Disqus - Latest Comments for Laura Bergells

Re: When should a social media company hire a public speaking pro?

Laura Bergells — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:21:57 -0000

Thanks for your kind comments, Lee!

Two ears, one mouth -- this means we have to listen twice as much as talk....right?

Re: When should a social media company hire a public speaking pro?

Laura Bergells — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:00:39 -0000

Many of us North Americans who live between Canada and Mexico looooooove the sound of our own voices. We can't get enough of ourselves and our keen insights.

And most of us can easily diagnose verbal diarrhea in others: but have a hard time recognizing our own symptoms.

Self-awareness isn't our strongest suit. Sadly, we are more prone to self-aggrandizement.

Perhaps we need a checklist, a self-exam to help us identify some common symptoms that we often ignore. For instance:

1. Do people often tell you that you talk too much?

2. Do people frequently interrupt you or tell you to shut up?

3. When you talk, do people look frozen and glazed? Or do they rub their eyes and grimace?

4. When presenting, do your audience members yawn, check their cell phones for messages...or fall asleep?

5. When you speak, do you sometimes forget that there ARE other people?

If you answered YES to any of the above, you may be suffering from verbal diarrhea.

Please stop talking right away, and seek help from an Australian professional!

(But perhaps I've said too much...)

Re: Key findings on corporate culture – report and podcast

Laura Bergells — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 15:37:53 -0000

Where's the report? The link appears to be busted, and I don't see how to navigate to it from the home page!

Cheers!

Re: Further cause for concern: Podcast Solipsism

Laura Bergells — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:48:07 -0000

First, congrats on the new look. Spiffy!

I've actually seen signs of solipsism in unlikely places....in the office, where professionals in their 30's are so plugged in, they won't answer their ringing phones! And on the sidewalk, a 60-something, white-haired lady was so "into" her iPod, she nearly knocked me over as she hummed tunelessly while power walking.

Let's be careful out there, people.

Re: How To Make Presently Viable

Laura Bergells — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:51:26 -0000

I like the new Presentation App in Google Docs. Granted, it's not as feature rich as PowerPoint, but is that really all that important for 90% of presentations?

Further, Google Docs Presentation App needs an actual NAME. It's easy to say "PowerPoint" and have people understand what you mean.

Google Docs Presentation App? Not nearly as straight forward or memorable...

Re: Controversial Izea While I Slept

Laura Bergells — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:45:56 -0000

Izea.

When I first saw the announcement in my email, I thought it was "Ikea."

As in "furniture".

I was disappointed to learn that they don't have any office chairs on sale this month.

Re: Controversial Izea While I Slept

Laura Bergells — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:45:56 -0000

Izea.

When I first saw the announcement in my email, I thought it was "Ikea."

As in "furniture".

I was disappointed to learn that they don't have any office chairs on sale this month.

Re: PowerPoint Presentation Tips For Your Speaking Engagement

Laura Bergells — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:46:41 -0000

You show restraint!

For many, PowerPoint appears to be an excerise in using as many features and colors as the program will allow.

Instead, you use it as a sometimes-prop -- and only if it helps illustrate a point.

Fancy that!

Re: Cloud Publishing

Laura Bergells — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:54:53 -0000

Love the term "cloud publishing". We'll hear that phrase quite a bit in the coming years. Very apt.

(Really love your squash photo! Quite the bountiful fall harvest!)

Re: Jedi Knights With Frickin’ Laser Pointers

Laura Bergells — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:40:34 -0000

Heh. I received a laser pointer as trade show swag over 10 years ago. I never used it on stage myself -- but for the first year or so, it was a dandy toy for pestering my tropical fish.

I kept the toy in my kit for a few years, too -- but whenever presenters asked to use it, I discouraged the practice.

"Let's see how you rehearse without it," became a pat phrase. After rehearsal, I would usually offer positive reinforcement for their non-laser performance.

My laser pointer has been in my kitchen junk drawer for quite a while now...

Re: Question of the Week: Murphy’s Favorite Target

Laura Bergells — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:30:42 -0000

The loose nut in front of the screen...

Re: Don’t be alarmed

Laura Bergells — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:21:09 -0000

I have never missed a call time. Ever.

P U N C T U A L I T Y

Those were the seven letters that replaced the numbers 1-11 on a clock of my youth. (The 12 spot was something demonic, I think.)

Nonetheless, I'm perpetually late for everything else.

So it balances out.

You know.

Over time.

Re: Don’t be alarmed

Laura Bergells — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:23:10 -0000

Did I say 7? I meant 11.

I'm also v. bad at craps.

Re: The Seven Principles of Presentation Disaster Avoidance (Version 0.1 beta)

Laura Bergells — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:10:43 -0000

I love the idea of a living document. Technology and fashion are in a constant state of flux -- a living document can keep up with the changes. And the presentation fundamentals that don't change? In the heat of the mo, it's great to have a reference.

Every presenter needs a comprehensive presentation checklist. Might that be a great Google Doc -- or Spreadsheet for the condense version? I know I'd use it -- prolly even go old school and print it out.

Re: The Seven Principles of Presentation Disaster Avoidance (Version 0.1 beta)

Laura Bergells — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:01:41 -0000

Oooh, playing cards. Could make it into a game!

Or a tarot spread, portending your presentation future! Think of the graphic possibilities!

Re: Obligatory year-end retrospective post 2008

Laura Bergells — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:46:13 -0000

Lee:

I'm so, um, honored? :) ...to be first on your list of top 2008 posts!

Note to self: increase traffic to blog by using more provocative sounding titles!

Happy 2009!

Re: Don’t Kick the Bucket

Laura Bergells — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:52:43 -0000

Gosh! That's one for the books! (Or blog.)

Working with wildly creative yet unstable people sometimes yields similar results. Watching a presenter imbibe in improbable amounts of inebriates the night before the show, I found myself thinking,

"This isn't going to be good."

Attempts to get her to stop seemed to make her angry -- and determined to drink all the more.

Sure enough, the next morning, the presenter was in the hospital. Alcohol poisoning.

The show went on... without her.

I imagine it impacted her career. Or her life. Haven't heard from her since -- nor do I care to. Can't imagine who would hire her after such shenanigans.

I've seen self-inflicted sickness like this go on before the show -- and word spreads, quietly and quickly. Presenters who self-inflict sickness soon become non-presenters.

Re: What Has Twitter Done For You?

Laura Bergells — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:34:52 -0000

Bravo.

"...Twitter, above all else, is being exposed to the thoughts of others."

That's a gigantic benefit. Even if nothing else pans out, that's brilliant.

Great to see you blogging!

@maniactive

Re: IE 8 Vomiting Ad Strategy Spits Up Viral Hit

Laura Bergells — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:35:36 -0000

Whoa. Was that Superman?

Re: 5 Fun Ways to Benefit from Facebook | Traffic Method #1 for 2008

Laura Bergells — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:33:48 -0000

Good tips!

Like many businesses, I'm still getting my arms around this whole FaceBook and social media thing. It's important stuff -- because FB and LI provide context -- where Google and the search engines just provide data.

You're right on! I'll be back...

Re: The Vital Importance of Your Network

Laura Bergells — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:29:31 -0000

I've been thinking quite a bit about the "nurture" part of social networking lately. It's the most important part, but so often glossed over. (So I was v. happy to read this excellent post!)

In addition to your above bullets, I like to cross-thread my online social networks with some real world apps! Like:

At least one paper-based holiday or thank you note per year, when appropriate.

At least one annual coffee, lunch, dinner, beer-up, etc. when geographically feasible.

A phone call to gossip -- uh, I mean, share social intelligence -- when appropos, of course!

Re: How Alltop Powers Bloggers

Laura Bergells — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:21:27 -0000

May I suggest #11? Use Alltop to find platform to make friends...and influence Tweeple.

I've used the mighty Alltop to connect with people who share their fascinating ideas in blogs. We've often extended our conversations in areas beyond their blogs. Commenting leads to connecting, to joint ventures, to collaboration...

Alltop is a lovely place to meet people who share your passions and interests. I'm honored to be included therein.

Re: How Alltop Powers Bloggers

Laura Bergells — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:22:56 -0000

May I suggest #11? Use Alltop to make friends...and influence Tweeple.

I've used the mighty Alltop to connect with people who share their fascinating ideas in blogs. We've often extended our conversations in areas beyond their blogs. Commenting leads to connecting, to joint ventures, to collaboration...

Alltop is a lovely place to meet people who share your passions and interests. I'm honored to be included therein.

Re: Dear Facebook- Please Attempt to be Tasteful

Laura Bergells — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:05:27 -0000

Since an actual human being reviews FB ads before they go live, adding "tasteful" to the list of requirements is simple. It's also courteous and more socially acceptable -- important criterion for a social media site that wants to maintain an aura of respectability.

Re: Corporate Blogs CAN be Good

Laura Bergells — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:48:10 -0000

It may be a great piece -- if the audience is under 40.

Text too small for a 40+ audience.

Re: Google Presentation Finally Launches; MSFT’s Sigh of Relief

Laura Bergells — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:41:55 -0000

The "only" thing going for it is collaboration and simplicity?

Those are two HUGE 'onlys"!

It's like saying the only thing the Honda Civic Hybrid has going for it is fuel efficiency, reliability, and style!

Online collaboration is huge. And most audiences are burned out by gee-whiz transition and animation features. No templates and animations? No gee-wizardry?

So what? ;)

Re: 10 Alternative Revenues to Banner Advertising or; How Not to Starve as a Blogger

Laura Bergells — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:38:20 -0000

Your list is quite comprehensive.

I'll point to it the next time someone asks me how to monetize a blog!

(Because a week doesn't go by...)

Laura Bergells's last blog post..What is RSS and Why Do You Care?

Re: Why Your Answer to, “Are You on Facebook?” Will Determine the Fate of Your Business in 10 Years or Sooner

Laura Bergells — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:19:45 -0000

It seems that most real estate lead sites are content with using predatory online practices to "hook up" buyers/sellers with a Realtor. You know the scheme: "Give us all your personal info, and we'll find a Realtor FOR you."

And then the site sells this online lead to the agent that's the most desperate -- not exactly the best agent for the job!

You're right: I don't think first-time home buyers are going to fall for this malarkey -- they're more web savvy. And the older generations that are prey for this practice aren't selling their homes right now.

So what will happen to these old time "Find a Realtor" sites in this harsh market?

Re: The Top 77 Mistakes New Bloggers Make

Laura Bergells — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:16:51 -0000

I Digg this list! You had me after the first 3!

Re: Is the Contract Monster killing your freelance career?

Laura Bergells — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:32:02 -0000

One time, I was asked to sign a contract that basically stated, "While you are working for us, we own every thought you have, whether expressed or unexpressed, for the term of this contract."

I didn't need a lawyer. I laughed, pushed it back, and said "no way I'm signing this draconian contract! It's straight outta Orwell!"

It ended weirdly. A meeting with a group of corporate lawyers and HR folks, who told me, "But everyone who works with us signs this. Just do it. Please. We really want to work with you, but there's no way we can if you don't sign this. This is bigger than all of us...bigger than you know."

I kind of went nuts in that board room that day. I told them I had a lot of obscene thoughts -- did they really want the liability of owning those?

I said this in fun -- but it hit a nerve. Another meeting was called to determine the firm's liability on owning the rights to obscenity. During this whole fooferall, one of the corporate firm's departments hired me -- sans contract -- to complete the project.

They paid me up front. I completed the work. I never heard from them again.