Kelly McCausey » Good Advice

Taking a Social Media Break

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:23:56 +0000

There’s no doubt that Social Media changed the way we do business on the net. There are so many good reasons to be involved and interactive. It’s tough to strike a good balance with it though – especially when you work online like I do.

I realized recently that my work day was over-peppered with social pauses. I couldn’t seem to resist staying in touch, whether that be Facebook, Twitter and Google+ or a visit to a news site to see if ‘anything is happening’.

I’m addicted to input – bit sized bits of it. I need it. Well, no I don’t. I want it. It distracts me from what I’m doing that I don’t really want to do. It pacifies me so I don’t have to think about things I don’t want to think about.

I’m also addicted to attention. I’ve NEVER been the kind of person who needs a lot of attention, so where did this come from?

When you’re active in social media, you get accustomed to people reacting to you. This constant feedback is like crack – you get used to it. You want some more. And some more.

I didn’t realize how often I went for a fix until recently and when my eyes were opened it reminded me of something.

In my twenties, I was a smoker. I worked full time for a large company and we were allowed to take ‘smoke breaks’. The frequency of these breaks weren’t usually monitored unless you pushed it – so I found myself thinking about it. Is it time for a break? Is it too soon for another break? Will my supervise notice if I head out for another break? Man, it’s been forever since I took a break.

I see the same thing here and it’s time for another social media break! I’m checking out of my networks for the rest of August. Hopefully it will boost my focus and shake the social media monkey off my back.

36 Hour Update

I don’t miss it. (Yet) Instead of puttering and chatting with friends when I finish something I’m working on, I go to my to do list and see what needs my attention next. This led to me getting one of my products submitted for the Kindle – something I’ve procrastinated about for a very long time.

Sixth Day Update

I’ve ‘cheated’ the tiniest bit to communicate with a private, non-business group on Facebook over the weekend when I wasn’t working anyways. I am starting to feel ‘out of touch’ in a way. This morning I really want to start my day puttering around my networks – but I’ll steel myself to pick a project to focus on instead.

60 Hours To Go Update

It has been harder to resist the desire to engage with personal friends and family on Facebook but easier to stay away from everything and everyone else. I don’t know anything about anyone and it feels great! My mind is clear and focused.

I can hardly believe all that I’ve accomplished. I put another book on Kindle and completely revamped one of my popular courses. I’ve written curriculum for Solo Masterminds and I’ve gotten another resource ready for release as well.

The Fast is Over!

My ‘social media alone time’ is over and I’m ready to rejoin virtual society.

During this time, I focused more attention on my membership site and mailing list members and this is a very good thing. As great as it is to spend time with a large circle of people, my best time should always be spent with those who have sought me out in a more exclusive way – by subscribing to my list and ultimately by investing in my membership. I’ll be more focused and less aimless with my time on social media sites from now on. I’ll post less nonsense and look to provide more value – so that those who follow me will want to subscribe to my list and join my membership!

What have I learned most from just staying away from social media? That I don’t need to be ‘in the know’ all the time. Whatever may have been buzzing through my streams in the last two weeks, I survived without it.

Two Weeks After the Fast

In case you’re wondering, I’m going great. I have not returned to my old ways. There is no social media monkey on my back. I’m enjoying the time I do spend but more importantly, enjoying the time I don’t even think about it.

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Take A Lesson On Trying From Kittens

admin — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:00:26 +0000

At least four different people mentioned to me this week that they are afraid of ‘trying’ something in business. They fear failure of course.

Trying and failing is part of life – for we humans and for the animal kingdom.

Trying is the same as practice and practice makes perfect.

So what should you try today?

Ask More Questions

admin — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:23:56 +0000

Do you ever find it difficult to ask questions? I do.

I had several questions I planned to ask my doctor a couple of weeks ago. Once I was sitting in the office I partially blanked and mostly chickened out. I didn’t ask the questions I meant to and I could kick myself for it.

I’m not the only one. I see people hold back all the time.

In live business webinars, where questions are welcomed and wise advice stands at the ready – it’s always a small percentage who step up to ask a question.

Why is that?

Are we afraid of sounding naive?

Are we trying to look more experienced than we are?

Either way, we’ve got to break out of it.

When It Comes Down To Groceries or the Internet Bill

admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 04:51:21 +0000

A disturbing email came in from one of my VA Interns today. Her finances are in turmoil and ends don’t meet. She has come to the realization that they may not be able to pay the bill for their internet access – effectively cutting her off from the internship.

I felt her frustration through the words in her email. I remember what it is like to be desperate to change your circumstances but continually run into road blocks. I know the heavy weight that financial lack lays on your heart. Been there and done that.

What advice do I offer her?

Of course I want to see them pay the internet bill at all costs – it is the one way that she can obtain training that will open up a new stream of income for their family. A family can turn to a number of organizations for help with groceries in most communities – but there are no charities for the continuation of internet access.

Do you agree?

Are You Abusing Your Virtual Service Provider?

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:32:34 +0000

I own a small web design firm. I work with a select group of clients – many of which have been with us for years and most of the rest have come to us via word of mouth.

I’m a picky provider. If I don’t enjoy working with you – I won’t be working with you for long. I am mighty quick with the refund button and would rather give money back than put up with fussy nonsense. So unless you know me and my work and like doing things my way, you probably shouldn’t hire me.

Wouldn’t that make for a winning ‘About’ page?

It would suit me well though to be honest. It’s all true. No amount of money is worth putting up with a fussbudget client who can’t communicate what they want and then bicker endlessly over what you do. It’s my worst nightmare and I won’t have it.

Every service provider I know has a similar ‘worst case scenario’ client. That person who gets on their last nerve and makes their job miserable.

The person who emails a project after the dinner hour and wants it done ASAP (meaning before they get up in the morning.)
The guy who wants you to take his ‘notes’ and set up a website and the notes turn out to be so much gibberish. (And you’re a designer, not a copywriter.)
The gal who wants to call and talk about their project for an hour at a time several times a week. (But is offended when you bill for that time.)
The client who bought your special last year who shows up out of the blue to claim the task. (And wants it done yesterday.)
The one who changes up his vision 80% of the way into the project and wants to adjust everything ‘since we weren’t done yet anyways’. (But who freaks out when you send him a revised proposal with a higher price tag.)

In a corporate environment, services providers have to put up with these folks. There’s always a boss up the chain of command who tells you that the customer is always right, to suck it up and make the client happy.

Fortunately, I do not work in a corporate environment – and neither do most virtual service providers.

Virtual Assistants, Copywriters, Graphic Designers and others who freelance from home – they are usually the sole link in the chain so to speak and to put it bluntly – they don’t have to put up with your crap.

Do they? Yeah, most of the time they do. There are bills to pay and they really do want to make their customers happy – even the annoying ones.

But come on folks. What is it about working with a home based service provider that makes you so inconsiderate?

Do you really think your VA is waiting by her laptop ready to pounce on your every request? I think some of you do! It’s time to wipe that idea out of your head. She has a life, a family and other clients who have actually thought ahead and submitted a project list in advance.

I’ve been working with the same VA for nearly five years. I never expect her to drop everything to meet my last minute needs and never assume that she will be available to me after hours unless we have booked time well in advance. I think ahead. I plan out the projects that I need her assistance on. I have her booked for weekly tasks that I don’t even have to think about anymore. It’s a delightful way to work with a virtual service provider.

Give it a try, I think you’ll like it.

Your Advice is Golden Of Course

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:36:22 +0000

The day before yesterday I posted to ask for some advice.

And naturally, my awesome friends stepped up with some great advice and encouragement.

One of the things I love about living a virtually transparent life is that a lot of people know you pretty darned well. As I read your replies, a few of you hit the nail right on the head for me and I sort of lost it emotionally. I had to take a break from reading and go have a good cry.

This has been a year of enormous change for me – and while I kept a pretty good stiff upper lip through most of it – it all takes a toll whether I want to admit it or not.

So, I’m taking your advice.

I’m giving myself permission to let go for awhile longer. I’ll work when I can work and chill when I can’t. I’m not going to be hard on myself or deliver self directed butt kickings.

I have already acted on a lot of your advice. I’m using my gym – getting exercise even when I would prefer to veg the night away. I’ve been out for a girl’s night out with friends. I’m spending time with God and family.

I’m prioritizing my work projects and carefully choosing what to keep on the front burner and what to tuck away into the fridge for now.

I picked one thing to tackle.

After having my cry on Tuesday, I decided to pick one single thing to focus on and that was the organization of my Totally Free Tuesday event coming up on September14th.

It took nearly two whole days – but I lined up speakers and published a schedule on Work at Home Moms Talk Radio. It felt great to start, work on and finish something. I felt like I was moving through thick syrup most of the time but it got done. (Kelly with full mojo activated could have probably accomplished that in an afternoon but we’re not running a race here, right?)

Then I picked another thing.

This morning I decided I needed to put together an offer for my customers. All of this laying about doing nothing is hard on the pocketbook and the landlord does like getting paid rent on time. Again, it took way longer than it should have but I managed to mail my customer list about two coaching opportunities I have opened up for the fall.

First, I have a month of one on one calls with a digital copy of my Complete Internet Marketing Mom Start Up Guide.

Second, am offering my Faith Based Coaching group again this fall. It was a great experience over the summer and several participants have asked if they can take it again – which is a great compliment that has blessed me.

I added a time sensitive bonus to the offer: If you select either of these coaching programs and pay THIS WEEK (before midnight on Friday) I will ship you a hard copy of my Start Up Guide ($25 value) as my special thanks for booking early.

Now, I pick down time.

I know it doesn’t sound like I worked too hard – but I accomplished a lot more this week than I have been lately. I’m not going to push it. My son is coming for a visit tomorrow and he’s bringing his girlfriend. I am planning to relax and enjoy them

Thank you.

I can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement. Every comment, tweet, email and phone call has helped me immensely.

I refuse to sink in the sand that threatens to pull me down into a deeper funk. I will heed your advice and take care of myself.

I promise

Mojo, Oh Dear Mojo, Where Are You?

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:49:09 +0000

I have to just admit it.

I’m in the pits.

My mojo is seriously lacking.

This is usually a super time of year for me. I love my business in all seasons, but I especially enjoy September. Moms send the kids off to school and realize they have some time on their hands. They start thinking of ways to fill that time – and perhaps put a few dollars in their pockets while they’re at it.

Hmmm.. just typing that out gets me a bit geeked – so I guess my mojo isn’t as far gone as I feared… that’s good to know.

I’ve had a lot going on in other areas of my life. The stress saps my energy and makes me want to vegetate – or waste ridiculous amounts of time on stupid Facebook games.

It’s normal. I know. I’m trying to go with the flow but after several weeks of brain fog I’m starting to feel some concern. I don’t like being unproductive for so long.

Have any advice for me? I needs it!

CBC Suzanne: Ok, I Created a Twitter Landing Page

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:55:41 +0000

I’m continuing my Cross Blog Conversation with Suzanne Franco who will be my guest speaker tonight at the Hot Seminar Series. Grab your Season Pass yet?

You can read Suzanne’s last part of the CBC here.

Suzanne, thanks for the thoughtful replies to my questions! I apologize for the long delay in getting back to you with my reply. My PC had to go to the shop and I just got it back this morning.

You asked what I’ve done so far to gain RSS subscribers. Well, I just started the blog this summer and I’ve basically asked my friends to subscribe and that’s it.

Well, no – that’s not it. I chose a blog theme with a nice RSS subscription box in the sidebar and I’ve given the RSS box the most prominent position.

I’ve also added a ‘Please subscribe to my Blog!’ line in my signature at Mom Masterminds and I’ve specifically asked my mailing list to subscribe.

As of today, I have 67 subscribers.

You suggested having a Twitter landing page and I didn’t already have one so I threw one up real quick. I went to Twitter and updated my profile link.

Suzanne, I can’t wait to talk to you at the Hot Seminar Series tonight – I plan to mine your brain for a lot of great ideas!

Do you have questions for Suzanne? I hope you’ll bring them to the live session tonight!

Content Tricks, Content Matrix, Content Mix… Contentrix!

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:09:13 +0000

If you ask me about what it takes to develop a great online business, I’ll always say, It’s all about creating a lot of great content.

Some way, somehow – you have to be able to generate a lot of content that people want to consume AND that content needs to motivate them to hire you or buy from you or simply take your recommendations.

I’m fortunate that I learned this early on. I actually like to write and talk and rarely run out of things to say but I realize that I’m not the norm. A large percentage of my coaching clientele admit they don’t feel confidence in their ability to write well or communicate verbally and have to really work at it.

Whether you feel great about your ability to communicate your ideas or struggle with getting what you know out there, there’s always room for improvement and believe it or not, content creation skills can be learned and what can’t be mastered can be outsourced.

Over at Contentrix, my friend Alice Seba released a new content planning course a few weeks ago. I’ve been listening to the lessons and I’m reminded again that Alice has a great ‘precept upon precept’ way of teaching – she has broken up the huge topic of content marketing into meal sized segments (lessons) that teach you the important things in just the right order.

Right up front she emphasizes the need to be strategic with your content creation efforts. We hear that ‘content is king’ so often we think we need to generate so much content that we start spewing it out onto the web as fast as we can without any real plan in place. That won’t get you anywhere fast and will probably burn you out before long.

Right now there are 20 weekly lessons in the course and you can get the first week’s lesson for just $1. If you decide to stay in the course, you’ll pay about $10 per week to keep getting the course segments. OR – you could grab access to the whole course for a one time payment of $97 and if Alice decides to add more lessons down the road, you’ll get those too at no additional cost.

A Bonus Offer:

If you decide to go ahead and grab the lifetime option now – and do it through my link above – I’ll send you a free digital copy of some of my best content: The Complete Internet Marketing Moms Start Up Guide. (Just forward your receipt for ‘Better Content Marketing Results’ to support@momstalknetwork.com and we’ll send you your ebook!)

Save $20!

Coupon Code: C475A
Discount: $20 off
Expiry: July 15, 2010

CBC Lynette: How I’ve Used WordPress

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:37:50 +0000

Lynette has responded to my questions in our Cross Blog Conversation here and she’s got a question for me in return.

You’ve had plenty of experience working with WordPress and we are going to talk about using WordPress in unconventional ways. Tell us what kind of sites you have built for yourself or your clients with it?

Great question, I’m glad to answer.

Lynette, it seems like I’m using WordPress for just about everything these days.

As you know, when we first launched Mom Masterminds we used Xoops, a complex content management system. After awhile we moved out of that into a plain HTML designed site and then a couple of years ago we moved into WordPress. I’m much happier with it now. Xoops was ‘too much’ for our needs and HTML was ‘too little’. WordPress is ‘just right’.

I moved all most all of my sites (minus the sales letters) into WordPress over the last couple of years. I even moved my biggest adsense money maker – even though I was a little worried about upsetting the apple cart. The good news is that the move went just fine.

Nicole Dean and I left Article Dashboard (a script designed especially for article directories) behind and imported Lady Pens, the woman writer only article directory, over to WordPress.

I’ve used WordPress to build several directories for myself and for clients. That reminds me of something I’ve seen just this week, our friend Courtney has created a directory with WordPress and then totally automated the process of adding new sites with the Gravity forms plugin and a screenshot plugin. You can see it here.

I’ve just recently dabbled with using WordPress for a forum with the Simple Press plugin.

There’s just so much that can be done and I know I only scratch the surface. I haven’t touched on half of what I know you’ve done for your projects and clients! That’s why I’m so excited to hear what you have to say at the Hot Seminar Series.

Ok – now to ask you another question. I know you have created a lot of resources to help others learn how to use WordPress and related technology. Why have you made this such a priority in your product line up? Who needs to be learning this the most?

Ok, let’s be watching for her reply over at Tech Based Marketing!