The Griffin iMic to the rescue!

Posted by scott on Aug 17, 2011 in Fun, Learning | 0 comments

Most of you know that I’ve been dabbling into making Youtube videos of me singing, doing duets with random strangers, picking fun karaoke songs to do, and then I post them sometimes here, on my facebook, etc.

I learned a valuable lesson lately.

Have you ever been told “Oh!  You have to get this latest and greatest piece of technology in order to do X, Y, or Z!” ?

Well, I listened to that voice and bought a fancy headset for my Mac, and tried using it to record me singing for Youtube.  My result was a tinny, blaring sound that happened when I sang higher notes.  I spent hours trying to master sound, and really, I thought I was singing the wrong way for recording.

But, this evening I dug out my Griffin iMic and an old stereo clip-on lavalier microphone, and thought I’d try out recording my voice again.  (I’ve had this “old” piece of tech for about 5 years now!).

The result ..
I think I can actually sing again!  Amazing!  Don’t knock older technology if it can get the job done well!

Here’s a little recording I made of me singing the song, Gravity, by Sara Barielles.  Enjoy!

What’s your mobile strategy?

Posted by scott on Aug 8, 2011 in Mobile, Productivity, Videos | 0 comments

I really like the messages that Gary Vaynerchuk puts out on The Daily. This one especially got me thinking! While I’m still not a smart phone user, the message is very clear, that web sites and online marketing need to accommodate the wave of smart phone mobile users. Watch the video below, and then click the Read More button for my tips on your mobile strategy for 2012!

So, what can you do NOW to develop a mobile strategy for your website?
CLICK THE READ MORE BUTTON BELOW

iWeb and MobileMe Folks – Take Heed!

Posted by scott on Jul 21, 2011 in Learning, News, Productivity, WordPress | 0 comments

I’ve been receiving a few requests lately to assist with or convert web sites using Apple’s iWeb and MobileMe for web publishing. For beginners who have the time and gumption to create their own web sites, I think that iWeb is not a bad choice.  If you’re an avid Macintosh user, iWeb integrates very well with the tools you already use!

However, there are some things that you should know:

• Apple has discontinued their MobileMe product, and web publishing through MobileMe will end June 30, 2012. See this FAQ article from Apple.
• You can still use iWeb to design your site after June 2012, but you will need to manually ftp your files to another web hosting service.  This involves first saving your files to your Mac, then uploading them with an FTP program (an extra step)
• If you use the “photocasting feature” of MobileMe  – this too will no longer be available for your iWeb published site after June 30, 2012.
• You can still keep your email address and other features, but you will need to “convert” your account to the new iCloud service.  (Apple will roll out iCoud in the Fall).
• iCloud WILL NOT include a web publishing option.

From my perspective as a web designer and consultant, some other disadvantages occur when you choose iWeb, unfortunately.

• By default, your web URL includes the title of your iWeb site’s name, often making longer URLs than necessary (ex – www.holisticgeek.com/holisticgeek.com/Home.html) – the only way around this is to save to your hard drive, and upload to your web host.
• iWeb pages aren’t naturally “Search Engine Friendly” – but you CAN use RAGE Software’s iWeb SEO Tool for free!

But, to put a positive spin on all of this, perhaps now is the time to convert your iWeb web site to WordPress! At any rate, now’s the time to start your MobileMe transition/migration plan!  Why not pair it with a full-on solution that gives you the following:

• A longer term relationship with a reliable web host (I suggest Tigertech.net)
• Migration of your email from user@me.com to your full domain name (user@yourdomain.com)
• Strong, customizable, and scalable SEO options for your website and blog
• An open-source, standards-compliant web building tool that grows with you as your business grows

Have fun creating!!

Resiliance, Friendship, and Play

Posted by scott on Jun 15, 2011 in Coaching, Fun, Learning | 0 comments

Here’s a video worth sharing with you all! Whether you are a business owner, soloprenuer, coach, or aspiring social activist/artist, I believe that Deborah Frieze has a very powerful message for us!

What are your three words??
Deborah Frieze is an author, entrepreneur and social activist. As former co-president of The Berkana Institute and co-founder of the Berkana Exchange, Debbie joined Berkana in 2002 to help bring Berkana’s vision into the world and grow the Institute. She serves as a board member and is leading several initiatives, including: Feeding Ourselves Sustainably, a youth-driven community of practice in North America; Swaraj University, an alternative learning institute in India; and multiple Illumination and Thought Leadership projects, including publications and online media; and consulting as part of the Berkana Collaborative.

Thanks from me and Junebug!

Posted by scott on Jun 11, 2011 in Coaching, Fun, Learning | 0 comments

I just wanted to share a quick video to say Thank You to all the folks who’ve signed up for coaching sessions.  My dog, Junebug, likes to be present too when I’m taking calls!

A FREE 30-Minute Coaching Session Awaits You!

Posted by scott on Jun 10, 2011 in Coaching, Fun | 1 comment

If you’ve clicked the Coaching Link at the top of my website, you’ll know that I’m jumping in head first into the field of personal and business coaching!

I’m currently enrolled in a program called Coach 100, from The School of Coaching Mastery, where I’ve pledged to coach 100 people – and fast!  I’m offering FREE 30-minute coaching sessions to 100 people. All I ask in return is that you kindly fill out a brief online feedback form after the session is complete, so that I can learn and improve.

There’s no pressure, it’s confidential, and it’s a lot of fun!  We can talk about your goals, success strategies, or the places you feel “stuck” in your business or life.  A coaching session is ALL ABOUT YOU!

To find out how you can sign up for your Free 30-minute coaching session, click on the HolisticGeek Coaching Page.
http://www.holisticgeek.com/coaching/

Dreaming Dreams with YouTube

Posted by scott on Jun 8, 2011 in Fun, Networking, Videos | 0 comments

I think that this is the beauty of social networking – you can share a moment with a total stranger, get to know them, and have a real and collaborative experience.

Using some software on my Mac, a headset, and YouTube, I was able to sing a duet with someone else, whom I didn’t even know yet! I hope you enjoy us singing a duet version of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. Have fun with your own social networking!

Oh..and here’s a bonus video too!