CompUSA Offers Excellent Service

Well, it’s been two (2) weeks since I got my MacBook Pro and yesterday I finally found someone who had the experience to load Boot Camp and Windows XP. I didn’t have time or knowledge of OS X to tackle it myself.

So… if you need assistance and you’re located in the Des Moines, Iowa area, contact CompUSA. The technical people are very knowledgeable, fast and thorough. Less than four (4) hours and it was back in my hands. What a relief! How is the service at your local CompUSA?

More about my frustrating experiences later…

taking the challenge

OK – sometimes I take the challenge and sometimes not… Mike Sansone of ConverStations has issued one that I'll answer.

My Blog Posting Process

1. Just start writing – Eventually something comes to me and while it may not be what I started with, it usually turns out OK
2. Save as a draft often
3. Follow Mike's first 7 rules – I usually forget #8 (to ping'em) but maybe I can get that set up soon to occur automatically
4. Spell check – Yes, part of the charm of blogs is that they aren't perfect, but I can make an effort to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling so readers aren't distracted by errors
5. Check the links in preview mode – You would be surprised how often my copy and paste function doesn't work
6. Step away for awhile – Either physically or mentally I take a break and browse somewhere else on the blogosphere before a final read (old proofreading habits)
7. Post it
8. Check the links again - Just my compulsive nature
9. Smile – It really does get easier every day to make writing a habit

Thanks Mike. Hope this still counts since it's past June 14, but thought maybe you could use a bit of coaching help today, too. I'll look forward to reading Steve Farber's book, The Radical Edge.

Photo on Flickr by Sean McNeil 

What Story Would You Tell?

I recently attended a meeting of Digital Arts Group held at Haddock Computer for the first time. It was great! The topic was Digital Storytelling by Joann Schissel, DAG President (thanks Joann). Everyone was very friendly and welcoming – and I learned something new. What more can you ask from an association? This is a group you might want to check out.

Here's a few links from the presentation to share. Digital storytelling is definitely an art form to keep your eye on. You may even want to try it yourself – the cost of technology makes it possible for most of us to participate. What story would you tell?

• The Digital Drive-In
• PhotoBus
• dorelvis
• Scott County Schools
• jasonOhler.com
• Center for Digital Story Telling

Great stories! Helpful information to get you started.

taking initiative

I love onethousandpaintings.com and the creativity and initiative Sala has shown. He will reap the rewards – not only in money – from creating his personal brand. Everything I read about this new world of free agents indicates that we need to be ourselves and live the life we dream about. Here’s a young artist doing just that! Congratulations Sala.

 

professional development workshop

On April 5 I attended a full-day workshop hosted by IABC/Iowa, and presented by Todd McDonald of ATW Training & Consulting, Inc. of Des Moines. We're fortunate to have world-class trainers headquartered in the metro area.

The morning session was based on the book by Tony Jeary entitled "Life is a Series of Presentations." As the title implies, life indeed is all about presenting ourselves and every interaction is a presentation that influences someone. It was a good workshop for me as I continue to brand myself. 

The afternoon session was "Developing Your Leadership Influence." If you're interested in professional development opportunities in Iowa, check out this association. Of course, I'm biased because this year the VP of Professional Development is me.

More later…