Successful Blog

Seriously: Why NOT to Be a Thought Leader

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Before You Begin, Know This

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Three thoughts collided in my head this morning. The first was the start of my third year on this blog. The second was that the Google algorithm change returned this blog to where it was ranked when I started two years ago. The third thought was a statement by a woman I’ve been friends with for almost a decade. . . . She started blogging about a month ago. This week she said,

I had no idea what you’ve accomplished. You’re considered a thought leader by so many.

I can’t see what she sees. I can’t be where I am and be where she is too. I sit at my keyboard, looking back at all of the words — typed and spoken — between then and now. I think about all of the people I’ve talked to . . . in the comment box, on the telephone, at conferences and meetups, in coffee shops.

I think of their lives, their time, my life, my time, and I realize that content has been important, no question, but it hasn’t been king. Conversation with real people always will be.

Now this morning, I realize . . .

Real conversation uncovering new thoughts isn’t about keywords or searchable content. How could it be? . . . folks can’t search for truly new ideas.

Seems a good reason NOT to be a thought leader . . . new thoughts aren’t searchable.

If search is what you value . . . like I said, it’s about the conversation to me.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!

Great Find: Tax Girl

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Fourth Quarter Freelancer

If you’re a solo, a freelancer, or a small business owner, you know the words estimated taxes. You might have an accountant. You might not. Either way. Our accountant isn’t responsible for our taxes we are. It helps to know a little bit about what they’re supposed to say.

I know you might think the idea, the topic of taxes is boring. I, myself, have actually said the following words many times in the past. We all reluctant readers, if you don’t believe me, pick up the tax code.

Lucky for us, Kelly Phillips Erb started a blog called TAXGIRL. . . .

Great Find: TAXGIRL
Permalink: http://www.taxgirl.com/
Target Audience: Everyone who pays taxes in the US
Content: In the About Box, it says tax news, tax info and tax policy – and it’s not as boring as you think! That’s an understatement.

When I saw Kelly speak at BlogHer, she started by saying that she like the law so much she went back for her master’s degree in tax law. There’s something to that saying “Blog Your Passion.” I would have never believed someone could make tax information so compelling. I feel smarter and more interesting every time I go there.

Here’s an example of her refreshing style of tax writing.

It’s the Most Ring-a-Ding Time Of the Year
by Kelly on October 31st, 2007
You probably think that I’m talking about the fact that for some disturbing reason, retailers have packed the stores with Christmas goodies – and Halloween isn’t even over yet (who buys stuff this early anyway?).

But I’m not.

I’m talking about solicitations. It’s the time of the year when charitable organizations come calling. So far this month, I’ve received more than ten charitable solicitations from tax exempt organizations: my daughter’s school, college, law school, the arboretum, PHS, the zoo, the art museum, public radio, public television and more. We’re sorting through all of them, trying to decide which ones to support. In addition, we’re plowing through piles of summer clothes since fall has finally decided to pay us a visit in the northeast… and putting them into piles: save, toss and donate.

Why the rush? Why now? Because you only have 62 days to incur additional charitable deductions for the calendar year 2007. Tax professionals know this. Charitable organizations know this. And now you do, too.

Charitable donations are a good way for many taxpayers to increase deductions and get a warm fuzzy or two in the process. Whether you donate cash or goods (like our used clothes and toys), you can take these deductions on your tax return – but only if you itemize.

Remember, cash deductions, regardless of the amount, must be substantiated by a bank record (such as a canceled check or credit card receipt) or in writing from the organization. The writing must include the date, the amount and the organization that received the donation. In other words, loose change in the offering plate doesn’t count.

My advice when making a financial donation?

  • 1. Get a receipt. Just ask. If the organization is taking your money, they ought to be able to produce a receipt.
  • 2. Consider using a check or credit card.
  • 3. And finally, don’t let the tax tail wag the dog. Those kids in the neighborhood who are collecting for UNICEF? C’mon, be charitable. It is, after all, the spirit of giving that should really matter and not the deduction.

When it comes to donations of items, and not money, the rule is that you can generally take a deduction for the current FMV of the items donated to charity – not the purchase price but rather what the item would sell for in its current condition. So if you can’t give that tiki bar away because it’s practically worthless, you may not attempt to take a deduction for $25 when you donate it to the qualified charity of your choice.

You can get to her blog by clicking the logo below.

Wanna know why I did this review today? Well, we all need to be reminded that the end of the year is coming — 90% of our taxes need to be in.

And I’m hoping this glowing report will convince Kelly to consider doing my taxes for me. . . . yeah, I didn’t think so either.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!

A Nonprofit in Your Future? Read 501c Files

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Is that a Real Job

Over the summer and through the fall, I’ve been meeting more and more folks with a specialty in working with nonprofit organizations. Or is it that I’m more sensitive to the idea because the last in-house contract I had was with a nonprofit company? What makes a nonprofit a nonprofit and do they actually pay the people who work there?

This month b5 media started a blog about nonprofit businesses.

Great Find: 501c Files
Permalink: http://www.501cfiles.com
Target Audience: anyone with interest in nonprofits
Content:

What thoughts do you have about nonprofit organizations? Do you think about them at all? If you’re not aware of this sector of the business landscape, you could be missing out on opportunities for job placements, partnerships, and co-ventures of the same value that you find in any other business organization. The 501c Files can show you how to navigate this often overlooked territory.

Every post points to the place of nonprofits in the landscape of business. You’ll read about the Marine Corps Marathon, the Network for Good, the Detroit Stadium Challenge, the main difference between nonprofits and for profit business — and the main similarity, which both sectors often forget. Click the logo to go there.

It’s an excellent read.

Check it out. You might find a new boss, a new client, or a new partner idea.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!

Change the World: Decide

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The Universe Will Not Be Thwarted

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Once upon a time, I had the coolest job in the world. I worked with the most incredible people. They were smart and their hearts were in it. No one was looking for the negative. We were building a special little company. The little company was soaring. It’s customers were smiling. Then the owners decided to sell it.

The new owners were playing Monopoly. Our little company was one more property on a board game. The new owners couldn’t see what made the little special. They made decisions that hurt the little company. They starved the goose and the golden eggs stopped.

When I realized that the little company would never be again, I recognized the feeling. I told a friend, “I don’t want a new puppy. I want the puppy that died.”

He said, “Mourn if you like, but not forever. I’ve been to the mountain, and I know this: The universe will not be thwarted. Commit to a new path and it will take you where you want to be. ”

Well, that poor universe, for the longest time, it didn’t get any help from me. I went off in some direction, but my heart wasn’t fully with me. think I was still wishing for that poor long-gone situation.

But my friend’s sentence never left me. “The universe will not be thwarted.”

Himalayan explorer W.H. Murray said the same thing.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.

I decided to change the world. I quit hedging my bets to protect myself.

Things happened that same week — happy accidents and offers. The universe opened a road to my dream.

They’re still happening.

Living in the past is not the way to a future.

Commitment is.

We can change the world — just like that.
–ME “Liz” Strauss

The Mic Is On: It's About Halloween, of Course!

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It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

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.

Boo!

Here’s a few ideas to get us started:

  • Your favorite costume
  • Treats you give out
  • Traditions in your family and community

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 links about Halloween to share!

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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Open Mic 7pm Chgo Time: It's about Halloween!

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Yes the Mic Will Be on Tonight

Join Us Tonight

That’s Right . . .

We can talk about your favorite costume, what kind of treats you give, traditions in your family and community and whatever else comes up — even flamenco dancing.

Oh, and bring links about Halloween to share!

The rules are simple — be nice.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?