The Timesaver

Two of my colleagues reminded me today that time is running out on Skype’s offer for a whole year of unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada for $14.95! (But hurry…it goes to $29.95 after January 31, 2007!) You get 12 months of unlimited calls to any phone in the U.S. and Canada, right from your computer. They’re also giving you more than an hour of international calling time AND $50 in coupons to get a Motorola headset, Netgear WiFi phone, and a Polycom speakerphone.

Thanks Mary McDonald (The McDonald Consulting Group) and Paula Fehringer (blueship.com) for jogging my memory and saving me some money! You’ve got a week to get in on this deal, so don’t space off like I almost did! (Or hopefully you’ve got a friend like Mary or Paula who will remind you!)

(Lincoln, NE)—Podcasting is taking the Internet by storm, and women worldwide are seizing microphones and creating their own internet broadcasts covering a wide range of topics. Many of them will converge next weekend in virtual, audio visual web conference rooms and exhibitor booths and share their favorite subjects with interested ladies from around the world.

The Business Podcasting Expo, set for January 19-21, has already attracted an impressive and diverse lineup of speakers and exhibitors, according to Glenda Hinz, member of Co-OpWorld, co-sponsor for this live, interactive Internet event.

“All are invited to register at here” says Hinz. “Simply explore the website and view the schedule of events and activities. They do not have to be familiar with or even interested in podcasting.”

There are interactive exhibits, online shopping and networking events galore, plus three free seminars open to the public. There will also be ongoing podcasts taking place in the “Studio Livecast” room around the clock to which everyone is invited.

Main feature online seminars, covering topics about podcasting, will be held in Co-OpWorld’s audio-visual VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) web conference rooms. Attendees who purchase a $49.95 ticket may access all of the events and may download all of the seminar recordings following the event.

Hinz said, “To get maximum benefit from the Expo, Internet access, a PC or Macintosh, speakers or a headset, and a microphone are needed.

“I have personally enjoyed participating in many Co-OpWorld sponsored web conferences, and I didn’t have to be a computer ‘techie’ to get set up the first time.”

“The three free seminars will close once the room capacity of five hundred is reached, so register free of charge early,” Hinz added.

Business Resources Podcast Directory (BRPD)
presents
“Designing a Compelling 30-second Pitch”
co-hosted by Cristina Favreau

My colleague and fellow podcast directory owner, Rima McDonald of Business Resources Podcast Directory, is hosting a networking event this week you won’t want to miss! 

Is one of your resolutions for 2007 to do more networking? What about clarifying your marketing message?

Good for you! And now what???
 
When you answer the “So, what do you do?” question, do you get blank stares or lose your audience?
 
How would you like to evoke this reaction instead: “WOW! That’s exactly what I need! Can you give me more details?”
 
The secret to successful networking lies in PREPARATION and FEEDBACK!
 
Join Cristina Favreau on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007, at 6pm CST/ 7pm EST/ 4pm PST as she co-hosts the next BRPD’s MEMBERS ONLY business/ networking event with Rima McDonald.
 
Her theme is “Designing a Compelling 30-second Pitch.”
 
And what better way to launch such an event than by highlighting a priceless networking skill: crafting your own 30-second introduction.
 
Not only will you use this introduction during networking events, but you’ll also use it on your website, membership profiles, marketing materials and so much more.
 
Here’s how it works….
 
Cristina will share with you her own successful recipe (as featured on her blog) as well as some new tricks. But she won’t be doing all the talking…
 
After she showed you how, you will be introducing yourself to the group, using your own compelling introduction.
 
Doing it this way accomplishes two important goals: testing your new introduction and networking with the other participants.
 
Want to get even more out of the event? Come prepared with these elements:
 
*Your target audience (who, specifically; not just “small business owners” or “accountants”)
*Your specialty (again, be specific)
*The main challenges/pains your target audience faces (no more than 2 or 3)
*How you help them overcome these challenges/pains
*What is the main benefit? Can it be measured?
 
Having this information ready and in front of you during the presentation will help you pay close attention to the crafting process, instead of coming up with this information on-the-spot.
 
Admission is FREE.
 
This event is exclusively for registered users (members) of the Business Resources Podcast Directory, so please register as a user (member) of the directory to attend this event. You will receive an email about the event and a link to reserve your spot upon your registration.
 
There’s no fee to register as a user (member) of the directory.
 
Note that this is an online event, you will need a computer headset plugged in your computer to attend this event.

Excerpted from Who Mentored You?

When you were a child or young adult, was there someone in your life—a teacher, neighbor, relative, coach, friend, or boss—who encouraged you, showed you the ropes, and helped you become who you are today? That person was a mentor to you. January is National Mentoring Month, and Thursday, January 25, 2007 is the fourth annual Thank Your Mentor Day.