I subscribe to Techie Diva and receive her cool tips, trends and the latest gadgetry every day. What can I say, I am a gadget girl.
Here's what Gina, Techie Diva, found out about a new service that lets you STOP hanging on hold forever waiting for a live person to come on the line.
"I sat down with KPIX last week to test out several free phone services, to see how they really worked. One of them was Nophonetrees.com which came at the perfect time since I had been trying for days to get a hold of someone over at American West airlines. I really got frustrated when I tried calling their customer service department, who then gave me a phone number to another office in Phoenix that is only open during business hours. Through nophonetrees. com I was able to have the service call ME back when my call got into a queue that would transfer me to a live rep. Pretty awesome. The other service, I told you about last week. It's called 1-800-FREE-411, and you can make free direct assistance phone calls anytime. You can watch a short clip of the interview over at CBS 5 Consumer Watch, which aired locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. Has anyone tried these services?"
I don't know about you, but I have better things to do than be put on hold all day. I am definitely going to use this service. Thanks Gina!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Google and YouTube - are you hip or not?
I am sharing an email I got from a woman I met in Los Angeles, CA last spring. She is amazing and I love her cutting edge style. Check it out.
Gayl Murphy is the author of Interview Tactics. She's hot in LA! I mean sizzle *HOT*!! Interviews with some sexy celebs like Johnny Depp and lots more.
According to Gayl, she prefers "a more stealth approach when discussing my comings and goings...but that's all over now! I've been hard at work on two videos of late, that I'm happy to say are finally done! Finito!"
In the next month or so, she will resume checking in from time to time with Media and Interview Tips, Tactics Techniques and Insights to help you achieve your media goals.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=901316968113926837
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6136724242948198416
Enjoy!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
Gayl Murphy is the author of Interview Tactics. She's hot in LA! I mean sizzle *HOT*!! Interviews with some sexy celebs like Johnny Depp and lots more.
According to Gayl, she prefers "a more stealth approach when discussing my comings and goings...but that's all over now! I've been hard at work on two videos of late, that I'm happy to say are finally done! Finito!"
In the next month or so, she will resume checking in from time to time with Media and Interview Tips, Tactics Techniques and Insights to help you achieve your media goals.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=901316968113926837
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6136724242948198416
Enjoy!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
Callers Getting Blocked on Your Teleclasses!
Did you know that callers have been getting blocked on your teleclasses? Well, if any of your callers use a cell phone, chances are they won't get through. Read on to see how you can change this.
A coaching friend of mine sent me the following text. Take action and send the FCC your complaint.
If you are a Cingular/AT&T, Qwest or Sprint customer and feel compelled to respond to their blocking your access to free conference calling services, you may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cib/fcc475.cfm
For your convenience, nocostconference.com has offered the following text that you may copy and paste in the text window of the above link. After filling out the required information, you may choose from the following responses. Feel free to edit as you feel necessary:
For nonprofit services:
We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a nonprofit organization. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of t! he conferencing market. We find these services vital to our functioning as a nonprofit organization. These competitive conference solutions provide us with the ability to carry out needed services to all our patrons that we otherwise could not afford at the partners' of the long distance carriers rates. We find that there is no added advantage to use their partner services over competitive conference solutions that would justify their exorbitant rates. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our much needed philanthropy. Thank you for your time.
For businesses:
We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a business. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of the conferencing market. We find that these service! s are necessary with their alternative pricing structure for us to operate as a business. We see no added benefit of using the long distance company's partners' pay for service which is usually at an exorbitant rate vs. the competitive solutions available. Our company would cease to be able to perform its functions if we are forced to change conferencing service models. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our daily business. Thank you for your time.
Thank you to Michael Port, Book Yourself Solid, author, speaker and trainer extraordinaire!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
A coaching friend of mine sent me the following text. Take action and send the FCC your complaint.
If you are a Cingular/AT&T, Qwest or Sprint customer and feel compelled to respond to their blocking your access to free conference calling services, you may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cib/fcc475.cfm
For your convenience, nocostconference.com has offered the following text that you may copy and paste in the text window of the above link. After filling out the required information, you may choose from the following responses. Feel free to edit as you feel necessary:
For nonprofit services:
We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a nonprofit organization. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of t! he conferencing market. We find these services vital to our functioning as a nonprofit organization. These competitive conference solutions provide us with the ability to carry out needed services to all our patrons that we otherwise could not afford at the partners' of the long distance carriers rates. We find that there is no added advantage to use their partner services over competitive conference solutions that would justify their exorbitant rates. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our much needed philanthropy. Thank you for your time.
For businesses:
We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a business. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of the conferencing market. We find that these service! s are necessary with their alternative pricing structure for us to operate as a business. We see no added benefit of using the long distance company's partners' pay for service which is usually at an exorbitant rate vs. the competitive solutions available. Our company would cease to be able to perform its functions if we are forced to change conferencing service models. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our daily business. Thank you for your time.
Thank you to Michael Port, Book Yourself Solid, author, speaker and trainer extraordinaire!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
Friday, April 6, 2007
Does the Business Model, Virtual Assistance, Really Work?
According to Ken Keis, President of Consulting Resource Group's Global Resource Center, it doesn't.
In his recently published ezine, Leading the Way, he asks the following question, "Can Virtual Workforce and Business Models Really Work?" His answer is a resounding, "NO!"
He goes on and on about how it didn't work for him with this person and that person, but he never reveals how these people were integrated into his business model, the communication style, frequency or lack thereof, and etc. You get the picture by now that his article was merely a ranting over his numerous, but poor experiences with virtual professionals.
I don't know about you, but his main products are all about personality indicators, entrepreneurship indicators, etc.; wouldn't it have made a lot of sense for all of his staff (virtual or in person) to go through his assessments to find the best matches for his business? As I continued to read, it seemed more and more obvious that he wasn't taking his own advice. In my humble opinion, you have to walk the talk.
Here are some of his assessments:
Personal Style Indicator
Self-Worth Inventory
Stress Indicator & Health Planner
Values Preference Indicator
and there's more...
The point is not really whether virtual professionals are here to stay or in Ken's case, gone like yesterday's lunch, but about being professional. Putting your best foot forward and treat your business as if your life depended on it (sometimes, it does!) The other point could be made that assessments can tell others what they need to know about us and our work style, but we can also use them to tell ourselves about our own work style. This can help you determine if you are a morning person, an afternoon person, an idea person, a detail person, and on and on. When we know our 'best' work style or know more about ourselves, we can be the professional business person we set out to be. It's part knowing and part attitude.
I wake up some mornings and think that it's going to be a fantastic day, while others, I barely creep out of bed with all the aches and pains my body never knew about until waking. There have even been times when I am in a bad mood and decide to change it. When I make the conscious decision to change my outlook on the day, myself, the work I am doing and all the things buzzing around in my head, it makes a world of difference. I feel more energetic, ready to get on with my work, more professional and happy!
Wow! Happy! I have so much to be grateful for and when you approach your business with the same outlook, it shows. People want to be with other people who are happy, have a thriving business, and a great life. If you're not there yet, remember the saying, "Fake it until you make it!" You can always hang out in places (in person or online) that will help you get where you want to go, but you can't let things come to you. You have to put yourself out there before anyone will volunteer to help.
I am a proud Virtual Assistant and I know the business model of Virtual Assistance works. I am proof and there are lots of us out there to prove people like Ken wrong.
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
In his recently published ezine, Leading the Way, he asks the following question, "Can Virtual Workforce and Business Models Really Work?" His answer is a resounding, "NO!"
He goes on and on about how it didn't work for him with this person and that person, but he never reveals how these people were integrated into his business model, the communication style, frequency or lack thereof, and etc. You get the picture by now that his article was merely a ranting over his numerous, but poor experiences with virtual professionals.
I don't know about you, but his main products are all about personality indicators, entrepreneurship indicators, etc.; wouldn't it have made a lot of sense for all of his staff (virtual or in person) to go through his assessments to find the best matches for his business? As I continued to read, it seemed more and more obvious that he wasn't taking his own advice. In my humble opinion, you have to walk the talk.
Here are some of his assessments:
Personal Style Indicator
Self-Worth Inventory
Stress Indicator & Health Planner
Values Preference Indicator
and there's more...
The point is not really whether virtual professionals are here to stay or in Ken's case, gone like yesterday's lunch, but about being professional. Putting your best foot forward and treat your business as if your life depended on it (sometimes, it does!) The other point could be made that assessments can tell others what they need to know about us and our work style, but we can also use them to tell ourselves about our own work style. This can help you determine if you are a morning person, an afternoon person, an idea person, a detail person, and on and on. When we know our 'best' work style or know more about ourselves, we can be the professional business person we set out to be. It's part knowing and part attitude.
I wake up some mornings and think that it's going to be a fantastic day, while others, I barely creep out of bed with all the aches and pains my body never knew about until waking. There have even been times when I am in a bad mood and decide to change it. When I make the conscious decision to change my outlook on the day, myself, the work I am doing and all the things buzzing around in my head, it makes a world of difference. I feel more energetic, ready to get on with my work, more professional and happy!
Wow! Happy! I have so much to be grateful for and when you approach your business with the same outlook, it shows. People want to be with other people who are happy, have a thriving business, and a great life. If you're not there yet, remember the saying, "Fake it until you make it!" You can always hang out in places (in person or online) that will help you get where you want to go, but you can't let things come to you. You have to put yourself out there before anyone will volunteer to help.
I am a proud Virtual Assistant and I know the business model of Virtual Assistance works. I am proof and there are lots of us out there to prove people like Ken wrong.
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
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