Daniel Hall's Blog

Recently, I have been working with my friend Scott Brown PhD to develop Internet Marketing training in Spanish… I am proud to announce our new training called Haz Dinero Por Internet (see http://hazdineroporinternet.com ).

Dr. Brown is a tenured finance professor at the graduate school of the University of Puerto Rico and both he and I saw a huge need in the Hispanic and Latin communities for Spanish language education in Internet Marketing.

Dr. Brown contributed the language (he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English) and logistics and I contributed the Internet Marketing know-how.

In any event if you know of any native Spanish speakers who wants to build a profitable online business please do them and us a favor by sending them over to http://hazdineroporinternet.com/

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

OK… we all know that the Internet runs on content and that most profitable businesses are run on high-quality content – including any books we write. At www.realfastbook.com we show people how to write a book real fast – this graphic shows how to get your content rolling though it focused on blogger’s it is definitely helpful for any type of content creation.

2 people like this post.

Unlike

I sat down with 15-veteran trade show speaker Timothy Noonan to discuss trade show speaking as a full-time career or as a sideline gig. Tim revealed a bunch about working within the trade show industry and even parlaying your trade show speaking bookings into other revenue generating opportunities.

What I found remarkable is just how low-competition getting a trade show speaking job is primarily because very few people actually know the process for getting hired. Check out this video; I think it will help you determine whether trade show presenting or becoming a trade show presenter is right for you.

If it is something something you want to explore further make sure to click the link below the video which will take you to information about Tim and I’s new training called “Real Fast Trade Show Speaking”

You are invited: Tim and I doing a webinar tonight (3/21/2012) called “Trade Show Speaking: Capitalizing on a Hidden Market” – You can register for that right here.

Click Here to Check Out Real Fast Trade Show Speaking

Like

Unlike

One of the techniques that I teach in my Real Fast Book program is how to build your author platform by publishing podcasts. Below is a pretty cool infographic which shows the workflow of how to do it. Hope you like it.

 

3 people like this post.

Unlike

The solution is in a phrase you’ve probably heard a gazillion times: “Whatever you think about all day long, that’s who you’ll be and how you’ll spend your time”. I recently chatted with bestselling author and creator of the “Procrasrinator’s Guide to Authorship” Rita Emmett who relayed these ideas about how to actually finish (or start and finish) your book.

Rita says if you want to author a book, get your life so full of input about writing that you cannot not help but think frequently, maybe daily, about writing your book. Try one, several or all of the following ideas.

1. Take a Creative Writing Class. Try local Non-credit college classes or ask your local library to offer one.

2. Type up and post signs around your home or office to get thinking about writing. Here are some examples:

“Rita Emmett — Best Selling Author” “I’m so happy my book, The Procrastinator’s Handbook, is on the Best Seller List.” “Ahhhhhhh – - the joy of writing a best selling book.”

3. Print out your book title or book cover (if you have one) and post it above your computer.

4. Subscribe to Writers Digest (a monthly magazine for writers.)

I don’t think anybody ever reads the whole thing, but every month there are articles for writing fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, poetry, children’s’ books, e-books and so forth. Read what you choose; only what applies to you.

5. Buy MP3′s or audio recordings about writing and listen every time you’re in the car. Don’t play anything else till you start working on your book.

6. Buy a poster about writing and hang it on a wall above your computer. I found one of Snoopy typing away on top of his doghouse. It said: “It’s exciting when you’ve written something that you know is good!” They are available at stores for teachers. I called the local school and got a teacher’s catalog and ordered my poster from there.

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

By Daniel Hall – http://RealFastPublicDomain.com 

Let me start with a big bold statement… ready?

Properly using quality public domain content can transform your writing and publishing endeavors and be way more profitable than you can imagine.

In this short article I intend to show you my top six reasons for using public domain content.  Hold on tight, here we go…

Reason #1 – Flexibility

First, let me give you a brief definition of what public domain is.  According to the University of California…

The public domain is generally defined as consisting of works that are either ineligible for copyright protection or with expired copyrights. No permission whatsoever is needed to copy or use public domain works.

The definition gives rise to the first reason you should use public domain content in your writing/ publishing endeavors; namely, flexibility.

That is, if a work is in the public domain then it can be used in any way, by any citizen of the country where it is in the public domain, without asking for permission and without paying royalties (using public domain is FREE).    Effectively you can use the content, sell it, change it, add to it or subtract from it without limitation. The sky is the limit with public domain.

The long and the short of it is if you find a suitable public domain work you can use it in any way you wish.  That is ultimate flexibility.

Reason #2 – Wealth of Content

The library of available public domain content is so vast and rich that you would never run out of it.  Some public domain content is older, some is new.  But there is a surprisingly large body of public domain work available to draw from.

How large?

85 million books and millions more of magazine articles.

Additionally, much of what is in the public domain is well written, quality content.   Further, while some of it is quite old much of it is also evergreen.   For example, how many ways are there to grow tasty tomatoes or develop a good golf swing?

More than this, the breadth of the subject matter available is enormous and useful.  For example, you can find book and articles on subjects ranging from swimming to crotchet.   They key point here is that much of this evergreen content is searched for and purchased today.  This is to say that there is a market willing to pay for the content available in the public domain.  Groovy!

Reason #3 – Derivative Works

The next big reason to use public domain work is you can make derivative works from them.

There is also very good precedent for authors, publishers and media companies using public domain in their works.  Disney is a great example.  In fact, many of the Disney movies and characters we have come to love were derived from public domain works such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Sleeping Beauty; Alice in Wonderland; The Little Mermaid; Beauty and the Beast; Pinocchio; Robin Hood; Peter Pan; Winnie the Pooh; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Tarzan; The Prince and the Pauper; Cinderella; Mulan; The Jungle Book; and Aladdin.

I mention these works specifically because Disney models what I recommend you do with your writing; they took the original and added a new twist or developed the characters in a different light.   That is, Disney created “derivative” works.

What I want you to understand about derivative works is they are eligible for copyright protection.  Whereas Lewis Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is in the public domain and not protected by or eligible for copyright; Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is protected by copyright as a derivative work.

That is all well and good you may be saying but public domain works seem out of date and not all that useful.  It is true that some public domain is old but on the other hand much of it is recent.  For example, most everything published by the U.S. Federal Government is in the public domain and they crank out new high-quality content every day.  Also, many magazines published 1964 and earlier are in the public domain.  In addition, there are books and articles that simply are released into the public domain on purpose.

Beyond this, you should not be concerned if a public domain work is “old”.   That is one of the great advantages of public domain… as the writer/ publisher you can and should look for ways to update and revise public domain work.  Make it current.  Make it relevant.

Reason #4 – Easy to Find 

While it is true that the vast majority of available public domain have not been digitized more and more of it is making its way on to the Internet.  For example, Google is busy digitizing public domain books and magazines (http://books.google.com/ ).  The Hathi Trust (http://www.hathitrust.org/ ) is a collection of educational institutions worldwide that are making their libraries available online.  Many of the titles available through the Hathi Trust are in the public domain; in fact, as of the day of writing there were exactly 2,711,662 public domain volumes.  That’s a bunch of material.

But wait Bob, there’s more… in fact, here are some additional public domain repositories to sink your teeth into:

Project Gutenberg (text) – http://www.gutenberg.org/

Internet Archive (text, music, film) – http://www.archive.org/index.php

Musopen (Music) – http://www.musopen.org/music

Reason #5 – No Flashing Cursors

Perhaps my favorite reason for using public domain is it can give you a starting place.   That is, one of the biggest hurdles I personally face in starting new writing projects is seeing that flashing cursor in the sea of white that is a blank page.

Public domain content can give you a base on which to work.   This can be exceedingly comforting especially if you are the type that gets anxious when faced with a blank page.   And, if I may be so bold, you are more likely to let your creative juices flow when you are comfortable.  If you are more creative, more relaxed you end up with a better quality finished product in my humble opinion.

Reason #6 – Increased Productivity

Closely tied to Reason #5, public domain content can increase your productivity enormously.  Because you are starting with a completed public domain work your job is to simply add value to what is already there.  That is, put you own twists, update it or relate the information to you own niche.

The point I want you to get is with public domain content some of your work is already done and because of that you can get more product to market, faster without sacrificing quality.

There you have it.  I hope I have persuaded you to start using public domain or at least explore the opportunity further.  If you’d like a great webinar training on how to use public domain content produced by the U.S. Federal Government FREE then register for it right here – http://www2.onlinemeetingnow.com/register/?id=514c430e5d

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

Here’s a short primer on how to use the sales process to sell more of your goods a services. Enjoy… I let me know how you like the format.

9 people like this post.

Unlike

By D’vorah Lansky

As an author, having a blog is essential to your online book marketing success. Your blog is the hub of your online world and provides you with a platform from which to share your message, sell your products, build community, house your membership site, show your videos, and share your knowledge. Your blog is not just where people go for content; it is where they go to connect with you. With your blog, you build community, you build credibility, and you create interaction.

As an author, you want to become known as an expert in your field and an authority on your topic. Your blog provides you with a platform to share your message from. A blog allows you to easily have a Web presence where people can get to know you, come to like you and learn to trust you. By providing quality information you will create a base of thirsty learners and raving fans. This will allow you to grow both your business and your brand.

Your blog is a place where potential customers and publishers come to find out more about you and your book. Your blog provides you with a place to share your message and to share your work. You can have articles that you write in support of the material that you discuss in your book. You can share weekly tips or articles on the topic of your book, include audio clips from your book, as blog posts, post your interview and book tour schedules and much more.

Make your blog attractive and brand it with the colors of your business or your book. Display a video book trailer on the home page of your blog as that will invite people in and help them to make a connection with you.

Your blog also provides an easy way for people to purchase your book. You can sell your book directly from your site by providing a link to Amazon, as well as by offering special pricing or a special promotion for signed copies of your book.

Set Up Your Book Blog

Your book blog is a blog that is dedicated exclusively to your book. Brand it with the colors of your book and make sure that there are photos of you and your book cover easily accessible.  Your book blog can become the online hub for your book tour. It is where people will come to find out more about you and your book. It is where people who want to interview you can access your media kit, and it is where your visitors can view your videos, read your blog posts, and purchase your book.

I’d like to invite you to stop by my book blog. There’s a lot going on there and we’ll have the opportunity to connect. Please be sure to introduce yourself.

D’vorah is the bestselling author of Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online - Visit her book blog and check out the full virtual book tour schedule at: www.BookMarketingMadeEasy.com.

D’vorah offers programs for nonfiction authors interested in growing their brand and their book sales through online book marketing practices and strategies. You can purchase her book on Amazon at: www.BookMarketingMadeEasy.com/amazon

5 people like this post.

Unlike

As you may recall a several weeks ago I decided to hold a contest where the winner would get a free pass to my critically acclaimed cruise speaker training “Speak on Cruise Ships” and have a cruise proposal prepared and presented by us here at www.speakerscruisefree.com and then evaluated by cruise lines and hopefully be able to cruise free as a speaker!

Aprille Trupiano, Lucky Winner of the Speakers Cruise Free Contest

Well the winner has been chosen and it’s Aprille Trupiano!

Aprille has been an entrepreneur ever since she was 20 years old building up successful 6 and 7 figure businesses and now works internationally as a consultant for small businesses, major corporations and government agencies.  She is already a published author and is currently working on her second book “Click!  Leadership Secrets to Thrive in Your Business and Love Your Life”

Her personal and dynamic speaking style are what ultimately won us over along with her intense passion for helping others succeed in business and her overall zest for life that comes across in her topics about Italian culture and how they get the most out of their lives.

I hope to see Aprille and all of you cruising soon.

2 people like this post.

Unlike

Contest Is Closed – Thanks To All Who Entered

The Winner Will Be Announced Soon

A Chance to Win My Cruise Speaker Training, Have Your Topics Evaluated by Actual Cruise Line Booking Agents (and Maybe Even Get Yourself Booked on Your First Cruise)

As many of you know my Speak on Cruise Ships training has for over 5 years helped people just like you to cruise the world in luxury just by trading their public speaking talents.

Bad News: I am about to take the Speak on Cruise Ships training off the market while my present clients get absorbed into the various enrichment programs.

Good News: There is still time to get my Speak on Cruise Ships training before the door closes. Click here to invest in this training www.SpeakersCruiseFree.com. In fact, you can even win a free copy of my training in the first ever “Speakers Cruise Free” Contest.

One of the reasons why so many cruise lines work with me (and a bunch of the top lines do) is I am known for providing the industry with some of most dynamic and engaging speakers in the business. Hence, I am constantly on the look out for entertaining speakers who love free world travel. In fact, my Speak on Cruise Ships training and marketing is designed for this specific purpose.

Interested in Cruising the World as a Speaker?… Enter the Speakers Cruise Free Contest

Here’s What The Winner Gets

• A free copy of my complete Speak On Cruise Ships training ($197 value)
• A free cruise proposal that could result in a free cruise for you (up to $550 value)

Here’s How To Enter (It’s Free!!)

1. Propose three presentation topics, either destination related or general interest, that you could actually do on a Caribbean, Baltic, Mediterranean, or Mexican Rivera cruise. Important note: If you decide to propose destination topics then make sure that they all relate to the same region. That is, make sure that all three topics relate to the Baltic (if you choose the Baltic) or the Caribbean (if you choose the Caribbean) and so on. Further, you can if you wish mix and match destination and general interest topics. For example, you can submit two general interest topics one destination topic or two destination topics with one general interest topic.
2. Give three interesting bullet points on some of the topics your talks would cover.
3. Provide a youtube (or other online video) link of you giving a talk which shows how you can engage an audience. The video does NOT have to show you giving one of your proposed talks. It DOES however have to demonstrate your ability to engage an audience.
4. Drop all the above into a comment on this blog below by the DEADLINE of May 6, 2011. Also, note within the comment if you are already a member of the Speakers Cruise Free Coaching Club or otherwise have invested in any of my cruise speaker training.

Example Entry

How The Winner is Determined

Julie (who administers my Premium Booking Service) and I will evaluate the entries. We will choose five (5) finalist. Then we will submit the entries of the finalists to the enrichment coordinators of some of the cruise lines we work with. Some of these folks have agreed to evaluate the finalist entries and recommend the winner. Julie and I will then consider the recommendations and I will choose a winner.

Hints To Make Your Entry Most Competitive

Although it is optional you may want to make your presentations related in some way to the regions listed. Destination related topics are always easier to book. So if you have a particular affinity for one of the listed regions then capitalize on it by proposing topics that highlight your credentials.

Probably the most important factor is your speaker video. We and the cruise lines want to know that you can entertain, engage and educate your audience. We want to see evidence of your abilities in a video. Evidence could include but is not limited to video of your audience laughing at one of your jokes, or showing some kind of audience participation or just your use of body language or demonstrative aids like posters or props. Remember first and foremost entertain.

Keep in mind topic titles sells. So also try to make your topic titles engaging. Same goes for your bullet points.

Last, I know this sounds self-serving but you may really want to consider investing in my Speak on Cruise Ships training program which I will soon be taking off the market. It will really help you understand how best to structure your topics and get a leg up in this contest and beyond. So whether you intend to enter contest or not, now is a good time to get this training. You can do that through this link: www.speakerscruisefree.com .

Rules – (I’m not big on them but I know we need them)

This contest may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason. My decision on a winner is final. There will be no appeal of my decision. If you are not cool with that then don’t enter.

There is no guarantee or promise that you will be booked on a cruise even if you do win. We simply promise to prepare and present a booking proposal for the winner. The cruise lines always have the final say of whether a proposal is approved.

I may also change, amend or modify these rules. If I do they will be posted here. It is your responsibility to check back here and by entering the contest you are agreeing to these rules. There is no purchase needed to win.

This contest is open to anyone including past and present Speakers Cruise Free Coaching Club members. However, if you have previously invested in my training and you are ultimately announced as the winner you will get the free proposal and another copy of the training which you can give to a friend or a colleague if you would like.

One Last Thing

As you will make your entries in the comments below I suggest you use the voting and Facebook “Like” buttons to spread the word about your entry. I am not saying that the most voted on or “Liked” entry will win. But it may help if the contest is close. So talk your entry up all over the web!

God Bless!
Daniel

26 people like this post.

Unlike