water photo from stock exchange

Taking care of you is also a great way to take care of those around you.

Brand you and me.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
6-Minute Transition to Writing
Editing: Just Some of My Very Different Thoughts
Creative Wonder 101 as Promotion and Problem Solving
Eye-Deas 2: Test Ideas with Photo Searches

6-Minute Transition to Writing

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I’m No Good at Transitions

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Start a day in a meeting; then it’s off to start writing. Some people can immediately be working. That won’t be me that you’re seeing. I’m not one of those people. I’m no good at transitions.

Tim Allen best expressed this feeling. He said smething like,

I hate getting into the shower, and I hate getting out.

That’s me.

The problem is I leave a meeting, chirping like a box of birds. It’s a personal idiosyncrasy–once my extrovert gets talking and interacting, I have trouble finding my thinking and writing introvert. As with most things me, the only solution I’ve found — giving my brain what it needs — I’m good at that. [Read more…]

Better Than Hi! How Are Ya?

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Conversation Starter

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The first step in getting to know anyone is conversation. Sometimes though, conversation doesn’t come so naturally. It’s no fun to find yourself in a situation with nothing to say for whatever reason. I keep myself armed with a question or two that I can pull out on those occasions.

A great “getting-to-know-someone” question has three critical traits.

  • It’s open-ended to get the other person talking.
  • The responder can choose what to reveal.
  • No implied judgment or right answer is hidden within it.

The question I use most often when I want to spark conversation is this one.

So, what do you do when you’re not doing this?

I’ve had fabulous conversations with CEOs, cab drivers, hair dressers, and once with another person stuck in a elevator. I’ve always parted those conversations feeling like I’ve made a friend.

Got any conversation starters that you use?

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles
Customer Think: Saying Things without Talking
There’s No Putting ME in a Box
Do You Know a Customer When You See One?

Net Neutrality Is in Jeopardy

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Net Neutrality

Brian Clark at Copyblogger defines Net Neutrality in way that we can all understand it.

All of your current Internet marketing plans depend on Net Neutrality. And likely a lot that you do online outside the scope of business depends on it too. Net Neutrality allows everyone to compete on a level playing field and is the reason that the Internet is a force for economic innovation, civic participation and free speech. —The Four Horsemen of the Internet Apocalypse

Why is Brian talking about Net Neutrality?

Because Doc Searls is . . . and so is Jeff Pulver . . . and so am I — on all three of my blogs. [Read more…]

Pick a Number–Just Make Sure It’s a BIG One

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The First One to Pick a Number

HAS POWER. I found that out last night. It was exciting. Here’s what happened.

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In yesterday’s article, Job [and Client] Hunting ala Liz, I added three bits of advice I had learned about negotiating meetings. This was one.

The first one to name a number loses. To me that’s self-explanatory. If I say a number, they’re not going to go higher. If they ask, I usually answer with . . . what the work is worth, let’s talk a little more about what’s involved and what you usually pay for this kind of work.

I found out in less than 2 hours I was wrong. WAY COOL. [Read more…]

Don’t Hijack My Attention

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WAYS TO LOSE READERS

Going Shopping

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I’m walking down the sidewalk on a sunny day. I have a little time to look in the shop windows. I look in one and see something interesting. I go in, only to realize that the shop is not what I thought.

I immediately turn to leave by the same door I entered. Hah! Here’s the catch. The door is latched. It only opens in. I’m literally stuck in this shop.

I bet you’ve had this happen to you — not in a brick and mortar store — on the Internet. [Read more…]