2-Minute Video Book Review: Business Writing - What Works, What Won't

I hope you enjoy my third video review! I really enjoyed this book, Business Writing: What Works, What Won't. Highly recommended if you want to polish your writing skills, learn quicker writing techniques, and get an excellent grammar refresher.

The Must-Read Books For Women Entrepreneurs

I recently had a chance to participate on a very popular website by sharing my favorite book for women entrepreneurs. It was so hard to pick just one book; I’ve read so many and refer them to people who are in different stages and processes in their career. As I was forced to narrow it down though, I chose one that I still think about often and has really made an impact on me. The site, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, just went live and is already ranked on Google’s first page - very exciting! Check out the tip from #92 - she seems very smart. :) "The Must-Read Books for Women Entrepreneurs" is brought to you by Toilet Paper Entrepreneurs (great blog for small business owners).

Meanwhile, this picture of the stacked books represents the pile on my kitchen table that I need to get through. Ugh, how do you squeeze more time out of the day?

2-Minute Video Book Review: The Adweek Copywriting Handbook

2 Minute Video Book Review: Search Engine Optimization

I hope you enjoy my first video review! I really enjoyed this book, Search Engine Optimization: Your visual blueprint for effective internet marketing. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about SEO.

My Experience at the Decatur Book Festival (Day 1)

This past weekend I attended the Decatur Book Festival in Decatur, GA. The festival lasted three days total, and being the big book nerd I am, I attended all three days. I had mixed feelings from some of the panels I attended, but overall the event lived up to my high expectations:

Friday (Day 1):

Free writers workshops were held on the beautiful campus of Agnes Scott. There was a diverse amount to choose from but they all ocurred at the same time which was a shame because they were all interesting. I ended up attending "Putting Flesh on the Bones: How to Write Great Characters" by accomplished author N.M. Kelby. Here are a few takeaways:

-mid-listers are having a tough time in the current publishing world and industry

-engaging, character-driven novels grab editors' attention and are what's selling

-think of characters like a squid - all the tentacles dangle beneath the surface

-what will make people CONNECT? this is very important

-being a writer is about learning, learning, learning

-when you're a writer, be like Santa - always give gifts and surprises

-introduce and build characters through dialogue and action.

-start with physicalness so people aren't lost; don't lose or isolate your reader

-characters MUST reveal themselves or evolve

-romances must be earned; use real emotion, romances require a connection

-don't forget to revise and revise again

-wallow in rejection or depression, and then shake yourself off; feel awful and use it for your characters

-write one sentence - the truest sentence you know

Women in Technology Book Club: GenderTalk

I have been attending TAG's WIT (Women in Technology) book club and love it for several reasons:

1) It's on a Sunday from 3-5:00. Great time as weekdays are often hard and this gives my husband a little daddy time alone.

2) We read and discuss business books with topics specifically geared toward women.

3) The women are very insightful, intelligent, and savvy

4) There is a great opportunity for networking

5) ***my favorite reason***We don't actually have to READ the book. Best of all, nobody makes you feel guilty and this frees me from the guilt which is why I have dropped out of other book clubs.

I am always reading several novels and professional development books at one time. Currently, I'm reading Twilight, New Moon, A Lifetime of Riches, Good in a Room, What do I say Next, and listening to a few different audio books including a novel by Atlanta author Iris Johansen and The Power of Full Engagement.

At this past meeting we "read" GenderTalks by Connie Glaser. The book generated some GREAT discussion on communication differences between men and women and I was taken aback to learn that I commit many of these communication crimes. Here are a few of my notes:

-Women need to cut to the chase in all communication with men. It was unanimously agreed that men do not understand hints. Be direct.

-Stop apologizing. I say "sorry" all the time. Especially around my male boss.

-De-sensitize yourself

-Don't expect mindreaders. Again, be direct, especially in conversation with your husband, your father, brother, coworkers, boss, waiter, accountant, etc.

-Stick to the facts; it is proven that men's brains cannot register excess verbal chatter.

-men need to keep criticism constructive.

-We need to see the world as WE are, not as it is.

-Communicate from where others are, not where you are

-Stop interrupting with apologies.

-Have a sense of humor. It is another proven study that women cannot tell jokes. If a man tells a joke around you it means he accepts you. Same with cussing.

-Women use more qualifiers. Stop qualifying, saying "I think" and "well maybe." Be confident.

-In emails, use bullet points and 10-20 words. Brief emails.

-Be direct, don't explain.

-One of the women had a great tip - instead of apologizing for something that is not your fault or as a conversation filler, say "That's unfortunate."

-Women need to be better self promoters.

-Speak about what you do well.

I look forward to our book and discussion next month!