Tuesday, July 27, 2010

I've made it?

This morning, I had an invitation in my mailbox.

C O N T I N E N T A L B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O R K I N C.

Jamee,

It is with great distinction that I inform you that as of July 27, 2010, you are requested to be debuted in the 2011 directory showcasing the WHO'S WHO of Worldclass business leaders.

Our forum is renowned by professionals and executives who express continuous knowledge, experience and achievement in their industry or profession.

On behalf of our members and staff, we wish you continued success.

Check In here to view profile:


http://www.Jamee.Perkins.cbrnbio.com


After you emend your profile, find out Who's Missing.

John Preston
Vice President Member Services

Who's Who World Class Alliance
23 Briaroot Drive

Smithtown, NY 11787

T h i s i s a n a d v e r t i s e m e n t


I must admit, for half a second, I was impressed with myself. Then I decided to fire up Google Chrome and find out a little more about this "world class alliance."

What I found, was not good news for the alliance. Yet another internet scam. For the low-low price of $750 I can be included in their publication for LIFE! What a bargain, NOT.

So, unless you are in the practice of buying your friends, I would recommend NOT signing up for this "world class alliance." Instead, work on developing your own alliances with Social Media like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. They're all FREE.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Power of Social Networking

Today my network of peers in the voice industry came to my aid. I had some general business questions. Things like; "When should I get a separate checking account for my business? Is it time to form an LLC? I even reached out to a few friends to ask about some email follow up etiquette.

Normally, I would turn to Google for the answers. I would type in my question, and allow the internet to determine my fate. Then spend valuable time pouring over lists and list of possible answers, and deciding which I liked best.

Today was a busy day at my grown-up job. No time for WILFing! I had things to get done, and only so much time to do 'em. So I dashed a quick note off to my network of fellow Charlotte NC voice actors.

Within minutes, I had opinions of others who were actually doing the same type of business as I am. It was truly inspiring.

So what did I learn?

First, you are building a network of peers via social networking, so communicate with them! It's great to have 2,496 Facebook Friends, but do you really know them all? Maybe there is someone in your networking struggling with the exact same issue you are struggling with? Maybe they've just solved a similar problem? You will never know if you don't ask.

Second, ask your accountant about serious financial decisions. I probably have a long way to go (bringing in 10s of thousands of dollars per year) before I need to get an LLC, or a Business Checking account.

Finally, I learned to JUST ASK. When you ask a peer for advice, they will give you an answer. Even better, you might just have gained an actual friend.