“What The Tweet?”
Social Media Marketing: Real Business Tool or Passing Fad?

Announcing a One-Day Conference in Salida, CO to Help Small Business Owners Learn How Low- and No-Cost Social Media Can Grow Your Business

Are you befuddled by FaceBook, terrified by Twitter, or balking at Blogging? On Saturday, May 2, 2009, a panel of experts in Social Media will present hands-on tips, tricks, and easy how-to’s for implementing today’s new social media tools to build your business.

“What the Tweet? A Social Media Marketing Conference for Small Business” will be held from 8 am to 5 pm at the Salida Steamplant Theater and Event Center on Saturday, May 2. The day will feature seven different sessions covering all aspects of Social Media Marketing—from a general overview outlining what Social Media is and what it can do, to specific sessions on tools such as Twitter, FaceBook, blogs, and video.

COST:
Today through April 22: Just $47 per person
April 23 – 30: $57 per person
Registration closes at midnight April 30.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Any business owner, home-based business, retail store owner, outfitter, restaurant owner, event planner, professional services such as PR firms, CPAs and lawyers, organization leaders, directors of non-profit organizations, every type of entrepreneur, marketing manager or decision maker. If you are in any type of business, management, or leadership role and want your business to take advantage of every opportunity to grow, this day is for you.

WHERE:
SteamPlant Theater and Event Center
Ballroom Exhibit Hall
220 West Sackett Avenue
Salida, CO 81201

WHEN:
Saturday, May 2nd
8:00am -4:00 pm

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
• Full breakfast
• 7 social media topics/speakers
• Fantastic lunch
• PDF download speaker notes
• Prizes and drawings
• Free marketing book
• Snacks and beverages throughout the conference

http://www.wildernessexecutives.com/
http://www.whatthetweet.eventbrite.com/ Direct registration
http://tinyurl.com/cbmes7 Meet the speakers and register

Focused Plan Lesson

I am in the process of making some changes in the format and schedule of my blog posts. I have learned a valuable lesson that I would like to share with other small business owners. My business is creating focused social media plans for outdoor business owners. Setting goals is one of my passions and then following a plan to achieve those goals is what keeps me sane.

However, I veered off the trail a little bit and now am stressing out about the detour. I think this is a similar problem with most business owners. We get excited about new projects, we want to make things happen, and sometimes we take a trail that seems like a shortcut. That trail may lead us to a great adventure but then we are way of course from our objective.

I tried to launch all of my social media sites by myself and all at one time. I have really found this to be a challenge to set them up properly, maintain, and design them the way I want to be branded. This is the main reason to have a Focused Social Media Plan. The second component of that plan is to FOLLOW IT. I would never advise a client to do what I did, but I guess I always need to learn things the hard way so I can confirm it for others!

So if anything this is a learning lesson for all of us. First have a focused plan (which I do) and secondly stick to it (which I veered off from). The plan is a vision of how we want to present ourselves on-line and brand our business. So take your time and follow your plan one step at a time. Stay on the trail that you mapped out in the first place you will reach your objective!

Organizing Tools

Another theme you might find with me is I like things not only simple but organized. I have two more tools I will share with you today may help you with you organize your time and projects.

Evernote
Do you have colored sticky notes all over your computer, desk, refrigerator, or windows etc? I found a little solution to those little notes that typically get lost. I have so many things I research and want to keep track of and I found http://www.evernote.com was the answer for me!
Why I like Evernote
• Simple and fun to use
• Video on how to use it
• Have many notebooks with several sticky notes inside
• Organized chaos of all the things you want to save
• Can use from many applications
• Many ways to get information into the notes
• Have a free or a minimal charge for an upgrade

Smartsheet
This is a collaboration tool so when you are working on a project all your communication, assignments, and notes are all in one place and can be shared with others on the project. https://www.smartsheet.com
Why I use Smartsheet
• Customer service is the best I have ever seen
• Prompt phone calls or e-mails immediately answered
• They keep adding new features and upgrading
• They offer consistent training with upgrades
• Customize sheets with your image or logo
• Easy to use with a little guidance
• Can be shared with unlimited users
• Can set up workspaces or sheets

Time Tracking
Little late on this post because I am still trying to find a time tracking tooI I really like. Again I like something I don’t have to download, has an easy to use interface, and makes things simple. Could you share some insight on any of these programs if you have used them? Which one have you used, what one do you like best and why?

http://www.getharvest.com I like the desktop application for easy use
http://www.myclientspot.com interesting because it’s more then time tracking
http://www.trackmypeople.com have to install

Look forward to your feedback and input. Thanks again to SmartSheet for their fantastic customer service.

More Fun Tools

If you havn’t noticed a theme I like quick and easy applications. If I can navigate and learn something new without to much trouble and the interface is appealing that scores points! Today I have three more favorites I would like to share.

Access Manager
Do you have several passwords for websites, social sites, bank accounts, e-mail accounts, and many other different types of accounts that require passwords? Where do you keep all of them? How do you access them quickly? How do you organize them all? I found I was wasting time looking for my passwords and I needed a system to organize them in one place. I found a free resource at http://www.accessmanager.co.uk/.
Reasons I like Access Manager
• Can review the product in detail before downloading.
• It’s accessible from a desktop icon.
• Opens quickly with one password - don’t forget this one!
• Very easy to use and simple interface.
• Organize passwords in different categories.
• Easy to transfer data from other storage areas.
• Has a note box – I really like note features.

Dimdim
There are several on-line meeting applications out there. I found Dimdim http://www.dimdim.com/ to be one I will use most frequent. I was told about this program 5 minutes before I was going to give a presentation and I had it set up and ready to go before the meeting!
Reasons I like Dimdim
• The account setup was quick and easy.
• Quickly invite participants even during the meeting.
• View websites and navigate through them.
• PowerPoint presentations can be uploaded.
• Other participants can easily interact and engage.
• Set up presentations ahead of time.

Task Arrange
I am particular about how things are arranged on my desktop and I like order. I downloaded this some time ago and it’s been invaluable. I found a few forums saying this link http://tinyurl.com/8hmjm might not work so I’m going to give a bonus tool just in case. I wanted to mention it because I like the flexibility it gives.
Reasons I like Task Arrange
• Control how your tool bar works
• Organized and easy to locate open windows
• Simple way to organize and save time

Bonus Tool: Tiny URL
This tool is self explanatory and is used to shorten up those long URL’s. This is another great tool to simplify your life. I really like this tool because those long URL’s are very annoying for me. To shorten up those long ones go to: http://tinyurl.com/create.php.

Would love to hear from you again about these tools. Three more on Friday.

Favorite Tools for February

I love finding new tools or gadgets. As a virtual assistant we are always looking for ways to be more productive and efficient. There are three applications I would like to share with you today. I will share three more on Wednesday!

Vision Board
I am big on setting goals and reviewing them on a regular basis. I believe it helps us stay focused when we can visualize what we desire to achieve.
Reasons I like the on-line vision board
· Add music which makes it fun to view your board on a daily basis.
· Display beautiful photos from their database or add your own.
· Write positive affirmations that go with your goals and pictures.
· The on-line vision board makes it easy to review daily.
· Looking at your board should motivate you to keep going and pressing on!
Go to the on-line vision board because it’s packed full of information and other uses I didn’t even mention: http://tinyurl.com/aeoqv3

Remember the milk
This is a great way to keep track of everything you need to do. We all have a zillion tasks everyday to keep track of and the method I was using wasn’t efficient
The reasons I like remember the milk
· It’s really easy to use and a free resource.
· You can open several folders to separate all your projects or businesses.
· If you work with one folder at a time your tasks don’t seem so overwhelming!
· There is a place for notes which I find very useful.
· Call Jott or send an e-mail and your task is posted in your inbox.
· Once you complete a project you still have it archived for future reference.
· There are other features you might enjoy I haven’t used yet.
· I like the name and the logo!
You can organize your tasks by going to: http://www.rememberthemilk.com/

Jott
What a great tool for those of us on the run!! I am notorious for thinking of things while I’m away from the office and then forgetting them before I go onto my next thought! So Jott helps me look even smarter!
There are several reasons I like Jott
· Great videos to explain each step.
· Call Jott and a message will be sent to your remember the milk inbox!
· Another way to update Twitter send a quick note to Facebook fans.
· Send a message to be posted on your blog.
· Draft an e-mail message which will be ready to send upon return to the office.
· You can follow your favorite feeds, use with your blackberry, and much more.
I have not listed all the uses again so go and see for yourself. Now if we had the ability to send an e-mail from Jott that would be cool.
Look smarter like me by using http://jott.com

Thanks again for stopping by and I would like to hear what you think about these tools. I will share three more on Wednesday!

Extreme Terrain

Lake Chutes - contains cliffs, very steep slopes as well as rocks and other hazards. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY.

Lake Chutes are one of my favorite places to ski in-bounds for a warm up run! The Lake Chutes are located at Breckenridge Ski Area and you can access them by the Imperial Express Super Chair. Imperial chair is dubbed as the highest lift in North America taking you to an elevation of 12,490 feet, where you start your hike to the Lake Chutes. I was a ski patroller at the mountain when Lake Chutes were first opened and the hike was about 45 minutes.

Today the hike is about a 5 minute steep climb, where you will also experience breathtaking views once you catch your breath at the top! The Lake Chutes are a series of small chutes with an average incline up to 50 degrees or more, the only downside is they only offer a drop of around 200 vertical feet of skiing.

It can get very windy and cold at the top, and in poor visibility conditions the Lake Chutes will typically be closed. However, on our perfect Colorado blue sky days I think it is well worth the hike.

On my good days Lake Chutes is all I want to ski, so far I have done up to six laps! I have attached a video so you can get a little feel for adrenaline rush. In the video Jeff Yoder gives a commentary about the Lake Chutes. He is one of the patrollers I had the privilege of working with.

One of my goals for this ski season is to produce my own video skiing the Lake Chutes.

Anyone want to join me to film this video?

10 Commandents for Goal Setting

Goal setting not only helps you stay focused on how you are going to get somewhere, but goals become your road map so you know where you are going! I am a big proponent of setting goals for every aspect of life. I may not always reach all of them, but for the most part I have a plan of what to do each day to get closer.

Here are 10 Commandments to help you stay focused on your journey.

1.Thou Shall Be Decisive
Success is a choice. You must decide what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it. No one else can, will, or should do that for you.

2. Thou Shall Stay Focused
Staying focused is as important as being decisive. Your ability to sustain your focus from beginning to end will determine the results you will achieve.

3. Thou Shall Welcome Failure
If you are trying to do anything outside of your comfort zone you will have failure. We have no choice but to expect it as a temporary condition while taking the journey. We need to learn to accept each failure as part of the learning and growing process. A friend of mine calls this the fall down-get up game!

4. Thou Shall Write Down Thy Goals
This is important because it will help you remember where you are going! You also can look at it on a regular basis to make sure you are still on track.

5. Thou Shall Plan Thoroughly
Proper and detailed planning will help you achieve the results you desire.

6. Thou Shall Involve Others
Nobody goes through life alone successfully. Establish accountability partners. Accountability partners can encourage you, help you to keep moving forward, or help you get back up again!

7. Thou Shall Take Purposeful Action
Success is not a spectator sport - achievement demands action. You cannot expect to arrive at success without taking the journey! You need to put your hiking boots on and starting walking towards the summit before you can reach it!

8. Thou Shall Reward Thyself
Reward yourself even for small accomplishments. I had to force myself not to ski for a few days until I finished a particular project. Once I completed the project then I could reward myself with several ski days!

9. Thou Shall Inspect What Thy Expect
Life is constantly changing, so check your goals frequently and make adjustments as needed.

10. Thou Shall Maintain Personal Integrity
Maintain your commitment to your commitment. Set your goals, promise yourself that you will achieve them. Eliminate wiggle room and excuses. That's personal integrity!

The 10 Commandments concept was found at the Goals Guy at http://tinyurl.com/b457l4

I used the concept but added my own tidbits and experiences. I hope you enjoyed the information.

Backcountry Friend For 20 Years

I am behind the 8-ball on my blogging and other social media sites, which I had set as a goal to complete in September. I wanted to share with you my experiences in the backcountry and share my passion of the outdoors. However, I’m missing a very important friend and I am finding it very difficult to think about, let alone write about the details.

My special backcountry friend, Angel (aka Angelgirl), of 20 years went to doggie heaven October 15, 2008. I am still having trouble going for hikes, skiing in the backcountry, and even taking a walk to the park. I don’t know if some of you can relate, but when you have a dog that is truly your best friend, it is a great loss when they are no longer here. It may be like loosing a child, because as far as I’m concerned she was my child. I say this because, it was my responsibility to care for her, raise her up to have purpose, and a companion to share many wonderful adventures with. Maybe sharing with you the blessing Angel was in my life will be part of working through the grief and also healing for my heart.

Angel went with me everywhere and I am sure it was annoying for some people. But when you have kids you want to include them in everything, and Angel was included in everything I did. I will share details throughout my writings but now for a quick introduction: I got her from the shelter in Frisco, Co. She was from a litter of 5 puppies that were dumped on Baldy Mountain and found by some boys that were hiking. They put the puppies in their pack backs and brought them all to the shelter. Only two lived from the group they brought down. (Thank you to whomever those guys were).

I was looking for a specific dog at the time because I wanted one I could train to be a search & rescue dog, (specifically avalanche). The shelter contacted me and said these puppies may not be exactly what you are looking for but you need to come and see them. Well I fell in love with both of them at first sight. I went for several weeks to visit the puppies and decided I was going to take the black and brown one. The all black one never came out to visit but watched us from underneath a building. I couldn’t wait for the day they were finally old enough to be released from the shelter. When we went to pick them up the black one came running and jumped in my lap. Those of you that are dog lovers know which one I had to take now. My friend Lynn took the black and brown one!

When we first got them they were still weak and a little sick, so we bottle fed and nursed them to good health. These puppies from the beginning were perfect and they were only around 12 weeks old. They were housebroken in two days and never chewed on anything unless we gave it to them. Lynn named his black and brown one LB for ‘laid back’. See the photo of LB in his best form. I named my little black one Angel (after the Angel of Shavano). The Angel of Shavano is a snowfield that looks like an angel and is one of the places I’ve skied.

Speaking of skiing, Angel got her first taste of what her life was going to be like 2 days after I got her. I took her skiing on Mt. Evans, the Summit Lake chutes. Mt. Evans is one of the peaks over 14,000 feet. This is also the easiest one to ski because you only walk about 1/4 mile to the top at 14,264 feet. I had her in my backpack while I skied down, then a few hundred yards from the bottom I took her out of the pack and skied away. The tiny little thing ran after me and was whining the whole time! We all laughed and picked her up and said Angelgirl this is going to be your life, you better get used to it!

Next issue: The Fourth of July weekend in 2008 was our most memorable trip together.

Have any of you had a special backcountry furry friend for many years? I would love to hear one of your exceptional/memorable experiences and what you did to continue enjoying the backcountry again after your loss.