I was in the second hangout and there was a lot of great info discussed so I wanted to share it with you.

You can join us in Toronto next month through this link: Exposure and Profit

The smart people featured in the video are all attending Exposure and Profit and are Advisors and Speakers.

They include:

• Alice Seba
• David Perdew
• Justin Popovic
• Ronnie Nijmeh
• Dan Morris
• Derrall Eves

The only speaker who wasn't able to make it on this call was Connie Ragen Green. She was on the call the day before, though, so she wasn't slacking or anything.

I hope you enjoy the discussion. I did!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. If you enjoyed that and want to learn lots more about content marketing and also get a big hug from me, be at  Exposure & Profit, Toronto, Canada – Click here for Details.

This week I asked our panel of experts…

“Embarrassing moment time. Fess up.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you when you were on stage, speaking?

(Not webinars, or teleseminars – but actually standing in front of live people.)”

I think you'll find the responses interesting.

Connie Ragen Green of Affiliate Marketing Case Studies says:

My most embarrassing moment came when I was speaking in front of almost a thousand people. To date, this was the largest audience I had ever been in front of, and I was so nervous about something going wrong. I had just arrived from the airport a few hours before I was to go on stage and quickly dressed and fixed my hair so I wouldn't be late.

After the first ten minutes or so my nerves calmed and I began to feel comfortable presenting my information to the group. I made eye contact with those in the first few rows, spoke slowly enough so they could take some notes, and even told a few jokes that went over well. I began to feel good about what I was talking about and enjoyed being in front of such an attentive audience.

As I was on my closing slide in this ninety minute presentation I dropped the projector ‘clicker' and reached down to pick it up. That's when I realized I had not changed shoes before coming on stage. There I was in my shiny new clothes and fancy hairdo, wearing the beat up old sneakers I wear when I travel!

David Perdew of NAMS says:

This wasn't from the stage but in a classroom.

When I got out of college, I bought the weekly newspaper in my hometown. So I was asked to come to my old high school to talk to one of the classes since I had become kind of a local celebrity overnight-or at least I thought so.

On my way to the classroom, I was walking down the hall, a very long hall, and a lot of the students were looking at me and kind of giggling.

I thought, “Oh, they recognize me.” So I threw my shoulders back a little bit picked up my pace and strutted the last few paces to the principal's office where my aunt was the principal's executive admin assistant.

I thought I go see her before I gave my brilliant talk to the class.

At the principal's office, I stood in the doorway and yelled across the room to my aunt, “Hey Phyllis, I'm here.”

She said, “Glad you're here, but don't come in until you zip up your pants.”

I looked down and immediately I felt so out of place in my high school again with my shirttail hanging through my barn door.

I have no memory of what I said to that class that day.

Kelly McCausey of Solo Smarts Podcast says:

I've only spoken in front of live groups a few times now and thankfully I don't have any big faux pas stories to tell… yet.

Still, I have to share something.

From the very first time I was invited to speak, I admit I was nervous about it. I had some public speaking experience but was far more comfortable sharing knowledge from behind a microphone. Why? Well, because I'm overweight.

Standing up in front of a crowd is intensely uncomfortable for some people because of the crowd. Not so for me. For me, it's all about me.

Obviously, I don't let it stop me. I'm uncomfortable but I do it anyways.

Two years ago when I got to teach at NAMS, I was thrilled to discover that I'd be speaking in one of the amphitheater rooms because they have chunky wood podiums to stand behind. It felt like a nice big safety blanket.

I got myself all set up at the podium – only to discover at the last possible moment my ‘clicker' that controlled my presentation slides wasn't working. My wonderful AV aide scrambled to try to solve the issue to no avail… I ended up having to come out from behind that beloved podium to stand out in the open by the laptop to manually control my slides.

I had to laugh at my silly insecurities and simply get over myself. I did and enjoyed the heck out of that session.

Looking back and thinking about every opportunity to speak or appear on a panel since then, I'm glad that I haven't been able to hide. I've received many wonderful compliments and notes of thanks for other big women who tell me they feel encouraged when they see me speaking and teaching.

Muhammad Siddique of Muhammad Siddique says:

I was suppose to speak at JV alert for 15 minutes. I planned to use ‘presenter view' for my notes. For some reason ‘presenter view' on that setup did not work and I had no back up plan. I was sweating for first 5 minutes, then recovered and went well.

That was very embarrassing to me and lesson LEARNED to be ready for PLAN A…Z.

Paul Evans of Coach with Paul Evans says:

I was brought in to put the hammer down on a company. I mean level them. Then during the intro the guy said, “Paul Evans is one of the funniest speakers I've ever heard. You will love him!” I got up and said, “Guys, no funny stuff today. I'm here to rough you up a bit because you've… ” They erupted with laughter. It only got worse from there.

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

Well, I guess I've had more embarrassing moments than most since I had no problem in coming up with several.

Lost files?

There have been several times when I've been about to speak at NAMS and my presentation wasn't on the laptop in the room. It's all MY fault of course, since the organizers and aides are juggling 60 different presenters and I *may* have turned in my speech last minute (ie. the night before). But on two occasions, I have had to run to my hotel room to get my PowerPoint slides at 5 minutes before I was to start, mid panic, while everyone patiently waited for me to come flying back into the room, sweaty and out of breath, hair all askew, and kick off my shoes and begin. Lesson learned. I just bring my own laptop with me whenever I speak … just in case we need to move files over.

My favorite “most embarrassing moment” though, is an easy one. But…

Accidental Cussing?

It's not the time, I had word-soup and swore on accident just by mashing up the two words I was trying to say. (I tried to say “business” and “niche” and it glopped together.) And the worst part was that my son was also in the room as he was part of the event and he yelled “MOMMY!” oops!

Undies?

It wasn't the time I didn't realize we had started recording and I made a joke to the person I was talking to up front about something silly related to underpants. I can't even remember it now – and I'd asked David to have the aides edit that out – so hopefully there's no evidence. Poor David. I don't know why he has me back! (Oh yeah, because I'm AWESOME! lol)

Nostril Visitor?

And it wasn't the time I introduced myself and realized that I had a little “visitor” in my nose and it was going to probably fall out at some point during my talk – so I asked if anyone had a tissue. Four people came running down with tissues out. So sweet.

No, my most embarrassing moment on stage wasn't even my fault!

I was up front, rockin' it when this elderly gentleman popped out from behind my big screen. I didn't even know there was a door back there!

Seriously, he had to have been 102 years old and he was carrying BUG SPRAY. Yes, an industrial size container (strapped onto him) and he proceeded to start spraying around the edges of the room.

I wasn't really paying attention too closely because I was in the moment, and he was nearly done, when I saw people start to pull their shirts up over their faces and move to the center of the room. But, of course, the crowd was so awesome (and full of my friends – including the awesome Bob Jenkins) that they didn't run screaming.

The little old man disappeared back behind the screen at which point, I had to look to see if he was just hiding or if there was a door. (There was.)

All of this happened in seconds, but when I replay it in my mind, it seemed to go in slow motion.

Of course, I called a break and everyone ran out of the room.

We went back in after we aired out the room and I wrapped up my talk in record time.

And, that, my friends, is my most embarrassingly odd moment from stage.

You can't make this stuff up!

What about you?

I shared everything from wordsoup to nose crusties — what's your weirdest or most embarrassing moment from stage? Inquiring minds want to know.

Talk to me. Public speaking yay or nay?

Also, do you do public speaking?

As Jerry Seinfeld said: Research shows that approximately 40% of people are more scared of public speaking than they are of death. This means that at the average funeral 40% of those present would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy.

If I can get up and talk in front of people as an extreme introvert while all this junk is going on around me… you can do it!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. If you want to see what craziness happens next, be at the next NAMS. Sign up here: CometoNAMS.com

The next question is submitted by Kelly McCausey:

“I got busted by a subscriber for offering a discount because she thinks it is training my peeps to wait for them.

So, how do you create a ‘special offer' without lowering the value of the offer??”

I think you'll find the responses interesting.

Lynette Chandler of Tech Based Marketing says:

This question is so timely because one of my goals this year is to not give discounts but to pile on the value instead. Some I've thought up for our WordPress Plugins that you can Resell (plugins with PLR rights) are:

1. Provide an unreleased (or never sold) plugin for purchasing a plugin during the promotional period
2. Get a bonus reseller tools add-on package when you buy during the promotion
3. Get X amount or percentage of store credits when you buy 2 plugins

Of course, I'm always looking for more ideas and can't wait to read this post to add to my list.

Kevin Riley of Blogpreneur Training says:

I occasionally have sales on my products, but only on occasion and for a limited time. For example: Every year, I have my Jack O'Lantern Package at Hallowe'en. For that, I bundled a few products that complement each other (put them inside a Jack O'Lantern) and put the whole package on sale at a super-discounted price. However, it's only on sale for a few days (this year, I believe it was only 2-3 days), and if they miss they would have to wait another year. I don't think that many are going to wait a full year for something they need now.

I also give some purpose to my sales.

For example: Right now, I'm running the Cabin Fever sale. Since I saw so many of my Canadian and American (esp. northern states) friends complaining about the snow, cold, etc. on Facebook, I decided to do something with that. Since people are stuck indoors during the winter freeze. I thought, “Why not use that time to build an online business,” and created a massive 90%+ discount package for the Biz-Builder Challenge. I regularly sell this package for $197, but I decided to sell it for only $1 per lesson (or $36). And, as soon as the snow goes, so does the sale. Now, anyone missing this sale is not going to be waiting for another sale on this product, because it most likely will never happen.

So, does a sale devalue a product? Does seeing your favourite doughnut shop have a one-week “Buy a dozen doughnuts at 1970s prices” (or other such sale) make you not want to buy their doughnuts at full price ever again? Does getting a half-price movie ticket during “Oscars Special” lower the value of the movie or make you not want to pay full ticket price next time?

Tiffany Dow of Squidoo Quick Commissions Guide says:

I’ve had the same thing happen to me. I periodically host $1 PLR sales (per pack, not per page), and I had 1-2 affiliates get annoyed by them but what it all boils down to is only *I* know what helps and hurts my business (and affiliates), so I stand by the sales as I want to run them.

I think it would matter whether or not your normal offers are overpriced. Because (in my case) the PLR is sold at such a good rate normally, people don’t have to “wait for a special” – they buy year-round and when it’s on sale. If I had priced my products too high, then yes, maybe people would be trained to wait.

Most of my affiliates appreciate being able to offer their customers a great deal – and those are the kinds of people I’m doing it for – people who are thinking about how they can serve their audience (by finding them a deal), not the ones solely in it for money and nothing else).

I know as an affiliate myself, I always appreciate it when I can let my list know about a discount and help them save money.

David Perdew of NAMS says:

She may be right. Sales do train people to wait for discounts. But that's not the point.

They also motivate people to go to the store…and BUY lots of stuff NOT on sale. That's why every store always has a sale of some sort going on.

If they have a sale on jeans, they want you to buy full price shirts. If they have a store-wide sale, they want cash to meet a quarterly report or some other reason.

That's the point of a sale, right… So, when you see something from me on sale, you'll also see other stuff not on sale and we sell a lot of that too.

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

So  many thoughts. And, my friends are so smart.

I run special offers frequently, but I'm always mindful of a few things.

1. Will this undervalue what my loyal customers (especially members) have already paid?

2. Will this undervalue fast action takers and make them second-guess their purchases with me? Or will it solidify that they want to jump on offers that I mail?

What I tend to do is to release products at a “Fast Action” price to get my most loyal people to buy quickly (and they do). Then, I raise the price once, twice or more, depending on what I've added to it. And, anything I add, I give my original customers whether they were smart and paid $10 – or whether they waited and paid $97.  I think that's fair and it reinforces that taking action quickly is rewarded – at least by me.

Here's an example from CoachGlue.com

If I do a sale, like Kevin demonstrated, later, I try to make it a bundle that brings in at least one or two new things. For instance, at CoachGlue.com we do bundles frequently.

BUT – in those bundles, we'll include some tools, maybe a plugin, a bunch of content, and then something else that may have been released by us elsewhere – and we price it at a really great deal.

What this does is to get people who've already purchased several of the items in the package to buy a second time because the other items included are such a great deal. It's a win-win. And that's what matters.

We'll also do a re-release of a product that we've already sold and add a special plugin (usually one of Lynette's that we get with resale rights) so that people who didn't buy before are encouraged to get it the second go round.

This keeps our customers happy, our affiliates thrilled, us well-fed, and everyone feeling like they got a great deal.

Where can you get products to ADD value to your existing programs?

1. CoachGlue.com Templates – these were designed to help you to add checklists and all kinds of fun stuff to beef up your uniquely you programs. You'll even get PowerPoint slides in most packages so that you can quickly and easily create webinars to add more value to your products.

2. If you want to add cool affirmations and personal development stuff to your programs, check this out. Personal Development Content

3. Lynette's plugins – get these with resale rights and add them to your programs. I did this at BlogCPR.com and people love them.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

This week I asked our panel of experts…

We all reach plateaus.

What do you do to burst through yours?

I hope you find this information helpful and inspiring, especially if you're stuck in a rut right now in your business.

Karon Thackston of Step-by-Step Copywriting Course says:

When I hit a plateau in my business, I reorganize.

For instance, I hit one not too long ago and needed a way to break through to the next level. So I began looking around my business to see how to accomplish this quickly.

One of my previous products (“Writing With Keywords“) was due for an update. I'd just done an interview with Google's Matt Cutts about how much keyword optimization has changed since Panda and Penguin so I organized that interview with a bunch of examples and other new material and took “Writing With Keywords” from an ebook to a mini-video series. Within a matter of about 2 weeks I had a totally revamped product to sell which has brought thousands of dollars (and growing) into my biz f-a-s-t!

Another thing I do to overcome financial plateaus is re-evaluate my affiliate offerings. I keep a running list of affiliate products I sell. Sometimes, for whatever reason, a handful of them can fall to the sidelines. Reviewing the list is a good reminder to promote the ones that I might have gotten slack about.

If we're talking about emotional plateaus, what works best to get me over the hump is time off. Even if I'm not in a position to take an entire week off completely, sleeping late in the mornings or taking a long weekend can give me the break I need to rejuvenate and come back fresh.

Want to Learn Copywriting from Karon?

Check out more from her here:
Step-by-Step Copywriting Course

Dennis Becker of Earn1KaDay says:

When I've hit plateaus in the past, I've found it was due mental conditioning.

For example, inside my 5 Bucks a Day book, I talked about setting a daily income goal in the beginning when I was tweaking my 5 Bucks a Day strategy.

I've always posted my daily goals on a post it note which is stuck to my printer, which is beside my monitor, always in range of my peripheral vision.

When I reached my first daily income goal, I raised the number quite significantly in fact, and started working towards my next goal.

When I reached that number, I forgot to change the post it note, and I was stuck for weeks, until I realized that my subconscious was satisfied because it had reached the goal that I had set.

Once I changed the post it note again to a higher number, things started to improve again.

The mind works in mysterious ways, but who am I to argue?

I always like to talk about the fact that I settled on the name of Earn 1K a Day for my site, because it's all about the glass ceiling concept, and I was inspired by what had happened to me, but also because of the Roger Bannister story.

Roger was the man who first ran a mile in less than 4 minutes, and back in his time scientists swore that it was physically impossible for a human to run that fast. Roger didn't listen, did it one day, and not long after that, other runners achieved the same result of a sub-4 minute mile.

Plateaus are meant to be stepping stones, ceilings are meant to be broken through, and goals are checkpoints so that our mind keeps us on track.

Want Dennis to Help YOU to Set a Daily Goal?

Join his community here-> Earn1KaDay

Tiffany Dow of The Guide to Shiny Object Syndrome says:

When it comes to business plateaus, I love it when I hit these because it means I’m about to break through to a new level of either financial success or personal satisfaction.

I usually realize I’m in one of these when I start feeling boredom. When I recognize it, I start looking at my business and I’ll see that everything’s at a plateau – comments, income, satisfaction, etc.

I like to sit down and map out my business on paper with a pen – just crude drawings. It might have PLR Store, minisite eBooks, Kindle, Squidoo, Affiliate sites, etc. on it.

I quickly look to see which ones are thriving and which might be dipping in traffic or sales or just leveled out. I also gauge my interest in each one at that moment (because I’m fickle and sometimes I show more love to some parts of my business than others).

Once I zero in on whatever it is I want to work on to break through it, I look at coming up with a new way to recharge the income or enthusiasm or attention on that business model.

For example, I recently realized I had stagnated with my PLR store – so I categorized all my packs according to topics so I could see how much I had in stock for each one. Then I decided to start a series of 72-hour sales where I create 10 new pages and sell them for $7 (customer gets discount) and then add on some existing packs that I had categorized as freebies (customer gets something for nothing).

The sales are going amazing, I’ve broken through a stagnant phase and everyone’s happy! I also wanted to do more with Kindle, but I wanted to incorporate something with my daughter, so we’re building a series of kids’ books and I’m very excited about it.

Plateaus are always about analyzing where you’ve grown complacent and then energizing yourself to do something new or different.

“Love this post? Pin it!”

Think Tiff is Terrif?

Check out more from her here:
The Guide to Shiny Object Syndrome

Kelly McCausey of Solo Smarts Podcast says:

I can't say that I've been at a business plateau in recent years, I've had too many challenges to deal with and have spent a lot of time just trying to dig my way out of a valley. I did recognize towards the end of last year that I felt like I'd hit a ‘people plateau'. It'd been awhile since I had met someone ‘new' in my business.

With nearly ten years of podcasting under my belt, I'm used to meeting new people all the time. I believe I'd begun taking it for granted there'd be someone new around every corner. Alas, I turned a corner and ran into the same faces and voices.

It's a big world but we tend to live in small neighborhoods, even here on the world wide web.

I determined to break out of the rut and pursue new neighborhoods, new people and new experiences. One of the ways I've done it is by being more involved in content curation. I made an effort to find new people, subscribe to their blogs and podcasts and engage them in their circles. It's been powerful.

Another thing I've done is to get out from behind the desk. I'm traveling more this year than ever before and trying to say yes to as many opportunities to meet new people as I can. I should finish the year with lots of new friendships that open exciting new doors.

Whatever plateau you might be dealing with, I bet it could be busted by reaching out to new neighborhoods and forging new relationships.

Note from Nik: I'm thrilled that Kelly will be joining me at Dennis' live event in Vegas in a few weeks.

Join us? Details are here: Earn 1 K a Day Seminar.

Think  Kelly is Cool?

Check out more from her here:
Solo Smarts Podcast

Alice Seba of Step-by-Step PLR Guides says:

When I think of plateaus in business, I think of two things:

• Getting to a place where you’re not sure what to do next
• Reaching an income plateau where you can’t seem to get to the next level

Both of those can be very frustrating, but that’s when it’s time to sit back and get away from the computer for a bit. This is usually where I grab a paper and pencil and write down everything I have going on. My plateaus often result from being overwhelmed by everything that’s going on and sometimes I just need to take stock of everything to see a clearer path. This is the time to evaluate what’s working, what isn’t and what could be better. I often use a mind map app on iPhone for this process as well. I personally don’t find reading mind maps helpful, but I do find the process of creating one makes it easier for me to compartmentalize the different parts of my business so everything is clear in mind.

After writing everything all down, it’s time to come up with a few action plans that include:

• A list of activities or projects that aren’t fruitful and should be discontinued.
  This isn’t always easy, but if we want to keep moving forward, we have to be able to let go of things that just aren’t helping us grow.

• A list of things that need to be done to improve my business.
  I particularly look for ways to connect things together, so I can sell more of our products and services to our customers, no matter how they found us.

• A list of necessary tasks that are dragging me down.
  These are tasks that will be outsourced to a VA or other qualified professional. I often find a plateau comes from my taking on more things in the business that I just don’t enjoy doing or I simply don’t excel in.

I know a lot of people beat themselves up over plateaus. They just sit in front of the computer and wonder what to do next or they just keep doing what they’ve always done, hoping to make a breakthrough. For me, I find if I’m in any type of rut that is the most critical time to give myself a break and do more thinking for a while. Then I can start working again when things are clear in mind.

Awed by Alice?

She's got shortcuts that you can use in your business here:
Step-by-Step How To Guides

David Perdew of NAMS says:

Got the MullyGrubs?

Here in Alabama, we have our own language that creatively stretches words and meanings that are not really found elsewhere – to my knowledge anyway. And I’ve lived all over the world.

One of my closest older friends (he was 76 when he died a few years ago) was a born-and-raised Alabama hellion. He had a fiery temper and a heart of gold. Never was he depressed.

So, when I noticed he wasn’t all that perky one day, I said, “Tommy, what’s wrong with you?”

“Got the MullyGrubs,” he said.

“Huh? What’s the MullyGrubs?”

“Ain’t nothing right. Ain’t nothing wrong,” Tommy said. “I just got the MullyGrubs!”

I completely understood that. It was his word for when we’ve hit that spot that just seems like we’re stuck in goo. It might be emotional or business or social or even spiritual goo, but it sure has us stuck.

Stuck, and we’re not sure why?

At least, that’s the way has been for me.

It’s a really uncomfortable place for me. And it shows up as inertia. Something just isn’t moving in the right direction. And as my spiritual hero, Albert Einstein, said,

“Nothing happens until something moves.”

So, to get unstuck, or climb off that plateau, I’ve got to move.

If it’s a spiritual plateau, I start investigating new writers and new ideas – expanding my mind.

If it’s a relationship plateau, I plan a getaway – some way to spend some intense time with my honey talking, planning, resolving. (I personally like long, captive car trips.)

If it’s a business plateau, I look for three things that need to change and find the right people to help me change them ASAP. This year, I focused on:

• Tripling my income
• Building real assets
• And exploding my list

My list size has remained the same (give or take 20 percent) over the last two years. It’s an awesome small community that is very responsive and loyal, but I had been completely and totally focused on delivering commissions to my affiliates and not growing the list except by adding buyers to our membership sites. (Not complaining, a list of 40 percent buyers is pretty great.)

But this year, I’m focusing on additional list building opportunities – not just affiliates. (Love affiliates, but I don’t want to wear them out…)

I was obviously stuck. So, I started the MyNAMS 30-Day List Building Challenge with just a few days of planning and diving right in.

I set bold goals and published them.

I opened my business to about 320 people showing them exactly what I was doing. I worked like a demon doing 3 webinars a day creating lessons, tools, content and challenges to the folks.

And, of course, I’m creating an awesome crew of JV partners through our 30 expert interviews for the launch (at a much higher price) during the post July 4^th weekend.

Movement! We have movement. My list is growing. Income is increasing. And I’m building more assets.

And guess what? I don’t have time for the MullyGrubs.

There’s too much work to do climbing this mountain at the end of the plateau. I’ll see you up there.

Digging My Friend, David?

Check out his free training here:
Free Weekly Webinars

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

Great minds think alike.

Here are a few things that I do regularly to avoid plateaus and to overcome them.

First, I take a look and see where my income is actually coming from.

Then I look to see where my time and resources are being spent.

The quickest way for me to get over a plateau is if I can spot a place where there's little money coming in with lots of resources going out (time, money, and/or energy).  I usually let those projects go. (Although sometimes I get stuck because my heart is still in a project or it needs work before I can sell it off… in which case, sometimes I really need a boost to release it.)

Another strategy that works really well for me is that I grab pen and paper and go sit outside and plan what I want the next year to five years to look like. I basically brainstorm with future Nicole and see which path that I can take to make me happiest, and most profitable at the same time.

I also have my “big hairy” goals on a post-it, like Dennis suggested. The number originally scared the pants off of me, but now I'm thinking of increasing it again as I know that I can blast past it.  Having earned more in a month than a lot of people earn in a year has really shown me that I wasn't thinking big enough at the time that I wrote down that number. So, I'm on to bigger and hairier things.

This basically comes back again to my “R.E.A.D.” system.

1. Ruminate.

2. Eliminate.

3. Automate.

4. Delegate.

But it all starts with the Ruminate part – which is the planning stage. Without having a clear picture of where you stand and where you want to be, you can work your little butt off, outsource your heart out, and still be sitting on that same plateau in five or ten years, wondering why everyone else has blown by you. And, we certainly don't want that!

Your turn.

What are your tips? What are your struggles? Talk to me.

Best wishes, as always.
Nicole

PS. Remember, ya'll. If you want me to get awesome people to answer these questions, you've got to be leaving comments, sharing and checking out their sites.

Here they are one more time:

• Karon
• Dennis
• Tiffany
• Kelly
• Alice
• David

If you've missed past Expert Briefs, you can click on the undies to see them all –>

Big News! I just finished writing my new book that will, hopefully, be published soon. (WOO HOO!)

Because I've been thinking about books 24/7, it reminded me that I haven't asked my friend what they're reading lately.

Therefore, we're revisiting a popular Expert Briefs topic this week …

What are you reading?

Here are their replies. You can click on any cover to check out that book.

(Also, be sure to check out more about each of my friends. That's how I get them to come back.) 

Rachel Rofe of How To Get Every Book You Write Onto The First Page Of Kindle says:

I'm always in the middle of a few books. Right now I'm reading through three books which are all EXTREMELY great.

#1 is The Charge: Activating the 10 Human Drives That Make You Feel Alive by Brendon Burchard. This is a phenomenal book that fills me with energy every time I read it.

#2 is Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success by Napoleon Hill. I'm re-reading it as it's one of my Top 3 books and just amazing.

#3 is The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. One of my subscribers insisted I read this and I'm so glad he did. I started reading it in Hawaii and couldn't put it down! I love it.

Lain Ehmann of Business Love Potion says:

I'm reading a ton of stuff!

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

Just finished

No B.S. Marketing to the Affluent: The No Holds Barred, Kick Butt, Take No Prisoners Guide to Getting Really Rich by Dan Kennedy. He's always thought-provoking.

And the kids and I are reading “Paddington Goes Abroad” at bedtime.

Kelly McCausey of Solo Smarts says:

I am reading The Power of Story: Change Your Story, Change Your Destiny in Business and in Life by Jim Loehr.

A couple years back I got a lot out of another book from Jim, The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal. I pre-ordered The Power of Story as soon as I heard about it. It's not a business book but it has a lot to do with helping you be more successful in business as well as life.

It's about the story we tell ourselves and others about us. Most of us are telling a terrible story that isn't even based in truth. It's not a light read, he's asking me to truly evaluate what I have to say about myself. I'm convinced though that it will be worth it – I've already noticed how I'm not so quick to make reference to some ‘reasons' for this or that.

Imagine dropping all of your story crutches and standing on your own two feet instead of your own two feet plus the 50 or so good reasons that you haven't been able to succeed so far. Life gives us a lot of reasons to fail but it doesn't have to be part of my story – especially when I'm the one who gets to tell it from now on.

David Perdew of NAMS says:

Oh, I’m reading so much always. I usually have 4-6 books going at once in different genres…and since I have them all on my Kindle Fire, I can read as my mood suits me.

Self-Help –

Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza. I LOVE this book. It makes so much sense to me. If you’re like me, you do things over and over that may cause a feeling of unease or physical pain in your stomach some times. It can be something as small as sneaking a candy bar when I’m trying to improve my blood sugar count. I have a visceral reaction to the things I no longer want to do, but have become rooted habits in my daily life. This book is really helping me see how to change those things by describing the exact process that goes on in your brain and body.

Make A Killing On Kindle (Without Blogging, Facebook Or Twitter). The Guerilla Marketer's Guide To Selling Ebooks On Amazon by Michael Alvear. The author is a successful Kindle publisher and publishing coach. He provides a lot of examples for great Kindle publishing strategies as well as some specific techniques. Many of them are basic, but I need those too.

Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising: How to Access 600 Million Customers in 10 Minutes by Perry Marshall and Thomas Meloche. Perry was THE leading expert in Google advertising techniques with his previous book 10 years ago. And now, he’s focusing on Facebook. Just starting this, but can’t wait to learn what Perry’s teaching.

Imperfect: An Improbable Life by Jim Abbott and Tim Brown. If you’re a baseball fan, you know who Jim Abbott is. He was a pitcher in the 80’s and 90’s who happened to be one-handed. Not only did he play in the major leagues with a very respectable career, but despite all odds, he was a gold medal Olympian who pitched a no-hitter in the majors.

And because I’m at the beach in Florida while writing this, I’m reading Skin Tight by Carl Hiaasen. He’s one of my favorite trash novelists who can turn murder and mayhem into some of the strangest and funniest situations you’ll ever read, and it’s all set in the pink flamingo world of corrupt land developers, crooked cops, crazy ex-governors, and strippers with hearts of gold.

Connie Ragen Green of Affiliate Marketing Secrets Explained says:

I'm reading The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative by Stephen Denning. I have used storytelling to build up my business in a very short period of time, and it's my goal to learn more about this topic as I strive to become a leader in my field. This book presents the idea of using your stories to build a powerful business in a clear and concise way.

Shannon Cherry of Get Free Business Help (ie. How to Get Interns) says:

I'm in the midst of rebranding my business, so a lot of what I'm reading has to do with it. Here are my selections on my Kindle right now:

1)The Story Factor (2nd Revised Edition): Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling – I like telling stories to make certain points, but have never actively done so. This book is pretty good so far at explaining the why of storytelling… I am hoping to get to how it works from a marketing standpoint soon!

2)The secret weapon of a master direct response online copywriter: How to position your brand for success, based on the research of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung – I just did some archetype work with my pal Danielle Miller, to help me with my brand. Now I want to take it one step closer to how to write based on my own archetypes (Hero, Ruler and Creator). It should be fun, especially when I incorporate it with my story telling.

I'm currently reading the Steve Jobs biography (again) – mainly for insight into their software development process since we run our own software company

Besides that, I'm reading Evernote For Dummies off and on a bit each day. To me, Evernote is going to be one of the next big communication channels, so I'm trying to wrap my head around it now.

Daniel Hall of Procrastinators Guide To Authorship Complete Training says:

I'm currently reading

The Back of the Napkin (Expanded Edition): Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

and

Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

ooh. I'm definitely going to have to check out several of those books.

Here's what I'm reading.

1. The 10X Rule.

I just dug the 10x Rule out again. The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure I didn't finish reading it before, because every time I started a chapter, I got so motivated that I would put the book down and go WORK. That's not a bad thing.

I'm also reading this book by my friend, Aileen Bennett. It's full of doodles. She's a girl after my own heart. Even if you  have no intention of learning more about your presentation skills, still go check this out at Amazon and do the “Look inside” feature -> Notes on Shining: Tips to improve your presentation skills It's pretty darned clever.

It's Your Turn to Shine.

Please let me know what are you currently reading. Would you recommend it?

I appreciate you much.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

Recommended.

Here are some of the books that my friends recommended the last time I asked this question, which was last year.

If you've missed past Expert Briefs, you can click on the undies to see them all –>

Everyone always wants to know how to grow a list, what works and what doesn't, especially when they're new to email marketing. This week I asked our experts what advice they would give in this situation.

Let's say I'm a blogger with no products of my own.
What's the fastest way you would recommend that I build my list?

Here are their replies.

Jeanette S. Cates, PhD of Organize Your Online Business says:

You certainly don't need a product in order to build a list. But you do need several optin gifts, such as reports, audios, or videos. I find it best (and most effective) when I rotate these optin boxes, so that they are not always the same. That also helps me segment my list as it grows.

I use Robert Plank's Action Optin for my optin box, since they can join the list and never leave the page they're on. It just gives them the thank you message in the same space.

I change the offer every couple of weeks to keep it fresh.

It's also a good idea to notify the list that you DO have, as well as your social media contacts when you publish a new blog post. You can do this via email, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This gives them the chance to see and comment on your blog post, as well as opt into your current offer.

I've also used the Covert Messenger Pro plugin that Nicole uses on her blog now and then. It's a great way to draw attention to a new offer or event. And it's easy to use and change!

Dr. Jeanette Cates works with online business owners who are ready to expand their Online Success. She provides training for new and intermediate marketers in her well-respected Online Success Incubator  course.

Lain Ehmann of Business Love Potion says:

Create a product! No, seriously – people need a reason to sign up for your list. Discounts, special exclusives, a free download — these are all great “bait” to lure them into your list – where you'll give them MORE goodies.

Even if you're primarily an affiliate marketer, you should establish yourself as an authority, and one of the best ways of doing so is through creating your own product. Here are some ideas:

• Checklist (“10 things you need to know before you write your next poem”)
• Special report (“The five biggest mistakes in ferret ownership and how to avoid them”)
• Audio interviews
• eBooks
• Free five-part email class (“Five Days to Silkier Skin”)

Then offer this product as a gift when someone signs up for your email list. Voila, instant subscribers!

Lain knows how to enchant her readers. Check out her podcast here: Business Love Potion

Connie Ragen Green of Affiliate Marketing Secrets Explained says:

Bloggers are in the enviable position of writing regularly on their topic. In order to build a list quickly I would recommend writing reviews of products, courses, and services in your niche, and to add a relevant short report as a bonus to anyone who buys through your link. Continue to blog about the benefits of being on your list, and ask people to share your posts on social media. This will bring you some income, build your list, and massively increase your visibility in a short period of time as the buzz grows about what you have to offer your audience.

How Has Connie won so Many Affiliate Contests? Find out here -> Affiliate Marketing Secrets Explained

Susanne Myers of  Daily Affiliate Tasks says:

There are a million and one ways to grow your list and a lot of them you can do from your blog. That being said, I get the best results from a very basic strategy … but you have to do it well and constantly test and tweak for best results. Here it is…

Have The Basics In Place and Then Tweak Them

The best way to grow your list from your blog is to have some sort of optin form on every page of your site, to offer a goodie or ethical bribe in exchange for your readers’ email addresses, to overcome any objections they may have for signing up and to ask your own readers to help you grow your list further.

Yes, this is pretty basic stuff, but are you doing all of it? Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail.

1. Optin Form on Every Page

Go check on your blog and see if you have some sort of optin form on every single page. It’s pretty easy to do with WordPress. You can add it to the sidebar or tweak your blog template so it’s automatically added to the bottom of every post.

Next it’s time to tweak and test. Try a different placement for your optin form. Test different copy, color, layout … you name it. If you can think of something to change, it’s worth testing. If you are using Aweber it’s very easy to set up split tests directly in your Aweber account settings. No need to change your Blog files every time you test something new.

Keep testing and keep improving your optin rate to grow your list faster and faster.

2. Offer An Ethical Bribe

Again… it’s a pretty obvious one. Make sure you offer something to new subscribers. This could be a short report, an audio or video recording, a coupon code etc. If you have an offer in place now, take a look at it. Does it still work? (You can use PLR content to create this.)

Either way it’s time to do some testing. Come up with a few different goodies to give away and see which one works best. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Just mention a different one in each test version and then add links to all of them in your welcome email that goes out automatically. You can mention in there that you’re throwing in a few extra bonuses that you thought they might enjoy.

3. Overcome Objections

Another good idea is to overcome any objections your blog readers may have. A great way to do that is to write up a page with 10 good reasons why someone should sign up for your list. Link to that page from right below your autoresponder signup box.

Here’s an example of my page for my Affiliate Treasure Chest blog.

4. Ask For Referrals

Last but not least, let’s talk about my favorite strategy. It’s getting my existing subscribers to help me grow my list faster. Every few weeks I ask them (usually in a P.S.) to help me grow the list by referring others to it. I invite them to share my emails with colleagues and friends that may also be interested in the topic.

I LOVE my Susanne friend! Check out her Daily Affiliate Tasks here.

David Perdew of NAMS says:

Because MyNAMS.com is a membership site, we’ve focused on growing that members’ list organically and without undercutting any of our affiliates. That’s a tall order. It means slow growth until we have a system in place that protects our affiliates first.

For example, I won’t send traffic to an aWeber opt-in page first. If we do that, we’re just raiding the affiliates list.

So, we built a list opt-in box that adds prospects to a free membership first, THEN to the autoresponder list.

Now, we’re customizing our opt-in process to recognize whether visitors are logged in (if so, don’t show them the sign up box), and whether they’ve signed up for the product on that page already (if so, don’t show them the sign up box).

I’ve been really slow creating opt-in funnels because I wanted to respect the traffic source. But now that we’re set up with target specific, non-invasive opt-in technology that rewards our affiliates, every page of MyNAMS will have a popup box to harvest the maximize number of visitors.

That kind of list building is really good for our affiliates since they are tagged with lifetime database referrals. In other words, more passive commissions through better list building

Be sure to sign up for David's free weekly webinars here: NAMS Training

Rachel Rofe of How To Get Every Book You Write Onto The First Page Of Kindle says:

To build your list, there a few things you could do.

First, you could do some kind of 30 day challenge based around whatever your niche is. So let's say you're in scrapbooking… maybe you can post a new scrapbook every day for 30 days.

If you're in “learn to play piano”, you can have videos showing you learning to play the piano.

If you're in internet marketing, post about what you are doing to earn money.

All of these should be done with affiliate links included. As you post more and more, people will get more enrolled in your journey and sign up just not to miss the updates.

When you're done with your challenge, offer an opt-in with your main learnings from the past 30 days. People can sign up to get the report that explains your main takeaways, what you would've done differently, etc.

This would be highly valuable to people.

Another idea to build your list would be to blog with excellent content, like Steve Pavlina, and just offer a newsletter for people to get your updates. Steve didn't have any of his own products for a LONG time and was still highly successful and one of the most trafficked blogs on the web.

Another idea would be to hold contests for your blog readers. If you can make your readership engaging (contests, particularly viral ones), people will keep coming back just for the inevitable community you build.

Rachel's customers are getting results with her latest product: How To Get Every Book You Write Onto The First Page Of Kindle

Kelly McCausey of Solo Smarts Podcast says:

This is a tip for podcasters. During a podcasting webinar earlier this year, we were brainstorming ways to get the most out of your podcast content and we came up with the idea of building a list from your podcast listeners by transcribing the best interviews and making them available to list members for free.

I don't transcribe the entire episode, just the guest interview alone. I don't transcribe every interview, just those that strike me as being really meaty.

When I publish the podcast I add a note like this one: “Prefer to read rather than listen? Subscribe to my list and get a free interview transcript!”

I manage this by storing the transcripts in a protected folder and provide new subscribers with the password.

Since I started doing this I see little bursts of new optins (as few as ten, as much as twenty-five) on the weeks that I offer a new transcript.

Be sure to check out Kelly’s podcasting course. You can check that out here: Smart Podcasting Skills

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

Lists, lists, lists.  So much to say. So little time.

I have many thoughts on this topic. But first, let me share one thing that I've done.

The last few weeks, I decided to give some attention to my lists. And, it's paying off very nicely.

If you've been around recently, you may have noticed some things changing. Well, most of that was to make it irresistible to sign up for my list. While I don't think I'm at irresistible yet, I think it's much more appealing.

Here's what I've been up to.

Step One: Sexy-up the Bait.

First of all, you'll notice that I made the “bait” sexier to sign up for my blog updates. When they sign up, they get not just updates, but THREE awesome reports. (Soon to be more.)

1. Where to Find Images for your Blog Posts.

2. 104 Blog Title Ideas (printable list)

3. List of the Tools that Power my Business

You could easily use PLR content to create these or just take your most popular blog posts and turn them into pdfs. Either way works.

Step Two: Sexy-up the Signup Forms.

Next, I made the signup boxes a bit more updated and current as you can see.

The new Side nav opt-in looks like this:

I added a new top opt-in box which looks like this:

And, we updated the opt-in at the bottom of the posts, too. (Although that little pokey out black thing still needs to be removed.)

 I *wish* I had a tool to recommend to make these pretty boxes. I've tried several and they've all been buggy and disappointing, so I shall just keep them to myself. BUT – I just bought ANOTHER program, so I'm testing it and am hopeful that we have a winner. Keep your fingers crossed. If it works as well as they say it will, you'll be hearing about it very soon.

Step Three: Sexy-up Your Testing.

Make sure you're using different signup forms on your blog so that you can easily track your results in Aweber.

Even better would be if you used Aweber's split testing feature that is built into their program to see which sign-up forms are getting the best results. I have used that in the past and it provides great feedback. But we haven't done it yet with these. We will though.

Step Four: Sexy-up Your Traffic.

The fourth thing to do is to boost your traffic so you get lots of people on your blog. That will give you a true test to see if your new forms are getting more signups than your old ones.

There are several ways to get more traffic to your blog, fast. These are two of my favorites.

The first one may not be the most interesting way you've ever heard, but it flat out works.

Here's a free report you can have to read more about it.

• The Easiest Way to Get More Blog Traffic (pdf)

Note: The Workshop that's mentioned in that document “Get to Know Your Blog Stats” – use coupon code “peeps25” to save 25% on it if you decide to sign up.

The second method that I like to use is Guest Blogging.

If you're new to my blog or are just getting to know me, I'll let you in on a cool thing about me, I did 75 guest blog posts during a 15 week spell a few summers ago. It was AWESOME for my exposure.

I have a course that explains the methods to my madness and you can check that out here if you'd like: Guest Blogging on Steroids.

So Talk to Me.

What are your biggest questions about building your list on your blog?

What has worked well for you in the past?

Well, I'm going to get off this computer and enjoy the beautiful day outside.

Talk soon.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

One of my top recommendations online for the last year has been the NAMS Business System. There's SO much to it. Just tons of value. Much more than anything else that I've seen online.

But, there was ONE big flaw to it that I really was hoping could be corrected. Somehow.

The problem?

The members' area of NAMS was a MESS. There was tons of information with no visible rhyme or reason behind it. You could sign in, look around the site and find hundreds (maybe even thousands) of hours of audio and transcripts in there… from beginner training all the way through stuff that the most advanced students want to learn. But it was too  much and it wasn't organized in a way that made sense.

Until now.

The NAMS site now has a dashboard. David Perdew, the owner of NAMS, had been talking about this dashboard for awhile and I was a little ho-hum about it. I mean, a “Dashboard” doesn't sound sexy. Heck, I don't get all tingly when I drive my car and look at the dashboard, so why should I get excited about this?

Well, I've seen it. Now I believe.

The new dashboard turns the entire NAMS training site into a step-by-step system of 56 Modules. The Modules start at very beginner – and go through way advanced stuff.

Check it out in the video below (or scroll down to see some screenshots).

If you're in a rush, just download the video here:

Here's the link if you want to play with the dashboard yourself while watching the video:

Check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
When you go to that page, click on the first photo you see to play with the dashboard.

But, what exactly do you get if you decide to jump in?

If you join at the Lifetime Rate, you pay once and get access to…

1. The Dashboard and all of the training in it.

2. Recordings of the Weekly Webinars with Experts for the life of NAMS. These are held weekly and are highly valuable training in themselves. You will also get access to all past recordings – over 30 of them.

3. 50 new PLR articles every month for the life of NAMS. (That's 600 PLR articles per year, every year.)

4. Royalty-free music that you can use in your podcasts or videos. These are different every month.

5. Various graphics that you can use in your business.

6. The private members' forum, including the points system so that you can earn free stuff just for chit chatting in the community.

7. Your own members' blog where you can feature your expertise and link back to your blog to build traffic.

8. A special hugely-discounted ticket price to attend the NAMS Live Workshop in Atlanta twice annually. (I never miss these. I'll be there!)

9. And more. Those were just my favorite pieces and parts in the membership.

You really do have to see it to understand what's inside. Watch the video above and see if the NAMS training might be right for you. Not sure? Ask me. I'll be happy to let you know for sure.

In the meantime, here's that link again:

Click here to check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
Click on the first photo on the page to play with the dashboard.

NAMS Dashboard in Screenshots.

For those who don't like Video, here are some screenshots for you of the dashboard.

This one shows the main dashboard area. You have the option of 56 modules that take you through the 100 level (total beginner) through the 400 level (advanced). You can see the number 400 is highlighted, simply because I took the “Marketing Assessment” which says that that's where I should focus. However, I have access to all levels because I'm a member.

If I were to scroll down on that page in the 100 level to Module 1 and open it, I would see this. (By the way, everyone, even non-members can access Module 1. So, if you want to, head over to the NAMS Lifetime Offer and click on the first photo (of the dashboard) on that page to see this live and go through this training.

Just for fun, take a look at the 300 level courses. It's really good stuff. They are still adding content this weekend, but all of this will be covered.

Here's the link one more time:

Click here to check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
Click on the first photo on the page to play with the dashboard.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Want to know what the best part of this is to me? That the members will see greater success than before. And, that just plain makes me happy!

Last week, we started this series where Marketers share their pets.

• Terry Dean shared his handsome boys with us.
• Connie Green introduced us to her crew.
• Susanne Myers shared her wild kitty.

Today, we have David Perdew on deck to share his furry family members with us.

Show Me Your Pets!

Be sure to comment so he feels the love.

David Perdew of NAMS says:

You know, I was afraid of dogs until I was about 37 because I got bit when I was 9. Any barking dog just freaked me out.

At 37, I got a girlfriend who lived in SoHo in NYC and her dog – a beautiful Vizsla (think red Weimaraner), acted like it was going to eat me alive. But she was my girlfriend and I had to get over it.

I did. I fell in love with that dog. After the girlfriend and I parted ways, I was no longer afraid of dogs, and missed that Vizsla tremendously.

I've had several dogs since. Many I've inherited, but some were my own like Lila and Luann.

Those two pups (Lila is the black and grey and Luann is the black and tan) are dear to me.

Lila argues with me about bedtime and whether she's had her treat limit for the day or not. Luann does whatever you ask her to do. If I tap my lap, she hoists all 45 pounds up there like she's a real lapdog. Lila, quick to jealousy, comes over and pulls her tail, legs and ears.

They all like to hug.

But the funniest thing is the way the cat (Lois – yes, we like “L” names) has trained them to leave her alone. If they walk to close to her, she boxes at their tales until they scoot out of distance. Sometimes though, I've caught Lila and Lois sleeping snuggled together on the couch.

Since we don't have any kids at home any longer, we dote on these animals.

In the picture attached, they all three “sit” for a bite of left over pizza crust as Charlsa shares.

Be sure to sign up here for David’s Weekly FREE Webinars. (They’re good stuff.)

I hope you’re enjoying seeing our babies! I sure am.

Be sure to give a shout out to David to thank him for stopping by.

Coming up on tomorrow, you’ll see another one. Make sure you're signed up for updates so you don't miss a thing.

Have a beautiful day.

Warmly,

Nicole Dean

PS. I’ve been working on my Facebook Page and am spending more time there. Come on by and chat. Nicole Dean on Facebook.

If you've missed past Expert Briefs, you can click on the undies to see them all –>

I've noticed a lot of smart business people working from their iPhone or iPad at various times to get things done, so this week I asked our panel of experts …

What are your favorite iPhone or iPad apps that you rely upon for your business productivity on the go?

Let's dig right in….

Shannon Cherry of The Business Building Live Intensive says:

My goodness! How did we survive without our iPhones? I was an early adopter. My husband, however, didn't think it was valuable for a business person. “An expensive toy,” he would say when I used it. But then, when I showed him what I was doing on it to be more productive, he changed cell phone carriers to mine!

So what are my invaluable iPhone apps?

• Mail (duh!)

• Paypal – there's nothing like being able to see sales come in anytime… and send money too!

• WordPress – I actually use my iphone to delete spam and make comments on my blog. It's the perfect thing to do when waiting in line or for my kids' school bus to arrive.

• And my new favorite: SQUARE. It allows you to swipe or key in credit cards for sales. It's quick; it's easy; and no merchant account is needed.

Jeanette S. Cates, PhD of Teleseminar Basics says:

I use my iPad when I travel for just a few days and when I'm in the living room and don't want to walk ALL the way to the office. (grinning) So I really don't have heavy productivity software on it. I do use the notepad extensively for taking notes in a seminar. And I use a mifi connection when I need to connect in the seminar.

But the most important accessory I have is my wireless keyboard. It weighs nothing, is a full-size keyboard and speeds my typing significantly. I can't imagine typing much without it!

As for apps –

• On both iPhone and iPad I use the built-in email system. I use Google maps on my iPhone as a GPS when I'm traveling – or going to a strange field for one of my grandkids' soccer games. I have both Facebook and Echofon on them so I can keep up with Facebook and Twitter.

• On the iPad I use Roboform so I can log into all of my password-protected sites without remembering a password. And I use GoodReader to read PDFs and unzip files. And naturally I also have my Kindle app on both so that I can switch between them as I'm reading.

I highly recommend both! They provide a seamless environment for connectivity.

Alice Seba of Contentrix says:

I really don’t think I could live without my iPhone and my iPad is a treasure too. They allow me to stay connected (but not too connected!) and organized. Frankly, I’m not sure how I survived without them!

My favorite apps that I rely on (besides email and the note pad that come with the phone) are:

• Calendars – Google Calendar: It’s an app created by Readdle that syncs with my Google calendar. So whenever I update something on my computer, it’s automatically on my iPhone. It also sends me reminders, so I know what’s up for each day.

• WordPress: The WordPress app makes it easy to moderate comments, add posts, upload images and videos and more. Definitely a timesaver and keeps me from having to drag out the laptop each time I want to update or add something quickly.

• SugarSync: This is actually an online back-up service that automatically backs up files on my laptop, iPhone and iPad. It’s perfect for whenever I need to refer to a document that is sitting on my computer. In fact, I just used it this morning to send an image that Nicole had asked for.

• FTP on the Go: This is a great little app that allows me to update pages on my HTML sites. There’s nothing worse than being out and about and someone tells you there’s an error on one of your pages. With this app, I can get in there quickly and fix things up in a jiffy. Or if it’s late at night and I need to a remove an offer that just expired, I can do that lazing about in bed…no laptop required.

• Yahoo Messenger: There’s nothing terribly special about this app, but it allows me to communicate live with my VA. I can answer her questions, send her tasks while I’m riding my bike (I get off first, of course) or am out running errands.

• Misc. Social Media Apps: I also use a variety of social media apps because I try to limit my social media use to when I’m off the computer. Computer time is concentrated work time, so being able to catch up on social media while on the couch is awesome.

Lynn Terry of Clicknewz says:

I rely on a number of apps since I manage the majority of my business mobile now. My absolute favorite out of all the apps I use is Evernote. And it's free.

The best thing about Evernote is that it's compatible with practically every platform, and it syncs seamlessly cross-platform. I have it running on my Android smart phone, my desktop PC, my Macbook Pro and my iPad. No matter which device I am on, I can access and update my files – and it updates across every device instantly.

Let's say I'm sitting in my office and think of things I need from the store. I can open up Evernote and add the items to my shopping list. Later I may be out on the back deck with my Macbook when I think of something else – so I add it. Then when I am actually at the store, I can pull out my mobile and access the list on my Evernote app.

I'll often keep event notes in Evernote, and also jot down blog post ideas or even draft a blog post in Evernote when I'm mobile (from my Droid or my iPad). Then when I get back to my office, I sit down at my desk and all of my notes and posts are right there in front of me. No transferring files!

And the cool thing – you don't even need to be online to use Evernote. So if you're in a no service area, you can still make notes or draft ideas, and when you get back online it will sync up with the rest of your devices. Great feature if you have ideas mid-flight and you're in Airplane mode, or if you're camping in the middle of nowhere and have no 3G signal. Because for some insane reason, that's where you always get your brightest ideas LOL…

David Perdew of NAMS says:

In addition to the ones listed above, I like these, too.

• TheBestCamera.com – it allows you to do some creative things with pictures pretty quickly and post them to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, e-mail and Best Camera site – here's mine.

• Facebook‘s new iPhone app is really good too.

• eTrade is excellent if you manage stocks.

• And soon, you'll have the MyNAMS Forum App for your iPhone / iPad / Droid

• Can't live without Roboform for the iPhone.

• Carbonite to access all my backed up files from the iPhone.

• Flickr for accessing pictures and sharing them.

• iThoughts is a really nice Mindmapping software that can be saved in Freemind format to dropbox or your backed up system.

• Mashable, LinkedIn and PayPal.

Okay, maybe I have too many iPhone apps, but I live on my iPhone.

Lynette Chandler of Tech Based Marketing says:

Because our office is multi-platform (everything from iPhone to Droid, Macs to PC's, iPads to Android tablets) about 2 years ago I made a decision to be as platform independent as possible. This way, it doesn't matter what we are using, desktop or laptop, phone or iPad – I have access to as much of what is needed to work as possible.

For this reason, the apps for both my phone and iPad overlap. Among the first apps installed on all devices are:
1. Evernote

2. Dropbox

3. Roboform

4. GQueues – Project and task manager – this is not exactly an app but a web based app you access via the browser yet behaves like an app. I'm becoming quite attached to GQueues so this is essential.

5. Feedly – much more attractive way to read feeds and get ideas for content.

6. Gmail – I don't necessarily use an app but it definitely gets tied into all devices. Best of all, because I use Google Apps, syncing is never a problem.

7. Kindle

For the phone only they are
1. BizCalendar by Mikado ADORE the many calendar widgets.
2. Navigation – this is turn by turn GPS directions that came with my phone. Good when visiting a new local client and am sure later for local meetups.
3. FlexT9 – I can ‘write' instead of type and something else called trace or swype. You don't type but you just trace the words with your finger this is fantastic. Of course with Android I can talk instead of type. The problem – I'm just not a talker.

For iPad only
1. WordPress
2. iBooks

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

Well, the reason why I asked this question was because I wanted to use my iPads more productively, plus I'm switching from a HTC to an iPhone very soon. So, WOW. Now I have work to do, installing and learning all of these apps.

The three apps that I've been using the most are…

1. Dropbox. This allows me to easily upload files to my iPad without having to use iTunes. I can access anything that I have in dropbox from my iPad as long as I have an internet connection.

2. Skype. I just started playing with the Skype app, but it's already saved my butt twice. My phone battery was dead, so I just called on Skype from my iPad. The only problem with it, is that it doesn't hang up automatically when you close your iPad with a smart cover. I was talking on my iPad to my friend, Tracy Roberts, and I said “bye” and threw my iPad in my purse (where it lives) and I could hear Tracy saying “Nik? Nik? I can hear you….” from my purse.  lol. So, yes, it's awesome, but … I'm still learning.

3. And, of course, the Gmail app that pulls my gmail into my iPad so I can easily keep tabs on my mail.

The others that I like but don't use daily are..

1. OnlyWire.  Hooks into my OnlyWire.com account.

2. Pulse. I can pull in the feeds from my favorite blogs and catch up and comment on them while I'm out and about and feeling lazy.

3. Facebook. Gotta keep tabs on my Facebook friends and fans.

4. Adobe Reader. To easily read .pdf files.

5. Mindjet. For mapping out my crazy plans.

6. QuickVoice. Records my dictation and will email it to me.

7. Dragon Dictation. Transcribes my words into text. However, you do have to say the punctuation. Like “Today I would like to talk about iPhone and iPad apps period these apps will help you to be more productive period”. 

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on other fun stuff that I find.

So, what's installed on your iPad or iPhone that helps you with your business? Talk to me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Be sure to check out my additional tips here on -> how to increase productivity.

I always have a hard time promoting NAMS, simply because I can't seem to express in words what I feel about how special this event is.

NAMS is family. Plain and simple.

There's no other event that I look forward to as much.

My NAMS Timeline

• NAMS 2 (August 2009): I first discovered NAMS in August 2009. I bought a ticket and went as an attendee to meet the instructors (and, of course, learn a thing or two). I hung out and learned lots and had a great time. I was asked during that event to come back as faculty. (The man in charge, who started NAMS, David Perdew, knew that I worked with Jimmy D. Brown as his Affiliate Manager. David was also familiar with my work here on my blog and my EasyPLR.com site – as well as knowing that I'm a fun person with integrity. So, I was in.)

Here's a pic of me and David taken in 2010:

• NAMS 3 (Jan. 2010): I went again in January 2010 to NAMS 3 as a presenter (and was so impressed that I brought my mom with me) – and had a fabulous time once again.
• NAMS 4 (August 2010): I went to NAMS 4 (my 3rd time) and made tons of memories. In fact, I laughed so hard on a number of occasions that I gave myself a headache.
• NAMS 5 (January 2011): NAMS 5 was virtual. (Pout pout.) I did a presentation as a webinar, but, unfortunately wasn't able to hang with my friends since there was no live event.
• NAMS 6 (August 2011): And, now I just got home from NAMS 6. I brought my mom again, as well as my 14 year old son. There are not many events that I would bring my family to, unfortunately. But this is DIFFERENT.
• NAMS 7 (January 2012):  I can't WAIT for NAMS 7 in February!

What Makes NAMS Different from other Conferences?

As someone who’s been to bunches of seminars and conferences about Internet Marketing & How to Make Money Online – NAMS is unique and stands apart in many ways.

1. This is a Workshop as opposed to a Seminar.

The difference is that there are presenters, but the attendees are encouraged to accomplish goals during the day. Prizes are even awarded for those who take initiative and make progress.

2. Meet a Variety of Rockstar Faculty Members.

There is a huge faculty so you have the opportunity to hear things from different perspectives which is something that I love. Usually there are about 20 presenters, plus normally at least 8 aides (helpers) who are also knowledgeable marketers who are on hand to help the attendees.

3. Choose the right level for you. (Not one size fits all.)

The workshop is broken up into four rooms where newbies, beginners, intermediates, and advanced level marketers are challenged. There's the 100 (beginners), 200 (have a blog and need to make more aff sales), 300 (setting up more streams of income, including product creation), 400 (assets, outsourcing, systems, etc). Beginners never feel ‘dumb’ and Advanced students aren’t allowed to get bored.

4. There is no “pitching” allowed by the presenters.

Several seminars that I’ve attended were laughable because every single speaker ended his/her presentation with a sales pitch for a $2000-$5000 product that was “essential” and “breakthrough” and would change your life forever. I take that back. It would have been laughable if it hadn’t been so sad. It doesn’t sit well with me to see beginners writing check after check for materials that they do NOT need. It would be such a better investment for them to spend that money outsourcing and getting things DONE. (Stepping off the soapbox.)

Anyway, at NAMS, the presenters are there to help, not to sell, although we are able to have a “where you can learn more” slide at the end of our presentation with a special offer or just a link to our blog. If we meet at NAMS and you ask me about my products, I’ll gladly tell you where you can learn more about them, but I will not be up at the front of the room, telling you that you must spend your money on my stuff or be doomed to fail. In fact, I may recommend that you do not purchase my products if it's not a good fit for any reason.

5. AWESOME presenters. Big Hearts & Big Smarts!

Seriously. One thing that I love about David is that he doesn’t just look for smart people, but he finds positive, energetic, warm people who truly care. And, I’m absolutely honored to be included in that lineup for this event. As I mentioned, the presenters are great people and they are all highly approachable. You will not feel intimidated to talk with them, nor is it “cliquey”. The whole point is that the faculty is expected to be approachable during the weekend.

6. The networking simply rocks.

I haven't been able to figure out why this is the case, but the attendees are fabulous. The participants are smart, funny, good people and I always learn just as much by talking with them as I do from listening to the presentations.  In fact, some of the best brainstorming happens after hours.

Here's a pic in my hotel room at about 1 am during NAMS 4 –

Lain Ehmann, me, Kristen Eckstein

Overall, it's a very fun weekend. I'll be posting pics soon, but, in the meantime, wanted to make sure you could be part of this amazing community at whatever level you choose.

Let me quickly give you some options so you can pick what's right for you.

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Option #1: My NAMS Membership  with the Benefit of Attending the Live Event in February for Only $97

David Perdew is creating a very cool place where you can learn, network, and grow with other affiliate marketers – and right now you can get in for a discount

All of this is included:

• Monthly webinars with proven experts.
• Exclusive eBooks, special reports, and training modules.
• Special offers on upcoming events like the live NAMS workshop that I'm at that happens twice each year (you can attend for only $97 if you're a member)
• Access to a private forum where you can ask questions of people who can help you.
• Monthly Q & A sessions where your specific questions will be answered.
• Member site reviews, so you can see how your sites can be improved.

Why so cheap? He's in pre-launch mode right  now.

Here's how you can get in before the first price increase.

Go to:  I Wanna Be a NAMster, too! and enter coupon code: MYNAMS85

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Option #2: Get the Recordings from Last Weekend ($97 for the next few days)

If you'd like to get access to the recordings to all of the presentations, go here now, and you can save $200 with coupon: IWASTHERE

It's three solid days of awesomeness.

My presentation in the 400 room was “Building Assets on the Web: Multiple Streams of Income without Madness” — Terry Dean actually BLOGGED about my presentation – including mentioning an idea that he's going to copy from me. WOW. I'm still giggling a little about that.

ok. So, if you want to be a fly on the wall and learn about conversion from Terry Dean, building assets from me,
monetization from Bob “the Teacher” Jenkins – as well as Webinars from Paul Evans and a bunch more — check out this link:

Grab the NAMS 6 Recordings

Use Coupon Code: IWASTHERE to save $200!

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Option #3: Buy a Ticket to NAMS 7 in January

The other way to attend is to purchase a ticket for NAMS 7 in February at full price. Here's the link to do that: NAMS 7 February (but again please note, with Option #1 you can get your ticket for a lot less).

I hope that helps tell you a little bit more about where I've been and what NAMS is all about.

I'll be posting more pictures soon!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean