I finished reading a book that was written just for me — the techno-dolt that I am. It’s called How to Be a Geek Goddess: Practical Advice for Using Computers with Smarts and Style by Christina Tynan-Wood.

If you’re already a VA Geek Goddess (as most of you are!), don’t get this book — unless, of course, it’s for your computer-illiterate mother-in-law!

If you’re not — and want to be — get this book.

It’s not exactly the kind of book you want to curl up in bed with, but it’s entertaining style makes it an easy read.

These are the chapters I’ll be referring to again:

• Chapter 6 — all about internet telephony
• Chapter 7 — setting up your home wirelessly
• Chapter 9 — responsible parenting by keeping computers, internet et al, kidlet-safe

What I didn’t like so much? The constant references to shoe shopping. It was a great metaphor throughout, but I’m just not a shoe kinda gal.

Plus, I’m not sure how long the information will remain relevant. For now (as far as I know), it fits current technology.

This question came up on LinkedIn a few weeks ago:

What do you do at a Business Networking meeting when you meet a competitor who seems to know everyone … and you don’t…?

I felt compelled to leave this reply:

I tend to use my natural defense mechanism (to be disarmingly charming) to my advantage.

I would befriend this competitor and make him/her my ally. I’ve had no qualms in the past about saying things such as “It seems like you know everyone here and I don’t know a soul. Is there anyone here I should meet? How did you get to know all these people?” etc. Ask questions and figure out how they got to where they are today.

There’s no disgrace in admitting a weakness and asking for help.

This may seem counterintuitive, but GIVING a referral is the best way to GET a referral. I’m not saying you must give a referral to your competitor (but don’t rule it out). Approach your networking group from the standpoint of “Who can sincerely refer to this person?” Make the referral and follow up. Yeah, it’s a little more work, but well worth it. You’ll create meaningful relationships and you’ll get known in no time flat!

A few days later, I received a message from the woman who asked the question. She thanked me for my “refreshing response,” and said she loved the “really simple, practical ‘woman to woman’ solution.”

Since someone else found my advice to be useful, I thought I’d share it with you here and see what you thought of it.

Colleague and public speaking expert, Suzannah Baum president of Ideal Communications, wrote this article for WomenEntrepreneur.com.

You’ll find great tips to help you get started public speaking (including a few quotes from yours truly!). Enjoy.

Speak Better: 5 Tips for Polished Presentations by Suzannah Baum
Public speaking is a marketing tool that keeps on giving, so get past your fear and nail every speech every time.

Most successful entrepreneurs agree that good public speaking skills are among the core techniques they need to propel their business forward. A well-delivered presentation can result in getting some extra funding, securing a new distribution channel, locking into a new referral stream or gaining new customers.

Read the entire article here.

Fellow coaching colleague and Montrealer, Julie Cusmariu, Intuitive Consultant, Life Coach, Speaker and Writer, was fortunate enough to get some press coverage a few weeks ago in our largest local newspaper, The Gazette.

I love Julie’s analogy, differentiating coaching from therapy:

“Therapy is more like archaeology – you’re digging things up, you’re excavating, you’re looking back on wounds that might be affecting your behaviours. … And coaching is more like architecture, so you’re moving from the present and creating for the future.“

Read the entire story, She coaches the answers out of you, written by Dominique Jarry-Shore and read about her personal coaching experience with Julie.

It’s an insightful article, showing how coaching can make a difference in all aspects of life.

Check out Julie’s blog, where she shows you how to use your intuition to live an inspired life.

Congrats on the press coverage, Julie!

Sorry guys, this one’s just for the ladies… Pass it on to all the women in your network!

Entrepreneur.com, the online home of Entrepreneur Magazine, has recently launched a new entrepreneurial women’s web site called WomenEntrepreneur.com.

WomenEntrepreneur.com is a new online community where women business owners connect with each other and interact with columnists and bloggers. It is completely staffed and supported by women columnists, bloggers, and contributors.

If you’re looking for online resources just for women entrepreneurs, you’ll want to check out The Woman Entrepreneurs Toolbox: 100 Networking Resources, Guides and Links over on Bootstrapper.

It’s a one-stop-shop of 100 useful links separated under 7 headings: Blogs, Tools, Networking & Organizations, Government Resources, How-To, Inspiring Stories and Books. [While you're there, check out the #8 spot ]

Did you find this list helpful? Feel like you should be on this list (like Jenn)? Promote yourself here by leaving a comment.