This one went much smoother than the last video of me speaking.

BIG thanks to Claire and Pete for inviting me to present.  And special thanks to Dietz Media for making a video of me speaking that I finally love.

If you are looking for a speaker for your event, talk to me.

I started watching her after my friend Mariah went to her b-school and came back with all of these stories about how awesome and amazing and great she was.

As with everything that everyone loves I have been skeptical.

I am always skeptical.

You found the best product in the world? The cure for world peace? Pshaw. Yeah. Sure.

In fact, most of the time I don’t even TRY whatever they are telling me is amazing and wonderful. I just assume it will be terrible and don’t even need to try it because everyone loves terrible things and it can’t possibly work how they say it will work.

The other night I got an email about a new program that Marie Forleo was launching and a link to some videos she had created about her business. I then stayed up until mid-night watching all of the videos because we all have hobbies and watching videos about business is mine.

In true entrepreneur fashion, I spent this morning trying to use Facebook to crowdsource creative ideas on how I could raise $2,000 to take the online program she just launched. I am a big believer in investing in education. I am such a big believer in this that I very recently invested $55,000 in a Philosophy degree. Do you know how useful my in-depth knowledge of The Cave is? Very.

My Facebook friends had  awesome  terrible strange plenty of ideas.

The winning one was selling stuff on e-bay which made me think about the fact that I could totally SELL STUFF online. Except, noone wants my stuff because  few things in this house have both survived Aiden’s sticky hands AND his curiosity.

So I decided to turn my blog into my own personal ebay and sell my mind which has somehow survived Aiden’s sticky hands.

What can you buy?

An Hour-long Private Brainstorm-$250

I am offering five people the chance to pick my brain for a one hour phone or skype session.

We can talk about how to take your offline business online, we can talk about how to start a blog, we talk about how you can make money blogging ,we can talk about how to create a media kit, or how to pitch national media, or land a book agent. Or whatever your heart desires. My brain is yours for one hour.

But Cassie, why would I spend $250 for an hour of your brain power? Because I know that if you spend an hour on the phone with me you will leave with at least one idea that can generate $500 in profit. See? It’s like I am giving you $250 to talk to me.

As an added bonus,  you will receive a copy of the e-book “Tall Order! Seven Master Strategies to Organize Your Life and Double Your Success In Half the Time.” a book from my brilliant and successful coach Honoree. 

Pay-What-You-Can-Hour-long Live Q&A:

I am hosting an hour-long live Q&A next Thursday, May 17th from 6:00-7:00 central time. You can ask me questions about blogging, business, social media and anything else that you would like my insight on. You can donate any amount from $20 to $20,000  to join. I will send you information to access the live session once you register.

On top of that, I will be sharing my whole b-school journey in my brand spankin new newsletter. 

What happens if I raise more than $2,000?

I will donate anything I raise over $2,000 to Hope Runs, a non-profit NGO working in Kenya and Tanzania, using athletics, education, and social entrepreneurship to empower AIDS orphans.

Questions?

Let me explain.

Many journalists are aware that media is changing and that they need to be online. Many journalists are hopping on to  Twitter and Facebook and launching their own blogs in attempt to figure out how these tools can help them do their job better. Most journalists are very awkward online. (notice I said most–not all. Please don’t be offended) I have seen many hop onto these online channels spewing the exact same information they would share in their traditional outlets without even changing the voice or tone. They aren’t friendly or interesting but rather factual and reporting on the latest information in the way that they have always done.

As you know…this doesn’t exactly work well online.

However, over the past month I have developed a fascination with Katie Couric. The same lady who didn’t understand what the internet was years ago was now dominating it in a totally appropriate way. She was being interviewed by some of the most respected names in digital media. Not only did she share great anecdotes and well articulated answers but she was funny and approachable. When the interview was over you felt like you two could very much be friends. If that wasn’t enough she sat down a few weeks later with two mom bloggers to discuss motherhood. She did not coldly report on statistics and what motherhood today might look like. She referenced her own journey through motherhood and offered stories while asking detailed questions and keeping that respectable journalistic approach to interviews. Aside from all of this she is very active on Twitter and in such an interesting way. She is not only sharing details of what is happening in Japan and reaching out to people who respond but she is sharing lighthearted videos and taking part in Twitter chats. Katie Couric is learning how to wade in the waters of social media in an incredibly effective way.

Why am I telling you all of this?

This morning I read a piece criticizing Couric’s work and whether or not renewing her contract will be beneficial to CBS News.

“The track record regarding Couric’s CBS tenure is considerably fuzzier. Other than a memorable interview with Sarah Palin that helped expose the then-vice presidential candidate for the empty shell that she is, the anchor has done little to truly distinguish herself during her CBS tenure, handling her anchor chores competently, but without providing any of the heat required to upset the entrenched order of things, ratings-wise. And while that’s not entirely her fault, as the face of the news division, she certainly bears some responsibility.”

Apparently these people aren’t watching the same interviews that I am. They aren’t following her on Twitter and watching her jump full force into the social media world in an effective and respectable way. I am a millennial–a generation that is rather un-interested in watching the news and knowing who is reporting what. I am a part of the next generation and Couric was able not only to get in front of me but to impress me at the same time. If CBS is interested in understanding journalism in a world of new media and what changes need to be made for the greatest impact I suggest keeping Katie Couric around.

(rant over)

The biggest challenge of running a small business is gaining consumer attention. Large companies invest millions of dollars each year to get consumers to notice them. So how will you get your customers  attention?

The digital space offers a plethora of opportunities to spread the word about your business or cause on a small budget. Since digital marketing is kind of my thing I thought I would offer some un-solicited advice. All of these tips can apply to both small businesses and non-profits.

• Don’t get caught up in the hype

Do not get a Facebook page because everyone else has one. Get a Facebook page because you are going to use it for a specific purpose.

• Start Your Own Blog

Adding a blog to your website can be in-valuable. I suggest starting a content calendar as a reminder to post regularly. What will you write about? Industry news, special events (before & after), New products, Specials you are running, Links to reviews and online mentions, Newspapers articles about your company. Use your blog to start a conversation with your consumers about who you are and what you have to offer.

• Encourage Customer Reviews

When customers search for your business one of the top results will be Yelp.com. Encourage regular customers to submit a review of your business. Offer special discounts for customers that leave a review on Yelp. Pay attention to the reviews that you receive some of your most valuable insights can come from these.

• Social Media Profiles

I suggest you be as many places as you can be. Create a Facebook fan page. Create a Twitter profile. Join Flickr & YouTube but only if you are going to update them regularly. Don’t create profiles that you will never use. It will make you look sloppy. What kind of updates? Links to your blog posts, event notifications, Specials you are hosting, and new products.

• Blogger Outreach

I know at the beginning I mentioned blogger outreach isn’t the best approach for every business. However, I do suggest checking out local blogs in your area. Often times there will be bloggers that specifically cover local businesses. I would focus on those bloggers. Reach out and let them know who you are and why you are so fabulous.

Lastly, make the best product you can. Give the best service that you can. Don’t get caught up with the hype that digital media can have. If something works for your business then work it!

Posted via web from Cassie Boorn

I never questioned that I wanted my child to grow up in a small town. I wanted him to know his neighbor and his grandmothers neighbor. I wanted to give him saftey and security.

It wasn’t until entering the social media world that I realized how big the world is.

The past year and a half I have spent networking and meeting new friends online. Finding peole on Twitter and having dinner with women from around the world. All with different backgrounds, different histories, different outlooks. I love to learn. Listen to their past. Learn their lessons before I make their mistakes. The mentors I have made online have given me views on life that I couldn’t otherwise have had.

I am able to look at the way I raise my child from at least ten different views. I have started giving thought to the food I put on my table and the way in which I keep my home. I have started to look at the way in which I look at my life, my body, my future. The women I have met grew up rich, poor, and in between. They were raised in the country and the city. They went to college and they dropped out. They made it big, gave it all up, and settled down. They made it big, grew bigger, and enjoyed their success. I know women from every walk of life.

This is more powerful than any college education.

This is more powerful than any library.

This is the most powerful tool I have ever held.

Thank you for supporting me, teaching me, and guiding me.

—

Cassie Boorn:

what gets you excited?

20-Something:

free stuff

Cassie Boorn:

what would make u want to buy a product?

20-Something:

thats what gets me excited

20-Something:

umm..coupons, or gifts with purchase lol

Cassie Boorn:

like if we did contesting and people could win a trip

Cassie Boorn:

would that be cool?

20-Something:

yes!

Cassie Boorn:

but would you take part in it?

Cassie Boorn:

or would you be like “i won’t win”

20-Something:

mm..i would probably say i wont win lol

Cassie Boorn:

that is my point!

Cassie Boorn:

what would get you interested?

Cassie Boorn:

what would make u do it

Cassie Boorn:

what if you got free stuff sent to you but you had to tell your friends about it

Cassie Boorn:

would you do it?

20-Something:

yes lol

20-Something:

if u get free stuff, i do stuff

Cassie Boorn:

no i mean

Cassie Boorn:

say we send free stuff to 50 people

Cassie Boorn:

but they have to do post on their wall about a contest or tell their friends

Cassie Boorn:

host a party?

Cassie Boorn:

would you do it?

20-Something:

yes

Cassie Boorn:

or would you just say you did it?

20-Something:

well i would assume u would have to prove u did it

20-Something:

but if i got free stuff, i would tell my friends, or host a party

20-Something:

it would actually be fun to host a party actually..

Cassie Boorn:

so you tell your friends im hosting a party for a brand and they would come?

Cassie Boorn:

this is interesting

20-Something:

well id tell my friends im hosting a party..and there will be free booze..and then they will come

—-

This conversation took place via Instant Messaging. Some words and names were changed. The point is-motivating a 20-Something to take action or get involved is tough. It is nearly impossible. The summary of this conversation…What are 20-year old girls motivated by? Free Stuff and Booze

The point of this conversation is this: You can send college students free stuff. You can pass out free products on campus. You can ask them to throw parties. BUT You have to find a way to motivate them to take action.

Bloggers have no problem writing reviews and tweeting about products. However, Gen Y is a whole new field.

I would love any thoughts/idea/inspiration in the comments.

Suddenly, the internet was full of “gurus” and “experts”

In an effort to differentiate themselves people started claiming “I will not claim to be and expert or guru”

Suddenly, nearly every person in every niche online does “social media consulting”

Suddenly, just taking part means you know it.

What if people focused on a smaller niche? Social Media consulting for tech companies, universities, or the food industry? How will the market differentiate themselves next?

*This post was written in a effort to avoid studying for the two finals I have laying in front of me. Inspire me with your knowelde

(and by acquire I mean Twitter stalking–leaving these poor people with no choice but  to address me)

Last week I had a lovely conversation about where I am headed in the future. She was a pleasure to speak to and gave me some great advice. One of the things that she suggested I do is get some experience in Traditional Media.

I have been stuck on this idea for the rest of the week. I had always planned on using my digital media background and simply building upon it. Is this to naive? Is it essential to have both traditional and digital experience? Is it better to choose an area or niche and carve a defined place for yourself?

I know that many people are working their way into digital media. I realize that the number of people working to get into the field will continue to grow. So maybe traditional media is the way to go?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

5. Title doesn’t matter.

I have never worked in the corporate world. DeVries really was my first taste at what it might be like.  I had a notion coming in that title and superiority would be a large factor in working with colleagues. I came in as an intern which is  the smallest title that you could have. This title, however, did not change the way that people spoke to me. I had Senior colleagues asking me for ideas and opinions. They did not only ask me but listened and guided and advised. I always felt as though I was an equal. If this is the way corporate world really works I am ready to take it on!

4. Digital Media is consistently a part of conversation.

Everywhere you look people are discussing Digital Media. The ways in which brands can get involved and the latest news in blogging. DeVries takes a special interest in Digital Media. They are continually finding new ways to get involved in the Digital Media space.  I found that most of my colleagues at DeVries were on Twitter. Some were blogging and many were attending digital media conferences in hopes of meeting new people and learning more about the space. As you may know, DeVries even sponsored the 140 conference supplying attendees with Wi-Fi. (It is obvious they get what is important).

*I have included a list of great DeVries employees for you to follow!

3. Team work is essential.

I will make a confession here. I have alot of trouble working on teams. I like to be in charge and control what is happening on a project. However, I never found working on a team at DeVries hard. I worked on one major project that included a large team. It was so organized and ran so smoothly that I did not have the usual anxieties that often come with team work. Each member had their job and their responsibilities. It was all very organized and helped me to see that working on a team is not always bad.

2. New Ideas are Always Appreciated

I have another confession here. I am quite opinionated and always full of ideas. Often times I hold my opinions back in fear of offending someone. That was not an option working at DeVries. Colleagues wanted to hear my ideas. They asked for my opinions and listened to them. These people love new ideas.

1. They Care about bloggers.

I am normally a member of the blogging world more so than public relations. I have many friends that are bloggers and I am continually making connections online. There is this assumption made by bloggers than PR people just don’t understand them. I cannot tell you how un-true this idea is at DeVries. Many of the people that I worked closely had strong relationships with blogger. Many even considered themselves friends with bloggers. They have conversations via Twitter and often meet up at social media events. Some even spoke on the phone with bloggers just to see how they were doing. They are consistently looking for new ways to work with bloggers. Not because blogging is the new big thing but because they adore so many so of you.

As Promised Twitter Names For You:

@ssmirnov

@joncronin

@lpearson

@laurenpavlick

@alymazz

@bevinorourke

@lpesin

@AmySho

@oneillmolly

@QueenBee24

@JennWeldon

@lizaweiner

@lmckinley

@ashleyzink

@katiebest

@KathyCash

@EileenMoore