How A Published Author Can Become A Paid Public Speaker
by Wendy Keller
A book is your golden ticket into the speaking business. If you had a book published by a "real" publisher within the last 12 months in your hands, you have the calling card you need to get those speaking engagements now.
Some authors-to-be and new authors have trouble figuring out precisely how to leverage that book into speaking. First, when the book is printed, ask the publisher for a few hundred copies of the cover, as "overrun." Usually you can have them free or at cost. They make large-sized, noticeable postcards to send to meeting planners to attract their attention.
Next, you want to get media. Radio, print, television appearances based on your book are all critical. Capture the name of the show, the host and the date you appeared and put it on your website, in your speaker's package, and in your file. Eventually, you will collect all of your TV clips and ask a professional video editor to combine it into an excellent montage. These will impress the heck out of a meeting planner and should be used liberally.
Now that you've got some ammo, and assuming you have a website touting your brilliance and your book, it's time to petition all those hapless meeting planners out there. Write letters, make phone calls, send post cards, follow up and be persistent.
You can buy a book of meeting planners in any industry online. Then, you make them your new friends. Go to their meetings. Hang out. Cold call them and be friendly.
I personally love cold calling. I also don't even notice rejection. I suggest you adopt my personality for a little while each day. In the speaker trainings I do, I make them all recite a mantra that will help their business. "The most important thing that I can do is make 12 calls between 10 and 2." That refers to the minimum I expect from a speaker-to-be. Make 12 calls each day to meeting planners, offer them you, a free copy of your book, send them a postcard thanking them for their time on the phone written on your book jacket cover, and make at least three follow up calls (or fewer if they tell you to quit calling.)
Make those 12 calls five days a week. Give them what they ask you for. If you do this, you will make 3,120 calls in a year. You will have gotten speaking engagements simply by the law of averages. Your investment of time will be small, but results can be huge.
Good luck!
(c) 2007, Keller Media, Inc. Want to use this article in your publication? Reprints welcome so long as the article and by-line are reprinted intact and all links made live.
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How To Love Your Kidults By Letting Go
How To Love Your Kidults By Letting Go
by Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D.
How to Love Your Kidults By Letting Go
By Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D.
Are you a loving but hovering parent? Parents typically are raising fewer children today and have actively pursued an only-the-best policy from infancy on. So far, the twenty-something progeny of Helicopter parents have reaped the benefits from some of these advantages. Record numbers are attending college and the rate of teenage pregnancy is down.
So what's the beef? The question is where the Sandwich Generation should draw the line: between support and intrusion, encouragement and control, cheering from the sidelines or meddling in the game? Here are some tips to start you thinking about this fine line in the relationship with your kidults.
1. Giving up old habits of micromanaging is hard. When you watch, worry and hang on, you�re giving your emerging adult children the message that you don�t trust that they can be on their own.
2. Today�s technology makes it almost too easy to stay connected. Establish a middle ground where you don�t enable your adult children, yet they know you�re there if they really need you.
3. Being too directive - about college applications, class registration, roommate disputes, job searches, dating partners - fosters dependency at a time when developing decision making skills is paramount to building self esteem.
4. While financial assistance for the necessities is a parent�s responsibility, it can have a pampering effect. Beginning in high school, encourage your children to get a part-time job and gain budgeting experience. Your goal is to prepare your kidults to live alone. If they�re unable to manage, boomeranging back home becomes the only option and the whole family pays the price.
5. Remember what it was like for you growing up? How did you use your personal strengths and become more self sufficient? Put some of these good ideas to work. Mentor your growing children but let them also learn for themselves.
Watching your children approach adulthood is a bittersweet experience, as you see your carefully crafted and longstanding identity slip away. As your family matures, you are faced with the challenges that come with letting go and beginning again in a new role.
After 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, Melanie was looking for work she could feel passionate about. �I know I am beginning to plant the seeds of change. I am delighting in my separate life and listening to my inner voice. Until now I�ve been a helpmate and mothering has been my job. Now I�m looking for a career.� Like Melanie, it may help to look at this transition in a different light, as you generate new opportunities for yourself.
© http://www.HerMentorCenter.com - 2006
About The Author
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I Won The Lottery! Or, Maybe Not
I Won The Lottery! Or, Maybe Not
by Shari Hearn
I must be the luckiest person alive. In the past three days I found out I won 1.5 Million Euros in the UK lottery, One Million Euros in the Winx International Lottery, 1.5 Million Euros in the 2007 E-Mail Lottery, and 500,000 Pounds in an e-mail lottery held by the Coca Cola Company. Wow! What did I do to receive all these riches?
The sad truth is there are actually people who fall for these schemes. For the promise of a quick buck (or million Euros as the case may be) people will turn over their bank account numbers, wire money in the hopes of getting more back, or give other information that could lead to identity theft.
These lottery and sweepstakes schemes have gone on long before the internet, with one of the oldest being the phony sweepstakes which required an entrance fee to claim your prize, which amounted to more than the �prize� was worth. Another variation of that scheme was requiring the potential �winner� to call a certain number to find out if he or she was a winner. The phone call cost the potential �winner� a certain amount per minute with an unusually-long wait time on hold. The real winner was the scamming company which made money off the phone calls.
Today�s thieves have a wide choice of scam-delivery mechanisms, including in person, the mail, phone and internet. However, the same holds true no matter how the scam is delivered: if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
How Can You Recognize the Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam?
There are certainly legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes offers. Who hasn�t bought a state or multi-state lottery ticket from their local lottery retailer? Or, who hasn�t seen one of those sweepstakes offered by a recognized company advertising in the coupon section of the Sunday newspaper? You fill out the entry form or reasonable facsimile (usually a 3�x5� card) with your name and address and send it off.
Therein is your biggest clue as to whether you�re the victim of a scam. In a legitimate lottery or sweepstakes you have bought the ticket or entered your name and address. In a scam lottery or sweepstakes you are notified you�ve won when you haven�t even entered or bought a ticket.
In addition, it�s illegal to use the mail or telephone to play lotteries across borders, whether national or state lines. Any lottery offer involving the purchase of lottery tickets for other state or country lotteries could end up with you being charged with illegal activities.
One ploy used by foreign scammers involving lotteries or sweepstakes is offering you an �advance� on your winnings. The scam artist will send you a check for part of your �winnings.� All you have to do is wire them payment for �taxes� or other official purposes. By the time you find out their check has bounced the money you wired is in their hands. And, because it was wired it�s harder to trace.
Lottery scammers don�t always use e-mail or the phone. Sometimes they do their dirty work in person. A typical scam would go something like this: You are approached in person by someone who claims he or she just won the lottery but isn�t eligible to claim it. They offer to split the money with you if you claim the prize. Sounds good, right? Except that before you claim the prize from the lottery retailer you are required to withdraw some money from your account and give it to the ticket holder as a good-faith gesture. By the time you find out you�re holding a non-winning lottery ticket, the thief is long-gone with your good-faith money.
In order to protect yourself from these scams, it�s important to remember the following:
Lotteries
�It�s illegal to use the mail or telephone to play lotteries across borders.
�If you ever receive a phone call, letter or e-mail announcing you just won a lottery, it�s a scam.
Sweepstakes
�It�s illegal for a company to require you to pay to win or claim a sweepstakes prize.
�It�s illegal for a company to suggest that buying something will improve your chances of winning.
�Companies cannot ask for money from you for taxes they say you owe on a sweepstakes winning.
�Be cautious when entering sweepstakes from displays you see in malls � often times these are people just wanting your name and address for a future sweepstakes scam.
�Only enter sweepstakes from recognizable companies, and never pay a fee to enter.
Avoiding being the victim of a scam takes a healthy dose of skepticism. If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of an offer made to you, you can call the National Fraud Information Center�s Hotline at 1-800-876-7060.
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15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities!
15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities!
by Natalia Ippolito
Children are born to move. They have tons of energy and need an outlet to burn it up, so it can be tough to get them to be still and listen. It is even more difficult for children who have special needs or disabilities to be confined to an area.
Most large airports have a designated lane for passengers with a disability. It normally is marked with a universal handicap symbol (blue placard). If you have a child with a disability, you may utilize this lane if it is available at your airport. You can also use the kid friendly lanes. If you don't see a blue placard right away, then tell the boarding pass/identification checker that you will need to use a lane designated for children with a disability, and he or she will direct you.
Some smaller airports may not have an extra lane; therefore, you may be directed to a lane for secondary screening. If you are not selected for secondary screening, you shouldn't have to wait behind those passengers who are. A screener should screen you first. If this does not happen, ask to speak with a supervisor. I suggest you call the airport ahead of time and ask if security checkpoint has a person with disabilities lane available.
If your child is in a wheelchair, expect the screener to ask you if the child can walk through the metal detector. This question will be asked for the sole reason to prevent the child from having to go through secondary screening which includes the dreaded hand-wanding or pat-down. If your child cannot walk, screeners are trained to screen him or her either by a pat-down with the child seated in the wheelchair or a hand-wanding if he or she can stand. It is completely up to you, the parent, how you want your child to be screened.
The same guidelines apply to children as they do for adults for prosthetic devices, oxygen, casts, braces or any medical condition or device. If your doctor tells you that your medical device cannot go through the x-ray or you cannot walk through the metal detector, then don't. Have your medical device hand-checked and ask for a pat-down.
The screeners, like the parent, want what is best for the child during the screening process. Screeners want a positive experience for everyone and do their best to get you on your way.
TIPS
1. Go directly to the boarding pass/ID checker, bypassing the line. You do not have to wait in line.
2. Stay together. An adult always needs to be present during screening if the child is a minor.
3. Ask the screener to change their gloves.
4. Ask for a chair at any time if your child needs one during the screening process.
5. Ask for a private screening if you don't want the screening to be conducted in public.
6. If your child cannot or does not want to walk through the metal detector, then ask for a hand-wanding or pat-down.
7. If your child is in a wheelchair, he or she can be screened sitting down.
8. Tell the screener what your child's physical capabilities and limitations are.
9. You should always have a clear view of all carry-on baggage.
10. Parents should assist if they feel it's necessary after they have been screened.
11. Parents should communicate the best way to screen their children.
12. The screener or porter should assist you by placing your carry-ons on the x-ray belt.
13. The screener should reunite you with your carry-ons and any medical devices once they have been screened.
14. The screener will not move or lift your child from his or her medical device.
15. Call the airlines ahead of time and make arrangements for a porter to assist you and for any medical aids or devices you need for your trip.
About The Author
Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at http://www.airportbook.com
Acai Berries Are The New Superfruit
Acai Berries Are The New Superfruit
by Hillary Marshak
Berries and chocolate. Generally a great combination, right? What if there was a berry that had a cocoa flavor in it? Well as nature would have it, there is. This extraordinarily nutritious berry is called the acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee). While it doesn�t exactly taste like pure chocolate, the bitterness of cacao is incorporated into acai�s intense flavor. The flavor is actually hard to pinpoint as some of its juices have been compared to bitter raspberries while others claim acai produces a salty aftertaste (like say, olives.) Ok, I'm the one that said that. But the flavor is not the only thing that makes acai so unique.
>From the rainforests of the Amazons, acai berries have been consumed by Brazilians for centuries. But recently, more and more of these grape-sized berries are falling from the South American palm trees into juice bottles around the world.
Labeled the antioxidant superfood, it�s known for its substantially large amounts of antioxidants and nutritional value. Acai has double the cancer-fighting power of blueberries, the formerly known antioxidant contest frontrunner. Consumption of the berry not only helps prevent and attack cancerous cells, but it is said to boost energy and overall immunity as well. Actually, the list of supposed and even validated benefits is virtually endless from improved digestion to better circulation, and even better sleep. It is based on these extraordinary characteristics that acai has been referred to as the most healthful fruit in the world.
But, if you�re a juice producer looking for a new venture, many juice and smoothie producers have already jumped the gun on capitalizing on the healthful fruit. While the trend is still fairly recent, grocery store shelves are already well stocked with the likes of organic acai juices, yogurt drinks, smoothies, and even teas.
And the bottles of these products make many a pretty promise. I�m actually drinking an �Organic Acai Antioxidant Superfood Smoothie� right now that claims it�s sufficient for a meal replacement. Is that true? Well, it sure seems to satisfy my nutritional needs as the Nutrition Facts label shows sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, potassium and even omega-3 fatty acids! And�actually it�s the only thing I�ve eaten today so far and I don�t think I�m hungry! Maybe this stuff really does work (Don�t try this at home though folks, acai shouldn�t be the only thing you eat all day.)
Acai has also shown promises of preventing heart disease, as it has 10-30 times the amount of cardiovascular-fighting phytochemical called anthocyanin found in red wine. You may have heard of these phytochemicals from the French Paradox that enumerates the oddity of heart disease�s rare occurrence in France despite their high fat intake. The concept bears the phytochemicals in the red wine responsible for their continued health.
With all these benefits filling the air, the fruit sounds perfect right? Well I'm not here to tell you that it isn't, but I am here to tell you to be cautious about how much acai you consume. There is such a thing as an antioxidant overdose that has adverse effects such as weakness, fever and toxicity. So, with a fruit so jam-packed with antioxidants, one must be careful. Experts suggest discussing with your doctor what your optimal dosage of antioxidants is.
Sources:
Acai Berry Fruit Guide
Sambazon SuperGreens Revolution
Mona Vie Acai Drink
About The Author
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Types of Vegetarian
Types of Vegetarian
by Cathy Liew
Types of Vegetarian
In a typical setting, with some typical people, I came up with my typical confession that I have become a vegetarian. Very typically, someone will pause for a second, then ask:"Oh! But you do eat fish right?" My typical respond would be a firm "no". Arrgh!
There are many types of vegetarian. A typical one would be a Vegan. They are the most religious of all. Not only does not eat meat, but also abstain from garlic, chives, shallots, ginger, daily products like eggs, milk, cheeze, etc.... its the most difficult to practice and easiest to give-up because of it's regidity. But I do admire them because it takes determinations, lots of great determination, to sustain.
Another type would be those that practice being a Vegan on certain days of the month. Easiest to follow since just a few days every month. But let's not stop here. There is more to be done. Go! Vege! Go!
One type to watch out for are those that abstain from one or more types of meat. For example pork, beef, seafood (for these I suspect its more due to religion, mental or physical). Nevertheless, some form of abstain is a good beginning.
A typical goumet like me settle for becoming a Lacto-Ova Vegetarian. One that omits meats but eats anything else edible. So long as it does not promotes killing. Its the easiest to stick to and also most widely acceptable among other practices. We still want to enjoy deliciously cooked saliva dripping food, don't we? Nah... So much for attachments!
You can chose one of the above style that typically fits in your daily routine to begin with. But whichever you chose, bare this in mind:-
The spririt of giving brings joy. But the joyous gift of all is the gift of life!
Cathy Liew
(http://govege.blogspot.com)
About The Author
You are welcome to publish or republish this article in any webpage or blogs. As long as you put a link back to my blog at http://govege.blogspot.com
Hosting A Family Game Night
Hosting A Family Game Night
by Kadence Buchanan
More and more, families are finding that their connections with each other are not as strong as they should be. With the rush-rush attitude of today and TV and the internet taking up more and more of our individual time, we often take our families for granted. To that end, many families have begun creating �game nights' as an opportunity to spend time with loved ones while having a great time. With the business of modern day life, scheduling a game night once a week or even once a month can provide a much-needed break from the stressful aspects of life. When we play games, we allow ourselves to have fun and let the wild side of our personality come out. You can learn a lot about your family members when you take them on in a board game challenge!
Having a good time with their parents is one of the greatest opportunities that you can give your child. Society often tells us that to be good parents, we need to take our children to various activities, signing them up for sports and hobbies and letting them learn things on their own. Game nights provide a way for children to interact positively with their parents and siblings, helping them to develop a stronger sense of family than most children.
If your children are hesitant about the idea of participating in a weekly game night, one method to get their children excited that some parents partake in is a points system. When you play games, assign points to everybody playing the game when the end comes. You can assign a prize for the person with the most points in a week, month, or whatever amount of time you choose. If you're working on a tight budget, you can make simple rewards for game night winners such as a week without chores.
Relaxation is often neglected by those in today's world. Just taking a night out of your schedule to relax, kick back, and enjoy games and fun with your family can offer an enormous payoff on your psyche. Everyone deserves a break, and game night can provide exactly that.
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