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Bright Ideas Blogzine
Issue #9 - May 2009
Publisher: http://bloggingbistro.com

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IN THIS ISSUE
1.  Blogging Bistro Serves Made-to-Order Social Media Solutions
2.  Inspiration for Writers
3.  Body Language Lessons
4.  Share Bright Ideas
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1.  Blogging Bistro Serves Made-to-Order Social Media Solutions
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If you've visited my Web site recently, you discovered that my
business name has changed (from He Blogs, She Blogs) to Blogging
Bistro. The former Web site will soon disappear into cyberspace,
replaced by the fresh, new BloggingBistro.com.

I'm adding content to the site daily; stop by the Bistro regularly
to see what's new:

ASK YOUR BARISTA

Have a question about blogging or social media? Just e-mail it to
the Blogging Barista (that's me) - laura@bloggingbistro.com. Every
week on the Bistro blog, I'll respond to a question. This week's
question comes from John in California:

What are the pros and cons of integrating a blog into a Web site
versus having a Web site, and hosting your blog at another site
(such as Blogger.com or Typepad.com)?
http://tinyurl.com/pdpbtp 

SUCCESS STORIES

If you haven't heard of Susan Boyle during the last month, you're
probably living on another planet. This 47-year-old unemployed
Scottish woman experienced a meteoric rise to fame when she stepped
out of her comfort zone and followed a dream.

I'll be showcasing other regular folks who are pursuing their
passions in my new feature section: "Success Stories."
http://www.bloggingbistro.com/success-stories/ 

I'd love to feature you! Just send me a brief description of what
you're doing to chase a dream.

MENU OF SERVICES

The Blogging Bistro offers an extensive menu to satisfy your
Internet marketing cravings.  
http://www.bloggingbistro.com/menu-of-services/

From Happy Hour specials to Gourmet combos, we dish up
made-to-order services that fit your budget.

Can't find exactly what you want on the menu? Just ask the Blogging
Barista for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. We'll discuss
your needs and create a custom package just for you.  Make your
reservation now: laura@bloggingbistro.com. 

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2.  Inspiration for Writers
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A week ago I had the privilege of teaching at the Northwest
Christian Writers Renewal Conference. During one session, editors
from nine publishing houses participated in a panel discussion. No
matter how many "editor panels" I attend, I always come away
inspired.

Whether you're a blogger, an author, or a business professional, I
trust you'll find a useful nugget among the panelists' quotes:

    * Before you begin writing, identify a marketable idea. Ask
yourself, "What would my friends and I want to read? What books
would I buy?"  
- David Sanford, literary agent, Credo Communications

    * If you want to connect a reader to your words, get out of the
way so your words can speak to the reader.  
- Mick Silva, Editor,
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group

    * When you write, imagine you're the guy or girl who sits
across the table and shares a Diet Coke. 
- Jim Watkins,
Acquisitions Editor, Wesleyan Publishing House

    * Publishing is a possible byproduct of writing; it is not the
purpose of writing. 
- Terry Glaspey, Director of Acquisitions,
Harvest House Publishers

    * Get your idea out there so it can touch people. Persevere. 
- Terry Whalin, Publisher, Intermedia Publishing Group

    * Do something to change your little corner of the world.  
- Marvin Cropsey, Editor, Mature Years

    * If you want to become a writer, develop people skills.
Network. Talk. Interview people. Shut your mouth and listen. 
- Dennis "Doc" Hensley, Keynote speaker

Here's a related story at Blogging Bistro:
5 Things They Don't Warn You About in the Writers' Conference
Brochure
http://tinyurl.com/perntq 

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3.  Body Language Lessons
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Have you caught the hit CBS series, The Mentalist? Every Tuesday at
9 p.m., the charming (and slightly irritating) Patrick Jane (Simon
Baker) uses his finely-tuned powers of observation to help his
friends at the California Bureau of Investigation catch bad guys.
Jane's uncanny ability to read the nuances of others' body language
enables him to uncover clues that the CBI agents completely
overlook. 

Our eyes, face, gestures, posture, appearance, and voice reveal
more about us than we imagine. An awareness of your own body
behavior--and that of others--will help you to become a more
effective communicator.

In The Costco Connection (May 2009), Harvey Meyer offers tips for
how to read body language:

EYES

    * Where do you direct your focus when you're talking with
someone?
    * Do you make good eye contact? (indicates confidence)
    * Do you gaze off into the distance? (indicates you're thinking
or processing)
    * Do your eyes dart all over the room? (indicates nervousness
or uncertainty)
    * Do you avert your eyes? (a sign of submissiveness)
    * How often do you blink? Rapid blinking indicates anxiety and
attentiveness. Controlled blinking (slower and with longer eye
closure than spontaneous blinking) can be associated with deception.
    * Do your pupils dilate? When you're excited, happy, or engaged
in problem-solving activities, your pupils enlarge noticeably. 

FEET

    * How do you position your feet when you're standing and
talking with someone? Pointing your feet near or towards the other
person indicates you have positive feelings toward them; pointing
the tootsies away from the person while facing them is a sign of
discomfort. 

BODY POSTURES that convey confidence and authenticity

    * Practice exhibiting an open body posture:
    * Fluid gestures that move in harmony with your voice
    * Torso and feet facing your listeners
    * Shoulders back and head up
    * Palms up or open
    * Animated face

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

For the next five days, monitor and record your body behavior. List
one body language habit you'd like to change. The following week,
focus on "upgrading" that particular body behavior.

Share your progress with us! info@bloggingbistro.com
 
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4.  Share Bright Ideas
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Permission is granted to use any of the articles from this blogzine
in your own e-zine or Web site, as long as you include the
following blurb with it:

Laura Christianson founded BloggingBistro.com, a company that
provides made-to-order social media solutions for individuals and
businesses.

Please forward Bright Ideas Blogzine to others who want to maximize
their social media marketing.

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