Laura E. Akers's Blog

To format my fiction book, I chose to use Vellum.

What is Vellum? It’s a program that allows you to create print and ebooks, but only if you own a MAC—which I don’t.

If you don’t own a MAC, you can create an account with MacinCloud. The site offers pay-as-you-go or monthly plans you can cancel at any time.

You will also have to purchase Vellum to generate your books, and the cost is $199.99 for ebooks only or $249.99 for ebooks and print.

Now that I’ve been through the process, here are a few tips and tricks:

For a tutorial on the essential workings of Vellum, refer to this PDF created by Ron Vitale: https://www.ronvitale.com/blog/2021/4/21/step-by-step-instructions-of-how-to-use-vellum-to-make-ebook-and-print-filesIt’s easiest to log in by:Go to MacinCloud.com Log in to your accountClick on your server on the top left.Above will be either PAYG or Managed, depending on your plan choice.Below that is a cloud with your server name.Click on the server nameGo to actions, connect now, and log in with the provided user name and password.You will have to email yourself your doc or have it on a storage website (Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.)  to download it onto the mac server from Safari. The same holds if you have images, a book cover, or other items you want to use in your book.Once you purchase Vellum, be sure and authorize the Vellum program as a paid user.
If you choose to switch plans from pay-as-you-go to a monthly service, save your work by emailing it to yourself through a zip file. If you don’t, your work will disappear. (It doesn’t hurt to save your progress daily via email if you’re concerned it will disappear.)Once you have generated your docs, you will need to upload them to Dropbox, Google Docs, or another similar program to save to your PC.If there is a software update, you will need to reach out to Macincloud support and ask them to update it, as you won’t have administrative authority unless you’re in one of the costlier plans.

To all indie-published authors, I wish you the best of luck in your formatting adventures.

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How many of you have attended a meeting on a virtual platform?

How many of you have presented at a meeting on a virtual platform?

People are suffering from Zoom fatigue. Keeping them interested during your presentation can be difficult.

Here’s what you can do to present a virtual workshop like an ace.

THINK ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WARDROBE

I recently attended a presentation by a well-known speaker. I’ve seen him on stage and found him to be a stellar presenter. At his online class, the room he broadcast from looked like something from a haunted museum. It was untidy, and there was even a skeleton.

To make matters worse, he looked like he hadn’t combed his hair since 2019, and he wore an ill-fitting bathrobe.

Did that make me trust him? Want to give him business? Of course not!

If you are broadcasting from a problematic location, you can utilize a virtual background.

Here is are some easy ways to look more professional:

There are numerous virtual backgrounds available for free download through a quick online search.Before your class, pull up Zoom and click Settings, then click on background & filler.Upload the background or backgrounds you’ve downloaded from the internet and play around with what looks best.Try on different outfits to see what shows up and coordinates well with the background you’ve selected.  Do you look professional? THINK ABOUT WHICH BACKGROUND IS BEST: PROFESSIONAL OR FUN?

CONSIDER THE POSITION OF YOUR LAPTOP, CAMERA, AND LIGHTING

Lights, camera… almost action.

While you’re checking how you look through your settings, also consider the angle of your camera.

Having your laptop and camera elevated decreases the dreaded double-chin appearance. If you don’t have a stand, you can set your computer on a box or some books.

Can the audience see your whole face, or are they only seeing the top of your head? You might need to reposition your screen.

How is the lighting? You can purchase ring lights with different settings to bring you out of the shadows. Or you can use lamps you already own and play with positioning to fix any issues.

If you’re wearing makeup, considering adding a bit more.

Computer screens can wash you out. Think about the color you’re wearing and whether it adds or detracts from your appearance.

YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO SEE YOUR AUDIENCE

Look at all of the people at your workshop!

Actually, you can’t.

What??

If you want to appear to make eye contact with the people viewing your presentation,  you need to keep your eyes on the camera.

What does this mean for you?

You won’t be able to see anyone or know how they’re reacting. Sometimes, people won’t even turn on their video, so you’re looking at black boxes or stock photos.

How do you gauge whether attendees are interested or asleep?

MAKE YOUR PRESENTATION INTERACTIVE

Interactive participation on Zoom doesn’t mean having people respond to you on chat, click reaction emojis, or raise their hands.

Think about how to reconnect with humanity. Have attendees leave on their audio. Tell them you don’t care about barking dogs and screaming children unless it’s insanely noisy.

Interactive ideas:

Ask questions and persist in getting answers, even if you only hear crickets at first.Add funny videos or photos to your PowerPoint. Get people laughing!Take a dance break. It’s easy to add music to a PowerPoint slide. Grab some dancing people gifs and get your attendees moving!Don’t read your PowerPoint. If you want more tips on presenting with PowerPoint, read my blog post, “Death by PowerPoint.https://lauraakers.com/death-by-powerpoint/REHEARSE WITH A FRIEND

Run through your presentation. Here are a few items to consider:

TIP: If you’re using a virtual background without a green screen, you might appear to have dark shadows around you.

Solution: Minimize this effect by hanging a white sheet behind you.

Does your PowerPoint play smoothly? If you’re linking to a YouTube video, it might take too long to load.Do you need a better microphone? Make sure your message is heard. If you need to use notes, consider where to put them. If you look down, the audience will think you’re breaking eye contact. If they’re to the side, you’re also breaking eye contact. Consider taping your notes to a stand or whiteboard behind your laptop.Be aware of your voice and energy. If you’re reading in a monotone and aren’t projecting, you will lose your audience. Get excited about what you’re saying!There might be problems, but you can get through them with humor and encouragement.

Doing your first presentation on Zoom might seem intimidating, but if you work through the tips I’ve listed, you’ll be off to a great start!

You’re not the only person who feels like they’re talking to themselves alone in a room when using Zoom! (Hey, that rhymes!)

BEST OF LUCK!

If you would like further help with presentation coaching, email Laura for a free 15-minute consultation.

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Here you are in 2020, exactly where you thought you’d be…right?

Well, no.

Unless you’re an essential worker, like the many bravemedical staff, truck drivers, grocery workers etc., you are in your home.

Maybe you’re alone, or maybe you’re in a house with a lotof people and pets. Your natural daily routines and rhythms are gone. Kids aren’tin school, you’re not at work, you can’t go to the beach or the gym…

The result?

Tempers flare, little habits that used to be endearing nowgrate on your every nerve, you’re not sure what to do with all that pent-upenergy…

And communication breaks down.

Here are a few tips to assist you with one of the mostimportant skills to have.

ShiftYour Language from YOU to I Statements

The lockdown has probablychanged your viewpoint toward your spouse, partner, kids or anyone else you’recommunicating with right now. It can be really tempting to scream:

“You’redriving me crazy!”  

“You’renot picking up after yourself!”

“You’re not helping me figureout how to survive on reduced income!”

Theproblem with beginning a sentence with YOU, is it makes the otherperson feel defensive.  

Beforeyou speak, take a moment and a deep breath. Then reframe what you have into adifferent statement that begins with I.

Examples:

“Ifeel anxious because we are trapped in this house.”

“I feel upset right now becausethere are dishes in the bedroom.”

     “I feel scared because I don’t know how we are going to pay our bills.”

2. Schedule Time to Talk About Problems and Feelings

If you or anyone else is angry/upset aboutsomething, it’s best to wait

until you’ve cooled downbefore talking. Once you’ve waited and have your feelings under control, say “Ihave something I need to discuss with you. When would be a good time for you?” Ifthey’re also upset, say “I think it would be good if we could talk later whenwe both feel calmer. Please let me know when that would be.”

         It’s best to speak about things away from other people, sotry to have conversations in a space where you can be alone with each other. Besure to listen and not interrupt. Respond with I statements about yourfeelings.

         If you have a lot of people living together, schedule a convenient time to unplug from electronics and talk about how everyone is doing. Make it a place where people listen without judgment.

3.  Be Clear about Your Needs

Maybeyou need time alone and now everyone is crammed in the

same space. Maybe you’re aloneand obsessively reading the news about the corona virus. Maybe your anxiety hasgone through the roof.  

         This is a time where everyone is navigating their waythrough the “new normal.”  It’s a time tosay what you mean, and mean what you say.

If you’re alone, find a way toreach out to someone even if it’s an online chat group. If you’re scared, that’sokay. We all are.

         Don’t bottle up your feelings. If you’re feeling extremeanxiety or feelings of self-harm, reach out to a hotline.

         Remember, we’re all in this together. Be good to each other.

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Thanks to Eileen Mendel at The Balanced Millionaire for giving me the opportunity to be on her podcast.

Eileen Mendel, CEO of The Balanced Millionaire has been hosting podcasts for 2 years at BBS Radio. Check out her previous podcasts for more great content!

Learn more about Eileen at The Balanced Millionaire.com.

Here’s a link to the podcast where we discuss confidence, likability and communicating during the Coronavirus Quarantine.

https://bbsradio.com/podcast/balanced-millionaire-march-25-2020

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You’re getting ready for a big job interviewand you’re nervous.

You’ve put on your best suit and gone overyour background, ready to impress the interviewers with all of youraccomplishments.

What if I told you that your focus is completely wrong?

YOURACCOMPLISHMENTS DON’T MATTER AND HERE’S WHY

A study from the City University of London’sCass Business school suggests we’re approaching impression managementincorrectly. People everywhere are making the same mistake: focusing theinterview on their achievements and success.

You like to talk about your accomplishmentsbecause it makes you feel competent. However, it’s misguided if you only talk about your achievements and notthe effort.

If you say “I was second in myclass” or “I won best speaker,” these are simply titles. Itdoesn’t connect the interviewer to you. Instead,focus on your struggles. Saying “I spent extra timeworking on learning the fundamentals” or “It took me awhile to learn(x)”

Effort conveys warmth, likability and isrelatable. People connect more with warmth and likability than people who arefocused on appearing smart.

When someone appears perfect, we distance ourselves from them. When they appear flawed, we’re attracted to them. This psychological phenomenon is known as “The Pratfall Effect.”

MAKINGMISTAKES IS A KEY TO SUCCESS

Studies prove that people connect with thosewho admit their flaws. By making a mistake, or admitting to mistakes, we boostour likability.

So, the next time you’re getting ready for ajob interview, a date or other situation that demands you supercharge yourconnection and likability, don’t be afraid to admit those flaws or the effortyou put into being where you are today.

Don’t be surprised when you get the job.

If you want more tips on how to be more likable, confident and a better communicator, Click Here

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Have you ever thought about how much of your life you spend waiting?

Waiting when you’re young…to get older. Waiting to graduate, get a job,  save up enough money, fall in love…

Do you remember your last trip to the doctor where you were trapped in a Waiting ROOM.  You wait –on average– half an hour to see a doctor, which you know in real time is FOREVER.

What is all this waiting about?

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A young shepherd from Spain has a dream where he’s told to seek his fortune at the pyramids in Egypt. He sells the only thing he owns, his flock of sheep, and sails to Morocco. He arrives ready for adventure… but a thief steals all of his money!

The same morning the shepherd arrives, a crystal merchant in Morocco wakes feeling anxious. His shop is on a desolate street at the top of a steep hill and has attracted few customers. The merchant has always dreamed of traveling to other countries, but never has because he is afraid he’ll have nothing left to dream about.

Just as the shopkeeper opens his business, the young shepherd comes to the crystal shop. All the crystal is dull and dirty, and the display shelves are dusty.  He cheerfully says “Sir, I will clean all of this crystal overnight in exchange for money to get to Egypt.” The merchant  replies “It will take you a year to earn that much because I rarely have customers.” The shepherd decides to take the job anyway.

Fairly soon the shepherd feels annoyed with his new job. The crystal merchant is grouchy, the work is tedious and he’s tired of waiting for his journey to continue.

He has an idea to increase business. “Let me build a display case outside to attract more customers!” The shop owner is afraid to agree. “People will bump into it and break my crystal.” “No, I will make it very sturdy.” The merchant relents. The display case immediately brings more shoppers.

Climbing the hill makes people thirsty. There’s no place to enjoy a cool drink.  What’s his name says “Let’s serve lemonade in the crystal glasses!”  Business booms!  One year later, both men are rich.

 

The young man and his boss illustrate that all the waiting is about finding your way to success.  Our choices either keep us from or move us toward our goals in life. Fear kept the shop owner from developing his business to live his dream of traveling.  The young man chose to act despite his fear.

Why do some of us choose to act on our dreams and others remain trapped in the waiting rooms of life?

Many of us have failed to act on our dreams. We forget that our waiting time, if used wisely, brings experience that catapults us forward to reach our goals.

Abraham Lincoln said “Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by other people”

Life happens daily. Do something now! Never allow waiting to become a habit. Live your dreams and take risks.

Life is happening now.

 

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Studies show that feelings of loneliness are more dangerous than being fat. In fact, a six year study of 2,000 people over the age of 50 found that lonely people are twice as likely to die than those surrounded by people.

You might think you’re connected.

You have cell phones, computer, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest…Every day, there’s a new way to connect.

There are billions of people on this planet.

But statistics show that 20% of Americans consider themselves to be LONELY.  That’s 60 million people. And this phenomenon is global.

Why is this happening?

When was the last time you asked someone how they were and really listened to their response?

If someone gave you more details about their life, did you even want to listen? Or were you thinking about the things you had to do? Maybe half-listening?

For 50 years, Don Richie lived in a home in the eastern part of Sydney, Australia.   Each day, he gazed out of his window at steep, grey cliffs  known as “The Gap” that offer some of the best views of the ocean in all of Australian.

But it was not just a love for the sea that drew him to the dramatic panorama.

He looked for people, always alone, who stepped over the protective fence,  stood on the cliffs’ edge and waited to jump.

He would approach them, smile and ask “Can I help you in some way?”

Mr. Richie saved 166 people this way, and had them over to his house for a cup of tea after. He became known as “The Angel of the Gap.”

He said, “Never be afraid to speak to those who you feel are in need. Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word.”

I felt inspired by this. I began to ask people “How’s your day?” And really listen.

One day I saw an elderly man, bent and shuffling slowly with a walker. When I asked him this question, his face came up, his blue eyes twinkled at me and he said “Great! Do you want to race?”

We spent a few moments talking, and I learned he was an artist who had painted beautifully elaborate scenes of Western life on the tops of his slip- on moccasins. We both left with a smile on our faces.

If you get a superficial response, go deeper. Ask the following:

How is your day really?What’s the best thing that happened to you today?What’s the worst thing that happened to you today?Who’s been your craziest customer?

Questions and answers lead from conversation to connections. From minor to meaningful, from solitude to society.

Karl Menninger, an American psychiatrist, said: “Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones you move toward.”

Create daily connections and you enrich both your life and those of others. It’s easy. How’s your day? Let me know.

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Four years ago, I lost a close friend and colleague to suicide.

I recently received an early opportunity to view The S Word, a movie I supported on Kickstarter. https://theswordmovie.com/ My friend’s name is listed at the end, on the Wall of Remembrance. The S Word is a powerful movie. It follows suicide attempt survivor Des’rae Stage photographing attempt survivors and sharing their stories on Live Through This.https://www.livethroughthis.org/

Here are some quick statistics:

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in young people ages 15-24We lose an average of 1100 college students each year to suicide.We lose 22 veterans a day to suicideThere’s an average of 123 suicides per day. That’s like having one airplane crash every day!

I gave speeches about suicide prevention after my friend’s death. Two years later, a woman approached me at a Toastmasters event and I mentioned I’d spoken to District 5 Toastmasters about suicide. She began to cry. She said she’d heard my speech and written down the last thing I’d said, which was “What will make you stay?” and posted it in her office. She said I had saved her life.

The above story is to illustrate what speaking about suicide can do. One of the reasons for suicide is people are reluctant to talk about it and mental health. It’s not a warm and fuzzy subject. It might make you cringe a little inside, but it shouldn’t stop you from learning about what to say. And it shouldn’t stop you from reaching out.

Try these:

I love you. Are you okay?Are you thinking of committing suicide? Do you have a plan?Why do you want to live?What will make you stay?

Do you need to talk? Reach out to me. I’m here.

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How many of you have seen a person who can walk into any setting and all eyes are magically drawn to them?How many of you wish you could do that, but instead slide in the door and stay hidden in a corner, hoping no one makes eye contact with you?One of the most desired skills in the workplace is leadership/ executive presence. But what does it take to have it?Here are three quick tips to help you on your journey to success:#1:  Improve Your Body Language       The quickest way to look more authoritative is to stand up straight and square your shoulders. Imagine a gladiator going into battle, confident with their sword in hand. Practice standing in this pose in front of a full-length mirror. Practice enough you develop muscle memory of how it feels.Next, relax your face and smile. Also practice this in a mirror until it feels natural.When you enter a room, make eye contact with those closest to the door and give them a friendly smile. No matter the expression on their face, remember that it’s not about you. Just keep smiling and maintain eye contact. Give them a “Great to see you!” and maybe a quick, warm handshake.  If you’re not ready to do this in a business setting, try it with friends.#2 Dress the Part        If your goal is to have presence, you will have to look the part. If you can’t find anyone at work you’d like to model your look after, check out photos online or in fashion magazines.Clean, neat and put-together doesn’t have to be expensive. You can even find nice work clothes at thrift shops, but you have to know what to select first. If you can afford it, have a session with an image consultant.Take a shower, get a flattering haircut and go in for a free makeup consultation.  Having a power look will help your inner presence.#3 Make People Feel GoodOne of the most powerful things you can develop is a genuine interest in other people. It can start with the simple question “How’s your day been?”You can complement the person on something (“I love your necklace, tie, haircut…” or say something positive about their work performance.  Anytime you keep the focus on the other person, you’ve added to your own positive presence.If you keep eye contact, listen and respond with supportive statements, you’re on the road to being a leader.All of these tips can be practiced. Take it in small steps and soon you will have a big presence.The post Blog appeared first on LAURA AKERS.

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Trolls. They’re not confined to cyberspace. Are you having issues with someone in the workplace who also fits the definition?

The word “troll” is used to describe people who sow discord on the Internet, start arguments, cause uproars and foment general discontent. In 2014, Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late comedian Robin Williams, was driven off Twitter after receiving menacing and abusive messages from trolls. In February 2015, the Washington Post published an article by Michelle Goldberg about trolls who have caused many feminist writers to stop writing. Many other these women had received threats of physical harm and constant harassment. And in 2018, Star Wars actor Kelly Marie Tran was driven off Instagram.

Trolls, however, don’t confine themselves to cyberspace. If you think back through your workplace experiences, someone might come to mind who fits this description. Your contact with them might even be recent.

Here are some examples of workplace troll behaviors:

Running to a supervisor to complain about a co-worker and lying/exaggerating the issue, if there even is one.Giving a co-worker permission to do something that isn’t correct then denying they had given consent.Taking credit for another co-worker’s work.Blaming problems on a project on another person, when it was them.Complaining about how hard they are working (and insinuating others aren’t) when, in actuality, they’re spending more time complaining than working.

I could go on, but I’m sure you can add to the list.

What motivates people to act like this? Maybe they hate themselves and/or their lives so much that when they see someone else who has what they want, they feel compelled to try to tear that person apart. Maybe they’re simply mean-spirited and vindictive by nature. I’m not sure.

How do you deal with a workplace troll? (No, you can’t bring violence into the picture, except in your imagination).

Ignore them if they’re merely annoying and not causing any problems for you or others.Deal with them with humor and kindness.Document everything they do if it’s affecting your career.Confront them in a calm way (with a witness)Call in a drone strike…Oops. Sorry. My imagination’s getting in the way again.Tell your supervisor. And their supervisor. And all supervisors.If nothing changes because your supervisors don’t do anything and your work life has become impacted by the troll’s continuing harassment, talk to an employment lawyer.

Your life and happiness is important. Don’t let a workplace troll poison it!

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