New webinar app is cool

Linqto is a wonderful new tool that business owners should investigate. This afternoon I am hosting my first “call” using linqto. It has all the bells and whistles of many webinar type products, with an added benefit of connecting to Facebook. For me, this is going to be great when teaching – either one-on-one or virtual classrooms. I can use it to have meetings with clients or potential clients. I could use it instead of driving to local businesses when explaining things. It would be great for just visiting with friends and family, too.

I love cool software. This has so much potential. It’s kind of like Facebook TV. In fact, some linqto subscribers are doing exactly that – weekly shows at a set time. I haven’t gotten to that point yet, but this is just an example of the power it has. Other uses are discussion groups, online meetings, mastermind sessions, and focus groups. Vicki Sarris, one of the developers and owners, calls it a “live interaction platform.” Benefits for class participants are the ability to chat during the call, ask questions privately to the presenter, and being able to use their own webcam and mic and be seen and heard live. Some may choose to cover up their camera and just use the mic, or maybe all they have is a mic attached to their computer.

One other nice feature is “raise hand.” I will be using this during the call when polling the participants. Everyone can see who has raised their hands. It’s going to be much more interactive and interesting to all involved.  You should check it out.

(I am not in any way affiliated with this company and get no money from them when talking about linqto or if anyone joins as a result of my information.)

Deep Diving

Yesterday I was listening to a recorded teleseminar on my MP3 while at the gym. The speaker, Allison Babb, was saying that we should be listening to what our existing and target clients’ needs are. Write down everything they are saying, and don’t be thinking: “I don’t know how to do that.” That pointed up a good lesson. Often when I am talking to prospective clients they ask for something I don’t offer.  And granted, it’s okay that I may not want to provide that particular solution for the client. But I shouldn’t make that determination just because I currently don’t know how to do it. I am going to step into whatever is holding me back because that is often based on lack of information instead of not wanting to do a task.

For example, lots of clients want help with SEO. While that is not currently something I offer, I am learning that my reluctance has more to do with not understanding what is involved in good SEO practices, rather than not being interested in doing this for clients. It’s a little mind shift for me and will have the potential to open up more opportunities this year. So, I am keeping my list of things that my clients already tell me they need, and then investigate them to see if it is something I want to offer. By investing a few days (or more) deep diving through a topic I may discover that what I originally shied away from may now be a perfect match.

What new things should you be investigating?

Y’all Are Right About That Phone Thing

I’m a techie. Have been since the 70’s. But I am not a gadget person – meaning I don’t covet the latest gadgets and gizmos. Technology is a tool, not a toy for me. I’ve got a certain love-hate relationship with technology. I suppose some of you do, too. Love me some cool software, though! Usually I just like to keep my stuff. (Those of you who know me know that I still love mini blinds and Formica. Hated giving up my old “Chiclet” phone a couple years ago.)

Now we have new stuff. New electronic stuff. Lots of new electronic stuff. My honey and I both have lots of new electronic stuff. Actually, I am now the owner of a Blackberry. Didn’t want one. Didn’t plan for one, but here it is.  Along with Mr. unCommon Sense’s new job is a lot of new stuff. We had to change our family cell phone plan from one vendor to another (after probably 20+ years) and therefore, everyone got new phones. Hubby had to get a certain Blackberry model for his job, and they were 2 for 1. Frankly, I didn’t like the phone I have had for the last year and am secretly glad to get a new phone. But change is change for me, and for those of you BB users, you know my feeling right now. I’m a little shocked at what I don’t know about a phone like this. I’m pretty late to this game…but the love is growing at a pretty fast clip. I was excited to pick it up this morning and hear my spiritual Daily Lift on the phone while still in bed . I watched a video someone posted on Facebook. Crazy. It’s Dick Tracy come to reality!

If you have any great tips or suggestions about things I don’t know regarding my BB, please chime in. Would love to hear your ideas.