Hey folks!

So I have had my flip cam forever and I have just been recording random family stuff and traveling stuff for my own amusement. I finally put it to good use for my business last night for recording a 90-sec video pitch for one of my business partner Edith Yeung's new pet project: bigsuccess.tv

Using flip is super easy, but I must say recording is hard. After an hour of bumbbling and mumbling, I finally had a decent sounding video to show the world. It was very difficult for me, because I was not happy with the way the lighting worked in my house or how I looked on screen. After 30 minutes fiddling around, I decided to screw it and take a less formal approach by sitting down and propping the camera in my face. Because the more formal sounding I am, I think the more boring I sound.

I was 20 secs over, so I had to edit everything done and cut out the unnecessary sentences. I was clueless since it was very first video recording E-VER! But luckily the amazing Mike Mueller came to rescue via twitter. (@mikemueller or http://areweconnected.com/) 3 hours later fiddling around Window Movie Maker, I was able to upload it to Youtube (first time too!!!)

Please take a look and give me feedbacks: http://apps.facebook.com/bigsuccess/watch?contestant=35

I think it's a little boring, but it's my first video (ever!) editing and filming, so I welcome any suggestions to spice it up.

Also feel free to vote for me: http://apps.facebook.com/bigsuccess/watch?contestant=35
and connect with me on facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3jryvf

My first video was not too bad of a disaster, but it was actually pretty fasinating and fun. Now I know how to put my flip video to use better, I will definitely record many more. No longer a video virgin....

Cheers,
Cindy

I had a chance recently to go to LA and spoke at local stager's event (graciously hosted by the Brooks distribution center) about online marketing (we also now offer trainings, if you are interested, visit Staged4more's Training page). I was really pleasantly surprised to get emails from people before the event on them looking forward to me speaking about online marketing and looking forward to finally meet me since they have been seeing my photos around on Active Rain. When I got to the event, I was really taken aback by  how many people remembered me from Active Rain, even if I had never met them before.

("Hello! Hello. Hello?)

That's what I really love about Active Rain, I have made so many cool and meaningful friends on an online real estate community. THEN the most awesome thing is that when I go to real estate events that I meet people in person, it's like we have been friends for years. People even come up and say "Next time you come to LA, you can come and stay at my house." How amazing is that? Active Rain not only has given me education from my peers, knowledge from senior stagers, encouragement and lots of love both online and in person. If it weren't for these amazing friendships developed over the internet, I would've never have so much fun owning a staging business!

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I was very honored to be invited and got invited to speak. The most incredible thing is of course visiting seeing friends in the staging industry and meet new ones.

If you are coming to see me speak, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS WORKSHEET:handout-los-angeles-stagers-appreciation-event

Brook Furniture is generously hosting a day of networking, learning and lunch for all Los Angeles Home Stagers. And the best part? Its FREE!

Who? All professional home stagers are invited

Where? Brook Furniture Distribution Center

18960 E. San Jose Ave.

City of Industry, CA 91748

When? Monday February 9, 2009, 10:00AM

The Agenda:

10:00 - 11:00 AM Networking and socializing

11:00 AM-12:00 Noon Presentation about SEO (search engine optimization) by Professional Stager Cindy Lin of Staged4more

12:00 - 1:00PM Lunch and presentation about adding custom window treatments to your offerings for additional income, presented by Ashley Whittenberger from The Interiority Complex. Lunch is generously provided by Brook Furniture.

1:00 - 2:00 PM Tour of the Brook Furniture Distribution Center. A behind the scenes look at their warehouse facility.

2:00 - 3:00 PM Presentation about Feng Shui and how it applies to home staging by Feng Shui Expert Sharon Ball

3:00 - 4:00 PM Additional networking and socializing

This event is free, but please RSVP so we can get an accurate head count. Here is a link to the Evite:

If you have any questions, you can email Michelle Minch at Michelle@MovingMountainsDesign.com or contact Connie Tebyani (805)553-9952 or Connie@PlatinumHomeStaging.com .

I look forward to seeing you all there!