I've been attending various networking meetings lately, learning new things and meeting some truly terrific people.
I started visiting a networking group (very tentatively) back in October or November. Back then, I simply put my toe in and watched for a while,except when required to stand and say what I offer as a businesswoman.
I'm not a gregarious person by nature (or if I am, it was trained out of me at an early age--those of you who have been reading my blog for years know all about that!)so deciding to start networking was traumatic and scary at first. I read BOOK YOURSELF SOLID by Michael Port before setting out so I'd be going in for all the right reasons and so I'd know what to do and how to behave when I got there.
Now (after several months) I feel a lot more comfortable and can be myself, for the most part, and contribute at these things. And because I am, I'm actually forging some great strategic partnerships and an extended referral network that is beginning to mutually bless us in several ways.
I've had the big tree in our front yard trimmed back by Rafael Contreras (R&S Construction in Federal Way) after hearing a testimonial about his integrity and diligence from Phyllis Kaplan (Stimulate Your Economy). He did a fantastic job and I feel completely comfortable recommending him to anyone else who needs a great contractor. Everyone else who has ever used him in the networking group gives him similar high marks. To hear us tell it, the man walks on water... He really is a terrific man to have taking care of your contracting needs. (Tree trimming is a sideline service. He's usually busy building and remodeling homes, erecting gazebos, and doing other outstanding work.)
Phyllis Kaplan (Stimulate Your Economy) is a vivacious, engaging individual who appears at trade shows, county fairs and other large public forums as the "face" of various companies. She also offers relational training to individuals and companies whose employees need to interact with their customers and clients face-to-face. She always wanted to be an actress, so she's completely in her element when she's meeting and greeting people and demonstrating wares, techniques, or anything else. She even teaches canvassing, cold-calling, and how to transform gatekeepers into allies. She's worth her weight in gold to the companies she serves and advises. Her tagline ("Face-to-face matters, because you can't shake hands with a screen)" perfectly mirrors what she offers. She offers quality representation and representational training.
And this week I took a 90 minute class with Joyce Singleton (Referral Institute, Tacoma) that covered the differences between a lead and a referral, and much, much more! I want to take some of her other classes, too. She is a wealth of valuable insights and knowledge.
Another Joyce--Joyce Joneschiet of Aging in Place--helps Baby Boomers and their parents stay in their homes longer by showing them how to adapt their residences to make them elder-friendly, safe and accessible. She loves what she does and adores older folks, so she is living out her passion, too.
And there are others, too numerous to mention in a single blog entry. Perhaps I'll throw a spotlight on more of them as the weeks pass.
All of these people are passionate about what they do; as passionate as I am about what I do. Having 1-on-1's with each of them and getting to know them better makes all the difference in the world. And hearing other peoples' "shout outs" about what others in the networking group have done for their own businesses helps us feel good about referring our own friends, family and neighbors to them. (A referral is someone you're willing recommend to others; your own integrity is on the line when you make a referral. A lead doesn't always meet that standard.)
It's just after midnight on Saturday morning. I haven't made much money this week, but I have had a truly successful week in a lot of other ways. The money will come as a result of it.
I'm just days away from presenting at Casey's school (Hunt Elementary in Puyallup). I'm creating a mental outline so I remember what I need to say to encourage the young writers in her class. Wendy will videotape the event so I can use it later. (I mentioned this in an earlier log entry, I think.) Looking forward to it... but I'd sure like to find an appropriate, good-looking, writer-type outfit to wear that day that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I think I'll visit a thrift store and see if I can find something "artsy" or avant garde that will still be "me"...
Got any ideas? Let me know. Wanna take me shopping (if you're local) and dress me? I could really use a wardrobe consultant right about now!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Confirmed: I'll Be Talking About Writing and the Writing Life with Casey's Class
WOO HOO!!!
Wendy just called to say I'll be talking to Casey's class about writing and the writing life early in June. That's ENORMOUSLY exciting to me. I'm really looking forward to it. There is so much more need for writers now than there was when I was a kid... today's kids who love to write won't have to worry about IF they'll be able to find work, as long as they work hard to get really, really good at it; there will be plenty of opportunities out there.
I wish my newest book would be out by then, but Casey can take it later on and share it with the kids who show a real interest. It'll be helpful to them.
In Other News:
I'm reading C. Hope Clark's new book,LOW COUNTRY BRIBE, and freaking out because I haven't been able to finish it in one sitting. Deadlines have interfered. I usually don't read fiction, but in this case, I'm delighted I am. It's a real page turner. I told Hope I might have a stroke before it's all over. Just when you think the main character will get some relief, something else happens. I can see this as a movie. It probably will be someday! Yes, I encourage you to get it and read it.
Wendy just called to say I'll be talking to Casey's class about writing and the writing life early in June. That's ENORMOUSLY exciting to me. I'm really looking forward to it. There is so much more need for writers now than there was when I was a kid... today's kids who love to write won't have to worry about IF they'll be able to find work, as long as they work hard to get really, really good at it; there will be plenty of opportunities out there.
I wish my newest book would be out by then, but Casey can take it later on and share it with the kids who show a real interest. It'll be helpful to them.
In Other News:
I'm reading C. Hope Clark's new book,LOW COUNTRY BRIBE, and freaking out because I haven't been able to finish it in one sitting. Deadlines have interfered. I usually don't read fiction, but in this case, I'm delighted I am. It's a real page turner. I told Hope I might have a stroke before it's all over. Just when you think the main character will get some relief, something else happens. I can see this as a movie. It probably will be someday! Yes, I encourage you to get it and read it.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Weekend Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeees!
I'm going to take in a movie and a meal with a good friend this weekend. It's time to get out and stretch my legs a little! I've been sitting on this chair at this desk for what seems like "forever!" That's not true, though. I've been out and about, off an on, all week long, making business connections... a few minutes here...an hour there... I come and go like a leaf in the wind--but it's all bearing fruit.
My publisher and I are reaching out to well-known pastors (as mentioned in my last blog entry) to see if any of them are willing to endorse SETTLE FOR BEST: SATISFY THE WINNER YOU WERE BORN TO BE. I already have five endorsements from other folks (*sigh*)and expect a few more before the book goes to press. We were thinking of releasing it June 1st but now we're holding off to make sure the pastors and other folks have a chance to weigh in and possibly get into the book via endorsement...
In Other News:
Sometime in June, Laverne and Shirley (my two goats) will be joined by two Nigerian Dwarf Goats, two wethers. Jackie and I have a friend who needs to find new homes for them. We've been looking for--and wanting--goats that are small enough to be petted by the wee ones who visit us regularly on weekends and some evenings. Laverne and Shirley weigh close to 200 pounds each now, and they can get TOO playful and rowdy--goats tend to bounce sideways almost as often as they bounce forward, which can inadvertently hurt even an adult, so we're happy to take in some goats that will remain short and sweet. Our friend assures us these two neutered boys will be fine with small children--and I've read up on the breed and seen written confirmation: Nigerian Dwarf Goats are often taken to hospitals as therapy animals. That pretty much sealed the deal for me.
Casey's class is beginning a series on writing, illustrating, editing and publishing. (Casey is my grandniece--Phil and Wendy's oldest daughter, 12). She has invited me to speak to her class sometime soon. This is going to be a hoot! I did the same thing once before, years ago, when Amber White invited me to her class to talk about writing, and we had a very good time.
Casey herself is quite the writer. She's also a voracious reader, which should go with the territory--but all too often doesn't. I have never understood how people think they can become good or great writers without reading good and great writing. It blows me away! Without investing time reading (even if only for the sheer joy of reading), it's the equivalent of expecting a brain surgeon to be able to pick up a scalpel and dive right into the first available brain without serious repercussions! Malcolm Gladwell writes in THE TIPPING POINT that to become an expert in any realm you have to invest 10,000 hours reading about it, studying it and doing it. I agree! I passed that milestone decades ago and I'm STILL learning things about writing(to my complete and utter joy)...
My publisher and I are reaching out to well-known pastors (as mentioned in my last blog entry) to see if any of them are willing to endorse SETTLE FOR BEST: SATISFY THE WINNER YOU WERE BORN TO BE. I already have five endorsements from other folks (*sigh*)and expect a few more before the book goes to press. We were thinking of releasing it June 1st but now we're holding off to make sure the pastors and other folks have a chance to weigh in and possibly get into the book via endorsement...
In Other News:
Sometime in June, Laverne and Shirley (my two goats) will be joined by two Nigerian Dwarf Goats, two wethers. Jackie and I have a friend who needs to find new homes for them. We've been looking for--and wanting--goats that are small enough to be petted by the wee ones who visit us regularly on weekends and some evenings. Laverne and Shirley weigh close to 200 pounds each now, and they can get TOO playful and rowdy--goats tend to bounce sideways almost as often as they bounce forward, which can inadvertently hurt even an adult, so we're happy to take in some goats that will remain short and sweet. Our friend assures us these two neutered boys will be fine with small children--and I've read up on the breed and seen written confirmation: Nigerian Dwarf Goats are often taken to hospitals as therapy animals. That pretty much sealed the deal for me.
Casey's class is beginning a series on writing, illustrating, editing and publishing. (Casey is my grandniece--Phil and Wendy's oldest daughter, 12). She has invited me to speak to her class sometime soon. This is going to be a hoot! I did the same thing once before, years ago, when Amber White invited me to her class to talk about writing, and we had a very good time.
Casey herself is quite the writer. She's also a voracious reader, which should go with the territory--but all too often doesn't. I have never understood how people think they can become good or great writers without reading good and great writing. It blows me away! Without investing time reading (even if only for the sheer joy of reading), it's the equivalent of expecting a brain surgeon to be able to pick up a scalpel and dive right into the first available brain without serious repercussions! Malcolm Gladwell writes in THE TIPPING POINT that to become an expert in any realm you have to invest 10,000 hours reading about it, studying it and doing it. I agree! I passed that milestone decades ago and I'm STILL learning things about writing(to my complete and utter joy)...
Thursday, May 17, 2012
SERVAL SON WRITTEN INTERVIEW UP NOW!
http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/2012/05/kristine-m-smith-serval-son-spots-and.html?showComment=1337312556342#c8007407844665184508
Sunday, April 29, 2012
My Second Prepub Review of SETTLE FOR BEST
Settle For Best: Satisfy the Winner You Were Born to Be by Kristine M Smith is a delightfully good read for people who want to improve themselves or find their inner happiness. This book is invaluable, jam packed with Kris's zest and love for life and how she is willing to share it with the world. Like her mentor (and my inspiration) DeForest Kelley did for me with the show he was in (Star Trek) and the way he looked at and lived his life, Kristine's new book has helped me put life's challenges in a new light and, along with De Kelley, has re-sparked my zest and love for life and my commitment to reaching my goals. Can't wait 'till it hits the shelves. [This review is based on a pre-publication review copy.] — Greg Barton, Australia
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The First REVIEW of My Next Book Has Arrived!
Here's the VERY FIRST review of of my upcoming book.
“I’ve just read SETTLE FOR BEST: Satisfy the Winner You Were Born To Be by Kristine M Smith. This is a valuable reference book, indeed, infused with the author’s signature lively use of the English language. It sure helped me in my current challenge!” —Edward E Smith, Yelm, Washington (No relation to the author, but a very good friend!)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Finished Writing My Seventh Book Last Night
Last night I finished writing SETTLE FOR BEST: Satisfy The Winner You Were Born to Be. It's now in the hands of eight people who will be going over it with a fine-toothed comb and letting me know what they think of it and whether I typo'ed anywhere. (It's very, very hard to proofread one's own writing, but I THINK I caught everything. I'm about to find out!)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Freedom!
Yesterday was my last day working off-site (occasionally) for the first 4 1/2 months of 2012. I feel ten years younger just knowing I'm back to writing full-time again. I still have the occasional church gig but, other than that, I'm free and clear to navigate as a full-time copywriter again! I will probably sleep better at night not having to keep three balls in the air every week. It's a relief. Three jobs is too many (especially when the one that just ended cost me more in lost writing projects than it was worth, which is the opposite of the way I expected it to work out; oh well, live and learn!)
This past weekend Jackie, Phil, Wendy, Casey, Jamie and I built a hen house and a chicken pen for our six chickens, which we raised from infancy. They are now looking like pint-sized versions of what will become their adult selves, so we had to get the facilities made for them. They have been freed from a small (goat-sized) cage to the great outdoors, and they love it. They have started to teach themselves to fly. They sure know how to peck for food already; that comes naturally!
I set a large dog igloo in the center of the "barnyard" so they have a place to get in out of the rain and sunshine if they don't want to climb the ramp into the hen house.
They don't know how to climb the ramp yet. They will descend it, but I haven't seen them ascend it yet, so I have to collect them to put them in bed at night until they figure that out. (Some night time critters are small enough to get in through the chicken fence, so they need to be shut in at night.)
We put plastic netting over the top of the pen so flying predators (eagles, hawks, owls) can't get at them so I have to walk hunched over slightly to get around in their pen (no fun for older backs, but do-able). I'll take some photos soon so you can see the new chick digs. I swear the hen house looks like Snoopy's doghouse (except for the color). I want to put a plywood "sleeping Snoopy" on top, but Jackie says no. Too bad. It would be fantabulous, methinks!
I'm thinking of laying down some sod in the chicken pen. We seeded the area a few weeks ago but I think the wee hens are going to eat that all up in no time at all... Sod is very inexpensive right now at McLendon's Hardware... something under $2 a roll, if I'm not mistaken... I could put down the whole expanse for $50, probably... or at least enough so they'd have forage while the rest grows in!
Today I pushed some of the cable spools up the hill so Laverne and Shirley (goats) can get up into the prickly trees and eat the new buds that are emerging. It's a hawthorn tree, I think, and they just LOVE it, so they've been standing on their hind feet to get at it for days. Today I figured I'd help 'em out. The spool elevates them another three feet (approx) so they have more of their favorite forage now. I'll take pix of that during the next sunshiny day, too...
Stay tuned!
This past weekend Jackie, Phil, Wendy, Casey, Jamie and I built a hen house and a chicken pen for our six chickens, which we raised from infancy. They are now looking like pint-sized versions of what will become their adult selves, so we had to get the facilities made for them. They have been freed from a small (goat-sized) cage to the great outdoors, and they love it. They have started to teach themselves to fly. They sure know how to peck for food already; that comes naturally!
I set a large dog igloo in the center of the "barnyard" so they have a place to get in out of the rain and sunshine if they don't want to climb the ramp into the hen house.
They don't know how to climb the ramp yet. They will descend it, but I haven't seen them ascend it yet, so I have to collect them to put them in bed at night until they figure that out. (Some night time critters are small enough to get in through the chicken fence, so they need to be shut in at night.)
We put plastic netting over the top of the pen so flying predators (eagles, hawks, owls) can't get at them so I have to walk hunched over slightly to get around in their pen (no fun for older backs, but do-able). I'll take some photos soon so you can see the new chick digs. I swear the hen house looks like Snoopy's doghouse (except for the color). I want to put a plywood "sleeping Snoopy" on top, but Jackie says no. Too bad. It would be fantabulous, methinks!
I'm thinking of laying down some sod in the chicken pen. We seeded the area a few weeks ago but I think the wee hens are going to eat that all up in no time at all... Sod is very inexpensive right now at McLendon's Hardware... something under $2 a roll, if I'm not mistaken... I could put down the whole expanse for $50, probably... or at least enough so they'd have forage while the rest grows in!
Today I pushed some of the cable spools up the hill so Laverne and Shirley (goats) can get up into the prickly trees and eat the new buds that are emerging. It's a hawthorn tree, I think, and they just LOVE it, so they've been standing on their hind feet to get at it for days. Today I figured I'd help 'em out. The spool elevates them another three feet (approx) so they have more of their favorite forage now. I'll take pix of that during the next sunshiny day, too...
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
BRAVO, WASHINGTON STATE! #3 Least-Corrupt State in the Union
Washington
> Overall Grade: B- (83%)
> Public access to information: B-
> Legislative accountability: B+
> Political financing: C+
> Ethics enforcement agencies: B-
Washington stands out among states for its exemplary level of transparency. In 1972, the state was the first to pass a Public Records Act, which is a series of laws intended to guarantee public access to public records of government bodies at all levels. The state has strict ethics laws and campaign disclosure laws, and an Open Public Meetings Act that requires transparency. The state’s judiciary are elected directly by citizens at all levels. State legislature committee meetings and floor action are open to the public and often featured on state television.
Read more: America’s Least Corrupt States - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2012/03/22/americas-least-corrupt-states/#ixzz1qLEIsuAa
> Overall Grade: B- (83%)
> Public access to information: B-
> Legislative accountability: B+
> Political financing: C+
> Ethics enforcement agencies: B-
Washington stands out among states for its exemplary level of transparency. In 1972, the state was the first to pass a Public Records Act, which is a series of laws intended to guarantee public access to public records of government bodies at all levels. The state has strict ethics laws and campaign disclosure laws, and an Open Public Meetings Act that requires transparency. The state’s judiciary are elected directly by citizens at all levels. State legislature committee meetings and floor action are open to the public and often featured on state television.
Read more: America’s Least Corrupt States - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2012/03/22/americas-least-corrupt-states/#ixzz1qLEIsuAa
Monday, March 12, 2012
What Does a Copywriter Do?
WHAT DOES A COPYWRITER DO? © 2012 by Kristine M. Smith
Consider the power of words when eloquently aligned. Words have inspired great works of art, terrible acts of war, and selfless acts of love. According to Genesis, God’s words alone created the universe and everything in it, seen and unseen.
As a business owner, speaker, coach, or entrepreneur, what kind of world are you creating with the words you’ve posted or spoken to let others know about you and what you can do for them?
Are you pushing a product or service at people and wondering why your conversion rate is laughably low?
Is your “target audience” not fully-understanding the rock-solid value of your offer?
If not, is it because you’re targeting them rather than transforming them into mini-you’s who “sneeze” your products and services virally because they’ve been transformed by what you’ve done for them?
The value of a professional copywriter can’t be calculated and should never be underestimated...but sadly, all too often it is.
Perhaps you consider copywriters to be paid product pushers, ad men and women, shills for the people they serve, undeserving of respect or wealth. Certainly there are those in the trade who will work on any project regardless of its value, just as there are vanity publishers who will publish trash because they’re in it strictly for the fees they can charge.
But good copywriters pick and choose the people and businesses they serve. Ethical copywriters won’t write false testimonials for start-ups, or a great sales page for an e-book that reeks. Great copywriters look high and low for projects they can invest themselves in 100% for people they respect and admire.
A great copywriter is a wordsmith, a transformer, a magician, a spellbinder.
A great copywriter dances with words, distills benefits into compelling, converting talking points, clarifies hard-to-understand technical papers.
A great copywriter builds brands, creates memorable slogans and taglines.
A great copywriter sells, tells, compels, and propels the people who are in need of your product or service.
A great copywriter knows how to approach your prospect and blow in his or her ear, how to create a little intrigue and romance.
A great copywriter knows that social media is no place to behave like a bull in a china shop. They’ve taken the book LIKEABLE SOCIAL MEDIA to heart and will not behave badly when writing in that realm.
Great copywriters almost never offer their services at bargain basement prices, even in this economy. If/when they do, it is usually out of the fullness of their hearts for causes or people they know and feel compelled to serve out of a commonality of purpose or an abiding friendship.
If you consider professional copywriters expensive, consider these facts:
Like many (if not most) of you, freelance copywriters are entrepreneurs.
We don't get paid vacations
We don't get paid sick days
We rarely get bonuses for outstanding work or holidays
We cover the full costs of any insurance plans we have
We cover 100% of the costs for our federal Social Security and other mandated plans
We don't qualify for unemployment if work doesn’t materialize
We live in an expensive economy
We must take into account the time it requires to find and quote on projects
Although freelance copywriters enjoy our work...sadly....enjoyment doesn't pay the rent!
The National Writers Union and other folks in the know suggest that professional copywriters charge $1 to $2 per word. (That's not a typo.)
Please Note: Because I usually serve start-up entrepreneurs and small businesses, I keep my rates as low as I possibly can because I know how cash-strapped most businesses are in this economy and I want to help--but without losing my shirt!
A lot goes into landing copywriting work (in both time and treasure). It takes (according to Malcolm Gladwell’s THE TIPPING POINT) 10,000 hours to attain proficiency and expertise in any realm. Some freelance writers (including this one) exceeded this exalted milestone before they turned twenty years old. (Air-breathers have to breathe; fish have to swim; writers have to write—the activity isn’t optional. What we do keeps us alive, inside and out.)
If you’ve read this far, you’ve passed the only test I’ll ever give you. I needed you to understand what you’re getting if you choose me to serve you. You’ll get my absolute best efforts based on years of study, practice, and experience—nothing less.
##
Kristine M Smith is a freelance copywriter and the author of six (soon to be seven) books
Consider the power of words when eloquently aligned. Words have inspired great works of art, terrible acts of war, and selfless acts of love. According to Genesis, God’s words alone created the universe and everything in it, seen and unseen.
As a business owner, speaker, coach, or entrepreneur, what kind of world are you creating with the words you’ve posted or spoken to let others know about you and what you can do for them?
Are you pushing a product or service at people and wondering why your conversion rate is laughably low?
Is your “target audience” not fully-understanding the rock-solid value of your offer?
If not, is it because you’re targeting them rather than transforming them into mini-you’s who “sneeze” your products and services virally because they’ve been transformed by what you’ve done for them?
The value of a professional copywriter can’t be calculated and should never be underestimated...but sadly, all too often it is.
Perhaps you consider copywriters to be paid product pushers, ad men and women, shills for the people they serve, undeserving of respect or wealth. Certainly there are those in the trade who will work on any project regardless of its value, just as there are vanity publishers who will publish trash because they’re in it strictly for the fees they can charge.
But good copywriters pick and choose the people and businesses they serve. Ethical copywriters won’t write false testimonials for start-ups, or a great sales page for an e-book that reeks. Great copywriters look high and low for projects they can invest themselves in 100% for people they respect and admire.
A great copywriter is a wordsmith, a transformer, a magician, a spellbinder.
A great copywriter dances with words, distills benefits into compelling, converting talking points, clarifies hard-to-understand technical papers.
A great copywriter builds brands, creates memorable slogans and taglines.
A great copywriter sells, tells, compels, and propels the people who are in need of your product or service.
A great copywriter knows how to approach your prospect and blow in his or her ear, how to create a little intrigue and romance.
A great copywriter knows that social media is no place to behave like a bull in a china shop. They’ve taken the book LIKEABLE SOCIAL MEDIA to heart and will not behave badly when writing in that realm.
Great copywriters almost never offer their services at bargain basement prices, even in this economy. If/when they do, it is usually out of the fullness of their hearts for causes or people they know and feel compelled to serve out of a commonality of purpose or an abiding friendship.
If you consider professional copywriters expensive, consider these facts:
Like many (if not most) of you, freelance copywriters are entrepreneurs.
We don't get paid vacations
We don't get paid sick days
We rarely get bonuses for outstanding work or holidays
We cover the full costs of any insurance plans we have
We cover 100% of the costs for our federal Social Security and other mandated plans
We don't qualify for unemployment if work doesn’t materialize
We live in an expensive economy
We must take into account the time it requires to find and quote on projects
Although freelance copywriters enjoy our work...sadly....enjoyment doesn't pay the rent!
The National Writers Union and other folks in the know suggest that professional copywriters charge $1 to $2 per word. (That's not a typo.)
Please Note: Because I usually serve start-up entrepreneurs and small businesses, I keep my rates as low as I possibly can because I know how cash-strapped most businesses are in this economy and I want to help--but without losing my shirt!
A lot goes into landing copywriting work (in both time and treasure). It takes (according to Malcolm Gladwell’s THE TIPPING POINT) 10,000 hours to attain proficiency and expertise in any realm. Some freelance writers (including this one) exceeded this exalted milestone before they turned twenty years old. (Air-breathers have to breathe; fish have to swim; writers have to write—the activity isn’t optional. What we do keeps us alive, inside and out.)
If you’ve read this far, you’ve passed the only test I’ll ever give you. I needed you to understand what you’re getting if you choose me to serve you. You’ll get my absolute best efforts based on years of study, practice, and experience—nothing less.
##
Kristine M Smith is a freelance copywriter and the author of six (soon to be seven) books
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Likeable Social Media -- A MUST READ for Businesses Large and Small
I've just finished reading LIKEABLE SOCIAL MEDIA by Dave Kerpen. Boy, did I have a lot to learn in the social media realm. I "understood" that social media has to feel social--personal, friendly, one-on-one--and not come across as a giant "in-your-face" ad...that much I understood from reading other copywriting books...but I had no idea how many ways there are to find the people most interested in what I'm so passionate about (DeForest Kelley, critters, the books I've written, the job I love). NOW I do, after reading this insightful, amazing book!
My only concern now is finding the time to implement what the author says needs to be done to make online social interaction worth the time I spend doing it... There are only so many hours in the day, and I spend most of them looking for copywriting work. (A little thing called "the cost of living" dictates how much "leisure" I can spend on social media, networking meetings, and the like. You know the drill, if you're in a business that's running just a wee bit better than "breaking even.") But he's right: the more I do it RIGHT (social media interaction) the more I'll develop "fond bonds" with others, and at some point down the road they'll need (or know someone who needs) a copywriter and they'll think of me when they do...not because I "sold" myself all the time, but because I've become a real human being to them and they trust me to do my best to hit their project out of the ball park for them.
It makes perfect sense. Get the book. It's worth its weight in gold. I downloaded it on my Kindle Fire and plan to read it at least once more right away... There's too much in it to grasp it all the first time around.
My only concern now is finding the time to implement what the author says needs to be done to make online social interaction worth the time I spend doing it... There are only so many hours in the day, and I spend most of them looking for copywriting work. (A little thing called "the cost of living" dictates how much "leisure" I can spend on social media, networking meetings, and the like. You know the drill, if you're in a business that's running just a wee bit better than "breaking even.") But he's right: the more I do it RIGHT (social media interaction) the more I'll develop "fond bonds" with others, and at some point down the road they'll need (or know someone who needs) a copywriter and they'll think of me when they do...not because I "sold" myself all the time, but because I've become a real human being to them and they trust me to do my best to hit their project out of the ball park for them.
It makes perfect sense. Get the book. It's worth its weight in gold. I downloaded it on my Kindle Fire and plan to read it at least once more right away... There's too much in it to grasp it all the first time around.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Why Are Post-ers so MEAN These Days?
I just read through some of the Whitney Houston "traffic" and was appalled by the number of people who went out of their way to trash her legacy because she was an insecure, wounded human being with an unhealthy way of dealing with it.
What has happened to the soul of America? Is nothing sacred anymore? Is another person's tragedy fodder for gloating like the Pharisees of old, whose "prayers to God" were self-serving propaganda meant for the ears of bystanders?
Instead of "There but for the grace of God go I..." we get "She got what every addict deserves."
Really? Really?!!!
I'm not an addict (except to too many calories) so I have no skin in this game. But I have known and loved addicts...and they are, for the most part, absolutely BEAUTIFUL wounded souls looking for something to take away the pain, the loneliness, or something else that every other human being on the planet requires, too.
Anyone without compassion for them needs a heart transplant.
OK. I feel better now. I've had my say.
I am so sick and tired of people trashing each other politically, spiritually, and in every other way. Have we forgotten what the term "civil-ized" means?
Seems we're becoming a nation of verbal barbarians...and I loathe it.
REPENT! Unless we do, America is doomed.
What has happened to the soul of America? Is nothing sacred anymore? Is another person's tragedy fodder for gloating like the Pharisees of old, whose "prayers to God" were self-serving propaganda meant for the ears of bystanders?
Instead of "There but for the grace of God go I..." we get "She got what every addict deserves."
Really? Really?!!!
I'm not an addict (except to too many calories) so I have no skin in this game. But I have known and loved addicts...and they are, for the most part, absolutely BEAUTIFUL wounded souls looking for something to take away the pain, the loneliness, or something else that every other human being on the planet requires, too.
Anyone without compassion for them needs a heart transplant.
OK. I feel better now. I've had my say.
I am so sick and tired of people trashing each other politically, spiritually, and in every other way. Have we forgotten what the term "civil-ized" means?
Seems we're becoming a nation of verbal barbarians...and I loathe it.
REPENT! Unless we do, America is doomed.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Laverne and Shirley: The Continuing Saga
Today, because it was decent weather, I decided it was a good time to trim the goats' hooves. The problem: Laverne didn't think it was a good time. (She never does.)
When they were kids--25, 30 pounds tops --trimming their hooves was relatively easy; now that they weigh close to 200 pound each, it's still relatively easy...with Shirley! She's an easy-going sweetheart who knows I would never do anything to hurt her. I reckon that's the nature of Boer goats, because she has always been the sweet, easy-going one. She'll tuck her head into my shoulder or neck and let me pet her. When I was putting up the fence this summer, she followed me the whole way, "helping" me by putting her head between my arm and my body so I could pet her every few minutes. It took longer to finish up that way, but it was waaaaayyyy more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise. (I just love an appreciative "apprentice".)
But Laverne is a red goat--I swear she's at least half Kalahari goat, because I saw a photo of a Kalahari goat and she looks exactly like that one; her horns even curl the same way (differently than Shirley's). Laverne is probably at least ten percent heavier than Shirley and half a hand taller. And she has always been the comedienne of the two. She figures out ways to make me laugh every day. But she's a big problem when it comes to hoof trimming.
I can trim Shirley's hooves without putting a leash and collar on her. All I have to do is put apple slices or grain in her bucket and she lets me work on her because, let's face it, hoof trimming doesn't hurt one bit.
But I have to put a collar and leash on Laverne and then tie the leash to a heavy vertical beam because she'll drag me all over hell's half acre if I don't. She's just convinced I am about to amputate her foot at the knee. Even as closely-tied as she is to the beam, she darts and ducks and spins and bolts and rears and crashes to the ground trying to avoid having me pick up her feet. I have to cavort with her in this bucking bronco way for three or four minutes before she decides to let me pick up her feet. Then, when I do, and I finally get her all taken care of she becomes as docile as a newborn lamb. She stands there regarding me with gentle eyes, allows me to pet her and run my fingers through her thick winter coat. It's like she suddenly realizes what Shirley knows from the get-go: Just because I pick up a pair of hoof clippers doesn't mean I have lost my mind and become Jack the Ripper.
Needless to say, by the time I get both goats' feet taken care of, I'm easily as worn out at Laverne is! We both sit there (well, I sit; she stands) looking at each other. I'm laughing; she would, too, if she could.
I sometimes think she isn't half as scared as she's pretending to be. I think she just enjoys giving me a run for my money. She doesn't pant or cry out at all; she just acts "flighty" -- as if I'm a coyote about to eviscerate her, even though she knows I won't.
It's just part of what makes her unique. I don't know if all Kalahari goats share this trait, but I can say that I'm glad I only have to wrestle ONE of my goats to care for their hooves!
When they were kids--25, 30 pounds tops --trimming their hooves was relatively easy; now that they weigh close to 200 pound each, it's still relatively easy...with Shirley! She's an easy-going sweetheart who knows I would never do anything to hurt her. I reckon that's the nature of Boer goats, because she has always been the sweet, easy-going one. She'll tuck her head into my shoulder or neck and let me pet her. When I was putting up the fence this summer, she followed me the whole way, "helping" me by putting her head between my arm and my body so I could pet her every few minutes. It took longer to finish up that way, but it was waaaaayyyy more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise. (I just love an appreciative "apprentice".)
But Laverne is a red goat--I swear she's at least half Kalahari goat, because I saw a photo of a Kalahari goat and she looks exactly like that one; her horns even curl the same way (differently than Shirley's). Laverne is probably at least ten percent heavier than Shirley and half a hand taller. And she has always been the comedienne of the two. She figures out ways to make me laugh every day. But she's a big problem when it comes to hoof trimming.
I can trim Shirley's hooves without putting a leash and collar on her. All I have to do is put apple slices or grain in her bucket and she lets me work on her because, let's face it, hoof trimming doesn't hurt one bit.
But I have to put a collar and leash on Laverne and then tie the leash to a heavy vertical beam because she'll drag me all over hell's half acre if I don't. She's just convinced I am about to amputate her foot at the knee. Even as closely-tied as she is to the beam, she darts and ducks and spins and bolts and rears and crashes to the ground trying to avoid having me pick up her feet. I have to cavort with her in this bucking bronco way for three or four minutes before she decides to let me pick up her feet. Then, when I do, and I finally get her all taken care of she becomes as docile as a newborn lamb. She stands there regarding me with gentle eyes, allows me to pet her and run my fingers through her thick winter coat. It's like she suddenly realizes what Shirley knows from the get-go: Just because I pick up a pair of hoof clippers doesn't mean I have lost my mind and become Jack the Ripper.
Needless to say, by the time I get both goats' feet taken care of, I'm easily as worn out at Laverne is! We both sit there (well, I sit; she stands) looking at each other. I'm laughing; she would, too, if she could.
I sometimes think she isn't half as scared as she's pretending to be. I think she just enjoys giving me a run for my money. She doesn't pant or cry out at all; she just acts "flighty" -- as if I'm a coyote about to eviscerate her, even though she knows I won't.
It's just part of what makes her unique. I don't know if all Kalahari goats share this trait, but I can say that I'm glad I only have to wrestle ONE of my goats to care for their hooves!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Copywriter/Wordsmith for Hire -- by the Hour, Day, Week or Project
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Face of an Angel... ALPHA ROSSETTI -- Gone 28 Years, Never Forgotten!
ALPHA ROSSETTI:
MORE THAN A SCHOOL TEACHER
(AND I REVERE SCHOOL TEACHERS!!!!!)
For many of you, this is the first sight you have of the woman who first believed in me as a writer. I received this photo today from her daughter, Susan , who has also been a school teacher for many years. (I'm happy to report that the apple didn't fall far from the Alpha tree.)
Of course, for those of you who grew up in Cle Elum during the same time I did (and in the decades before and for a decade or so after), you know, remember and revere Alpha Rossetti every bit as much as I do. She was an institution in our town. Her husband Mike was the mayor of Cle Elum (more than once, as I recall). With only 1600 people in the little burg (at that time), we were scarcely more than a village. Everyone knew everyone.
Ten years after I graduated from high school I went back for a visit. Mrs. Rossetti asked me, then, to call her Alpha, but I was never able to do it. To me, she earned the august title "Mrs. Rossetti". The familiarity of Alpha just never felt right to me. There are some teachers who inhabit their titles. She did.
Susan tells me her mom loved me. I have a feeling she probably loved a lot of her students. But I know she loved me. I absolutely do. She wasn't obvious about it, of course. She wasn't even "obviously" Susan's mom in class! She was a Teacher. Back in those days (the 1960's), Cle Elum High was "old school", scarcely past the knuckle-rapping days of yore. Teachers were Teachers. You didn't mess around. You Respected them. And because we did, we learned a lot. Our school's scholatic rating was always among the highest in the state.
But back to the major thread of this story...
While my dad was telling me to "get my head out of the clouds" and stop being so foolish as to think I would ever make a living as a writer, Mrs. Rossetti was telling me I was an amazing writer and buying me subscriptions to THE WRITER magazine. She did this, I suspect, because one time when she told me I was a very good writer, I asked her, "Teach me how to be better!" She told me that great writing wasn't something she could teach. (I get that, now, but back then I thought any English teacher could be a great writer if they decided to sit down and write: they knew all the rules and had stories to tell. What more did great writing require?)
She told me, "I can't teach you how to be better. I'm not a writer. But I'm a reader--and I know good writing when I see it."
I reckon my request preyed on her mind. Not long after this brief exchange, she handed me a copy of THE WRITER magazine. I have no doubt my eyes flew right out of their sockets!
Then she said, "I've paid for a two year subscription for you." (We were a poor farm family. We could no more have afforded a magazine subscription that only one family member would read than we could fly to the moon.) This was her way of teaching me how to be better--the only way she felt she could reliably!
I practically memorized every issue.
She also loved me enough to set me straight when my teen-age personality begin to segue from sweet to sour. She took me aside one day after class to advise me, not unkindly, "I don't like your new personality."
OMG! OMG! OMG! Red Alert! The very thought of losing Mrs. Rossetti's high regard for me catapulted my racing heart into my throat! I quickly regained my sanity. She never spoke of it again.
There are some people who become so much a part of your heart that you know they're sitting in heaven just waiting for you to beam up. These are the same souls you're half-compelled to go AWOL from life to see again, sooner than God has scheduled your leave-taking.
Alpha Rossetti is one of those. I simply cannot wait to see her again. But alas, I must. Until then, this new photo will sit to the right of my flat screen monitor, smiling at me...
She has been gone 28 years. In 28 years I'll be gone--probably sooner. And that's okay with me. I've got great friends over yonder that I'm missing like crazy. And a Savior I'm aching to embrace.
Cowabunga. It's going to be great!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Laverne and Shirley
Arghhh! Trying to get Laverne and Shirley to "focus" on food long enough (off-leash) so I can trim their hooves is ... insane. But that's what I tried to do today because I hate tying them to a post and upsetting them. (Not that they get all that upset tied to a post, but I like to do what I have to do with the least amount of wrestling I can get away with.) I got three hooves on both trimmed; I'll try to get the last two (one each) done tomorrow or sometime later this week.
I cannot believe we are just eight days away from Christmas and fourteen days away from 2012. I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet; it isn't cold enough or dreary enough outside to warrant this date! I hope the wee ones' Christmas pageant will kick me into high gear... I'm also slated to go see OLIVER at the Lakewood Playhouse this week. I'm looking forward to that! The rest of the family (sis, niece and grandkids) all went to see PETER PAN live last night at the Tacoma Musical Theater. I declined; two plays in one week won't work for me. I need my beauty rest... for what it's worth (not a helluva lot, judging by gazing into the mirror!).
I hope you're warm, cozy, ready for Christmas and very, very happy.
I cannot believe we are just eight days away from Christmas and fourteen days away from 2012. I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet; it isn't cold enough or dreary enough outside to warrant this date! I hope the wee ones' Christmas pageant will kick me into high gear... I'm also slated to go see OLIVER at the Lakewood Playhouse this week. I'm looking forward to that! The rest of the family (sis, niece and grandkids) all went to see PETER PAN live last night at the Tacoma Musical Theater. I declined; two plays in one week won't work for me. I need my beauty rest... for what it's worth (not a helluva lot, judging by gazing into the mirror!).
I hope you're warm, cozy, ready for Christmas and very, very happy.
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