Obviously it’s something that has to do with thin air, but what?

Take your best shot with this multiple choice quiz:

A. Spiritual gurus on a mountain summit manifesting cool things out of thin air?

B. Altitude sickness sufferers collectively test a new inhaler that works in the thin air of the mountains?

C. Experienced climbers gather to brainstorm ways to lessen the affects of thin air in order to reach the summit?

D. None of the above.

Trick question, actually, because it’s a bit of all three …

But before you continue reading the article, I would LOVE to hear YOUR first guess as to what is a Thin Air Summit? Come on, be creative! Could be fun.

In truth, The Thin Air Summit is the evolutionary outcome of an eclectic group of new media enthusiasts originally coming together to plan a “Podcamp.” But just as new technology and media morphs at the speed of light, so has the nature of this event , scheduled to happen in November 2008 in (drum roll please…) DENVER, COLORADO (Thin Air…get it?)

So what is a Podcamp? How is it different than a “New Media Conference”?A PodCamp is a usually a free “BarCamp-style” community UnConference (which just means an “unorganized conference,” shortened to the word UnConference.) for new media enthusiasts and professionals including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, social networkers, and ANYONE curious about new media.

A BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering of people born from the desire of each to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos and interaction from participants.

The first PodCamp was held September 8-10, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. They’re now being held regularly all over the world, so they’ve proven to be quite popular events.

PodCamps aren’t just about podcasting.(I know…this gets confusing, with alll these new terms, so bare with me).If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, audio, or you’re just curious about new media and how you can use it in YOUR endeavors, you definately want get involved.

If you’re eyes glazed over when you read those terms, it’s OK, you aren’t alone. 

You just haven’t read up on some of my other articles or watched my videos yet. It’s all there in short and simple, easy to understand articles. Hey, It’s important to your future success, especially if you run a  business or compete for donation dollars.

Then when you feel a bit more confident and don’t want to sit on the sidelines any more, please join in.

When Patti Serrano invited me to join her in crashing the Denver party and after a couple of “meetups” I’ve met some very “media savvy” men and women who will become incredible resources for me, as well as those I serve.

OK, so what makes the Thin Air Summit different than a Podcamp is that it has morphed into a “real conference” as opposed to an “Unconference” (an “unplanned” conference is now been shortened to the word: Unconference).

In other words , it IS an organized event  which will include experts in their fields to give primarily EDUCATIONAL presentations divided up into 3 different tracks: text, audio and video . The individual sessions will provide practical information relevant to creating better content in that particular medium.

They’re also planning some panel discussions. The panels will bring all three tracks together and be focused on new media topics that are relevant to all - both the practical, such as monetization, and the philosophical, such as “What is New Media and Why is it Important”.

So what’s in it for GutZy Women (or Brave Men ) like you?

Many of you might experience a fear or frustration when it comes to technology and multimedia marketing. The first step to getting over it is education. The next step is taking what you have learned and implementing it.

Sometimes, we need a little handholding, mentoring, inspiration and support in actually taking the action necessary to move forward.

The Thin Air Summit will be an UNBELIEVABLY VALUABLE place to be to learn, be inspired, connect, ask for help and the price is definitely right…LIKE FREE?

If the organizers hear from you powerful women and Enlightened Men out there who believe it’s important to include a greatly diverse bunch of qualified presenters, If you DO feel that way, there just might be a good showing of well qualified women speakers on stage at the event.

So forget all those expensive, overdone conferences that make your cash vanish into Thin Air! Rise to the Summit challenge. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone even if you feel it’s going to be too “techie” for you.

Events like this are a great opportunity to network with people who can teach you, mentor you and learn from you as well. As a matter of fact, the organizers are now in the process of looking for great presenters. Maybe you’re one?

^{In the mean time, what’s  your version of what the Thin Air Summit could be? Let’s hear your ideas in the comments down below… (Let’s keep it clean, OK?)}

Overcoming the Weight of the World…

In my previous post, I shared a personal story about how all the bad things happening in the world recently affected me and how after releasing all the pent up garbage I had been holding inside, I examined why it affected me so badly and what it would take to feel better.

In order to do that, I re-visited what it was I wanted to create in my personal and business life. I questioned whether what GutZy Women offers to our readers, students and partners is truly of value to them. Additionally, I asked myself and YOU if GutZy Women is actually having an impact in the mission to change perceptions about computer and internet technology being too complicated, threatening, frustrating, time consuming and/or expensive.

In the Beginning…

I know when the vision of GutZy Women came to me, it was so EXPANSIVE that I needed help figuring out where to start.

After much confusion on my part and after working with a few business building consultants, I decided to begin with the education piece. So last May, I held the grand opening of GutZy Women LLC.

The educational process began with classes I facilitated here in Pueblo and have since expanded in scope, both online and off. There are so many great educators, coaches, trainers and mentors online now, with more and more women becoming a part of that talented pool, it becomes overwhelming! How does one decide. How does a multi tasking Mom/business owner, for example, find the time? GutZy Women to the rescue!

GutZy Women’s contribution to education is now at over 100 articles, videos and audio combined. That doesn’t include all the tips, strategies, advice, learning experiences, resources and connections we have freely shared on our other websites, social networks, forums and chat rooms for seekers of marketing and income solutions.

Welcome to the Future:

Every day, more and more people are learning online, not just by reading, but by listening and watching, thanks to broadband, wireless technologies and Web 2.0 capabilities . There is still some resistance, but to be honest, with the price of gas and the lack of time, on demand online learning, without leaving home, just makes sense.

Besides the phenomenal growth of social networking, there’s instant messaging, Skype type calling , mobile texting…it just continues to expand! It soon becomes apparent that the world is at our fingertips.

GutZy Women is behind the scenes at this moment creating alliances with resources around the world for education, mentoring, networking and joint venturing.

Expanding possibilities for women and their families by leveraging communication technology is GutZy Women’s  ”Big Picture”.

Being able to connect with people who are intent on making this a better, more sustainable world and are taking positive ACTION in that direction IS what gets me JAZZED and in it’s inaugural year, GutZy Women LLC is HOT on that path.

So… Why the Discontent?

A source of my discontent, it seems, is when I came to the realization that it’s time to add on the next level.

Not that we want to leave “newbies” behind. The education piece is still very important for the EVE-olution.

We continuously scour the internet and attract like minds to flush out the great stuff (and expose the bad), but we also have to have successful ways to bring it to your attention….then convince or inspire you to overcome your own barriers to taking POSITIVE ACTION.

Additionally, I realized my own personal resistance to being totally business and internet marketing oriented in content, when my true passion lies in manifesting a world that values and supports women and includes them as valued equals in all the different facets of life.

Gathering the Feminine Energy

I see the necessity of the return of feminine energy into our world in order to keep us from self-destructing.

Because I see it that way, I sometimes come across as a feminist, a whiner or a sexist. At other times, I strike people as “Pollyanna-ish”, gullible or an unrealistic ”dreamer” because I believe in the power of love, the virtue of open mindedness, co-opetition vs competition, abundance vs scarcity, and the existence of miracles.

Regardless, I proclaim my right to deviate from a purely professional presence and humbly present the truth of who I am and what I believe as a holistic being.

You have the same right here in GutZy Womanland.

If you are comfortable with that, as well as with inspirational messages or “women talk” in the same breath as internet marketing, technology education and business development, then GutZy Women is the right place for you and NO, you don’t have to be a woman. Enlightened Men are welcome and even encouraged to join us in the EVE-olution.

(OK now, I’m getting all choked up again..Hands over your hearts. please

The GutZy Women Proclamation: Here at GutZy Women, We ARE on a level playing field.

It is provided for you by technology. It is provided for you by education.

The resources, support and understanding you need or want are here.

Other GutZy Women and Brave Men have gathered and are waiting for you.

Your ideas are BRILLIANT.

Your gifts, skills, talents and passions are anxious to contribute to the freedom and abundance you dream of and, quite frankly, deserve.

GutZy Women are anxious to illuminate them! Thrilled to bring attention to them!

Excited to help spread them out into the universe in a way that will benefit us all.

God Bless GutZy Women and Brave Men Across the World!

Now, That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

(OK…now I feel betterJ) Thanks for understanding!

Are you letting the weight of the world drag you down?

A few weeks ago I was feeling crushed by the weight of the world, with all the natural disasters, the recession, violence against women around the world, the number of our young men and women being killed and traumatized by the war and on, and on…UGH! It was really getting to me and I let it affect the way I thought about my life, my family and my business.  My family, whom I love dearly, were getting on my nerves and taking up my time in a way that I was resentful. I wasn’t going into my office because I didn’t want to leave my house. My girlfriends, who were always asking me to do things with them, were now too busy with their own lives. Money and clients seemed to just disappear.  

“HMMM….WHAT IS GOING ON???”…This is NOT ME! I’m NOT like that normally and have had very few bouts of depression throughout my life, so I had to step back and wonder why I was often on the verge of tears.  My poor mentor had to put up with tears and nose blowing for a couple of hours at the local coffee shop one morning in front of all these people and I had NO INTENTION of even mentioning what had been going on in my head, but when he asked me how things were, my emotions took over and I couldn’t stop myself, for the life of me! 

It was embarrassing and yet obviously it was something I needed to get out of my system. I felt better immediately, listened to some very sage advice and continued to re-examine my perception of life, the happenings in the world and the direction of business.  Funny thing is I talked to more than a few friends and colleagues who were going through something similar, to different degrees.  

Now, I know this is a personal issue, so why I am writing about this here?

In this blog and on my GutZy Women Website, I’ve always tried to focus on delivering valuable information for YOUR benefit. The majority of the articles and videos I’ve published have been to educate, illuminate, inspire and motivate YOU to leverage the power of technology and Multi Media to expand your reach, whether for business, personal or benevolent purposes. 

But now I feel drawn to take it a step further and use my knowledge, skills and passion not just for business purposes, but to seek out those who are using a more holistic approach to how we can serve each other and the world and align myself and GutZy Women LLC with those who are proactively seeking positive solutions and taking action to impact positive change. 

So one “ah-ha” that came to mind through this process is that I wonder if what I’ve been publishing, teaching and offering is actually accomplishing that which I intended. Another question in my mind is that since the vision of GutZy Women is HUGE and has so many facets, is it time now to add another piece of the vision?

The first question can only be answered by YOU and I would LOVE your feedback. Call, write or comment below:

The second question, although open for discussion, must pretty much be decided by me and the universe. Come back tomorrow to see what I decided and how YOU can benefit!

LOVE

Deb Ducic

PS: The third question is…How is the state of the world affecting you? How are you handling it?

Debbie continues in this 3 part video series to ask Sandra Yancey about her views on the business climate, how women can continue to grow their business, and what strategies she is using to be more successful at eWomen Network.

Mary Pearsall, Executive Managing Director of the Colorado Springs, Colorado Chapter and Alecia Huck, founder of Maverick And Company, a business growth and development firm, round out the conversation, which turns to the 8th Annual International Conference and Business Expo that fills the huge Dallas Hotel every summer with thousands of business women, all looking to connect, learn, shop and celebrate!

Listen and watch this interesting and motivational gathering of women who love NETWORKING with other women to help each other become more successful in their businesses

If you are a woman who is serious about growing YOUR business, then seriously consider attending this conference in Dallas, Texas, July 10 - 13th. Let me know if you’re going. I would LOVE to meet up with you in Dallas!

For more information go to my GutZy Woman Website:

Maybe things don’t come so fast and easy to us “Grannies” when it comes to the technical parts of making things happen with all this Web 2.0 stuff. We need some hand holding for sure. When I got started online, there weren’t many women outthere willing or able to teach and mentor. So naturally, I learned from men, most ofthem under the age of 40. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but since us “Grannies” are already intimidated by computers and technology, these guys tended to make us feel even worse about our ability to grasp and carry out the essential actions needed to be successful in this new online world. Every now and then we lucked out and found a guy who would be patient with us and walk us through.  

For those unique individuals we are forever grateful! 

Because once we started catching on, the ripple effect is now taking hold with a vengeance! Not only are we “Grannies” coming out of the virtual woodworks, but we’re teaching and training others like mad! Baby boomer women, as well as their Mom’s, are now gaining the confidence and skills they need to at least enjoy all that this virtual world has to offer!  Some are even discovering how to benefit financially, personally, or spiritually from all the new Web 2.0 capabilities as well as the proliferation of all the new “fast and easy” software.

A FEW EXAMPLES OF LEADING GRANNIES:

For example, my friend and mentor, Patti Serrano, AKA “La Gringa”, “Call Your Grandma”, “Patti–with-an-i” and Entrepreneur Club Founder, started out her online journey podcasting because of her previous experience in and love of radio. That led her to blogging, live video broadcasting and twittering like a madwoman.  

Here is an over 60 woman who started out teaching more traditional guerilla marketing and live networking strategies of business building, public speaking, etc. Now you can find her at a local internet café and on the phone walking women step by step through the process of setting up their own blogs and podcasts!  Now Patti’s bringing in other trainers to cover all aspects of business building in events such as All Day Think Tanks  (First is in Colorado Springs this weekend!) and Seminars at Sea, both of which I will be participating in as the Internet Marketing Coach.

Talk about a mover and a shaker!

She has had to overcome walls of resistance, hours of research and learning, and hundreds of hours of actual practice, but she now she’s an inspiration to young and old alike!  

Another example is a woman who found me through social networking: “Techno Granny” is her online handle. Joanne Quinn-Smith is owner of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, as well as President of National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. She also hosts several talk casts, including “Positively Pittsburgh Live”, “Techno Granny” and “Professionals with Impact.” The Techno Granny Show was initiated to bring baby boomers and beyond up to snuff with 21st Century technology. Now Techno Granny is committed to providing technology information from developers and users and tries to translate it always in simple to understand terms. She’s having a great impact on women in the business world by encouraging them to join her on her technology journey.

Grannies Unite!

By working together, co-promoting, and networking to spread the word and lead the way, the beauty and necessity of communication technology in facilitating small business success, creative outlets and support systems, becomes more apparent to the “resistant” generations and we are excited to see the fruits of our labor multiplying at a faster rate, which for “Grannies” like us “tickle us pink”! We would LOVE to discover the older women YOU KNOW who are leading the way as well, so you’re invited and encouraged to join in. Your input and feedback can be written in the comment section below or you can call us or write us an email.

After all we can always use a few more GutZy Women!   

 

 Interview with Techno Granny & GutZy Woman: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download