Summer Thrillers & Chillers @PenguinCanada @RandomHouseCA #Ad #SummerThrillers #SummerReads

Pairing 3 Summer Thrillers with some tasty Summer Chillers. 

Disclosure: I received this collection of 3 Thriller themed summer reads from Penguin Random House Canada free of charge. I was under no obligation, but chose to post and share with my readers. All opinions are my own.  

Time to Chillax ...
It's Summer, which means it's time to kick back and enjoy the thrill of the chill. Books, refreshing treats, and drinks are always part of that. So when Penguin Random House Canada surprised me with a Summer Thriller Trio, I immediately thought of afternoons on the deck with a good book paired with a refreshing beverage (because we all know it's important to stay hydrated). Below you'll find my Thriller and Chiller pairing suggestions. Wishing you a summer filled with Eat, Read, Love. 
SPOILER ALERT: I've attempted to give a short synopsis of the story-line without including information that would spoil the reader experience. Having said that, you continue to read at your own risk.

The Child by Fiona Barton

The Child, told from the perspective of 4 women, begins with the discovery of a child's remains during a house demolition. Reporter Kate Waters, left with more questions than answers, begins the process of collecting information to help piece together how the bones got there, and the identity of the child. Her investigation leads to information that links the bones to a decades old crime, and the realization that bones are not the only thing that will be unearthed before this story is over.

Paired with a refreshing Grim and Tonic with a twist of lime.

Okay it's just a Gin & Tonic, but it's the perfect choice on a hot sunny day. (Tip: Add pieces of lime and, or lemon to tonic water to make "fancy" ice-cubes that won't dilute your drink when they melt.) Directions: Fill a tall, narrow (highball) glass to the top with ice. (Yes it tastes better in a tall, narrow glass because it allows for the correct gin-tonic ratio). To the glass add 3 oz. of Gin, 4 oz. of Tonic Water, a twist of lime, and garnish with a wedge of lime. 

Gone With a Trace by Mary Torjussen

Gone Without a Trace, is a complicated and twisting suspense that is told from Hannah's point of view, about the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend, Matt. After four years together, she comes home one ordinary day to find all traces of Matt and their life together are gone, literally without a trace. It's not just Matt that has disappeared, but all traces of their life together have disappeared; emails, texts, pictures, social media accounts ... all gone. In order to make some sense of this, Hannah becomes obsessed with finding answers to what happened Matt, and why he vanished without a word. 

Paired with a Cryptic Ice Coffee. 

This non-alcoholic option hits the spot on a hot day. (Tip: use leftover coffee to make coffee ice-cubes that won't dilute your drink when they melt.) Directions: Brew a pot of your favourite full-bodied coffee and let cool. Mix coffee with milk or cream and sweetener of your choice to taste. Pour mixture into a glass filled to the top with ice, add a straw and enjoy.  

So Much Love by Rebecca Rosenblum 

So Much Love is the story of Catherine's abduction from a small town. The story is told from multiple points of view, including Catherine's, helping the reader to link seemingly random information, places and people. What becomes clear is the ripple effect, and impact the abduction has on both those close to Catherine, and casual acquaintances, struggling to process feelings of loss, pain, anger and fear. The depictions of everyday Canadian life by way of references to Tim Hortons, Shopper's Drug Mart and Swiss Chalet which are normally quaint, are also what makes them scary. The thought that, in a small Canadian town amidst the Tim Hortons, Swiss Chalet and Shopper's Drug Marts, this could actually happen is terrifying. In order minimize spoilers I will leave it at that. 

Paired with a Spin-Chiller Wine-Chiller.

White Sangria:  (Tip: add fresh mint or pieces of citrus fruit to water to make "fancy" ice-cubes for your Spin-Chiller Wine-Chiller) Directions: In a large jug or decanter, add 1 bottle of white wine (white grape juice for non-alcoholic option), 1 lime and 1 lemon (sliced or wedged), 10 - 12 mint leaves, 2-3 tbsp simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water & sugar), and ice. Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy. For a sparkling wine chiller add 2 cups gingerale, or make using a sparkling wine or Prosecco.   

Food for thought and reading ... might I suggest a Who-Donut Ice-cream Sandwich. 

Don't be shy. Share. What's on your summer reading list? 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Summer Thrillers and Summer Chillers. Cheers and here's to summer reading. 

Find more summer reads on the Penguin Random House Canada website, and stay in-the-know by following Penguin Books Canada and Random House Canada on facebook, @PenguinCanada and @RandomHouseCA on twitter and @PenguinCanada and @RandomHouseCA on instagram.

Countdown to a #Blogger #Conference - Tips for Success #BloggerIssues #WorththeRead

Things to Think About Before Your Next Conference

Blissdom CA 2014 is fast approaching and I am feeling much more confident than last year. BlissdomCA 2013 was the first blog conference I attended and having been blogging for a whole three months I was more than a little intimidated and green as you can see from my post Blissdom post Reflections ... Did I find my Bliss? 

Photo via Blissdom Canada site

It's more than a year later and BlissdomCA 2014 will be my third conference; I have written 204 posts for Cathy Thinking Out Loud, 8 posts for PTPA Blogaholic posts, and several guest posts on other blogs. I'm feeling much more confident going into this Blissdom Conference having Conference #2 Under My Belt. I have a better idea how to prepare for, what to expect and how to manage my expectations so I get the most out of this experience.

I actually wrote this post a year and a half ago, and in April 2016 will be attending my 6th conference BConnected Conference in Ottawa, but all the resources are still Worth the Read. 

I can tell you the prospect of attending a conference where I had only met a few of the attendees in person was more than a little overwhelming. To make matters worse my avatar was a picture of my dog so no one actually knew what I looked like. 

BLISSDOMCA 2014 AVATAR

BLISSDOMCA 2013 AVATAR

Tip #1: Share a picture of yourself prior to the conference so people know what you look like. Speaking from experience, this really is important, especially if this is your first conference, you don't know other attendees, or you're a introvert. 

Tip #2: Get business cards! and make sure that the font is large enough for people to actually read! 

Before:

After:

Below you'll find some posts and resources for preparing for, and getting the most out of your conference experience I think are Worth the Read. I hope they shed some light on the 5 W's (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and the H (How) of blogging conferences. Knowledge is power, and being prepared is your best tool. Hopefully it will give some newbies bloggers the courage to attend a blog conference. No need to limit this reading to newbies; I know that this old dog can learn new tricks and think we can all benefit from these resources. BlissdomCA is mentioned because it's the next blogger conference I'm attending, but the resources and posts linked here provide excellent information that is not limited to any one blogger conference or even any one type of blogger conference. 

• How to Prepare for a Blogging Conference via Tales of a Ranting Ginger
• Ten Tips on What to Bring to a Blogging Conference via Maple Leaf Mommy
• Five Tips for Successfully Attending Conferences via Food Bloggers of Canada
• Bling Out Your Blog: 25 Helpful Resources For Attending A Blog Conference via Kayla Aimee Writes
• Bloggers IRL: Get the Most Out of Blogging Conferences via The Daily Post

If you find yourself at a conference I'm attending please say hi and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you IRL (in real life). 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what I think is worth the read.

Love the Product, But Hate the Brand: It's a Conundrum #WorthTheRead #BrandRelationships

Love the Product, but Hate the Brand

I love reading interesting and informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing and blogging. My Worth the Read posts are my way of sharing my take on a given topic, with a few related links I think are worth taking the time to read, and ponder. 

This week's topic: Products vs Brands. 

Brands and products are not the same thing, making it quite possible to love one and not the other. Most of us have been there at least once in our lives, where we love a product, but can't stand dealing with the brand, or more importantly how they deal with us. Instead of sharing other people's posts, this week I'm sharing my thoughts on this conundrum. Since my past experiences with, and how I feel about a brand largely influences the products I choose buy, it really is a conundrum for me.

Brands are like people, in that, we look for the same qualities in brands as we do in people; integrity, honesty, loyalty.

We are drawn to individuals (and brands) who possess those qualities and are genuine, caring and give back to the communities they're in. We view brands as people, because ultimately it's the people behind the brands that set the tone, culture, priorities and messaging for those brands.

I have a theory that at least 50% of all buyer's remorse cases are misdiagnosed, and are in actuality cases of love the product, hate the brand. 

No matter how much I love a product, I almost always regret a purchase where the buying experience or the brand interaction has been indifferent or negative. I can never have a truly positive user experience with that product because I feel resentment each time I use it, and am reminded of that negative brand experience. And there in lies the conundrum. So my question to you is what do you do when you love the product but hate the brand's tone, engagement, service (or lack there of), environmental or human rights policies, or whatever is important to your purchasing experience? Do you even care? Is price the only deciding factor for you?

Even if price is a factor, and lets face it price is always a factor for most of us, is it the only factor or deciding factor? 

Personally price is only part of the equation, and if I can purchase a similar or comparable product at a comparable price from a brand I like, I do. There are a short list of brands I simply refuse to purchase, no matter the price, and would rather pay more than deal with them. My "no-buy, no way, no how" list is very short, but some have been on that list for 15 years and after all this time I still feel the same way. Note to Brands: Even if you're not on the "no-buy" list your indifference begets my indifference and impacts your bottom line. Just as I'm willing to drive further and pay more to avoid the brands I don't like, I am equally willing to do so to buy from the brands I do like. 

If I feel good about my experience I regularly take the time to share that on social media or in person with friends and family. Rarely do I share negative experiences or about brands I don't like on social media, but I also make a point not to engage with them or share their content. And while I may not share on social media I do share both good and bad experiences with friends and family. You know how it goes: I tell two friends, and they tell two friends and so on...

Not liking a brand is almost never about a single bad experience, but instead a feeling that develops over time. 

I'm not necessarily angry with a brand, I just don't like them, and they don't know that "average joe me" feels that way because they don't care. In my experience there are two main reasons for not liking a brand: bad service, or attitude (either, online, phone or on social media). If a brand has the winning combination of both then they're probably on the "no buy, no way, no how" list, and deservedly so. 

Bad Service: On Occasion everyone makes mistakes, and every brand can be caught short staffed, with system issues, or stocking issues. If these issues are more than on occasion, it's a pattern of behaviour and indifference. If you don't value my time, money and right to a good customer experience you don't deserve my loyalty or business. Think about each customer interaction as if you're required to pay each an hourly wage from your own pocket for wasting their time and that should put an end to that. If your service is bad fix it or save everyone time and frustration and put an "I Don't Want Your Business" sign in the window.

• Marketing & Sales 101: I should never feel like I'm in the scene from Pretty Women where I'm not good enough or important enough for your attention or to be acknowledged. Brands shouldn't be snobs! My money and loyalty should be at least as important as the expert or influencer being paid to engage. Based on online engagement and in-store interaction some (not all) of the people working for certain brands are snobs. They believe and convey the message; it is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to spend my hard earned money on their brand. But they are wrong. Just because I don't say it doesn't mean I don't notice and think Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now ... and buy your competitors products.

I can't be the only one who has felt this way, and as a result doesn't buy from a brand.

There must be me x 1000's, which adds up to substantial loss of potential free advertising, profit and sales. You know nothing about me, and never took the time to find out. It's a privilege for a brand to have even a minute of my precious time and money. Just as it's a privilege for me to have even one minute of my readers precious time. In the end brands are responsible for who they hire and the messages they sent. Sometimes what looks good on paper does not translate into real life experience. You may not be able to put into words what it is about a person or a brand that you like, but you know it when you see it. Loyalty, integrity, and honesty are always in style, and there are plenty of brands out there with these qualities that I can deal with. 

What is important in a brand for you, and what is a deal breaker?

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what I think is worth the read. 

Note: I have not been compensated in anyway for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers posts and articles I find interesting.

Where To Find #Images for Your Blog #BloggerIssues #WorthTheRead

Blogger Issues: Finding Images for Your Blog That are Free and Legal to Use

I love reading interesting and informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing and blogging. My Worth the Read posts are my way of sharing my take on a given topic, with a few related links I think are worth taking the time to read, and ponder.

This week's topic is about the sometimes complicated process of sourcing free images you can use legally on your blog. 

Any blogger knows writing is only one aspect of a blog post. The process of editing the text, and finding images to accompany the text of a post (whether sourcing or creating them yourself) takes as much if not more time than the actual writing. I have a stack of posts written that never get published because of the work involved in taking and editing pictures for them. In some cases I don't have access to the subject matter needed for the image.

So what are the other options? I can search for free images trying to figure out if they're okay to use without infringing on any copyrights. The legalities of the terms of use aren't always clear, at least not to me, and that to put it bluntly scares the crap out of me. Reading posts like the ones linked below does nothing to to ease my fears or concerns. 

• The $7,500 Blogging Mistake That Every Blogger Needs to Avoid!
• Bloggers Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Pics on Your Blog - My Story

There are lots of sites and options for purchasing the rights to use images, but the majority of my posts are not sponsored so this isn't a realistic option for me. One place I find free images to use is Pixabay. It's my favourite for ease of use and variety of images, but it's one of many places to source images for your blog. Another place to find images is AllFreeStock.com which has a list a number of sources to search for free images. 

Below are links to posts and resources to help you on your quest to find images for your blog.

• The Complete Guide to Using Images in Your Blog Posts via John Saddington- john do - Start
• Where to Find Pictures for Your Blog or Facebook via Melanie Nelson - Blogging Basics 101 
• 20 Best Sites for Cheap or Free Graphics or Images for Your Blog via Sara Mannix - Mannix Marketing Inc
• 10 Fabulous Places to Find Incredible Blog Post Images FREE Amberr Meadows-Amberr Is Me
• Where designers go to find photos and graphics via Steve Benjamins - Site Builder Report
• Twenty-five Places to Find Free (and Legal) Photos For Your Blog and Social Media by Melissa Stewart via She Owns It 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about what I think is worth the read. 

Note: I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers posts and articles I find interesting. Images for this post are courtesy of Pixabay

Making #SocialMedia Work for Your #SmallBusiness #WorthTheRead

 Social Media Best Practices for Small Business:

Making Social Media Work for Your Business

I love reading interesting and informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing and blogging. My Worth the Read posts are my way of sharing my take on a given topic, with a few related links I think are worth taking the time to read, and ponder. 

This week's topic is Social Media Best Practices.

So you have added social media to your small business' marketing and sales strategy, but is it actually working for you? Just being on social media is no guarantee it will help your business, in fact managed poorly it may actually hinder your business and disengage existing and potential customers. 

How do you figure out best social media practices for small business? 

When it comes to social media each small business needs to determine which social media platforms are a best fit for their unique situation and type of business, and the netiquette that goes with them. More than knowing that, it is vital to know the best practices that can help drive traffic to your business, increase your client reach to ultimately increase your bottom-line.

The posts below will help you better understand what the best practices are, and how they help social media work better for your business:

• Guy Kawasaki on Small Business Social Media via Richard Feloni - Business Insider

• 10 Best Practices for Small Business on Social Media via Julia Campbell - ScoreNEMass

• Are You Annoying Your Customers on Social Media ? via Karen Bivand - The MOMpreneur

• Social Media Marketing Best Practices for Your Small Business via Bill Hazelton - Spirecast

More Insights Into Social Media and Small Business

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about what I think is worth the read. 

Note: I have not been compensated in anyway for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers posts and articles I find interesting.

Food 4 Thought: Worth the Read 6/6/2014 #LinkedIn Lockout! #HighRestriction

I read interesting informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing, networking, and the like all the time. I'm a bit of a junkie when it comes to this type of thing. So I thought I would share at least one said post or article every Friday, and maybe send you into your weekend with some food for thought.

That is how I start each of my Food 4 Thought: Worth the Read posts. I clearly state I want to share with my readers articles and post I have found, I think they might be interested in. I am not compensated and do this to interact with my readers, and maybe share something that might be helpful.

I was not Linked on LinkedIn for a very long time. As a stay at home Mom (SAHM) for 18 years I felt LinkedIn was a social medium that should be used for business, occupational, and professional networking and "linking". After I started my blog, I felt justified signing up for LinkedIn since other bloggers and blog groups were there, and it appeared to be a good place to network, and connect.

For me LinkedIn isn't like other social mediums. It is specifically for business networking, so I limit my sharing of both my own and others posts to topics I think fit that category. I do not share my latest giveaway, or twitter party. I seldom share a promo post unless it is about a product or brand that I feel will be of interest in a business, marketing, networking or family-business balance kind of way. 

Each day "Pulse" on LinkedIn suggests posts and articles that might interest me. So my Worth the Read posts seemed like a perfect fit for sharing on LinkedIn. In fact some of the links I share I have read and found via Pulse on LinkedIn. Certainly the topic for my Worth the Read March 24, 2014 #JobSearching in the Digital Age seemed like a relevant topic. I share the links to the original place I read the post. I then take the time to inform the authors via comments or twitter, that I have shared a link to their post. 

Last week I found myself locked out of LinkedIn with no email notification or reason why. I asked for details about what, when and how I had broken the rules so that I might not make this mistake again. 
Response From LinkedIn: "We've recently received complaints from other members that you've posted promotional updates or comments on the posts of LinkedIn members that appear to be phishing, spam, or abusive in nature. We realize not everyone understands how updates and comments on LinkedIn should be used. However, the LinkedIn User Agreement prohibits using LinkedIn to connect with people you did not know and/or sending or posting unsolicited messages.
Your LinkedIn account has been suspended pending your response stating that you'll adhere to the LinkedIn User Agreement and Privacy Policy from this day forward."
It is true I had shared my Worth the Read post in my LinkedIn updates, as well I had left a comment on a LinkedIn Influencer post stating I had shared his post. Apparently one of these actions, or maybe adding a link to the post had someway violated the terms or rules of linkedIn. 

I was mortified and angry. I don't try to contact people I do not know, although seriously what is the point of contacting people I already know? If the point is to network ... I think you get my drift. Apparently you can read others posts, for example a LinkedIn Influencer post, but in order share or comment you need to be able to read minds and guess if said sharing is abusive spam. Um...question? What about all the people who ask me to link with them that I have never heard of before? 

I thought the point of LinkedIn was to share, and network about employment, job searching, and business. Otherwise please explain the job opportunities sent to my inbox from LinkedIn. Please explain the suggested posts, people and groups LinkedIn shares (maybe to often - aka SPAM) with me. Since I don't know the people LinkedIn suggests are they just mocking me? I honestly thought I was doing exactly what LinkedIn was established for. 

Other than providing a link to my blog and the offending post, no other explanation was provided. Clearly no one bothered to read the post (including whomever had complained). No "Sorry, sometimes these things happen, or clearly you are not phishing, spam or abusive in nature." I shouldn't take it personally, but it felt personal, and yet very impersonal. I shared my thoughts, and suggested they share them with someone senior. Maybe the LinkedIn guy who spoke at the Blogging Conference I recently paid to attend. Can he explain why being put on "high restriction" for trying to share is good business.  

From me: "That was a post from my blog sharing a number of posts many recommended to me on LinkedIn about advice and tips on searching for jobs in the digital age. I was not compensated for this and make a point to share with the authors when I link to a post they have written as a courtesy. One of the posts I linked in my Worth the Read post was by a Linked in Influencer. 
I thought it was right to tell the author of a post and acknowledge it was a good post and I recommend reading it. ...
I read the posts shared with me on LinkedIn, share them and recommend on them, and this is the result. I was trying to contribute and be an active LinkIn member. I thought LinkIn was about networking, job opportunities and interacting. I will not share again. 
Having said that, thank you ____ for your assistance. Am I to assume you are taking the restriction off of my account."

In the end I was told they would take the "High Restriction" off my LinkedIn account if I agree to adhere to the rules, and given a link to said rules. After four emails the response was the following. Talk about missing the point, or probably more accurately not caring.

"Hi Cathy,

 Thanks for complying and adhering with our policies. The restriction has been lifted from your account.

 Also, if you're interested in learning more about protecting your privacy and keeping your information safe online, I highly recommend checking out our Safety Center:https://help.linkedin.com/app/safety/home/track/AvNnZgrJDv8W~UfRGmYW~yZJI6Mqey75Mv81~zj~PP~8

  Regards,"

I get that I am not an "influencer" and just one little person. But who knows who I know, or what I may become? I would share an excellent post about that but we all know what happened last time. So now I do not check LinkedIn nor do I like share or comment there anymore. 

LinkedIn personally I think you are clued out.

No links this week, but I am hoping that my post gives you food for thought, and was worth the read. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about what I think is worth the read. 

Note: I have not been compensated in anyway for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers posts and articles I find interesting.

Improving Your #JobSearch Success In The Digital Age #WorthTheRead

How Living in a Digital Age Changed the Business of Searching for a Job?

I love reading interesting and informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing, and networking. I'm a bit of a junkie when it comes to this type of thing. But why keep this wealth of information to myself, when I can give you food for thought, and share articles and resources I hope you'll find worth taking the time to read. 

This week's theme is about finding a job in the digital age;

What techniques work, what doesn't, and emerging trends when it comes to job searches, and recruitment. Whether searching for a part-time job, something thing that can be done from home, or a corporate position, living in a digital age has completely changed the way of doing business for both those looking and those hiring.

Six Job Search Related Posts and Resources:

• 9 Costly (And Avoidable) Newbie Job Search Mistakes via Work Coach Cafe - The Savvy Intern
• How to Create Job Interview Confidence in Just 2 Minutes via Work Coach Cafe - The Savvy Intern
• Applying for a New Job? Five Things You Must Do First via Tackling Our Debt 
• The Best Job Search Sites To Find Work-From-Home Jobs via Tackling Our Debt 
• A Resume Will Never Get You the Job You Really Want via Jeff Haden - LinkedIn Influencer
• Job Searching with Social Media - Infographic via Jeff Bullas Blog

Are you bold enough to send a video or infographic style resume in your job search, or are you too old school?

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what I think is worth the read.

Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers posts and articles I find interesting.

Goldilocks and the Three Phones: Which One is Just Right? @SamsungCanada #Tech #WorthTheRead

Which Samsung SmartPhone is Just Right For Me: Samsung Galaxy S4, Mega or Note3?

I think we can all relate to feeling lost in the Tech-device Forest of smartphones, and features.

We need breadcrumbs of information to help us find our way through the facts and the fiction. Like most people I'm not a tech expert. Fact is, I can barely keep up with the names of all the new devices, apps, social media platforms, far less what they do. Plus, there are all the updates and changes to existing ones. 

Picking out a new phone is a big decision. Gone are the days of "Do you want a flip phone?", and "What colour do you want?". 

Phones are expensive investments, and like other investments, require that we do some basic research, before we spend our hard earned money. A list of wants, and needs is a good place to start. Ask yourself questions, that help you figure out what you want to use your phone for: camera, texting, social media, emails? Do you like a keyboard, or stylus? Does it need to be rugged to stand up to your work or sports you play? What additional accessories might add to the cost of the phone? Answers to these questions will definitely impact which phone you will want to choose for yourself.

I'm a fan of Samsung but even within that brands I find I have distinct preferences. 

They are all great phones, but there was one I much preferred over the others. This was not so much to do with the price points, none are inexpensive phones, but I realized I needed a larger screen to read. It's a fact of life, my eyesight is not as good as it used to be. I also realized I love a stylus and this is a worthwhile investment for me, but may not be for someone else. For my Husband the Rugby is water resistant, and has a built in case that keeps the dust out. For him this is important, and luckily the Samsung Galaxy S5 will make a great update when the time comes. 

Where do you find the information you need to know, in order to make the right decision for yourself? 

There are several sources to find this information, and when combined prove to be very helpful. Brand websites give you information about what devices are available and their specs. I start with brands I think might be of interest, in this case Samsung Canada - Mobile . Brands are also great at creating content and tutorials to help you maximize your device experience. Stores such as Future Shop Canada that sell phones and services, often have staff who are knowledgeable and tech enthusiasts. Service providers, such as TELUS can help you calculate the total cost of the phone including your service requirements. Many providers have in-store programs available by appointment to learn more about your services and devices. In general they are free and worth taking advantage of.

For some honest feedback, reviews and to learn what those "specs" actually mean, 

I've found Mobile Syrup which is a Canadian resource, and Techno Buffalo  which is out of the US  always have excellent product information and honest reviews of a product they have actually tested. 
These are just two of a long list of excellent review sites. 

For general Canadian Tech information that is up to date and relevant follow  TechVibes. 

Good luck finding the phone that is "just right" for you. The reviews, and tutorials are worth the read to find out how your smart phone can help you make smart use of your valuable time. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what's worth the read.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers information or links I think they might find of interest.

Getting the Best Blog for Your Buck: You Get What You Pay For #BloggerIssues #WorthTheRead

Food for Thought: Time is Money and You Get What You Pay For. 

Sometimes the cheapest isn't the best bang blog for your buck.

Image: Creator: nyphotographic.com - Creative Commons

I love reading interesting and informative posts and articles about business, social media, marketing and networking. I also like to reflect on and share some of the ideas and posts I read. With my Food for Thought posts my goal is to share information, give you something to think about, and link a few related posts or resources I think are worth taking the time to read. 

This week's theme is about quality over quantity, and cost-benefit analysis that goes beyond the numbers.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: "is a weigh-scale approach to making business decisions, all the pluses (the benefits) are put on one side of the balance and all the minuses (the costs) are put on the other. Whichever weights the heavier wins." via The Economist

My ideal in life and for my blog is a balanced scale and a Win-Win scenario. I've been thinking a lot about what a win-win scenario for Cathy Thinking Out Loud would actually look like, and what my time is worth in terms of compensation for a post, review or social media engagement. 

There are plenty of posts about compensation and/or how to monetize your blog, but specifics about rate scales or dollar value is much harder to find. 

The answer seems to be a complicated mix of page views, perceived value, networking, and negotiating skills that determines actual compensation rates. Some bloggers say never work for free, and know your value. While others say working for less, or for free is a good way to get your name out there and your foot in the door. The result is I find myself in a constant internal struggle between being a relatively small blogger (lower numbers), and valuing the time, experience and skills I bring to my writing, and my social media engagement.

A great deal of time and thinking goes into the perspective and storyline for each post. I want to inform and entertain from a point of view that's uniquely mine, but also one my readers can relate to. I'm very conscious about writing posts that add value to those compensating me for my time, and part of that value is writing content that isn't just a cut and past of specs and information. Regardless of the topic I strive to write a story and share personal experiences. I hope those I write for see and appreciate my efforts and understand not all posts are created equal. 

Cookie cutter, unimaginative posts are a lost opportunity to truly impact a reader with a message that has staying power. 

I'm not saying those writing the posts are unimaginative, I'm saying time is money, and you get what you pay for. Personally, I think the cost/benefits columns are incomplete with this approach, and there is a bigger picture to be seen. Original creative content takes time, and therefore costs more to produce, but in the long term it makes brands stand out from their competitors, and ultimately impacts purchasing decisions, not just traffic to their site. 

Looking only at numbers rather than the quality of the numbers and engagement, or opting for the cheapest rates may not be the best bang blog for a brand or business' buck. Being compensated fairly for my work, valuing my time and acknowledging the intrinsic value I bring to the table builds positive relationships and win-win scenarios. 

Things to consider before asking me to work for free or token product compensation:

• If you have a budget don't nickel and dime me. If you don't have the budget then you need to re-examine your marketing campaign to fit the budget you have rather focusing your cost cutting efforts on not compensating me. 
• If you are not working for free, don't ask me to. 
• If you are compensating other bloggers for a post, don't ask me to write for free. I'm not blind, I know when others are being compensated and I'm not. 
• Do Not play the "it's for charity" card and try to make me feel bad for wanting to compensated for my work unless: the position you hold is strictly volunteer, and you plan on showing me the numbers for your free social media sharing, and blog posts you've written. 
• Before you ask me to work for free or for some token compensation, first ask yourself if you would work for that compensation. If the answer is no, then it's insulting to ask me to. I value my time even if you don't.

So do I work for under minimum wage to get my name out there? I've decided that's not a win-win for me, and for that reason my answer is no. But everyone must answer that question for themselves and define what their win-win looks like. Below you'll find links to a few posts that may help and in my opinion are worth the read. 

Your Worth as a Blogger -FBFF via Katy Rose-Modly Chic
The Real Secret for Setting Blog Rates via Jennine Jacob-IFB
Get Paid What Your're Worth: 37 Negotiation Tactics for Every Freelance Writer via Demian Farnworth-Copyblogger
Writers Worth: Why Your Price Isn't Arbitrary via Jack White-Words on the Page 
Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator via All Indie Writers

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what I think is worth the read.

Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers information and posts I find interesting.
Image: via PicServer.org