Spreading Prosperity Tour

Post Script...

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:31:00 +0000

Sir Edmund Hillary, in a way, was my inspiration for my future road trip. About the time I first started planning the road tour I won a whole camping kit: 4 sleeping bags with mats, a tent, cook stove, and cook set. And the day I receive it all was the 50th anniversary of Hillary's reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. I decided to become an explorer of sorts, exploring the cities and towns of North America.

My tour has changed names over the past few years. Civility Tour, Good Deeds Tour, Prosperity Tour, each one generating some negative response of one type or another. Currently I'm leaning toward Kindness Tour. What do you think?

Sir Edmund Hillary has died

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:23:00 +0000

I met him in 1973 or 1974. What a tall man.

Sears Canada's catalog was doing a promotion on expedition equipment and the company president, (General) Douglas Peacher knew Sir Edmund. Hillary wanted to be introduced to every single employee at Sears Buying Office Headquarters on Jarvis St. in Toronto. Mr. Peacher brought Sir Edmund TO every employee to introduce him by name, one by one and shake their hand. Including me, a lowly buying assistant in my tiny cubicle.

So I was introduced to him and shook his hand. What a kind gentleman.

Why are so many smart people underearners?

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 04:09:00 +0000

I'm not talking about over-spending or getting into debt. I'm talking about undervaluing your work and leaving money on the table. This has been on my mind for several years because so many people claim they can't afford to hire me. Nearly every person who inquires about my services shows me they are underearners. I know they are not just being cheap. When I ask people why they don't earn enough to pay their bills or invest in themselves, these are some of the answers I receive....

1. I don't deserve to earn that much.
2. It's not Christian to charge for my services.
3. My family/siblings/parents/spouse would be upset if earned more money.
4. I don't want to have to pay tax on higher earnings.
5. I'm not willing to change how I operate my business.
6. I've paid for and followed all the advice in the branding and Internet marketing books and I lost money.
7. I turned my business into a nonprofit so I can't make a profit.
8. I don't know how.

I'm stupefied by how smart people deliberately diminish their earning power... and then expect people like me to do the same on their behalf! I'd love to help them all... but I'd expect to be paid!

I've been thinking that perhaps I should go into practice as a coach helping people make more income, but then I realize that's pretty much what I've been doing for 30 years.... and few people are willing to pay me for my help!

What do you think?

Do you have an interest in earning more, moving from financial crisis to financial comfort?

Would you take an online class to learn how to generate more money doing what you love?

Why or why not? How much would you be willing to pay to attend?

Would you really do the work to change your earning capacity?

What's your biggest money problem?

I'll post the top ten money problems here with no names or identities.

My review comment of new book on condo buying

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:08:00 +0000

You may know my "challenges" with the board of directors of my condo. (They have forbidden me to have a web site and sell my e-books online.)

The irony is I was asked to review Kay Senay's new book, Condo Buying and Ownership Made Simple. My review comment appears at the bottom of this page (click on heading above.) You can purchase it online as an e-book or buy the print version.

It's a tremendous book... I can't say enough about it. Kay is brilliant. I discovered so much about condos from Kay's work that will be useful in my own situation. Nobody should buy a condo without reading this book. Spending $10 or $15 could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of disappointment or consternation later.

Andrea

Conrad Black is sentenced to 6.5 years in prison today

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:26:00 +0000

I don't know if I should admit that many years ago- maybe 25 years - Canadian Business Magazine gave me, and many others who had made national news that year, a tongue-in-cheek Connie Award, named for press baron Conrad Black, for outstanding contribution to Canadian capitalism. I thought it was funny at the time; now I'm not so sure. It was the Don't-Drink-From-the-Fingerbowl -Award as a result of publication of my first book, The Executive's Guide to Professional Image Consultants in Canada. Perhaps I should get writing so my next book will win a more prestigious award named for a more reputable person.

The speaker directory has a new look

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:23:00 +0000

See for yourself. www.CommissionFreeSpeakers.com (Click on the heading above for the link.)

I made the change because I thought the previous look was too dark (somber) and the navigation was too clunky. Now the speakers names are prominent in the left column on each page and the menu is at the top. Everything should be easier to find now.

If you have paid for a listing please send me your speaker data for your profile so I can post it. As soon as 25 speaker profiles are posted I will promote to the press and media. I'd like them to be able to find you... in case they will want to interview you. If you want to be one of those first 25 speakers, please join as soon as possible.

Andrea

Trial run - I'm going to Pennsyvania - meet me?

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:12:00 +0000

I'm taking short runs to iron out the kinks of traveling in a van. On Wed. I'm driving between St. Catharines Ontario and Erie PA. I'll be right near the Millcreek Mall which is large, so if you live in Canada and need something from the US, let me know. If you're along the corridor I'll be driving on Wed. and want me to stop and visit for a chat, send me a note. I'm driving along the QEW to Lewiston - hoping my new US passport has arrived finally, then I'll get on I-90 West and drive to the I-79 exit where I get off. If we - my cat and I - encounter a snow storm we may stop driving and seek a place to spend the night... in the van. That's the plan for a year, so this will be a trial run. It should be interesting.

Pay what you can... shades of Radiohead

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:41:00 +0000

If Radiohead can say buy our album and pay what you want, so can I... given the Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Not everyone can afford my consulting rates so I have decided to make an across-the-board offer to pay me WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD for my advice and services until January 1, 2008. Now, if you are financially loaded and can afford to pay me this is not really appropriate for you. But some of you are earning an income that is close to or way below the poverty line and are reluctant to ask me to accept less than my stated fees. I've been there so I'm sympathetic. This is your chance to take advantage of reduced rates without insulting me or feeling embarrassed.

Go to any of my web sites and MAKE ME AN OFFER.
AndreaReynolds.com
CrisisBrainstorm.com
CommissionFreeSpeakers.com
Handy Ande AndreaReynolds.com/handyande/

You can book a phone consult, have me review your news release or your marketing plan, join my speaker directory, buy a program. Look around, see what would help you the most, and send me a note to make your offer. I may accept, I may counter-offer, I may decline. (I will reject "free".) Make a good case and I'll listen.

Andrea Reynolds

If you're willing to work for extra income, have a trial listing on Handy Ande

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:49:00 +0000

I'm ready to start posting trial listings on Handy Ande for anyone who wants to generate extra income helping others. Send me the answers to the questions on this page: http://www.andreareynolds.com/handyande/listing.html (Or click on today's heading.)

There's no charge for a trial listing (but there's no contact info posted) and you can upgrade at any time to full membership. If someone wants to hire you before you become a member, I'll contact you. I don't take a commission from your payment. (My income will come from paid memberships.)

My interest is threefold: 1) find people who can offer services to those who need support (like me), 2) help those who need extra income to get out, or stay out of debt, or just make ends meet, and 3) make an income for myself that will allow me to have a little nest egg to live on in my old age.

I am writing a news release that I will send out by American Thanksgiving, so the press and media will give exposure to anyone who is visible on the web site. Be there or not... but if you can use a little extra spending money for Christmas... and if you really care about people and it shows in your demeanor and attitude, then feel free to send me your data for posting.

I am still working at letting the condo go and taking a year to spread prosperty through North America by taking to the road, and now Handy Ande will be the impetus behind it.

Andrea

I'm sick, so I started another business....

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:35:00 +0000

There I lay on the sofa feeling like crap, sweating with fever and wishing someone would take care of me. I realized I've been taking care of others since I was 6. It's been 52 years of taking care of others. The next 52 years will be different. So I sketched out a business on a scrap of paper as I watched the movie Fargo for the first time. Today I created the web site so people like me and you can get someone to take care of them on a temporary basis.

I have ressurrected my Handy Ande business to promote anyone with a kind heart and a willingness to look after others for a few hours... with pay, of course. But none of this keeping 50% of the revenues as agencies do. All the HANDY ANDE providers will have varying skills, experience and hourly rates. Yes, there will be a $49 annual membership fee, but most will be able to make that back within a short time. You don't have to have degrees or certificates, but I will be offering ELP (Endorsed Local Provider) training and an online forum for ELP trainees.

I've posted the skeleton of a web site to give you an idea, but haven't posted any services. I'll be making checklists for Pet Services, People Services and Home Services. If you're interested, you can start with a free trial listing... but it will be without your name and contact info. Naturally, I want you to switch to membership status.

And if you sell a product that might be appropriate, contact me. I'll be offering classified ads for $10 a month.

Check out my work-in-progress web site. http://www.AndreaReynolds.com/handyande/
HandyAnde@AndreaReynolds.com

I've added more crisis services to my web site

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:35:00 +0000

Besides quick email advice (15 min.) and phone advice, I'm offering office counseling (25 min. and 50 min.), advice over lunch, and crisis clinics (group brainstorming). Later I'll be able to add crisis clinic on wheels (across North America), and perhaps a radio advice show and a crisis column.

Check out the new pages on CrisisBrainstorm.com (click on the heading above.)

What do you think of women from the Philippines?

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:28:00 +0000

This is way off my topic I know but I've been thinking about this recently. Once recognized as a relationship expert by the press and media I am always thinking about things like cross-cultural relationships. An old episode of Art Bell's show was on Coast to Coast AM this weekend. He is now enjoying marriage and new baby with his second Filipina wife. I wondered: what is it about Filipina women? Why are they so considered so desirable as wives by North American and Australian men?

I found this on another blog (click on title above): "...a Filipina has integrity. She is trustworthy, caring, loyal, respectful and non-confrontational (meaning they will not confront you in front of other people to avoid embarassment.)"

Sounds like what we could all aspire to.

I know there is an image of Filipinas as pen-pals and wannabe brides, but maybe they deserve a second look and more respect. If they bring those traits to our countries won't our societies only benefit from how they behave and teach their children? From what I have read family is everything to a Filipino woman. That can only be good.

I'd love to hear your comments.

Read my letter to Britney Spears

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:17:00 +0000

I've been receiving shouts of "You got it right" and "Well said!" See if you agree. http://www.CrisisBrainstorm.com/britney.html

You can see that I'm finally rebuilding the web site. It has been neglected since I left Pennsylvania 2.5 years ago. And I'm gearing up the site for working on the road: Crisis Clinic on Wheels, and doing more investigative work for people who are being mistreated by corporate and governmental bodies.

I'm also now offering a quick consult for $16.95 for little "crises" by email. Recently I answered a sex question. I used to answer questions on my talk radio show. I'd forgotten how much I loved doing that. I may post a few of my responses.

If you were planning to buy my book, you can now win my services and books too!

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:45:00 +0000

I made a decision yesterday to make my book promotion campaign more interesting to generate the funds needed to give away my 3 bedroom Condo. Visit my web site's home page to find the links. Click on the heading above.

Profit from my generosity. Buy my next e-book, Your Wisdom is Worth a Million, and...

Receive:
1. Free membership for a year on my international online speaker directory, CommissionFreeSpeakers.com ($89 value)

2. Chances to win (1 in 2,000) my marketing consulting services and advice:

1st Prize: Two weeks of my marketing consulting services at your office location. ($24,500 value)
2nd Prize: One week of my marketing consulting services at your office location. ($12,250 value)
3rd Prize: $500 worth of my publications.

My goal is to sell 2,000 book as quickly as possible, the income to fund my furnished condo giveaway essay contest so that someone who can't afford a home will have one. Read the story behind this unconventional campaign. I'm taking several months off work to promote this book. The book will now be ready for distribution January 1, 2008.

I am re-writing my Last Will and looking for beneficiaries

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:00:00 +0000

Now, I don't mean to be morbid and I don't plan to shuffle off this mortal coil any time soon, but should it happen suddenly, I want my legal instructions to be complete and in writing. Being single and having no children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews or cousins I'm finding it difficult to find people to inherit my estate. Most of my friends are older and have no interest in my things.

Two items that have me stumped are COPYRIGHTS and WEB SITES. I'm thinking I would like to appoint a publisher to produce how-to books from my documents and create a foundation from my share of the revenues. If you're a publisher and are interested, I'd like to hear from you. If you are interested in inheriting any of my 4 web sites (including domain names) I would like you to tell me why I should bequeath them to you. Those domains and sites are:

HandyAnde.info
HandyAnde.com www.AndreaReynolds.com/handyande
CrisisBrainstorm.com
AndreaReynolds.com
CommissionFreeSpeakers.com
CommissionFreeSpeakers.org

If you have any ideas for disposal and distribution of my assets, send me a message.

Andrea (who is healthy and optimistic)

How can I get Episode 83 of sitcom "What I Like About You"?

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:04:00 +0000

The compatibility test mentioned below in the final season was my booklet, No Surprises: 365 Critical Questions You Need to Ask Each Other Before Yo Marry, held by Val (Jenny Garth). Click on the blog title above for more info about my booklet.

I'd love to get a copy - it wasn't released on DVD. Anybody know who to contact to get one for my portfolio?

It's only co-incidental that the writer also has the last name Reynolds.

Andrea

Here's the data:

83. Garden State
First aired: 3/3/2006 Production Code: 177989
Val panics when she learns that she and Vic were not legally married. Required to wait 24 hours by City Hall before they are allowed to have a civil ceremony, they decide to take a compatibility test, resulting in a fight about how many kids each of them want to eventually have. Meanwhile, Holly is worried she broke up with Vince too quickly, but having spent time at Vic's family reunion, she realizes she did the right thing.

Writer: Jim Reynolds
Director: Shelley Jensen
Guest star: Dan Cortese (Vic)

The view from my office

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:55:00 +0000

This is the foliage I see as I work, and the winner of my condo may see from his/her future master bedroom. Why haven't you entered the contest? (Or made it possible for someone else to enter?)

Andrea

Thank you for your support!

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:16:00 +0000

The number of book orders that have come in so far this month is gratifying. One order was for 50 books! And more of you are booking 15 and 30 minute phone consults with me, and a few of you have even sent me substantial retainers for future services. I appreciate book orders of any size, not matter how small and I have books to offer that are under $5 if you cant afford much.

And if you want me to help you generate paying speaking engagements let me post your speaker profile on CommissionFreeSpeakers.com. Two more speakers have been added: Dr. Maria Todd and Ramont L. Williams.

Every little bit puts me closer to raising $170,000. It's the cost of my freedom. (And yes, I think of the Crosby Still Nash song, Find the Cost of Freedom, which was an anthem for the Kent State shooting.)

Your support in my fight against the condo association board who required me to stop publishing both books and web site is so appreciated. In the US this would be a First Amendment issue. In Canada it is a denial of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press. They have also violated my rights under the Ontario Condominium Act.

I'm still working on an invoice for $3 million accompanied by 22-23 pages that will put them on notice of my pending lawsuit. It's what I will deliver to the court. And I have spoken to one of the newly elected directors and told him to expect a long letter from me by the end of the month.

This is a lonely fight.... I am doing this alone, and as tongues wag in the building more neighbors are showing their contempt for me by not acknowledging me any more. The urgency to move out is increasing. But I won't waiver. I'm as determined as ever to fight this.

An interesting aside: Men in the community outside of my building are behind me. Women, with the exception of one friend in Toronto, are not behind me. I love you men!

What's happening with the condo?

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:13:00 +0000

DISTRACTIONS
I haven't started promoting the condo essay contest and the book (Your Wisdom is Worth a Million) to the press and media because I haven't been able to finish painting the condo and finish writing the book. I've had so many interruptions and distractions from people asking me for estimates on work I can do for them - and then I don't hear from them again - or requests from people I like to "send this email to 12 people you know." I'm spending 8 AM to 4 PM at the computer just taking care of other people's needs and then too achey and too exhausted to then get up on a ladder or start writing for me.

INCOME IS A *GOOD* THING
Don't get me wrong, I love hearing from people and love receiving 1) book orders, 2) paid 30 minute consults, and 3) paid speaker memberships on CommissionFreeSpeakers, but unnecessary demands on my time is stressful when I need to focus on getting the condo ready and getting the book completed. I'm running out of time and feeling very anxious about it.

BIG PROJECTS
Having to answer questions like: "Will you write a book for me and accept a percentage of my sales as payment?" tries my patience. Having to explain that if the person can't sell more than 10 books, my payment for 6 months of research, writing, editing, fact checking, proofreading, formatting will be negligible. If I do all the promotion, selling and distribution as well, then it is virtually my book, and I should receive 100%. Now, if you want to pay me $1 a word (10,000 -75,000 words) plus co-credit I might be coaxed into ghostwriting your book. Send inquiries in confidence to: info@AndreaReynolds.com.

CONTEST ENTRIES
The contest entry influx is down to a trickle for the moment and I have read every one that has come in. I am looking for something specific and, while so many are heartwarming, so far I have not seen the thing I'm hoping to see. That's all I'm going to say; if I say any more I'll influence the outcome. I am NOT abandoning the condo essay contest!

SHOULD I SELL THE CONDO?
In light of the contest entries which haven't been as satisfying as I had hoped - not in number, but in content - I'm posting some ads on the Internet, as a backup plan. I have two on Craig's List (Toronto and St. Catharines) and will put one on HomesByOwner.com this weekend. I met with the owner of my local HomesByOwner.com this week and was impressed with his professionalism and good business thinking. I've got it listed at $146,000. This price will allow me to walk away with nothing.

YOU CAN HELP
Here's how you can make my life easier:

1. Make a donation. Click on heading at top of this post.

2. Book a 30 minute consult with me.

3. Buy some of my books. See "Andrea's E-Books" and "Fundraising Books".

4. Hold off on asking me for an estimate on a big project. All my fees are posted on AndreaReynolds.com

5. Book me to speak on Empathy: The Antidote to School Shootings. (I was a witness to a school shooting.)

6. Find me a buyer for my condo; there's a $500 finder's fee in it for you if your referral results in a satisfactory sale.

You can buy 10 copies of 365 questions for $15...

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:58:00 +0000

But only until Tuesday October 9 (2007).

Click on the heading above for the page where you can accept the offer.

This is the same booklet that appeared on the sitcom What I Like About You starring Jennie Garth and Amanda Bynes. (Jennie was the beautiful actor on Dancing With the Stars who took a tumble this past week and still recovered with grace and charm.) Jennie held my booklet in her hand while reading some of my pre-marriage questions to Dan Cortese on one of the last episodes.

This is my Canadian Thanksgiving gift to you. I'm thankful for many things: that I'm alive, that I have what I need and more, that my work is appreciated and valued.... and more. You can do what you want with them, give them to 5 couples, use them in your classes, give them to clients you counsel if you're a marriage counselor or divorce lawyer, donate them to your church or library, or use them as stocking stuffers. (They do roll up.)

I'll even inscribe them for you.

Yes, I'm liquidating my inventory so I don't have to store the books when I leave.

Today is Saturday. Tuesday 6 PM my offer expires. I accept PayPal, debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo and even first class US postage stamps (37 stamps).

Now you can read my rants on 2 web sites

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 03:05:00 +0000

Don't be surprised if I sound like a female Dr. Phil of the consulting world; it wouldn't sound like a rant if I weren't a feisty "broad". The humorist I admire the most is Lewis Black, so that explains part of it. But my personality has always been somewhat cutting; I was known in university for having an acerbic wit. My radio commentaries were used for years as teaching tools in journalism classes because the twist at the end of each news segment made my audience laugh, so if you studied Writing for the Media at Kent State University you may have heard my voice. I'll never be Lewis Black... but I can hold my own with the best of them.

And I have to give credit here to an old college pal who bantered with me in Psychology 101 and over coffee and brought out this facet of my personality I didn't know existed. He really kept me on my toes. You may know of John. He moved to LA, got a recurring part on Days of Our Lives, and some years later created the part of Q on Star Trek. We've lost touch but I will always have him to thank for exhorting my retorts and comebacks.

So you are forewarned. There are at the moment two rants each on:

http://www.AndreaReynolds.com/rants.html and
http://www.CommissonFreeSpeakers.com/rants.html

Let these be a lesson to you. Tick me off and I'll write about your behavior! But I'd make a terrific speaker at your next convention or conference.

I'm disappearing for a month to finish writing my book

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000

I spilled coffee on my MacBook today when I lost my balance and fell into my chair at my desk, so it is drying out while I use my old iMac to stay connected to the Internet. I fell last Friday too. Right in front of the supermarket. Tripped on the curb. Fell hard on my right knee and heels of both palms. Rolled onto my back and couldn't get up. Some nice younger man held out his hand and pulled me up. I was dazed for a few hours, but my recovery was nearly miraculous. A lot of swelling but no fractures, no scraped skin, and almost no bruising. For hitting the pavement so hard there should have been more damage and pain. Maybe it was endorphins.

My own fault... I saw the safety paint, but just didn't pick up my feet. Nothing wrong with me... I'm just stressed and not paying attention. I'm too distracted by everybody else's needs and need some time to manage my own needs.

There is a list of my own projects on the bottom of my home page. You can see what I have completed so far by the checkmarks. This next week I'll finish updating the important pages on AndreaReynolds.com so I can generate more book sales.

The rest of October will be devoted to researching and writing my book. That $152,000 I needed to raise to be able to give away my condo is now $170,000. Putting aside my own projects is costing me money and stress.

I ask you to be on "my Dream Team" by buying my book. Membership in Commission Free Speakers comes with purchase. Getting out so I can be on my way depends on my selling 2,000 copies of Your Wisdom is Worth a Million. I must write it quickly but I can't focus if I'm distracted by other assignments. I can afford to take only one more month to do it. I had planned to be out of here September 1st and now I worry I'll be stuck here for the winter. So I'm asking everyone's indulgence until Hallowe'en while I put all my energy and attention into this one urgent project.

Feel free to send me notes of encouragement and support over the month of October. Edible treats are always welcome and good for the soul (just not for the waistline.)

And don't forget to enter my condo giveaway contest.

PS I think the MacBook is going to be OK. But the LCD screen will have some water marks on one side. I'll have to live with it... the cost to replace is about 1/2 the cost of the laptop.

Accepting invitations to Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:28:00 +0000

October 8 is Canadian Thanksgiving, and it looks like I will be alone. I have no family in Canada, all my friends have families they will be with, and in the past I have opened my home to "orphans" like me, but nobody showed up. What! Nobody wants a free meal? So, I am happy to accept an invitation and will even bring a dish. Remember, I'm a good cook, have won recipe contests and even hosted a radio show on food and cooking.

So invite me. I have good manners and good conversation skills. And you don't have to pair me up with anyone.... just don't seat me at the kid's table or I'll give them tips on how to be cantankerous and rebellious.

And thanks!

Andrea

CommissionFreeSpeakers.com is live

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:17:00 +0000

My new online directory of international speakers is now live. (You can click on the heading above to get to it.) I even had it moved to a newer server so I could get feedback/contact forms to work. So now you can send me an email or use the message box. And I'm getting some thoughtful responses to my Rant on why I dislike unsolicited phone inquiries from speakers. There will be more rants and more speaker profiles as speakers send me the info to post.

The site isn't loaded with graphics and images - this is basic software that doesn't lend it self to easy customizing. But it's clean looking and in the future perhaps I can add a column and more elaborate formatting. But this is OK for now.

Next web site project is to finish www.AndreaReynolds.com which will have to be done and uploaded a section at a time as I work on finishing the book, Your Wisdom is Worth a Million. This week I'm working on the condo giveaway essay contest info; next week it will be all the page for my books., so I can sell more of them. All the old pages are still up so you can still navigate the site, but you'll see a real disparity in appearance between the new and old pages. (New pages are blue; old pages have green background.)

I hope you'll have a look. Feel free to refer any speakers who may want assistance with their career.... or even better book me to speak at your next conference or convention.

Speaker directory is up... well, almost

AdviceEmpire@gmail.com (Andrea Reynolds) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:19:00 +0000

You can now see the whole web site, but it's sitting on my primary domain, www.AndreaReynolds.com. Commission Free Speakers is not yet standing alone in its own domain, www.CommissionFreeSpeakers.com. If you click on the heading above you will get there. It has replaced the old pages, but I will be happier when it's where it should be. Still I'm content that the new site is viewable.

I spent about 9 days working on the site... that's about 10 pages per day. The only unfinished pages are speaker pages because I haven't collected all the speaker data that can be posted. But now that I have the hang of editing and publishing the pages work should go quite quickly now.

I'd love to have your comments and suggestions for improvement. And if you find any misspellings or errors please bring them to my attention. I'm especially anxious to know if everything works. My biggest concern is the PayPal buttons. For some reason the software I use creates a very big gap between the text and the PayPal button. So I have placed all the PayPal payment buttons at the bottom of each page, which requires visitors to scroll down to the bottom. But the buttons seem to work, if a bit slowly. Feel free to buy something - even a $2 tip sheet - if you want to test the system. ;-) By the way, all revenues from CommissionFreeSpeakers will be counted toward the $152,000 I'm raising so I can give away the condo free and clear and be on my way across North America.

Do have a look.