WomanRoadWarrior.com presents...

Where the Sole meets the Road

Join us for an exclusive event at The Standard Club of Chicago.

Where the Sole meets the Road

To celebrate Woman Road Warrior Day, we will be hosting a networking breakfast and travel show on October 28, 2011.

We will present a shoe fashion show, featuring the latest shoe styles and accessories. Come see Marcella Raymond and other Chicago news anchors model this year's must-have fall shoes.

Best-selling author and nationally known fitness expert Andrea Metcalf will tell us how to continue to look and feel our best while on the road.

Come mingle with female executives and share your women road warrior tales.

Space is LIMITED. Register to attend

WHEN: October 28, 2011

7:00 – 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: The Standard Club of Chicago

320 South Plymouth Court

Chicago, IL 60604-3859

Read more at WomanRoadWarrior.com

Reading about Clouds...

So this article got me thinking... The End of Content Ownership, The cloud, along with subscription and on-demand services, will transform our perception of content access and ownership.

Do I want instant access to books, music, movies etc...

What really is a "Cloud"?

"Cloud computing refers to the on-demand provision of computational resources (data, software) via a computer network, rather than from a local computer. Users or clients can submit a task, such as word processing, to the service provider, without actually possessing the software or hardware. The consumer's computer may contain very little software or data (perhaps a minimal operating system and web browser only), serving as a basic display terminal connected to the Internet. Since the cloud is the underlying delivery mechanism, cloud-based applications and services may support any type of software application or service in use today." (thanks Wikipedia)

Law firms are considering using it. Read Ethics of Cloud-based Storage

Have you used The Cloud? Do you like it? Dropbox, Netflix and Google Docs are my first taste of The Cloud, and so far so good.

Dummies.com isn't just for Dummies anymore

For years I have enjoyed the light-hearted yet very informative books from Dummies.com. I may have even referred you to one or two depending on the subject at hand.

Dummies books aren't for Dummies - really! You should check them out. If you are a new business, learning to edit your new Drupal site, Photoshop help, video tips and tricks - even how to navigate all the social networks!

And then when you are done reading your book, go visit Dummies.com - Making Everything Easier online!

So there. I said it. Dummies ROCK!

Check out their success story: The For Dummies Success Story

(YourPlanB.com and I am in no way related to Dummies TM, just wanted to share a good thing!)

Feeling a little stressed out?

Stress. It is eating us up inside and as we look forward into the calendar to the upcoming holidays, stress is more than likely growing.

We all seem to understand the importance of healthy behaviors like managing our stress levels, eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, but reports say we are experiencing challenges practicing these healthy behaviors.

Since 2006, the American Psychological Association has commissioned an annual nationwide survey as part of its Mind/Body Health campaign to examine the state of stress across the country and understand its impact. Check it out!

Some days are more stressful than others! Thanks to the American Heart Association for this great list to manage stress! From positive self-talk to emergency stress stoppers, take a look at how to lower your stress levels.

We wanted to add a couple more to the list that are tried and true, at least in our office:
- random dancing
- blowing bubbles
- spongebob
- making a cup of tea
- using color markers to mark off task lists
- draw circles on the dry erase board
- singing along to favorite songs
- silly dress up (or theme) days at work(for example: last week was Talk Like A Pirate Day in our office)

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Arrrgh! It be one of me favorite days - Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19th).

What is this you ask?
Well, visit the Original TLAPD site from Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket for all the details.

And then join me in some pirate humor for scurvy sea dogs!

Q: Why is the Jolly Roger grinning?
A: Because they crossed his funny bones! Arrgh!

Q; What happened when Redbeard the Pirate fell into the Blue Sea?
A: He got Marooned!

Q. What's a pirate's favorite socks?
A. Arrrrgyle!

And did you know?
3.14% of Sailors are Pi Rates :)

Arrrgh now go swab the deck you bilge rats!

Marketing/PR/Web Writing Resources

Last week I received the question via Facebook:
"...I'm trying to move into Marketing/PR/Web Writing. So, I need to know basics about building and writing for web sites. Thoughts on books/classes/resources..."

Oooooh! A good question and one that ties into SEO (see this post) as well as better web design: content development!

I believe in good content, great photos and fabulous code to make a successful website - across the board. Mix in consistent updates and add a good marketing plan!

Some people think you should write for a 4th grade reading level across the board. Others say this is too simple, write for your highest audience. Personally, I think there is a middle ground with clear, concise content and more detailed options outlined in downloads like a PDF or a video.

Content is the HARDEST thing to get from our clients! If they write it or if a writer is hired - doesn't matter. Over 14 years and I can bet each project will have issues getting their content to us. But I digress...

Some great resources for Marketing/PR/Web Writing that I give to our clients and to our freelance writers:
useit.com/papers/webwriting
alistapart.com
webwritingthatworks.com/index.htm
inc.com/articles/2001/06/22845.html
macloo.com/webwriting/chunks.htm
mybrc.com.au/Business-Technology/e-Business/Creating-Website/Pages/10_Web_Writing_Tips.aspx
fatdux.com/blog/2009/08/07/20-tips-for-writing-for-the-web
jeroen.com/jeroencom/content/writingweb.html
bloggingprweb.com
web.mit.edu/uaa/www/writing/links

Books:
Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works (Interactive Technologies)
How to Design and Write Web Pages Today (Writing Today)
Above the Fold: Understanding the Principles of Successful Web Site Design
Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition

If your website needs an update, check out one of our favorite freelance writers here in Chicago: brotine.com

Keep your questions coming by clicking "Like" on Facebook!
THANKS!

Celebrate CJE!

CJE SeniorLife event on September 13, 2011

with the Manhatten Transfer

5:30pm at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers

More information and registration.

CJE SeniorLife, a comprehensive network of housing, healthca, community services, education and applied research, since 1972 has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families throughout metropolitan Chicago.

CJE SeniorLife is one of our amazing clients!

Check our their site and CareGivingHelp.org