Chronicles, Inspirations and Musings

Dallas/Ft. Worth Teen Business Digital Marketing Workshop

It all began with a blog post entitled, “Getting Girls to Code, Develop and Engineer” that I wrote for the company blog. My friend, Andra with Convertible Communications Consulting, read the post with interest. We’re both women in technology and mothers of daughters. Within months, kismet and destiny had us sitting in my living room plotting out a technology workshop for children and young adults.

The more we worked on it, the more we decided that teens (age 12 +) would benefit from learning how to use technology effectively. Most children, tweens and teens know how to use phones, tablets and computers. They’re aware of how to connect with their peers over social media. They know how to find what they’re looking for on the internet. Some even have amazing ideas that they want to share. They simply haven’t added up what they know.

This is why Andra and I are hosting a 2- day Teen Business Digital Marketing Workshop.

The format of the class will be as follows:

We’ll start the workshop assigning the kids a business idea – unless they have their own. We might partner them with others as well, we’ll have to see how many attendees we’ll have. We’ll teach them about setting goals, naming and branding their business. Then we’ll talk about reputation management (personally and business-wise). We’ll introduce them to search engines, privacy concerns and social media. Then we’ll get into the content management systems and blogging and get them set up to build out their website.

The next day, we’ll get more into the content strategy – what things they want to add to their website, what to blog about, their business mission statement, etc. Over lunch, we’ll talk about apps they can use to create content for their website. Then the last part of the day, we’ll go more in depth on social media marketing, personal branding, texting, what to share vs. not to share, etc.

The goal is to have them leave with a website they can manage and have an idea of how to market their business online.

Andra and I both have experience in the digital marketing, content strategy, website development arena. We’re also looking forward to what we’ll be learning from the students of this workshop!

If you know of someone who might be interested, please direct them to our registration page. The workshop costs $100 and includes lunch and snacks as well as website domain registration and hosting for 1 year.

 

This blog is NOT dead!

I had to come back and say this because I have still been blogging. However all of my blogging efforts are going towards our professional blog at work.

I do hope to continue to write more here…. HOWEVER… in the meanwhile, please follow me on my professional network for more posts on social media marketing, search engine optimization, blogging and other internet marketing topics.

Writing for the LevelTen Interactive blog: Tonya’s profile and blog posts

On Twitter: @tdelano

LevelTen Interactive Google+ account: Tonya Cauduro

Thank you!

Natural Alternatives to a Flu Shot AND Getting through Allergy Season

Last winter, I declared that I would not be getting a flu shot.

 

If you were watching me type this post, you’d laugh at me because I’m currently sitting with a box of tissues in my lap. Truth be told, the ragweed pollen count is killing me right now. I’ll admit that, since I’ve started my new job, I’ve not taken very good care of myself.

 

As evidenced by my very red nose and deep throaty voice…

 

The gang at work doesn’t know me well enough yet, because one of my co-workers suggested that I get a flu shot when I was sneezing my head off yesterday. Yeah, no thanks.

 

There are SO many other things I could be doing to fend off the flu or any other illness. The main concern is keeping my immune system strong. A reminder of last winter’s post prompted me to stock up on vitamins and herbal supplements again.

 

The same things that will protect me from the flu also help get me through allergy season.

 

The ironic part of it all is that when I feel cloudy and ill, I don’t think very clearly. I’m much better at playing Dr. Mom to my children, my man or even other people than I am myself.  Thankfully, my man listens well… and reminded me to “stock up on the magic stuff” that keeps me healthy.

 

So, just as a refresher to myself and you, here are some ideas – some copied from last year’s post and some new ideas as well:

 

Suggestions for a Flu-less winter (and healthier allergy season):

    • A healthy diet – try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store for fresh, whole foods. Limit intake of fast foods. Remember, moderation is the key.

 

    • Exercise – find some way to keep your body moving. Yoga, cycling, swimming, running, walking, any way to keep the joints and muscles active and strong.

 

    • Vitamins and supplements – a good multi-vitamin along with extra vitamin C and D when you’re feeling something coming on. I also add Zinc, Oil of Oregano (great for preventing infection) and Turmeric when I feel like I’m fighting illness.

 

        • Specific to sinus issues and allergies, I recommend echinacea and astragalus for immune system building. Goldenseal is wonderful for calming membranes that are worn out from sinus drainage. (Tastes awful but definitely works.)

 

    • Oscillococcinum – available at your local drug store and natural foods stores. My homeopathic secret to fending off flu-like symptoms.

 

    • Elderberry syrup – available at your local drug store and natural foods stores. My naturopathic secret to fending off cold and flu symptoms. Sambucol is my go-to remedy.

 

    • Keep germs at bay by hydrating, washing your hands – I keep a humidifier going in our house and use a Neti Pot during the dry winter months so that our nasal passages stay hydrated and germs are less likely to stick. Washing hands frequently helps as well.

 

    • Sleep, rest, smile, laugh, love.

 

Also please remember that I am not a doctor, I’m only saying what works for me and speaking from my own experience. As with anything, do your research and talk to your doctor if you are unsure about any of these things. The herbs can be unhealthy combined with other medications and may cause a reaction if you’ve not used them before.

 

I know me and I work best with a routine. I sleep better. I’m able to exercise and be present. I know that a new schedule has definitely messed with my immunity. I’m thankful for my body to give me a reminder, in the form of allergy suffering, that I need to take better care of myself.

 

Here’s to a healthy fall and winter!