Category Archives: work

Try Google Helpouts

Ever heard of Google Helpouts? Most likely you may have heard of Google Hangouts if you use Google+. Helpouts is the professional sibling of Hangouts, which experts in anything can share their knowledge for free or for a price. Depending on what you need help in, you can schedule a session for advice on medicine, science, technology, writing, and much more.

Screen shot of Roger's Helpouts Listing

Roger’s listing on Helpouts

When Helpouts premiered in November 2013, ArsTechnica wrote a small piece about it. I felt it was neat to see that an online tech news site covered Helpouts and that I was part of this new venture. It was a wide rollout that can show how Google and everyday people can monetize face-to-face interaction.

The underlying technology of Hangouts is no different in Helpouts. For example, you can have a two-way video and audio conference with customers and service providers. All that a user needs is a webcam, microphone, and a high-speed internet connection. Additionally, tools, such as Google Drive and screen share are extremely useful. In my case, both are wonderful collaboration tools for me to review, edit, and provide feedback on documents.

Screen shot of Hangouts

Helpouts looks similar and has the same tools found in Hangouts.

Right now, my scope includes documents, but it could expand to screen sharing, remote computer service, and training. These Helpout sessions remind me of the work I once did as a Writing Tutor for the Center for Student Success at New Mexico Tech. I would consult with students about their papers for 15 or 30 minutes. Essentially, I’m doing the same but for a small fee and via the internet.

Currently, the marketplace for these services varies and I understand that people’s time and money is valuable. If you want to try Google Helpouts for my services, I would greatly appreciate the business. Google says that you will like Helpouts and offers a 100% money back guarantee.

Check out my 15 minute Helpout for documents that are 500-1000 words (1-2 pages long)  or my 30 minute Helpout for documents longer than 1000 words .

Your documents deserve better with some editing and feedback love.

Summer Break

Hi everyone, I took a summer break from my website and blog to focus on enjoying the summer and free time. Now it’s close to winter and I’d like to share with everyone what I have been up to since then.

May

After returning from the STC 2013 Summit, my office moved to my house. This was the start of full-time teleworking.

June

The weather was brutal outside with temperatures rising to 105-degrees Fahrenheit. My plants loved it, only if they survived the dry heat.

July

At the end of July, my friend and I relaunched http://highdesertblues.com. Many know that I love blues music and dance to blues. We reworked the layout, design, and added new features.

August

Roasted outside and enjoyed the peak of summer.

September

Traveled to Dallas with dance friends and visited long-time friends in Minneapolis. Went to Denver, Paonia, and Carbondale, CO for camping with a bunch of dance friends.

October

Attended LavaCon Conference on Content Strategy in Portland, OR. Currently assisting to define a unified content strategy.

November

Presented a webinar for the STC Community Affairs Committee on upgrading websites and communication systems. Planning to travel to Portland, OR with dance friends.

I will have blog posts soon on social media, websites, technical documentation, and more.

Professional Profile Pictures Please!

If you ever want to get noticed on LinkedIn, having a profile picture would help you out. In the last year, colleagues I know by name are connecting with me on the professional social networking site but have not uploaded a profile picture.

LinkedIn Invitations

It’s great to see colleagues use LinkedIn to network professionally, yet a profile picture would help.

How am I supposed to verify that the person I’m connecting with professionally is really who they say they are? I can’t…

One way to make sure you can be easily identified on LinkedIn is to add your profile picture. Your photo does not have to be snazzy, but it can be casual to professional looking. Realistically, a photo is better than nothing! However, avoid LinkedIn profile photos that detract recruiters and colleagues–remember this isn’t collegeFacebook, or…gasp…MySpace.

Don’t be shy…

You can have a simple headshot of yourself in a blouse or dress shirt on a plain background for starters. It should reflect your professional personality. For example, I have a good headshot for LinkedIn, Twitter, and my website. It may not look completely professional, but it is a good and consistent photo of me in a casual manner that establishes my brand and anyone can find me easily.

Headshot of Roger Renteria

Roger Renteria

Final Thoughts

Using a photo with your LinkedIn and Twitter profiles will make it easy for you to be visible among thousands of other professionals. It also establishes your personality among your colleagues. It is often great practice to have a picture with your profile so colleagues can find with you on LinkedIn. If you need some help,  check out these five tips for a successful LinkedIn profile picture.  Even LinkedIn says that a more complete profile with a picture of yourself can create and reinforce your online brand.

Again, don’t be shy–upload your picture!