Normally I tell my clients that updates are no problem with WordPress. Easy updates are one of the many benefits of using WordPress for your website. (If you’re not using WordPress yet… you should be!)

However, there is a hitch with updating to version 3.3. What happens is that your website will appear normal but you will get a fatal error message when you try to log into your Dashboard after the update.

The error message will include “Fatal error: Call to undefined function is _rtl()” along with a line of code that is specific to your website.

The error has to do with a plugin that isn’t compatible with this new version of WordPress. For some, it will be the popular PopUp Domination plugin for list building behind the problem but it isn’t the only plugin associated with the error.

The easiest way to avoid this error is to deactivate your PopUp Domination plugin. I did this for my own site and then updated WordPress without any hitch. However, it could be another plugin that you have installed or maybe you have already updated and you are getting the error message.

Here are the steps that I suggest:

1. Disable all of your plugins before updating to WordPress 3.3. If you have already updated and you are getting the error message, you will need to access your files via FTP. To disable all your plugins, rename your “plugins” folder to another name (something like “oldplugins”). Then create a new folder and name it “plugins”.

2. Go back to your WordPress Dashboard and login. Update to WordPress 3.3.

3. You will need to reactivate each plugin in the Plugins area of the backend of your website.

4. You will find which plugin caused the problem with version 3.3.

5. If you get the fatal error message, you will need to deactivate the plugin that caused the error. Go to your FTP again and rename that plugin’s folder to something else.

You should be good to go!

If this is like a foreign language to you or a cause of major frustration, you need a Technical Virtual Assistant!

Top 10 Geeky Posts of 2011

#1 | How to connect your Facebook Profile to your Facebook Like (Business) Page

#2 | 10 Geeky Days of Christmas

#3 | How to use Google for Everything Else

#4 | 5 Items You Should Include on Your Facebook Page

#5 | Create a Bad-Ass Signature with Wisestamp

#6 | The Sweet Taste of Success with Pink Spoon Marketing

#7 | Square Up and get paid supa fast

#8 | How to get Google’s Spiders to Crawl all over your website

#9 | A Look at the Facebook Overhaul

#10 | What Steve Jobs taught us about Creating Success

What is your fav post?  Do you have a fav post that didn’t show up here?  Leave your fav post below!  My favorite post is definitely the post about Steve Jobs.

Hope you have a great Holiday!

xox, Ali

Who doesn’t love giveaways?  If you said “me” then close out of this window NOW.  You shouldn’t be here if you feel that way.

I love giving things away.  It’s fun!  My way of being Santa this year was to gather some of my favorite things and give them away.  Sorry, I am no Oprah or Ellen so no cars or expensive diamonds but I do have something for everyone.

This is a completely free contest.  1 person each day will be picked to win that day’s gift. You only need to enter once for the entire giveaway. If you are chosen as a winner, you must send an email by January 10th, 2012 to my team with your addy so you can receive your gift.  We will announce on the social networks each day when the day’s winner has been posted below.

Please be kind and only use one email address.  No cheating. I will disqualify you if you are caught. So please be adult about it.

Share with ALL of your friends on ALL of your social networks – as many times as you want!

And most importantly HAVE FUN this Holiday Season!

10 Geeky Days of Christmas Giveaway

image source: Alex & Isabelle

Day 1 – Alex & Isabelle The Hair Band & The Classic Single Hair Tie

Winner announced on December 14th On this first giveaway, I am sharing with you my favorite hair ties!  They last so much longer than average elastic hair ties!  Simple and fun! Elastic is held with a small knot and two short ends. One holds your pony right where you want it, add a few more to jazz it up!

Check out the first drawing below! If you are the winner, please send an email to my team with your addy.

image source: Card Cubby

Day 2 – Card Cubby

Winner announced on December 15th I received this cute organizer in Atlanta when I spoke at Spark & Hustle.  I am so excited to share this gift you one lucky person! Card Cubby® is a stylish, alphabetized mini-card file that fits right into your purse, briefcase, baby bag or car console! Keep up with Card Cubby on Facebook too!!

Check out the video below to find out who won the Card Cubby!

image source: Beauty By Krystal

Day 3 – Birchbox 3-Month Subscription 

Winner announced on December 16th If you follow me, you’ve heard me share my love of Birchbox.  I even opened one of my boxes up on video for you!  Now you too could get your very own 3-month Birchbox Subscription!  Deluxe beauty samples delivered to your door monthly.

Check out the video below to find out who won 3-months of Birchbox!

image source: shyatt.com

Day 4 – Create Your Own Luck by Susan Hyatt

Winner announced on December 17th I am the proud owner of this book and now you can be too.  However… yours will be a special, autographed edition.  This book will teach you what you need to know to get everything you want out of life and more.  Click here to find out more.

Check out the video below to find out who won the Create Your Own Luck book!

image source: halfunited.com

 Day 5 – Half United- Bullet Necklace 

Winner announced on December 18th I love what Half United represents and since I also met the founder, I thought it would be uber cool to share their bullet necklace with you.  I hope you will take their challenge too. The fighting hunger necklace represents a peaceful protest against global hunger. Wear your statement! Take our FIGHTING HUNGER challenge!! Wear this necklace for 3 weeks straight and tell everyone who asks the meaning behind the necklace. Blog about it, and share your experience with us! We will feature you on our Facebook Page and Website blog! http://halfunited.com/

Check out the video below to find out who won the bullet necklace!

image source: pinkkisses.com

Day 6 – Pink Kisses Betty Compact, Betty Tank, & 1 30-day Betty Plan

Winner announced on December 19th Ellie, founder of Pink Kisses is a friend that I just met this year but I know we will be connected for a very long time!  Pink Kisses is a website that helps women and girls get over heartbreak and find your inner bombshell.  On today’s giveaway you will be sent 1 Betty Compact, 1 Betty Tank, & 1 30-Day Betty Plan.  You can keep all for yourself or donate to a friend that might need it for the Holiday season or do anything in between. http://www.pinkkisses.com/

Check out the video below to find out who won the Betty Package from Pink Kisses!

image source: kiva.org

Day 7 – KIVA $25 card

When you give a Kiva Card, your card is a gift that changes lives. Kiva Cards are a meaningful gift for any occasion that lets your recipient choose a borrower to support! You can send your Kiva Card by email, snail mail, post it to your Facebook friend’s wall or print and deliver it yourself.  

Check out the video below to find out who won the KIVA Gift Card!

image source: photojojo.com

Day 8 – The Chalkboard Speech Bubble

Each chalkboard is handcut and carved out of durable, eco-friendly plywood. There’s even a handle on the back that makes it a cinch to pose with. Lay a stack of these out for your friends to doodle on and grab your camera. Take them to parties, portraits special events, even weddings – anywhere you want to bring out the fun, carefree and inventive. Mail one to your friend and write messages to each other in photos. Or do what we did, and throw a photobooth partyjust for kicks. Imagine if your parents had this thing. That wedding album would be a helluva lot more interesting, even the 100th time around.  

Check out the video below to find out who won the Speech Bubble!

image source: seejanework.com

Day 9 – Lucky Minimergency Kit

From a teeny-tiny hairspray to single-use dental floss, they’ve miniaturized 16 emergency essentials that women need at their fingertips. Stash this low-cost life-saver in an evening clutch, glove compartment, or carry-on bag. Remember, luck favors the prepared!  

Check out the video below to find out who won the Minimergency Kit!

image source: magazinepublicity.com

Day 10 – Geek Techy Training Program, Cassera Communication’s National Magazine Product, Online Presence & Tech Review done by yours truly.

The Ultimate Geek Gift that is sure to set your business up with the latest technology trends and help you score visibility in magazines and other press… Is your online presence equipped with everything you need to success?  Is your technology on your marketing up to date? Receive an Online Presence & Tech Review along with two additional geeky gifts. The National Magazine Publicity Program will teach you everything you need to know to score those coveted magazine placements. The Geek Labs Program will teach you everything you need to know to equip your business with the latest technology.

Check out the video below to find out who won the Grand Gift!!

A group shot of all of my Sister-friends!

I have spent the past year with 8 amazing women.  Women that I would have never been connected with if it wasn’t for being part of a Mastermind program that was put together by Tonya Leigh.  I now feel like I have 8 other sisters for life.

Investing in your self is something that you hear everyone say – but I want to tell you what it has done for me.

You must be open to trying new things!

• Allowed me to take not one but two all-girl trips.
• Tasted and loved oysters.
• Sipped new wines.
• Tried foreign beers.
• Discovered I didn’t like crab cakes.
• Had my first tarot card reading.
• Laughed until I cried.
• Cried until I laughed.
• Discovered my self-worth.
• Modeled nude for a self-portrait painting.
• Realized how comfortable I am with me.
• Traveled several times alone.  Something I deeply feared before.
• Took road trips by myself.  Something I deeply feared as well.
• Spent 8 hours in a car laughing and chatting as we winded around some scary-ass mountain roads.
• Fell more in love.
  

  Touching gift & note from one of the Mastermind women.

• Had my first private chef experience. Realized I want that more.

None of these things would have occurred had I not invested in myself.  Yes, it was for my business but I became a better woman as a result of it.

I hold my head higher.

I communicate what I want.

I hold my knife and fork like a lady.

When you invest money – it makes you push yourself more.  You shouldn’t be spending money just to be doing so.  No, I don’t believe in “You have to spend money to make money”.  I DO believe investing in yourself to grow and achieve what you want. I don’t think it is a choice.  It is a necessity if you want to grow as a person and as an entrepreneur.

Have you been complaining that you are unhappy where you are at?  Or do you want to add new offerings but are stuck in where to even start?

In the past year, I set goals to:

• Speak at 1 event (I spoke at the Spark & Hustle Finale)
• Create a kick-ass program (The Geek Labs is totally kick-ass. And sold-out of seats on the advanced training.)
• Become clear on my message (Wait until you see my 2012)
• Create a consistent marketing plan (The Scoop, each week)
• Buy a Macbook Pro to add to my collection of Macs (Purchased in October)
• Bring on team members (I have three VA’s and two Interns)
• And many more…

I successfully achieved pretty much every goal.

Plus an unexpected bonus – I doubled my income.  Not too bad for one year!

I accomplished more in one year than I had in five years of being in business.

Everybody can create what they want. It takes hard work but investing in yourself will help you achieve what you want.

Here are a few ways you can invest in yourself:

• Investing in a coach.
• Investing in a mentorship or mastermind program.
• Increase your skillset with a training program.
• Website cleanup or redesign.
• Hiring a photographer for updated headshots.
• Working with a wordsmith or copywriter to speak your message.
• Adding more room to your computer.
• Investing in wall calendars to plan your year out.
• Treating yourself to a massage, manicure or pedicure monthly.
• Upgrading software programs.

Make a list of what needs to change to get you to the next level. You can’t get there if you don’t know what needs to happen.

Leave your biggest goal below in the comments.

What is mine?

I want to host an in-person event in 2012!

It’s time to see if what you’re doing with your marketing and sales on your website or blog is really making a difference.

You can monitor your clickers every move with the new Google Analytics.

Are you getting all the customers you possibly can?

See if all those paid ads, searches, affiliates and social media campaigns are getting you a good conversion rate.

All these little details are now trackable with the new Google Analytics.

Thanks to the wonderful Gods of Google we can now dig even deeper into the conversion rate process and see where and why some of our leads fail to make it all the way through the purchase/click-through process.

It’s REAL baby!

We speak and function in real-time. Let’s face it, we want everything NOW! Finally, Google Analytics has allowed us that opportunity. With their new real-time reporting it shows you continuous page view reports exactly as it’s happening.

At last, we’re able to be even more creepier to see who’s creeping on our pages.

More Funnels…to make things ‘cake’!

You’ve always been able to tell what site gets you a sale. But, what about all the assisting in between?

Google’s rolled out their Multi-Channel Funnels which let’s you see all of those little things out there with your name on it, if people actually care, click and convert.

The social media marketing, ads, searches, affiliates… how are those helping to take your customers to your blog or site and purchase a sale?

On the new Analytics you’re able to understand how all the traffic coming to your site works together. Through all the different channels of your campaigning and advertising, you’re about to gain insight from customers 30 days prior to conversion.

Where is this coming from?

Now, you’re even able to see what browsers are working the most efficiently at getting you your leads and converting them to a sale with their new browser dimension.

Is is Google Chrome, FireFox, Safari or Internet Explorer?  Which is getting you the highest completion rate?

It even allows you to see if you’re getting 0% views on a mobile device. That tells you maybe you should make changes to your site or blog to be more mobile-friendly.

There’s also a whole section on “Mobile Reports” that helps you see how your mobile visitors are viewing your site. This can help you optimize it so they can navigate your site as easily as a regular computer viewer would.

Not to mention for you visual folks out there, there is a flow visualization chart that gives you all the deetz about which browser best takes you to a product page, from there to a shopping cart, login, purchase, etc.

No worries!

These new additions to Google Analytics can be a lifesaver and really beneficial.  They can lead to more traffic, sales, interaction and an altogether better web experience for your viewers and potential customers.

If you’re too sketched out or prefer the old features, there’s a button in the upper right hand corner that lets you link back to the Old Version. You can even go back and forth between to the two if need be.  However, eventually it will just be the newer version available as of early next year.

What’s your favorite part about the new Google Analytics? Or what’s one thing you still wish they would do? Leave your say in the comments section below!

Kelly Berger is a recent journalism graduate from the University of Kentucky. She freelances and is a featured writer/blogger for the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Dabbling in all aspects of the field with writing, photography and videography she does it all and is the go-to-guru when it comes to covering music and concerts. Along with her love of reporting, she enjoys staying on the cutting edge of technology by keeping up with all the different social media platforms for marketing and business. She’s a total geek at heart and can’t go a day without browsing the interwebs on her MacBook into the wee hours of the night- staying current on all the new media out there.

Great Girl Gifts

Ideas for great gifts that *any* girl would love to have.

Birchbox -  Did you know that this fabulous service offers gifting in increments of 3, 6, or 12!

Kate Spade Journal - This gorgeous journal is sure to spark anyone’s creativity!!

Kate Spade Sparkler Gia in Multi – Gorgeous sparkle clutch!

Cheryl & Co. Cookies – These are hands down my favorite cookies to send to anyone you want to say Thank You to.  I highly recommend the sugar cookies with icing but all are a good choice!  For a healthier option, go with Edible Arrangements.  I have sent several of these to family and clients and all have loved it!

Alex & Isabelle Hair Bands – I received this in my Birchbox one month and have been using it every day since then!  They also have headbands now!

Goddess Gifts that Give Back

Give the gift that keeps on giving…

Kiva – Last year, I sent my clients gift certificates for Kiva Loans.  This is truly the gift that continues giving again and again and again.

Half United – They are a clothing company fighting global hunger. I was able to hang out with them when I traveled to the Carolinas recently. They are incredible people with an awesome cause!

TOMS – Glasses One-for-One.  Purchase a pair of sunglasses as a gift and give someone the gift of proper eye wear!  TOMS is known for their one-for-one shoe concept and they have now moved into eye wear as well.

Fair Trade Gifts – SERRV - Seriously, I could gander through these pages for hours!  You can find something for everyone here!  They help crafters in poverty sell their items.  To get the official “who they are”, click here.  This basket is how I found the site!

Peacekeeper Cause-Medics – is the first cosmetic line to give donations to human rights issues for women who live in poverty or servitude.

Geek Girl Gifts

Every geek girl deserves special gifts for the holidays. *ahem*

Alesya Bags – The Perfect Laptop bag for your Geek Girl and actually #1 on my wishlist!  I saw this bag in person at Spark & Hustle Grand Finale and let me tell you, it is gorgeous, practical and a MUST HAVE!  Watch the cool video here on how you can use your Alesya Bag (which coincidentally is pronounced JUST like my name!).

Chalkboard Speech Bubble – Ok, I will admit that most of these items are things I want!  This one especially!!  It just looks fun.

 iTap Gloves for Winter - No more taking off your gloves to check your messages on your iPhone.  These handy gloves allow you to use your iPhone while keeping your hands toasty warm!

Glif – While we are on iPhones, check out this groovy attachment for your tripod and iPhone!  Even The Oona looks pretty freaking cool but delivery is 4-6 weeks at the moment…

Geek Jewelry – Every geek needs her badge of honor.  Here are a few choices from Etsy.  Silver Geek Necklace, Geek Ring, and Geek Glasses Necklace.  Or even a Geek Heart for your office (or wedding cake topper??).

Now that is advice that everyone should take!

If you follow me on social networks, have watched my videos or know me in person — you know I love music + dancing!  I hear a lot of people get their day started with meditation or journaling but for me, I get my day started by dancing.  Some mornings it may be seat-dancing and other mornings require shaking my tail feather. It is my #1 way to get me into the groooove.

Dancing gets your blood flowing, your heart pumping and your brain going.  How can you not be in a good mood and motivated after a good jam session?  Your brain is stimulated by physical action and it gets that blood pumping throughout your body.  Dancing boosts serotonin which helps relieves stress.

Not only are you tapping into your creativeness and getting your blood flowing, you are also relieving yourself of stress.  Seriously, try it!  Dancing just makes you feel good!

Your anthem should be upbeat and something that brings a smile to your face when you hear it.

Every sporting event is started with the National Anthem.  Why shouldn’t your day get started with your own personal anthem song?!  My song changes each morning but my anthem for my business is Lady Gaga – Born This Way.

Here are a few suggestions that I have been using to get you started.  I like hip hop so these choices may not be your top pics:

Party Rock Anthem AND Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO
Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga
Give It Up to Me – Shakira
Dog Days Are Over – Florence and The Machine
Footloose – Blake Shelton

My Fav Holiday Tune!
All I want for Christmas – Maria Carey

When you figure out your Anthem, leave it below in a comment!

Stay tuned for next week’s article that will help you find the perfect gift for your Virtual Assistant, team & / or client without leaving the house.

#brandcampu

For those who follow me, you know that I recently spent time with my business coach — planning, plotting and creating magic for 2012!  (She is fabulous at that last one.  Just sayin’!)  Shortly after getting back from that trip, I headed back up to Detroit for another event.  The first event that I could attend without hopping on a plane.  Information about BrandCampU found itself in my inbox shortly after mentioning I wanted to find big events that were more local to my area.  I signed up immediately for it when registration opened. And I was not disappointed when attending.  I learned some great takeaways that I would love to share with you.

This blog post is longer than usual, but jam-packed full of good info!

Ask Why 5x’s to solve a problem.

@HajjFlemings #brandcampu detroit

This was made popular by Toyota Production Systems and continues to be used today.  We know that asking questions helps you figure out the core problem to help you find a resolution. When you ask why once it reveals a new problem. It often takes asking why five times to reach the root problem.

When you continue to question how things are being done, your curiosity is sparked which allows you to create answers that are revolutionary.  However, it is a slow and subtle process, something that evolves over time.  Consistent improvement.  And I do love Toyota and we are currently on our fourth one.

Owning Your Identity.

Not sure if you have noticed a shift in the way people are now doing business but people connect emotionally.  When they are spending their money, it is because an emotional cord has been tugged on at some point.  When you are owning your identity, be a storyteller. Corporate and stuffy is the old school way of business.  Being personable, even if you are a huge corporation, is where success lies.  When they see the story behind the brand or product that they can connect with, they becomes more inclined to purchase from you.  When you tell your story, create intimacy.

There is genius inside of everyone.  What are you passionate about?  What problem can you help solve?  Also ask why, what if and why not!  And most importantly, how can you do it differently.  Create an identity by answering these questions.

This was a great video that was shared.  Change Your Words, Change Your World.

What is your story?  How can you change your words?  How can you get people to talk about you?  Own Your Identity.

Rolestorming

Say what?  Yes, I wasn’t sure that I heard that one correctly either but I did.  It is a freaking brilliant idea.

Brainstorming as someone else.

Yep!  You jump into the role as someone else to create ideas.  We stump ourselves and sabotage sharing our ideas.  When you pretend you are someone else, it gets you out of your own head and past the fear of sharing your visions.  Become the Steve Jobs of Ideas!  You are one idea away from doing what you love.

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, what about a video?

GMC Interactive Brochure using QR Codes #brandcampu

Oooohhhh, that is some good sh!t! Huh?!  If you watched the video above, you saw how that video tugged at your emotional heart cords!  GMC was a sponsor of BrandCampU Detroit and one of their Advertising and Marketing Managers presented about how GMC is creating a whole new experience for their shopper using technology + video.  They are using video to showcase GMC in an unique way.  They are changing the way their consumer gathers information.  QR codes are a new technology idea that is quickly gaining popularity as software and camera technology grows.

The image to the right is out of their catalog that they use at their dealerships for the ultimate experience. You can click here to view it as a PDF for yourself. If you have a QR Code reader, you can use it to scan on the computer screen as well.  When you use your smartphone to scan the QR code image, the video that corresponds with that vehicle pulls up for more information and details – creating a video experience like no other.  After watching a few, I wanted to go out and buy a GMC!  Can you image the experience you could create with a QR Code on your business card that leads to an impactful video?  Something to consider!  This geek is definitely looking into it!

Influence can be created.

One thing they said that stuck out was STOP trying to get on Oprah.  What this also meant was to stop trying to get big names to mention you or focusing all your energy on guest blogging.  What happens is you have a spike of new visits but that is about it.  You want to create raving fans not be a raving fan on someone else’s space.  Yes, it will help your brand to be featured on big names sites but you will have more success by having people who are passionate about your brand or product promoting you.  Influence can be created with passion. You can create Passion Conversations about your brand or product.

They used a great example with WD-40′s Facebook Page. WD-40′s page is not filled with marketing.  It is filled with different ways that users have had success with using the product and stories of their passion of how it can be used differently.  People are passionate about this product and therefore WD-40 does not need celebrity endorsement!  Influence is being created by their passionate users.

Be Online & Offline

In closing, the biggest item I took away from each and every speaker was to be everywhere Online & Offline.  Last night I received a text from a friend who was doing some research about becoming a Virtual Assistant.  Her text was a picture of a link to my name.  Her comment was, “You Are Everywhere!”  This particular website was not a guest post that I had made, it was a passionate post that mentioned my name.

@calilewis #brandcampu

Be Everywhere.

I used to think that because I was an online business that all of my marketing efforts needed to stay online.  Girl, was I wrong!  93% of WOM (word of mouth) happens OFFLINE!  You need to be everywhere to build your empire.  Online and Offline.  Connecting with people on video can make a huge impact on your business but connecting with people in person is amazing!  Try it out!

This event was phenomenal and from what I heard, they are working to bring it to more cities!  What is your favorite tip from above?  Leave a comment below!

Stay tuned for next week’s post where I share what gets me into my creative zone each morning.  You will not want to miss it!