Disqus - Latest Comments for robinholstein

Re: Why You Need to Hire a Virtual Assistant -- virtual assistants -- internetGIRLfriday --

robinholstein — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:22:29 -0000

I would love to see more articles such as this one. Not just because I own my business, but because many small business owners I come into contact with have no idea what a virtual assistant is before they meet me.

Re: Why You Need to Hire a Virtual Assistant -- virtual assistants -- internetGIRLfriday --

robinholstein — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:18:54 -0000

Calvin C - Do you hire plumbers to run your electricity? I don't. I wouldn't hire a bookkeeping VA to do marketing, either. A professional VA specializing in bookkeeping wouldn't accept your contract for marketing. Most professional VAs (including me) offer consultations to discuss your unique business needs. They also won't hesitate to decline your business if they can't help you and will usually refer you to someone who can.

Re: Is it cheating to pre-schedule tweets?

robinholstein — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:55:31 -0000

If you use a microwave to fix dinner, are you still cooking?

As technology evolves the purpose for programs will evolve.

Re: Announcement

robinholstein — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:56:40 -0000

Whew! I'm not as far behind on them as I feared! I've been away myself. Time to catch up.

Re: Outsourcing Tasks When Writing Your Book – Episode #071

robinholstein — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:08:32 -0000

You should really be careful when considering outsourcing to another country. In countries where your language is not the native language, things get lost in translation. Time zone issues can be a problem as well. I'm not saying don't consider it, I'm just saying be careful.

Re: Speaking Tips with Tony Gattari – Episode #070

robinholstein — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:39:22 -0000

OMG! He is so on the money. Never, never, never read a PowerPoint slide to the audience!

Oh thank you for the Picasso story! This is something I know, but could not find the best analogy.

This is one of the best interviews! Bravo!

Re: Building Business Relationships for Non-Fiction Authors – Episode #058

robinholstein — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:47:46 -0000

Oh this is good! As I listened, I was trying to think of what I could create as a bonus gift. A workbook and checklist would be very good.

These video presentations frustrate me. :) You provide so many good ideas, I want to do them right away. Unfortunately, I'm not quiet ready.

Still shooting for an October publication. It is my goal to be ready to submit by October 1. By October 15 I will have found the best package from a self-publishing company. Then, promote my book with a "New Year's Resolution" theme. Something like - Make 2010 the year you become your own boss!"

Re: What is Smashwords? – Episode #054

robinholstein — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:51:01 -0000

Interesting. I will be looking at Smashwords and some of the books in their catalogue.

Re: Virtual Book Tour Can Generate a Lot of Sales – Episode #052

robinholstein — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:27:47 -0000

Hey! Paul is a cutie!

I use a web conferencing site called dimdim. It's free for up to 20 participants. I have a pro version which allows me to customize the display and have many more participants. You get audio/video and recording.

If you are going to host one, (video) make sure the background is professional looking. No jackets, dirty dishes , or dead plants behind you. The camera sees EVERYTHING. Run a couple rehearsals to check the sound and video quality. If you use a headseat with mic make sure there is no hollow sound or echo.

Re: Book Publishing Companies with Catherine DeVyre – Episode #050

robinholstein — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:04:57 -0000

How do you know if your's is the first in your area? I live in West Virginia, a state in the U.S. I "think" my book will be the first on this topic from West Virginia. I guess I'm asking just how much research, how deep do you go before claiming the title of "the first?" A simple Google, Amazon, and Barns & Noble search?

This is an episode I will watch a couple times!

Re: Create Mp3 Audio Books – Episode #048

robinholstein — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:18:11 -0000

I have a Samson CO1U USB studio condenser mic. It was around $80.00 US just a few weeks ago on Amazon. I also downloaded Audacity. It is really interesting. It allows you to insert intro and exit music (or other .wav files).

I've not recorded a book, but I have begun podcasting. I can record a segment, stop, record a new segment. Add them together, strip out the "umms" and "uhhs". It's great!

You are just full of ideas!

Re: Make Your Own Web Site For Authors – Episode #047

robinholstein — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:05:34 -0000

Sounds like you have a bit of a cold or allergy flaring up. Perhaps it's the dying plant behind the whiteboard that is bothering you. <smile>

I use Yahoo to host my domain. Their basic package is reasonably priced. They offer a program called Site Builder which provides templates to work with. If you are going to build your own page you need to be ready to spend the time to do it. Otherwise, invest in a Web designer. I am not promoting my book on my page yet, it isn't completed.

I understand the point of promoting your book before it's complete. For me, an otherwise assertive person, I find the idea intimidating.

Robin

Re: Best Book Titles : Come Up With a Compelling Book Title – Episode #038

robinholstein — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:29:22 -0000

I really appreciate these short tutorials. They help to remind me of things I "know" but may forget to consider.

Re: Tips on Writing A Book With Andrew Smith – Episode #035

robinholstein — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:16:05 -0000

A good lesson in the importance of stepping back and realizing where you really are, and, where you want to end up.

Re: Sales Channel Management : Find The Best Places To Sell Your Book – Episode #029

robinholstein — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:37:57 -0000

I know you are shooting for an 8 minute show, but I think you are doing a good job, even with sometimes missing that mark.

If you don't have someone in the room with you, perhaps you might get an inexpensive, large-faced traditional clock to set just out of camera shot. Use red, yellow and green markers to color the face. Yellow would, of course, be the visual signal that you need to begin winding down and red being the wrap-it-up now area. This would be a passive visual aid.

Continue the good work. Perhaps offer some advise on maintaining your focus as you write and hold another job.

Re: How To Get Media Exposure : An Important Lesson When Dealing with the Media – Episode #028

robinholstein — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:52:20 -0000

Excellent reminder of being prepared for anything!

Re: Tips For Writing A Book : Write A Book in 30% Less Time – Episode #027

robinholstein — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:11:36 -0000

Great idea!

What is your opinion on keeping your book files on a site such as Google Docs or Microsof Office Live Workspace? I like using Office Live because I can log in from anywhere (ultimate portability) and my files maintain their formatting, unlike with Google.

Re: How To Get My Book Published With Joanna Penn – Episode #025

robinholstein — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:21:10 -0000

Wow! She seems so very real. I know that sounds odd, but many of the authors I've heard (not here) sound very -- well, snooty. Like they have "arrived" but I have not. I enjoyed hearing her story.

Re: Best Book Covers : Book Covers Sell Your Book – Episode #024

robinholstein — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:45:25 -0000

I think it's great that you are still struggling to stay within 8 minutes! ;) We can tell how passionate you are about this because , like the Energizer Bunny, you just want to keep going and going and going ...

Keep it up!

Re: Book Cover Designs with Anders Sorman Nilsson – Episode #020

robinholstein — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:15:42 -0000

I haven't noticed commercials on these before. And the first I saw was a condom (Google) commercial. All for capitalism and not a prude ... just a bit taken by surprise!

Viva la difference!

Another good show. I really appreciate being able to watch these as my schedule permits! I hope you can continue to offer them.