Paper or plastic? We hear that question at the grocery store a lot although it seems like I’m not being given the “paper” option as much as I used to. I could take a rabbit trail and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each but that’s not the purpose of this post.

How often do you reference or create a “to-do list” on your computer either by keeping current working items on your desktop, e-mails in your inbox or a program dedicated to listing items you need to do for the day, week or month? I admit I kept current projects on my desktop and don’t file away e-mails until I finish a task requested in the e-mail but you know what works best for me? Writing a list of items I need to do on a blank sheet of paper. I can close an e-mail program or my desktop will be hidden by other programs but to get rid of the list on the piece of paper I would have to toss it in the trash. I’ve seriously been thinking of buying a bound journal for nothing but to do lists. Some people use white boards. How do you keep the things you need to do for the day front and center as a constant reminder and record?

By the way, I’m referring to the computer system as “plastic” for what it’s worth.

I just finished reading the book, Problogger - Secrets to blogging your way to a Six Figure Income. It was actually a book I won in an online contest but is one I highly recommend anyone buy. Don’t let the title fool you. This book is not a get rich quick scheme using blogging. The principles laid out in the book not only can help you be a better writer but also a better business owner if that is where you are in life or looking to go. Of course as a small business owner and blogger I was thinking of both while reading this book.

The book is co-authored by Darren Rowse of Problogger.net and Chris Garrett of Chirsg.com . Two of the most successful bloggers today. I would describe both Darren and Chris as real. Real individuals who are passsionate about what the write about but also are completely honest about how much work blogging takes if you want it to be a profitable venture. It wasn’t long after I started reading the book that I realized the things they were saying were a lot of the hard lessons I have already started learning as a business owner. Some of those aspects include finding a niche, income and earning strategies, promotion and marketing and creating a worthwhile product.

Another thing I discovered in my reading was they used a term we already use in our business mission statement, Compelling Content. However a big point they made was that just having compelling content without marketing is talking to yourself.

The buying and selling of blogs is also covered in the book. That whole section confirmed things we have told customers when it comes to having a web site that has value. I read things in that chapter that apply to any business. I dare say the entire book is really a handbook for the entrepreneur of business person will professional blogging as the prime example. Of course I as a part of our business we encourage our clients to blog as a way to communicate news, tips and ideas about their industry however you may want to take your blogging or desire to blog from hobby status to a professional venture, If you are a small business owner or looking into starting a small business or If you just want to be a better writer who will connect with your audience, buy this book.

Have you read Problogger? What were your thoughts? I’m also interested in hearing what other books you may have read that could apply beyond the title.

First of all I am going to have to be upfront and admit this is one portable device I don’t have…yet. I’m talking about the Flip video camera. If you haven’t seen it you would not think it was a video camera. You would think it was a very basic point and shoot still camera. I saw someone at my local Mac User’s Group showing it as well as the video she had shot earlier at her house.

I’ve also been seeing example popping up all over the Internet from local users like Phil Yanov sharing why he won’t visit a certain fast food chain for a while, or Ponzi Pirillo meeting her husband, Chris at the airport and surprising him with the Flip purchase.

I’m excited about this video camera for three reasons; 1.) It’s size - if something is too big most people will not take it around, 2.) It’s very usable and easy to use, offloading is as easy as plugging the camera directly into the USB port on your computer and 3.) For a camera it’s size with limited features the quality of the video is great especially for impromptu recordings. Do you have a Flip or have you thought about buying one? I recommend checking into this device as a way to share compelling content with those you are trying to reach with your business or organizations message. Of course the example linked to above were more of the the “fun variety.”

I’m right now in the middle of reading a book and it just occured to me how reading a book, hearing a special speaker at a meeting, listening to a podcast or attending a class will often help me do one thing but not the thing I expect. We often expect to go into a place of instruction or ispiration with hopes of getting a list or special formula for acheiving a special task however I have found that I am often fortune to get one good nugget of information I can take with me and use.

Our brains can only hold so much stuff. They say at one time we can only remember 7 things at a maxium. That is one reason telephone numbers are set up they way they are. Even better is a 3 or 4 step process. Even with taking good notes their is usually one thing we hear or see that inspire us to take further action.

What helps you get your focus?

Are you providing opportunities for customers or other people to focus or are you dumping too much information and confusing people?

Does your logo, web site, business card, photos, etc. help people remember that “one thing” or do they get overwhelmed with a long list of products and services?

One of my biggest pet peeves in both new and old media is seeing the same thing or formula day after day. Soap Operas have often been a target of many a joke with people saying they could watch one episode a year and not really miss anything. Several radio talk show hosts are guilty of this as well. I’ve all but stopped listening to certain radio shows not because of their political or philosophical stance but rather I feel it’s a waste of time hearing the same thing over and over again. I’m probably going to get into deep water and offend some people by saying this but one radio show that is guilty of this is the Dave Ramsey Show. Before I say anything critical I love and deeply appreciate Dave’s stance and principle of being debt free. I also appreciate how is confronts callers who try to make excuses for their debt behavior however as a listen I have noticed the show does get into a formula of sorts and while kind of “cute and funny” in the beginning playing the “FREEDOM!!!” sound clip from the movie, Braveheart gets extremely old to the point I want to shout, “Enough Already! I get it!”

In the 90’s The Ken Hamblin show was on the local talk radio station in my city. Ken’s referred to himself as the “Black Avenger” and in my opinion he tried to bring home the point he was black (or African American if you prefer that term but he said “black) and conservative. I “got it” the first few times listening but hearing anything over and over and over again can be a big turn off. Maybe the mindset in radio is repetition because they are expecting turnover ever so often but in the past few years I have had the opportunity to listen to many more hosts and read writers either in the new media through blogs and podcasts or in the old media of print journalism or broadcast media and I have enjoyed and stayed a long time reader. listener or viewer as a result of the hosts or writers “keeping it fresh.” Here are some of the things I have noticed that have kept things fresh for content producers;

• A catch phrase at the beginning or end of the show is fine but don’t let such stuff “hog up” the whole presentation
• Respond and comment on current events - people are often in “shock” during times of change. Help them cope with your unique product or service
• Avoid stereotypes, cliches and out of style terms
• Dare to be eclectic - a local auto repair shop has a radio show hosted by the owner who also loves classical music which he uses for bumper music. Definitely not a stereotype and the unique mix doesn’t get old. BTW, The show is know as the Driving Line and is now available as a podcast. I highly recommend it.
• Be known for consistently surprising your audience in a good way.

How do you keep it fresh and what experiences have you had with encountering things that “got old” way too quick?