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Say What? Funny real conversation with a Quickbooks customer service rep


After I wrote my review on Quickbooks, my husband shared a humorous instant message conversation he had with Quickbooks customer service.

We can’t win, so we might as well laugh! For your reading entertainment, here’s the recent “circular” conversation that my husband had with Quickbooks customer service regarding an upgrade for the 2009 version.

Very professional isn’t [...]

Quickbooks Accounting Software Review – The Good and The Bad


A big part of running a small business is managing accounting.
For those of us who are creative types, this can be a bit of a challenge. Most companies, however, buy accounting software like Quickbooks, MYOB, Peachtree, or one of the new online services like Freshbooks.
When I started this company, my husband and I researched solutions [...]

Great Article: Top 10 Facebook Privacy Settings


With all the brouhaha recently about the Facebook user agreement, many started thinking about their privacy and their information on social networking sites. Thanks to Twitter, I came across this excellent summary on “10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know” on AllFacebook.com. 
I thought it was very helpful, and since I’ve recommended it to many, [...]

How to Avoid Becoming a Flop When You Speak


I read a very good article in Maximum Impact’s newsletter, called “7 Reasons Why Speakers Flop.” For years, I have worked with CEOs on speaking at conferences, and these are all things I worked to get across to each of them each year. As I read this article, I wanted to stand up and yell, [...]

Write to Wow Readers: A Checklist for Great Writing (Part 2)


I had so much to say on the topic of great writing, that I had to break it into multiple posts!
Here’s a few more tips to follow to improve your writing process:

Read out loud. After writing, speak what you write. This unveils awkward phrasing, gaps in the structure, and areas that need revision.
Strengthen verbs. Replace [...]

Write to Wow Readers: A Checklist for Great Writing (Part 1)


Want to look smart? Learn how to write clearly and concisely!
Writing has never been more important as we all spend hours every week writing emails. Although this list applies to nearly all business and promotional writing, I wouldn’t suggest applying it to essays and creative writing.
This is, however, a great checklist the next time you [...]

Creating a Video: 11 Tips to Receive Rave Reviews


In my previous two jobs, I have produced over 60 promotional videos, so I have a few tips to offer on how to create a great video.
I’ve done it on the cheap and with a big budget. And, since I only had one video class in college, I learned from experience…and from my incredibly talented [...]

6 Ways to Create a Press Release that the Media (and Your Customers) Will Love


I love press releases. They are one of the most clear, concise and non-manipulative ways to communicate important information. And, if written correctly, news releases offer facts and invite participation in a tantalizing way that makes everyone want to read them. I’ve found they are welcome addition to any direct marketing program; why save the [...]

7 Career Tips for Students (Or Anyone that Has a Job)


Today, I had the pleasure of participating on a panel about careers in communications at St. Charles Community College. It was fun!
It was put together by the SCC Speech and Communications Department, which includes Darren Osburn, associate professor, who I knew from our days together at Culver-Stockton College. The other panel organizers were: Curt Van [...]