Sun, 20 May 2012 04:43:34 -0800WeeblyMon, 05 Dec 2011 16:06:34 -0800http://robertstanhope.com/1/post/2011/12/you-are-a-guru-share-your-expertise.htmlI received a phone call today from the Chamber of Commerce. They want to offer a seminar series for it's members. I was recommended to lead the Social Media seminar. Will I do it? Absolutely! My experience has value as a business owner. That value is that as I share my experiences I am recognized as an expert in a field. It does help that our business offers services that help people establish their brands in Social Media. It is a paid service, so why would I want to show others how to do something I get paid for on a regular basis? On occasion, as a guru, or the expert in my field, I can request payment for leading the seminar. Or, if I am a speaker at a trade show, I can get my expenses covered for the trip that I was going to make any way. But, most importantly, I offer other marketing services and the attendees may need items like signs, a website, or any number of print design services we offer.

You can be the guru as well. Talk with your local chamber or your trade associations to see if there would be an interest in a training presentation. If there is an interest, negotiate your own compensation or package. A stipend isn't always required. If you feel you can gain business over the long term, consider volunteering your time. ]]>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:29:03 -0800http://robertstanhope.com/1/post/2011/12/robert-begins-rambling-about-personal-domain-names.htmlI registered my personal name as a domain name a number of years ago. Why? It is my good name, so why not protect it? Also, I was looking for a stable email address after I went through a number of service providers that kept changing through buy outs and consolidation. I created rs@robertstanhope.com and I have been using it ever since.

Since registering my own name, I have gone on to register that of my wife and two children. My wife uses her name for her tax business and my children do not currently use their domains for any purpose.

Prevent identity theft by purchasing your personal domain name. Share as little or as much about yourself with the domain or simply set up an email account with it. You can also use it as a self-promotion tool if you are a freelance or if you post a resume of your life's work as you seek a new career.

The cost to register a domain name and host a website can be easily under $100 per year. Send me an email if you have any questions about registering a domain name. ]]>