Who says you can’t run a business from a mobile phone?  When a major winter storm knocked out power to me and a few hundred thousand neighbors, I was left with no technology except my trusty iPhone – the modern day “Swiss Army Knife” for solopreneurs.

Even though I had no electricity, phone or Internet, I stayed connected to the outside world and – more important – my clients, solely via my iPhone.  In fact, using my iPhone web access and various apps, I barely missed a business beat!

I was not only able to check email and surf the net, but my Facebook app and TweetDeck for iPhone kept me connected to and communicating with colleagues throughout the 5 day power outage.  I could “tweet out” my tale of woe and, better yet, shoot video with my iPhone of the damage and destruction, then upload the video directly to YouTube – no computer required!

I could also check my projects in my “Highrise” project management software using my “Bungalow” iPhone app, and even track an order that came in via my PayPal app. (How cool that I could still earn some passive revenue online, even though I was in the dark at home!)

What about rescheduling that conference call?  There’s an app for that!  I used my “Tungle” for iPhone to reschedule meetings that had to be postponed due to the power failure.  I could still make my travel arrangements for an upcoming trip with my “Kayak” app on the iPhone, and then use my handly Flashlight app to find my way around my darkened house.

These smart phones may be smart, but they don’t run forever.  I had to venture out by car once a day just so I could charge the iPhone and maintain some battery power.   All in all, it’s probably not the best way to run a business, but it’s nice to know you can keep your company going in a jam just by using one tiny, but powerful, gadget.

Which just proves that given today’s technology, you don’t have to be powerless just because you lose power!

Lou Bortone is a long-time marketing consultant and branding coach who helps entrepreneurs build breakthrough brands on the Internet.  As an online video branding specialist and award-winning marketer, Lou provides services such as video production, brand development coaching, creative support and video coaching.

Lou is a former television executive who worked for E! Entertainment Television and later served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for Fox Family Worldwide, a division of Fox in Los Angeles. Lou is an author and ghostwriter of six business books, a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach.  His website is at: http://www.OnlineVideoBranding.com.

2009 is coming to a close and we're embarking on a brand new year in 2010!  It's the perfect time to reflect on the experiences, people, relationships and interactions of the year.  I don't know about you but I've learned so many valuable lessons this year.  With each lesson, I know I move with great intention toward new and more exciting ventures via connections, conversations and relationships with lots of very kewl people.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share intentions for 2010 and review the amazing resourcefulness and sheer know-how of the powerful experts of Group Coaching Mastery.  Each of these experts possesses a truly special gift that shines through in their sharing and caring.  They totally rock!

Lisa Manyon, Copywriting Expert

Lisa Manyon is a such a savvy businesswoman!  We haven't actually met in person but I feel her presence in the way she shows up and shows out as the consummate professional she truly is.  Lisa knows copywriting and lots more.  My favorite blog post by Lisa shares powerful yet quick ways to write great headlines.  I'm looking forward to more exciting posts and savvy action from Lisa in the new year. Lisa is really a copywriting super star!

Regina Baker, Ecommerce Expert

Regina Baker knows her stuff!  I learn something new about shopping carts, ecommerce and even affiliate marketing with every post.  Regina's post on shopping cart blunders was eye-opening.  Who knew there was something called a "smooth cart path" to consider to guide folks easily through the buying process?  I'm ready to learn so many more ins and outs in the new year with Regina–let's go!!

Lou Bortone, Online Video Expert

Lou Bortone is an online video visionary!  Why? Because he gets the magic of video and it's power to transform the planet.  In today's world, where most people are still trying to get the blogging thing down, Lou has a mastered online video and readily shares his expertise, paving the way for innovation for the rest of us.  How kewl is that?! Lou is the Go-To Guy to go viral with your online video in the new year.

Carol Deckert, Netweaving Expert

Carol Deckert is an energetic connector.  She knows how to build relationships and shares those relationships to pay-it-forward for all involved.  Her netweaving post gave me real insight in to the art of networking.  Carol is delightful and I know she has lots more to wisdom to give in the new year.  Who do YOU know who…?

Lisa Angelettie, Article Marketing Expert

Lisa Angelettie is the article marketing expert for coaches!  She's always looking for ways to help us get more coaching clients and ultimately, grow our coaching business.  Lisa gets to the heart of the matter with proven strategies and I just love that!   I know Lisa has more resources and strategies to help ME succeed in the new year.  KEWLIO for you, t!

Kristen Beireis, Marketing Implementation Expert

Kristen Beireis is an awesome implementation professional!  She keeps me on my toes and supports me with lots of kewl, new learning.  Her post on implementing new marketing systems is evergreen and very appropriate for this time of year.  I'm so excited about learning more from Kristen about marketing implementation in the new year.  You are my shero, Kristen — the coaches marketing source indeed!

Shannon Cherry, Publicity Expert

Shannon Cherry is THE power publicist!  Not only does she know publicity and media.  She also knows how to leverage tools and technology to get visibility for your group coaching programs.  Shannon is aptly known as the power publicist helping folks to be heard in a crowded marketplace.  Oh, what kewlness the new year holds for you to be heard!

MaryPat Kavanagh, Social Media Relationships Expert

MaryPat Kavanagh is a social media connector who loves joint ventures.  She knows how to leverage social media tools to create profitable relationships for the communities she serves.  I know MaryPat will offer more insight to help you build relationships and create joint ventures in the new year.  WOOHOO!

Wendy Y. Bailey - Master Certified Group Coach

By the way, the timing of this post is quite deliberate. At 5:14 pm Eastern on the day this post is published we'll experience a full moon/blue moon eclipse.  I won't go into the science of it but the message is very clear:  Our lives are a gift that we need to take seriously. Celebrations and parties are a wonderful thing, but this Full Moon/Blue Moon Eclipse wants us to take a look at our life and create something wondrous.

Create something amazing and wondrous in your group coaching business in 2010!  I look forward to serving you with Group Coaching Mastery!

Big HUGS and MWAH!

WendyY

Who are we kidding?  Getting millions of views for your video is like catching lightning in a bottle.  It's time to come clean on the truth about viral videos.   Anyone who tells you that they can produce a viral video for you is lying…or at the very least, greatly exaggerating.  The reality is that viral videos cannot be manufactured.  They are nearly impossible to fabricate, because viral videos require a "perfect storm" of circumstances.   In fact, most viral videos are a happy accident - and many never earn a cent for their creators.

Viral videos are those elusive videos that get gazillions of views on YouTube, spread like wildfire, and often become an overnight sensation.  You know the ones:  the Evolution of Dance, the Wedding Entrance Dance video, Charlie Bit My Finger and, more recently, The Muppets doing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.  Who wouldn't want a video that gets millions of views?  It's online marketing nirvana!

The fact is that the secret ingredient of viral videos is almost entirely outside of your control.  There's a lot of luck involved, along with what ReelSEO.com calls "Internet serendipity."  That said, ReelSEO identifies several key factors that videos need in order to even have a chance at going viral.  These videos need to be most - if not all - of the following:

• Unexpected
• Unusual
• Original
• Humorous

I would add to this list that your video must also be short and sweet.  Few of the top ten viral videos of all time are over four minutes in length.  One other thing to keep in mind:  The Dance Dance Evolution video, with almost 140 Million views, and the second most viewed video on YouTube ever, certainly helped its creator's career, but even his follow up video garnered only a fraction of the views of the original.  If the creator of The Evolution of Dance video can't replicate his first hit, what are our chances?

However, there is good news for entrepreneurs:  You do not need a viral video to become an online sensation - or, more important, to make money from your video.  You simply need to be "viral" with your target market.   Your video has done its job if it attracts and engages your intended audience.   I'll take a video that's seen by 500 coaches in my niche over a video that's seen by 5 million people who will never become clients or never buy anything from me.   It's not about reaching the most people - it's about reaching the right people!

So make your video with an eye toward having it easily spread and shared, but be sure to create your video so that it appeals to your target audience.  You want to engage your prospects, and get your customers to take action.  Don't get so caught up in the numbers that you forget your target market.

Lou Bortone, Group Mastery - Online Video Expert

Lou is a former television executive who worked for E! Entertainment Television and later served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for Fox Family Worldwide, a division of Fox in Los Angeles. Lou is an author and ghostwriter of six business books, a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach.  His website is at: http://www.OnlineVideoBranding.com.