Check some of our best work

We just wanted to do an end-of-the-year review of some of our best work over the years

Within a week the article on the FAFSA transitioning from a PIN system to a Username/Password system became our second most-read post.

It took a couple of years (past the 2013 expected date), but some new web domain extensions are now available, such as .church
Our article about "bootleg business cards" talks about the need to create some sort of business card, even if doesn't "look professional" -- the key is getting your information out there.

Have an idea of a topic we should focus on? Let us know! Contact us at blog@do-gooder.us or call us at 872-222-8008 for details on the free and paid services. We look forward to hearing from you. Find out more about us at www.do-gooder.us

Tips for going to a conference

Whether you are going to the Tutor Mentor conference in Chicago, or really any other gathering of professionals or other like-minded people, the following are some good tips to remember:

• Pens & scratch paper - in case you have to write a note. Yes, you COULD put it on your smartphone. But will you be smart enough to remember to review it? One other alternative is to have your sound recorder or video camera readily available.  That might be another viable way for you to take verbal notes. But remember to review these notes either that night or a scheduled time the next day. 
• Business Cards --- see our Bootleg Business Card blog entry for details. Your card doesn't have to be fancy (or even a card), just legible.
• List of seminars - you can always change it on the spot, or just take the workshop time to have meaningful conversations 
• Set up meet-ups BEFORE going --If you know someone who is going to your conference, set up a time to meet them ahead of time...whether at mealtime, or sitting next to each other a workshop, take advantage of this fellowship time. The Tutor Mentor conference, for example, publishes the attendee list ahead of time.
• Times where you are willing to SKIP.  The seminar, workshop or general speaker might be good, but there are times when one-on-one times are far more productive and memorable, or a personal prayer session. A seasoned professional will understand this, and be OK with it. See our other blog entry for details. However, take a serious consideration before you "blow off" a session.
• Money - Many conferences have opportunities to buy great material. Make sure you have enough cash, in case a credit card machine is not available
• Pack 2 days before the conference -- reduce stress on yourself by making sure you have everything you need ahead of time
• Schedule contact time AFTER the conference -- OK, so you've made several new friends. Now make sure you take a morning or afternoon and send everyone a short note/e-mail or phone call. Plant the seeds & water these new relationships

We have some more tips (which aren't relevant here, but at the Reload Conference, among others. Look for those in an upcoming blog)

Have a great time, and we hope to see you there. if you haven't registered, or need info, go to November 2014 Tutor Mentor conference registration page for more details

At the conference, feel free to text us at 872-222-8008 to meet up, or e-mail us at blog@do-gooder.us  . See you at the Tutor Mentor Conference!

Even a Bootleg Business Card can work

Business cards are vital, people! They help you communicate with strangers and help them find a connection.

People can get uptight because they don't have the funds for a fancy business card. While presentation is helpful, the bottom line is the information.

Note: the card doesn't have to be a special shape, or super shiny and glossy.  Even if the information is handwritten, or a simple Microsoft Word print out that you cut with scissors, it helps.  The "card" may look "bootleg", but as long as the information is accurate and legible, it can help.

But if you DO want something a little more professional, VistaPrint is one that Do-Gooder Consulting uses. On a recent order, we were able to get 500 business cards, plus a metal card holder, for under $12!  That's less than $0.03 a business card!

It's definitely worth it!

And no, we did not get paid for that shout out! Check RetailMeNot.com for any special deals. There may be other ads and deals found elsewhere.

Whenever you go to a conference, such as the Reload Urban Youth Workers conferences, there are old friends, but often new people who you could have great professional or even personal relationships later on after the event. They may also be a connection to a much needed resource.  The possibilities are endless.

So some quick notes to remember about business cards and making them an effective tool:

• The night before you leave your home, make sure you have a bunch of business cards with you (I suggest putting a few in your wallet, a few in a shirt or coat pocket, several in your notebook or calendar, and even more in your computer/tablet case.
• While an impressive looking card is nice, having the basic info on a piece of paper the size of a card will work just fine
• Handwrite the event you are at before giving your card. It will help the recipient remember how you met
• Once you get your business cards, take a bunch and stash them in various places where you can access them: your wallet, purse, computer bag, messenger bag/briefcase, car glove compartment, jacket, conference name tag (if it allows for storage). Doing the entire list sounds excessive, but you never know when you can use them!
• Schedule a time after your conference to review the cards YOU have collected.  The point isn't collecting them like baseball cards -- it is to use them as tools for future relationships.

Now, I did want to note that sending business card information electronically (such as via smartphone) is helpful. But there are some dangers of that as well:

• Your information can be deleted, sometimes to easily. Anyone who currently has a 2 year old can testify to that.
• Your information can get buried. Unless you are a major speaker, you will only be one of 200-400 other contacts.

A business card has a chance to be found during laundry, housecleaning, or any number of instances that will not happen with a smartphone.

Business cards are a small thing, but they can provide big benefits later on.

Contact us if your organization or small business needs help in coordinating your communication. Either call/text 872-222-8008 or e-mail us at communication@do-gooder.us