I posted questions seeking suggestions to all kinds of additional opportunities. 'Does anyone know who, how, where...?' That brought many new connections, one after other. In some cases, it also brought new ideas I hadn't considered. Asking for information or suggestions is one of best-accepted forms of marketing yourself online. It's a more benign way of publicizing yourself that a blantant sales approach.

Reading postings in forums, newsgroups, listservs, discussion boards, and anywhere else is like mining for gold. Responding to other people's posts allows for a soft sell of your own products and services while being helpful and providing solutions to their concerns. I often gently make reference to my publications or services. You'd be amazed how often that generates at least an inquiry, if not a direct sale. It might seem to take a little longer. It is a very effective way to go much further, though. Referrals come when and from where you least expect them, I have noticed.

Online newsletters are like hard-copy newsletters. The two differences I am finding are that online newsletters appear more willing to accept articles and that decision-making process on acceptance seems faster. The online newsletters often have a larger subscriber base than many hard copy newsletters. For me, this has also been like trying to eat only one potato chip. The emergence of online newsletters is huge. Finding one generally leads to more.

I view my technological capability. savvy, understanding, and certainly equipment at lower end of scale. In spite of this, my results have included:

> Direct sales of my booklet, audio tape, and manuals (about 150,000 booklets solely through online efforts)

> Translations into two languages.

> Speaking engagements around country and world

> Consulting clients, served by phone, fax, and online

> Interviews in other media (in print, online, radio and television)

> Saving time and money in communications (greatly satisfying that instant gratification urge)

> Writing assignments (small, medium and large assignments)

> Reseller relationships to distribute my products throughout world Consider this: I have never taken a business course. (I used to be a music teacher.) I did copy and original design on a primitive computer with no hard drive (it's amazing what you can do with floppy disks). Every day brings new possibilities and opportunities to this booklet journey. I have had a web site for a few years now, and, like every web site, it is forever evolving. The latest addition has been an e-booklet catalog which sells other people's booklets as digitally as fully automated downloads.

I can hardly imagine what results will show up next!

CANDID QUOTES AND ONE-LINERS Kids say most unexpected things, and people say most interesting, surprising or even shocking lines when we least expect to hear them say these lines. Overheard lines in a conversation can sometimes spark your creative mind. Write down these one-liners in your notebook. They can be great story starters.

GOOD BOOKS AND QUIRKY ADS Read good books. Keep a file of memorable lines or quotes. Write down quirky billboard ads. Scan papers for one-liners. These are good idea stimulators.

EMOTIONS AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT Describe what you feel at any given moment. If you feel angry right now, write what your anger feels like. Describe it. Use vivid words. Don't skimp on adjectives.

Writers are like store owners: Store owners stock supplies in their shelves, while we writers stock ideas between pages of our notebooks.

It's endless. It's bottomless. You can reach down again and again for inspiration without exhausting your notebook of reserve.

So take a peek in your notebook and you just might find something there that could connect your pen to paper on your desk.