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Carolyn Goodwin Is a B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Carolyn there?

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Carolyn was a bit wet from a rainstorm in Houston, but she was armed with a cup of coffee when the telephone rang at her end. We talked about the Houston weather, but soon enough we were on other topics, such as blogging and getting used to the differences between print and online text.

Then we were discussing the content in spam comments. We had a laugh about the idea of what cartoon characters do for fun. We also talked about how we were the market for spammers, since we’re the ones who read the awful things they try to plant on our blogs.

Carolyn told me about her past life in the financial industry. She pointed out that “People act so differently in a board room.” I could almost hear her asking them, “Why do you do that?” Carolyn says it’s important to break down those boardroom walls for us to get to know each other. I listened to her tell how she does that by connecting art and business to bring out the human side.

Carolyn explained that now she has a custom gift business and in her business she teaches executives how to get to know their clients through personal gift giving.

Carolyn’s approach is to teach executives to talk with clients about their weekend, their family, or something personal before every meeting or phone call. She encourages that as that a “little investigating.” She said that when the time comes, the executive then can give the client a more personal gift for doing business. Carolyn explained that she provides her executive clients choices for first gifts that aren’t too personal, but show that the executive has been listening.

Here’s an example of a thank you Carolyn might send to someone she just met.

Carolyn has found a way to help businesses show they care about people.

That makes it easy to care about Carolyn.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

Anyone can do it. It’s so accessible to anyone. There are so many great ideas. It’s going to be so exciting to see where it goes. — Carolyn Goodwin

Stop by Carolyn’s Blog, Whirled Events and say hi!

Thanks, Carolyn, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.

Shirley George Frazier Is a B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Shirley there?

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Shirley George Frazier’s first comment on Successful-Blog was November 10, 2005. Making this call was going to be exciting. It’s not every day I get to have a conversation with a Week 4 SOB!

Shirley and I started right in talking about her books. She’s written several, but I was asking about one — the one she was writing and documenting on her blog when I met her. She told me the story of how her publisher had a slightly different vision for the release of it. She related one of the biggest differences — the book was finished months ago, but wouldn’t be published until next fall. We talked about her disappointment that 1.8 billion individuals who work as solo entrepreneurs would have to wait for the help she had gathered, how some of the information might be outdated. . . . Then there was the boring title issue, but we didn’t dwell on that one.

Shirley’s reaction? “Things that are negative make you want to go after the things you can control.” She’ll be self-publishing her next book for sure. That’s what Shirley said.

Thinking like that and being an entrepreneur, Shirley told me, is in her DNA for generations. She provided the proof by telling me family stories. My favorite was the tale of her grandmother, who ran a strawberry business in 1905 Virginia. That story lead to the stories of each of her parents in New York City. I told a story or two of my own.

Shirley’s own entreperneurial path led her into the specialty gift basket business. She was all energy when she talked about how it began and how the business grew into something remarkable. Shirley had some quite famous clients, who still call her up when they need something special even though she doesn’t do that for anyone but them anymore. When she wrote a book about how to do what she did and began to speak on the subject, Shirley had to hire people to run the business. Now her primary work is speaking, writing, and blogging on small business topics both online and traditional. She sounds jazzed about every minute of it.

What fun it was to get to know someone I’ve known for so long. She’s exactly as cool and as much fun as I expected, only 100 times even better.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

A person who is under the radar can share an opinion, and still stay under the radar if they want . . . but they can still have a voice. —Shirley George Frazier

Stop by Shirley’s Blog, Solo Business Marketing, and say hi!

Thanks, Shirley, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.

Alyice Edrich Is a B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Alyice there?

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An email came to my old account. I was late in getting to it.

Hi Alyice,
It’s Liz from Successful Blog. I’m sorry it took a while to get back to you. I thought I’d removed all references to that email address at aol. I hardly ever check it these days, except when I use it for a contest.

I’m interested in what you have to say and like the way you write a lot. I’d like to know a little more about you. Let’s have a conversation. Would you like to be a B.A.D. Blogger?

A lovely reply came back that from a writer who said she had moved many of those “I thought I’d changed that email address” moments. She also said that she had never talked to another blogger via phone before. It seemed about time that we do something about that.

Alyice told me that her online story starts in 1999. She said couldn’t find information on how to become a Real Estate Notary, so she ended up online learning about it. As she spoke, I could hear her discovery. She said she saw small businesses starting out. It didn’t take much for Alyice to see that here was place where she could live her dream of owning a magazine. That’s how Dabbling Mum Press and her Ezine got started. Her magazine has been a professional reality, paying its way for some years now. Her readers enjoy interviews with important writers and her advice on writing and business.

Alyice said that she has always been writer, that writing comes more easily than talking does. We told a few stories about the shy sides of ourselves, weaving them inside our conversation about writing.

Alyice said she began writing for the web back when she discovered it, and I got immediately curious about the kind of freelance writing she did and had done. We discussed freelance writing services and job lists — how they’re really not much help. We each went down our list of experiences with clients who want too much for too little return and the circumstances of how you learn to identify who they are. I asked how she found her clients now. Alyice said they mostly find her through her monthy column in the ezine and through her blog.

This year for Alyice is going to be a one of a dream being lived. Alyice told me that, ever since she can remember, she has wanted to be a phorographer, “telling people’s life stories in pictures and words . . .” She said her natural shyness kept her away from the camera, but this year she decided that a person shouldn’t leave her dreams behind her. Alyice’s husband bought her the camera, the equipment, and the software. She started a photo blog to document the process of becoming a photographer. She’s chosen a project that has meaning.

It’s obvious, if you talk to her, that Alyice has become a photographer already. She just needs the practice to get the skills to live the reality.

Just before we ended our conversation, Alyice said she had been nervous before the call started. I’m always a little bit nervous before these calls myself.

Every important thing lets us know it’s important . . . if we are listening.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

Not only are my readers learning, I’m learning from everybody. —Alyice Edrich

Stop by Alyice’s Blogs, DM Speaks, her interview blog and Dabbing Mom Writes, her photo blog and say hi!

Thanks, Alyice, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.Alyice

William Tully Is a B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Bill there?

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It was Chicago calling Toronto when I got Bill Tully on the line and any conversation between those two cities almost always requires a discussion of the weather — even when one of the participants is woefully lame at small talk — that would be me. It went fine. It went fine because weather talk isn’t small talk when you’re discussing winter in Chicago and Toronto, and we both knew that.

Almost immediately I was telling Bill, about my affection for Toronto, about how it reminds me of Chicago. He mentioned what he knew of Chicago. And next I was off on a story high up, in an elegant Toronto restaurant. I described the head waiter dressed in a Prince Charming uniform who delivered handrolled chocolate truffles on a porcelian plate that was set on red velvet pillow. I explained how I reached up to take the plate and was told that one truffle was what I was being offered.

How could I not love Toronto? I had my first genuine chocolate truffle there.

Our conversation turned from chocolate to writing and then to why we write. We spent some time discussing and dissecting that condition folks call “Writer’s Block.” I said that since I write for a living, I can’t give credence to it or i might go broke. Bill said that blogging was his plan to take him out of his comfort zone to write for everyone. He talked of a plan to write his blog into a book. We talked about the best ways of doing that. His plan is solid and well-structured. His premise is compelling — it’s about how people interact with the world.

Among the ideas that Bill is writing about is the fact that the Golden Rule really doesn’t work. He pointed out that we really don’t want someone with a bad self-concept to treat us as they might want to be treated. I told him I thought so too. He’s a philospher. Mr. Tully is. He said, “We draw on what we know and get to know other people that way.”

Our conversation went deep and wide. It followed no particular straight or narrow pathway. It had it’s own logic to it — sort of like a blogging thought highway. I keep thinking of the guy in Toronto who is writing about logical emotions. It makes sense if you read it, if you get to know him.

The tagline on Bill’s blog says, It isn’t about what I have — it’s about where I’m going. That’s a glimpse into how the man thinks.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

People by the millions trying to be part of a community . . . It gives people a chance where they can actively participate. Somehow, somewhere, at some point . . . — William Tully

Stop by William’s Blog, Logical Emotions and say hi!

Thanks, William, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.

Jesse Petersen Is a B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Jesse there?

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I found an email in my old Successful Blog account. It was from a young man named Jesse offering to do a guest post. I suggested to him that we have a B.A.D. Blogger call. That’s how we came to talk. Jesse Petersen is one interesting man to have a conversation with.

Jesse told me that he got married a few months ago. We talked about the first year of being married. We discussed the way the world changes how it looks at person the second that the wedding takes place. That it changes the way we look at ourselves, our jobs, and our lives and how everything fits our world view.

Jesse told me that he’s technical editor for flight simulators. I asked him what that meant. He said he translated and trued up the documentation. I laughed and said it must be a lot like the work that I used to do on educational textbooks. We found a lot of places where the two jobs were the same. Jesse said he had an affinity for formatting the documents. I told him that was also my favorite part. We talked about the difficulties in turning what engineers wrote into prose that regular people might read. I mentioned an engineering text I worked on last year that had engineering editors from four different countries. I think we moaned in a sort of harmony, understanding the unique misery.

Jesse and I discussed the post that he wanted to write for Successful Blog. He was looking for feedback and was ready to hear what people had to say. I told him if he would rewrite what he sent that I would edit it. He said he’d be happy to.

Jesse sent a sincere and honest post asking how he might make a difference. The post went up. The discussion was interactive and enlightening. Jesse listened to the answers he got, and the answers he got were the best in the blogosphere.

I think Jesse will find that difference.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

I like the interaction of hearing people respond and knowing what people think about what I think whatever that is. — Jesse Petersen

Stop by Jesse’s Blog, Gitr’s WoW Blog, and say hi!

Thanks, Jesse, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.

Steve Farber Is an Extreme B.A.D. Blogger!

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Blogger A Day Conversation: Hi, Steve. What’s for Breakfast?

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It stands to reason that a Blogger a Day call with Extreme Leader, Steve Farber, would take an Extreme form. A telephone didn’t enter the picture at all. It was breakfast when Steve was in Chicago!

This was going to be an Extreme B.A.D. Blogger connection. I packed up myself and my stuff into my car. I put my wallet in my back pocket. I put my key in the ignition. I turned the music up loud.

I drove past Wrigley Field and headed where the breakfast was planned. I couldn’t help thinking on the drive out there of the extreme birthday brunch I had celebrated at the same place — all chocolate, champagne, and one piece of bacon. I promised myself less embarrassing choices when I met the guy from California, I had wanted to meet since this summer.

Arriving at the atrium lobby, I aimed for the restaurant. Then a voice behind me said, “Liz,” and there he was. Thoughtful man, my mind said. I also thought, great smile, extreme shoulders, and a person who hugs when he says hello. I already like Mr. Steve Farber.

We found a table and soon the server, a lovely lady, who seemed part of our party, made sure that we had what we wanted. Not for a second did her presence seem an intrusion. Steve has a way of making the world feel welcome. He smiles a lot, and everyone notices that.

The conversation for me had started much earlier — in the car in my head driving there. As the coffee was poured, I had questions to ask Steve about the characters in his books, Radical Leap and Radical Edge. As a writer and as a reader, I was extremely curious about knowing about one in particular.

“Tell me. Is there really an Agnes?”

Steve paused for a thought, then said, “Agnes is not a real person.”

I told him as best I could what testament that was to his skill as a writer. I tried to explain that I found it quite something that anyone could deliver such a consistent message written in such a consistently believable human voice. I wanted Steve to know that I felt that way about all of his characters, but Agnes was more than a personal favorite. I still wish that I could meet her.

That’s when Steve and I talked about how his books relate to his leadership coaching. His speaking engagements draw lessons from the stories and the characters. Steve asked me how I would do a speech from “Agnes’s Book” Radical Edge. Almost immediately, I said I would structure a speech around the idea of finding one’s personal frequency — that note, the value that wraps around all other values the person holds dear.

Steve, being Steve smiled back at me and gently said “Of course, you go there because that’s where you are. Other folks chose another point completely.” He went on to say how some folks want him to talk only about the WUP — that’s the Wake Up Pad, where folks keep track of the ideas and implications of life as it happens. The WUP I thought. Can’t leave out the WUP!

The problem is that his books are so rich.

We wandered through ideas from speeches and books, to how Steve started blogging, and where he’ll be going over the next two years, when his next book is due to come out.

Somehow, being the leader that Steve is, he managed to get as much of my story as I got of his. It was his story, my story, and the stories of people we knew — all intertwined while we talked about the business of books, and speaking, and blogs, and websites, and future projects. I told Steve what I was doing with Phil. He added his publishing advice to the mix. It made a difference to the plans for Phil’s book.

By the end of the conversation I felt the power of extreme leadership, even though the words had never been mentioned.

I smiled the whole drive home. I don’t remember what we ate, but I don’t think I embarrassed myself in the choices I made.

B.A.D. Blogger Quote

The great, compelling writers are the ones whose voices are unique and whose passion is palpable–whatever the subject. Once I figured that out for myself, the process got much easier and . . . more fun. — Steve Farber

Stop by Steve’s Blog, Extreme Leadership, and say hi!

Thanks, Steve, you B.A.D. Blogger!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar