Have you ever wanted to find a mentor who will listen to you, guide you and help you with your personal or business goals?   Someone who isn’t critical or judgmental and will support you in your journey?

You will get that when you hire a coach.  A coach can help you both personally and professionally as they guide you through your goals to get you to your end result.

When you are new to online marketing and growing your online business, it is great to seek out a coach who will provide the support and encouragement without giving advice.

When you are having some personal struggles or want to get help with decisions or conflicts that are going on in your family or with you personally,  hiring a coach can be like having your own safe place to confide in someone.

Below I have listed a sampling of 10 areas of coaching,  just to give you some ideas of how coaching can help you.

1. Business Coaching
2. Financial Coaching
3. Career Coaching
4. Marketing Coaching
5. Wedding Coaching
6. Family Coaching
7. Life Coaching
8. Spiritual Coaching
9. Relationship Coaching
10. Health and Wellness Coaching

As a Solutions Coach, I help my clients find solutions to their new businesses while helping them lessen their overwhelm to allow them to gain more confidence.

So as you can see, coaching is for everyone.

In my next post, I will go into more detail when I explain what a coach can do for you.

Until next time, have a wonderful day,

Cindy

Your Solutions Coach

Come and join us on Facebook

Are you the kind of person who likes to find solutions to your problems or concerns?

In this blog post,  I am referring to Facebook’s recent Privacy Breach article that was posted in the Wall Street Journal on October 18, 2010.

Did you know that most of the privacy breaches took place in the game applications?   According to the article, these were the applications that were affected.

“The apps, ranked by research company Inside Network Inc. (based on monthly users), include Zynga Game Network Inc.’s FarmVille, with 59 million users, and Texas HoldEm Poker and FrontierVille. Three of the top 10 apps, including FarmVille, also have been transmitting personal information about a user’s friends to outside companies.“

Do you remember when you chose your particular application of choice you gave permission for them to access your information, even if you were not aware that you were doing that?

Everytime someone signs up for Facebook, there are given a Facebook ID.  This ID can be the source of data that was breached, according to the article in the Wall Street Journal.

Facebook offers a way to fix these privacy issues through some of the privacy settings when you go to your “Account”  Let’s take a look at your solutions step by step.

1. Go to the “Account” option on the top right of your FB wall.
2. Click “Privacy Settings“
3. Scroll down the page to “Applications and Websites“
4. Click “Edit your settings“
5. From here you have choices – You can choose “Remove” and edit each setting there or you can choose “Turnoff” and edit your settings there.   Whatever option you choose from this point, you can take each application and customize your settings.

To learn more about Facebook Privacy settings, you can click on these 3 videos that FB put together to get more information.

1. Video 1
2. Video 2
3. Video 3

I hope some of this information clarifies the actual Privacy settings for Facebook.

If you think others would benefit from this information, please pass this along,  I would also love to hear your comments and concerns here in the comments section below.

Until next time, have a wonderful day.

Cindy

Your Solutions Coach

Come join us on Facebook

Are you new to the online world when it comes to starting your business?  Do you want to start an online business but not sure where to begin?

The training I got in the beginning of my journey from Renegade Professional has been invaluable.  The greatest part for those of you who are visual learners, is the ability to get step by step and click by click guidance all in one place.

The other great perk with this membership is the ability to reach out to the community through coaching, training and having access to the trainers in the back office guiding you every step of the way.  You will begin to learn about the leaders, reach out to them, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and other social sites.  Before you know it, you are now connected to a huge community to give you support and guidance.  Of course, you have me too.

As a member, you begin learning the basics and then you can move into the more intermediate and advanced trainings as you are ready.   While this membership requires a monthly fee, it is very affordable and helpful.  For example, just getting all the trainings for WordPress is a bargain in itself.

NOTE – I am an affiliate with this membership.  If you join you can work with me and also refer the training to others.

To get more information you can listen to my video series here.

Until next post, have a great day.

Cindy

Your Solutions Coach

Come visit me on Facebook

Again, to listen to my Renegade Professional videos, Click Here

Jing offers so many opportunities to save time and add visuals that enhance and engage.  You can add screenshots, send emails and add video to share your ideas, show your how tos, teach and train. 

There are 2 types of memberships.  One is free, the other only costs $15.00 a year, called Jing Pro.  While the free version offers so many features, including instant share on Twitter, Facebook and flickr,  just to name a few, the paid verson, Jing Pro offers direct uploading to Youtube and allows you full control over video options, webcams and more professional options.  I highly recommend the paid version since it is only $15.00 per year. 

Since I am a visual learner, especially when it comes to a new product or tool, I thought I would take the time to actually use the Jing tool to make you a video showing you how the Jing tool works and how you can sign up.  Click here to begin the video.

Did you miss the link?  Get it here and start downloading.  It would be cool if you reply back to this blog post showing us how you use Jing.  Have fun.  It’s a great tool.

You can get more cool tools by going to the sidebar of my blog, filling out the information and requesting the 7 cool tools. 

Until next time, have a wonderful day,

Cindy Murphy

Your Solutions Coach

Come see us on Facebook

Weather it’s for business or pleasure,  getting a greeting card in the mail is always a nice surprise.  It brings a personal touch into the mix, especially in this age of technology with email, Facebook, texting and Twitter.   

One of my favorite pasttimes, when I am not working my Bloomin’ Boomer’s business,  is creating beautiful greeting cards and other beautiful projects from my Heritage Maker’s account.  I loved it so much that I became a Personal Publishing Consultant as well and now I teach others how to make greeting cards, memory books and many other projects when they become a Heritage Makers.

One of the popular products in the Heritage Maker’s collection are the greeting cards that you can custom design or create from the beatiful template gallery. 

Here is how it works. 

1. You open up your free account (If you already have an account, you can skip step 2 below. )
2. Once you have your free account, you log into your studio.
3. I made a video to show you the rest of the steps.  You can watch it here.
4. Want to get the lowest costs?  Ask me about purchasing points and discounted specials.  Or better yet, host a workshop and get free points and products. 

If you love scrapbooking, or have friends who love it and want to go digital, please share this.   This weekend you have an opportunity to try our Premier membership absolutely FREE until 12 noon, Mountain Time on the 17th.  For more information on the FREE trial, Click Here.

Look at some of the fun projects you can make, including greeting cards.   With the holidays coming, this is a great time to consider sending special announcements or thank you cards to your loyal customers and fans as well as remembering your loved ones. 

So do you make greeting cards?  I would love for you to share your ideas, what you use for greeting cards and offer any suggestions or feedback.

You can also join the fun at the Facebook Fan Page.

Check out my blog at Storieslast.

Until next time, have a great day.

Cindy Murphy

Your Solutions Coach 

As I moved from 2009 to 2010, and began to set up a new business at the age of 56, I reflect on how much courage, strength and enrichment I have developed.

I also think about the  emotions, successes, travel,  personal development and growth that I never would have imagined if I hadn’t stepped outside of my comfort zone, otherwise known as stepping outside the box.

As a solo entrepreneur, it is very important to belong to some kind of community locally, online or both.  In my case I chose both,  giving me a lot of opportunity to reach out to those with whom I could collaborate and mentor with.  Now, a year later, I have made so many wonderful friends along the way and my business is moving into the next level.

In this post I want to outline 12 important steps that I took in 12 months, that took a lot of dedication, persistence, and determination.  Besides becoming a self learner and doing most of this on my own, I also had help and support from my offline and online communities.   These 12 steps helped me  overcome my challenges as I learned internet marketing.

1. I READ – I read, read, and read some more.  It became almost an obsession of mine 24/7.
2. I BECAME A SELF LEARNER
3. I JOINED A COMMUNITY
4. I FELL IN LOVE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA, ESPECIALLY FACEBOOK.
5. I FOUND A COACH
6. I WENT TO LIVE EVENTS BOTH LOCALLY AND FAR AWAY
7. I FOUND LEADERS IN MY INDUSTRY
8. I TOOK A COACHING COURSE
9. I BUILT 2 BLOGS & SET UP MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND YOUTUBE.
10. I SET UP MY COACHING PRACTICE
11. I LEARNED HOW TO PODCAST AND STARTED PODCASTING INTERVIEWS WITH OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS.
12. I BECAME AN INDEPENDANT PUBLISHING CONSULTANT WITH HERITAGE MAKERS

There are so many more steps I took this past year but the 12 I mention here are most important in my progress.

Now you may think this post is about ME but it’s not.  My intention is to show you how you can make so many things happen in a years time to jumpstart your business.

A year ago, I didn’t know anything about social media, I thought Facebook was for college students, I thought Twitter was for telling my friends what I had for dinner and I was scared to get in front of a camera.   Through my personal development journey and reaching out to others, I was able to turn my fears into a reality.  If I can do it, I am certain that you can to.

Until next blog post, have a nice day,

Cindy Murphy

Your Solutions Coach – I can help you through coaching.

P.S. Are you looking for “Cool Tools” to enhance your business?  Go to the sidebar on this blog, fill out your information and get Cool Tools and more.

P.S.S.  Don’t forget to come visit me on

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Facebook has added a new feature to your account settings.  You can now download your information.  Below I have added the steps you take to proceed.

NOTE – You want to make sure you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages before you proceed.  Make sure you set privacy settings first.  Below I have included a link that provides more information from Facebook’s Help Center.  You will be asked to verify your information for security reasons.

How to get started:

1. On the top of your Facebook page, look for “Account” on the upper right side and click.
2. Click  “Account Settings“
3. Scroll down the page to “Download Your Information“
4. Click “Learn More“
5. Start reading the information provided by Facebook’s Help Center
6. **You will be asked to “Verify Your Identity” for security purposes.

After clicking on the “Learn More” link, you will be directed to many links that will allow you to get more information concerning security,  benefits and what is included.

Please pass this along to your friends on Facebook and share this information.  Then, please tell me what your thoughts are on this new feature.

Until next time, have a great day,

Cindy Murphy

Your Solutions Coach – I can help you through coaching

P.S. – Don’t forget to come visit me on Facebook

P.S.S - Do you need Cool Tools to enhance your business?  Go to the sidebar of this blog, fill in your information to get Cool Tools and More.

Earlier in the week I attended one of the very first sessions of the 2010 Facebook Summit. The first presenter, Brian Solis, shared some astounding statistics on the use and the growth of Facebook.

For those of you who are not sure about the need for a Facebook Fan page or don’t think you should have a Facebook Fan page, maybe these stats will help you in making your decision.  As I traveled around several states this summer, I realized the need for more education and knowledge to teach business owners the need for Facebook.

Here are some of Brian’s findings.

1. People spend over 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook.
2. More than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each month.
3. Average user is connected to 80 community pages, groups and events.
4. More than 150 million people engage with Facebook on external websites every month.
5. Two-thirds of comScore’s U.S. Top 100 websites and half of comScore’s Global Top 100 websites have integrated with Facebook.
6. There are more than 150 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice as active on Facebook than nonmobile users.
7. Trendsetters: The average “liker” has 2.4x the amount of friends than that of a typical Facebook user Active Explorers: Facebookers click 5.3x more links to external sites.
8. The average “liker” on a news site is 34, compared to the median age of a newspaper subscriber which is approximately 54 years old.

So what are you waiting for?  Can you imagine what the statistics will be for 2011?

Come visit me on my Facebook Fan Page

Want to know how I can help you with your fan page?  Click Here.

Until next time,

Cindy Murphy

When I began getting serious about starting a business, not having the first clue where to begin, I was consumed with fear, making it hard for me to move forward. For years I second guessed myself thinking I wasn’t good enough or only leaders can do this.

But when I got laid off of my job twice, I was put in a position to make some big decisions.  Either I would let fear take over or I would take over fear.   I chose the later.  It wasn’t an easy task and it took a lot of self discipline and personal development.  But doors opened when I said “Just Do It”

I was so driven to overcome my fear that somehow, somewhere deep inside, a voice kept saying “You Can Do This.”   Taking action and making mistakes along the way challenged me to continue to “Just Do It.”

Here are some helpful tips for you that helped me in my journey.

1. Go back to school - I became a 24/7 student soaking up every bit of information online, offline, reading books, going to the library and taking lots of notes.  The local community college offered FREE courses for the unemployed so I took advantage of everything they offered that had to do with business.
2. Set up your Social Media accounts. There are 4 Social Media platforms that I encourage my clients to set up in the beginning.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube.  These are all essential tools that will help jumpstart your business and best of all, they are free.
3. Go to live events.  It is very important to attend local networking groups as well as traveling to find like minded individuals and leaders who can train you in person.  When you do that an opportunity arises for you to build a new network of friends, business experts and leaders who can help one another.
4. Personal Development is Key.  While formal education is very important, it doesn’t teach you to step out of the box of comfort so learning on your own is essential.  Taking online classes, reading and educating yourself can help fade the fear and fuel your learning curve to be well on your way, making fear a faded memory.

Let me know your thoughts on fear.  Have you been fearful of starting something but are still dreaming of the accomplishment?  Remember these 3 words  ====>  JUST DO IT!

Oh, and don’t forget share your fears below in the Comments section.  Someone just may offer a solution.

Until next blog post,  have a great day.

Cindy

About a year ago, I started learning the benefits of Social Media both for personal connections as well as Business connections.  While being new to the Social Media world, I was amazed at how few people use  greetings, thank you notes and welcome messages when asking for a friend connection.

I don’t know, maybe I am old fashioned, having grown up in the 60′s learning from Dear Abby.  But one thing was for sure, I was taught that please and thank yous were essential in my daily life.   I was also taught to write thank you notes when someone gave me a gift.  I was also taught that sending a nice card or letter was a way to connect.

When I started going to local business networking groups, I took my business cards, shook hands, introduced myself and followed up to say thank you at the end of the event.  I also reached out to those who gave me business cards to say hello and try and meet during other ocassions as well.

I learned by doing that, you build more credibility and respect in the community leaving opportunities for not networking, business building and connections.  So why not use those skills in the Social Media World as well?  That is when I decided to ask others what they thought?  Was I the only one with this pet peeve?

So the other day I posted a question on my Facebook wall asking people what they thought about individuals not leaving messages when they want to ask for a friend request.  This was my original question:

“When I logged on this morning, I had 7 friend requests and none of them had a welcome greeting or told me why they wanted a friends connection. I wonder how many of them go to a local social event without introducing themselves, shaking hands, giving out business cards and following up. Maybe I should start a “Dear Cindy” etiquette column. What do you think?”

I was surprised to have gotten 21 comments, including my own, on an issue that is highly ignored. For this reason, I thought it would be a good topic for further discussion.  Many of those who commented on my wall were friends of mine from way back when I grew up in a small town in Delaware.  Others who commented were friends I had met online through Social Media.  Those online friends have become great connections and we have grown closer through your engagements, notes to each other, podcasting and genuine desire to get to know one another.  They each had a thought on the matter making me realize that there is a real need to take offline manners online.

So please, send a “Hello” email when asking for a friend’s request.   And, send a “Thank You” note after the request is accepted.  Even if your connection doesn’t reciprocate, do it anyway.  You know the old saying “Two Wrongs Don’t make a Right?  Well, I believe this saying applies to Social Media.

I will be adding lots more discussion about Facebook throughout my blog challenge.  In the meantime, please continue the discussion here by telling me and others what your thoughts are on Facebook friend request and the art online etiquette.

Until next time,

Have a nice day and remember to leave a comment.  I love feedback.

Cindy