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	<title>Paul Helmick</title>
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	<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com</link>
	<description>Insights on the Business of Life</description>
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	<url>https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-paulhelmick-profile-grey-32x32.png</url>
	<title>Paul Helmick</title>
	<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com</link>
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	<item>
		<title>Powerball Jackpot Rises to $1 Billion—the Third Largest in History</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/powerball-jackpot-rises-to-1-billion-the-third-largest-in-history/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:03:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Interesting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=87884</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Powerball jackpot rose yet again to an estimated $1 billion after no winning ticket was sold for the latest drawing.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>The Powerball jackpot has reached a staggering $1 billion, making it one of the largest prizes in the lottery&#8217;s history.</h2>
<h2>As ticket sales surge, hopeful players across the United States eagerly await the drawing, hoping to become instant billionaires.</h2>
<p><span id="more-87884"></span></p>
<hr />
<h3>Key Points:</h3>
<ul>
<li>The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million.</li>
<li>The largest Powerball jackpot was $2.04 billion Powerball last November.</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3>Personal Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>You can&#8217;t win if you don&#8217;t play&#8230; but seriously that&#8217;s like one person in America&#8230;</li>
<li>and no one has won it for the past 38 times&#8230;</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3>Source Article:</h3>
<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://time.com/6295390/powerball-jackpot-1-billion/">https://time.com/6295390/powerball-jackpot-1-billion/</a></p>
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		<title>Planning my day – the day before – is so helpful</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/planning-my-day-the-day-before-is-so-helpful/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:52:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[How I Work]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=56116</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This morning, as I was looking over my daily plan &#8211; which I always make the night before &#8211; I had a few thoughts on how helpful it is to start off the day with a plan already made. I&#8217;ve been doing this for a while now, and here are the top five reasons why [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This morning, as I was looking over my daily plan &#8211; which I always make the night before &#8211; I had a few thoughts on how helpful it is to start off the day with a plan already made. I&#8217;ve been doing this for a while now, and here are the top five reasons why I find it so beneficial:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>It increases my productivity</strong>: When I have a plan for the day, I know exactly what needs to be done and can focus on completing those tasks. This helps me avoid wasting time on less important activities and ultimately gets more done in less time.</li>
<li><strong>It reduces my stress:</strong> Having a plan can help reduce stress and anxiety because I know what to expect and can mentally prepare for it. Without a plan, I may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, which can lead to stress and anxiety.</li>
<li><strong>It helps me prioritize my tasks</strong>: When I plan ahead, I can prioritize my tasks based on their importance and urgency. This ensures that I&#8217;m focusing on the tasks that matter most and making the most of my time.</li>
<li><strong>It improves my time management</strong>: By planning my day in advance, I can allocate my time more efficiently and ensure that I have enough time to complete all of my tasks. This helps me avoid procrastination and ensures that I meet my deadlines.</li>
<li><strong>It increases my motivation:</strong> Having a plan helps me stay motivated because I have a clear idea of what I need to accomplish. This keeps me focused and committed to my goals, even when faced with challenges or distractions.</li>
</ol>
<p>Overall, starting the day with a pre-made plan has been a game-changer for me. It helps me stay on track, reduce my stress, helps me prioritize tasks, manage my time better, and stay motivated. If you&#8217;re not already doing this, I highly recommend giving it a try &#8211; you might be surprised at the difference it can make!</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-56117" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/todolist-600x338.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="338" srcset="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/todolist-600x338.jpg 600w, https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/todolist-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw" /></p>
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		<title>9 Types Of Tired Everyone Will Relate To</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/9-types-of-tired-everyone-will-relate-to/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:23:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindset]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=42313</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Tired is a word that can be used in so many different ways. You could be tired from lack of sleep, or you could be tired from working too hard. Which one do you most relate to?]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p class="post-title-top">It&#8217;s interesting how one word in the English language can really mean so many different things. With so many people talking about juggling so much in this post-pandemic world and searching for work life balance, I thought this chart showing the different ways people think of the word tired to be insightful.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="des-100">
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/8n8vnjx1btk91-700x689.jpg" alt="Types Of Tired" /></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s the link to the full article that has detailed descriptions of each one.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Dazed</li>
<li>Overworked</li>
<li>Fed Up</li>
<li>Drained</li>
<li>Broken</li>
<li>Apathetic</li>
<li>Exhausted</li>
<li>Defeated</li>
<li>Burned Out</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>===<br />
&lt;&lt; Source: <a href="https://dailyinfographic.com/9-types-of-tired">https://dailyinfographic.com/9-types-of-tired</a> &gt;&gt;</p>
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		<title>Touching theme song reminds us of our adoption journey</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/touching-theme-song-reminds-us-of-our-adoption-journey/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 2022 19:31:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41631</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[For anyone who has ever adopted a child, or just has that special kid, you&#8217;ll enjoy this theme song. I was watching Daniel play ARK Survival on his new gaming PC, taming all the different dinosaurs and battling them. He came in running to the bedroom last night and said in an excited voice, &#8220;I&#8217;ve [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>For anyone who has ever adopted a child, or just has that special kid, you&#8217;ll enjoy this theme song.</h2>
<p>I was watching Daniel play ARK Survival on his new gaming PC, taming all the different dinosaurs and battling them. He came in running to the bedroom last night and said in an excited voice, &#8220;I&#8217;ve tamed a Pteranodon!!&#8221; It&#8217;s this flying dinosaur.  Kristen and I just looked at each other and smiled.  We got on YouTube and pulled up this video from when the kids were little. After we adopted Lily, there was this amazing little dinosaur TV show where their mom was hatching her baby&#8217;s eggs and one of them was just a little different.  Enjoy the video! It&#8217;s quite touching. It always brings a little tear and a smile to our face.</p>
<p><iframe title="Theme Song - Dinosaur Train - The Jim Henson Company" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HkMCYae7ua4?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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		<title>DJI – This is DJI Mavic 3</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/dji-this-is-dji-mavic-3/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2022 22:14:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Gadgets]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41584</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s amazing how capable modern drones have become. This 4 minute video demo of the new Mavic drone is incredible.  It&#8217;s unreal the the high-def camera system, long battery life, distance / range, and the auto-follow, obstacle avoidance features. &#160;]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>It&#8217;s amazing how capable modern drones have become.</h2>
<p>This 4 minute video demo of the new Mavic drone is incredible.  It&#8217;s unreal the the high-def camera system, long battery life, distance / range, and the auto-follow, obstacle avoidance features.</p>
<p><iframe title="DJI - This is DJI Mavic 3" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dnqGrSKudM?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>West Virginia’s 37 State Parks in 1 Minute</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/west-virginias-37-state-parks-in-1-minute/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2021 17:18:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[West Virginia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41297</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This is so cool &#8211; West Virginia truly has some beautiful outdoor experiences to provide folks. From the producer: My COVID project&#8230;to get outside (and be socially distanced) over the last 6 months I photographed each of WV’s 37 state parks. Here is a short teaser video (I’m going to put together a longer version [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>This is so cool &#8211; West Virginia truly has some beautiful outdoor experiences to provide folks.</h2>
<p><iframe title="West Virginia&#039;s 37 State Parks in 1 Minute" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mEj6iUGooac?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>From the producer:</h2>
<p>My COVID project&#8230;to get outside (and be socially distanced) over the last 6 months I photographed each of WV’s 37 state parks. Here is a short teaser video (I’m going to put together a longer version in a few weeks). I have visited all of the parks but want to revisit some to capture the fall colors.</p>
<p><img /></p>
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		<title>I am not a Spider – Opiliones – they’re also known as daddy long legs</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/i-am-not-a-spider-opiliones-theyre-also-known-as-daddy-long-legs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:37:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Interesting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41536</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I really did not know this&#8230; Always thought the rumor was true that they were the most poisonous spider but their fangs were to big to bite humans&#8230; ends up they are just a bug&#8230; not a spider at all!!! Never too old to learn something new.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I really did not know this&#8230; Always thought the rumor was true that they were the most poisonous spider but their fangs were to big to bite humans&#8230; ends up they are just a bug&#8230; not a spider at all!!! Never too old to learn something new.</p>
<p><iframe title="Opiliones facts: they&#039;re also known as daddy long legs | Animal Fact Files" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gVbPU9VA1uU?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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		<title>Keeping Up and Managing Time</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/keeping-up-and-managing-time/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:16:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41253</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Today is the first day that I’ve really felt the pressure of going on record to create a new daily habit and feeling the resistance of life press back. Starting a new habit Even though writing a thoughtful blog post only takes perhaps half an hour total, I’ve still not settled into a routine where [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today is the first day that I’ve really felt the pressure of going on record to create a new daily habit and feeling the resistance of life press back.</p>
<h2>Starting a new habit</h2>
<p>Even though writing a thoughtful blog post only takes perhaps half an hour total, I’ve still not settled into a routine where that time predictably shows up each day.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41255" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/paulhelmick-timeflies-5504966-600x450.jpg" alt="paulhelmick-timeflies" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<h2>Three types of time</h2>
<p>I usually organize my days into three parts.</p>
<h2>Structured Blocks</h2>
<p>First there are some very highly structured blocks of time to do very specific things. This block of time usually takes care of everything that is “responsible” or “routine.” overtime, having things in this block really produces a lot of stability, consistency, and long-term success.</p>
<h1>Creative / Deep Work</h1>
<p>Second, I always try to leave a reasonably large block of time for thoughtful, creative, deep work.</p>
<p>The key here is absolutely zero interruptions. This time is priceless. This is where your brain can think, innovation and solutions can be created, problems solved.</p>
<p>Original writing and thinking and exploration takes place. I highly value this time. It’s usually wear the most significant value and contribution is created.</p>
<h2>Managment / Flex Time</h2>
<p>Lastly there is flex time to juggle all of the one off things that seem to come up each day. Managing the various details of projects and personal life which are never predictable. Time for conversations that just come up that need to be had. I’m a firm believer in that you always need to have a little margin in your day in order not to wreck the routine and the deep work.</p>
<h2>New habits have to find a place</h2>
<p>I have yet to work into my firmly committed daily routine, the time to write and blog. Instead it has been falling into the latter category of doing it when I can. I’m learning that it does take a little time to adjust that routine part of your day to accommodate something new.</p>
<h2>I think everyone has to juggle and balance this mix</h2>
<p>I think all of us probably juggle a similar mix of time demands like that. Each of us having things that we have to do regularly, creative work that needs done without much interruption, and the flexibility to juggle last-minute priorities or urgent items as they pop up. It’s a tricky balance.</p>
<h2>From kids to CEOs, no one is exempt 🙂</h2>
<p>I watch experienced executives who seem to have Jedi skills in this area still struggle with it.</p>
<p>I watch my own children as they are learning to be increasingly more and more responsible for their own work try and sort it out.</p>
<h2>Time management and prioritizing will always be part of our life</h2>
<p>I think this is one of those lifelong pursuits that we’re always going to be working on. And in different seasons of life or our companies, priorities and responsibilities continually change. We will always be in the mode of adapting and organizing our own lives to meet the realities of the day.</p>
<p>I hope this is a thoughtful observation and I will continue to write and share helpful insights for you in this journey.</p>
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		<title>What’s on your mind?</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/whats-on-your-mind/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2021 23:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41245</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m taking requests 🙂 Let me know what you&#8217;d like me to write, think about or make a video on and I&#8217;ll consider it as I plan content for these daily posts. My Wheelhouse I&#8217;ve spend most of my time helping clients with business strategies to using technology to create competitive advantages. I read and [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>I&#8217;m taking requests 🙂</h2>
<p>Let me know what you&#8217;d like me to write, think about or make a video on and I&#8217;ll consider it as I plan content for these daily posts.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day009 / Taking Requests - What would you like me to speak about?" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5t4G-fkYq8U?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>My Wheelhouse</h2>
<p>I&#8217;ve spend most of my time helping clients with business strategies to using technology to create competitive advantages.</p>
<p>I read and think a alot about business, technology, entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, automation, and collaboration.</p>
<p>As a business person, as a parent helping my kids learn and grow &#8211; perhaps there is something I could speak to that you would find helpful.</p>
<p>Just let me know what&#8217;s on your mind!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Know Your Roles and Goals</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/know-your-roles-and-goals/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2021 21:54:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41232</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Here are two resources that you’ll find incredibly helpful in your life. Every Year has New Goals (and Roles) Each year, I’ve learned to kind of set some goals for my life. And I’ve done this for years and years and years and years. Two Models to Set Goals And there’s two models that I [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are two resources that you’ll find incredibly helpful in your life.</p>
<h2>Every Year has New Goals (and Roles)</h2>
<p>Each year, I’ve learned to kind of set some goals for my life. And I’ve done this for years and years and years and years.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day008 / Know Your Roles and Goals" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTwM_hXFsHs?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Two Models to Set Goals</h2>
<p>And there’s two models that I continually come across when wanting to set goals for your life.</p>
<h2>Be. Have. Do.</h2>
<p>The first is called the be, have, do model. I really don’t like this, but I’ll explain it because you find it almost everywhere. You’re to make a list of the things that you want to have in your life, possessions, usually, and the things you need to do to achieve them. And then you start thinking about the type of person you might have to be in order to go do that. To me, that’s always seemed a little greedy, a little materialistic can be chasing after stuff.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41234" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/behavedo-3546412-292x300.jpg" alt="behavedo" width="292" height="300" /></p>
<h2>Discovering Stephen Covey &#8211; 7 Habits</h2>
<p>I found as I got into really reading and trying to grow, that Stephen Covey had a wonderful book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. And I’ve read this book three, four or five times, but he wrote some follow on books, called First things first, and this was all about ordering the priorities of how you focus your time, and you use really the most valuable resource that you have your time and your talent to advance things in your life.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41235" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/stevencovey-8434984-300x212.jpg" alt="stevencovey" width="300" height="212" /></p>
<h2>Roles and Goals</h2>
<p>In that book there was this principle in there of roles and goals. This is where he talked about what are the roles in your life? And what are the outcomes you would like to have, say, one year out, with that role?</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41236" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstthings-8676591-212x300.jpg" alt="firstthings" width="212" height="300" /></p>
<h2>My Roles and Goals</h2>
<p>And so my life I’m a, I’m a believer, husband, father, friend involved in several businesses, some community activities, boards of directors, etc. And I try to always envision what’s the major contribution, what’s the impact, what’s the result, the outcome that could come one year from now from being in that role.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41237" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Wisegoals_roles_and_goals_2019-4243821-212x300.jpg" alt="wisegoals_roles_and_goals_2019" width="212" height="300" /></p>
<p>It’s a really challenging exercise to think deeply about that. And what I’ve then learned is, as I jot those things down, I can keep them ever present in front of me. You can then back them up from what are you looking for in terms of a year to maybe a quarter or a month, and when you sit down, I sit down on a Sunday, and think about my week ahead, you can start to put into your week, what they call the big rocks, the important things in each of those areas.</p>
<h2>The rest of life will ‘fit in’</h2>
<p>You can then always squeeze in the rest of stuff life throws at you and it will fill in flow around your big rocks.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41238" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Big-Rocks-of-Life-300x169-5793464-300x169.jpg" alt="the-big-rocks-of-life-300x169" width="300" height="169" /></p>
<h2>Two Resources</h2>
<p>So I’m sharing with you two resources today.</p>
<h2>1) Roles and Goals Worksheet Video</h2>
<p>One is going to be a short video introducing this roles and goals concept from Stephen Covey.</p>
<p><iframe title="Weekly Planning- A Video from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7yMh2QNRc_M?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>2) Big Rocks First Video</h2>
<p>How putting the big things in your life first allows all the little details and everything else to just fill in around it. This ensures you’re not missing the big important things.</p>
<p><iframe title="Big Rocks" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zV3gMTOEWt8?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Here’s to a great year!</h2>
<p>So that’s the essence of today’s post. I hope it’s helpful as you think about what’s happening in your business and personal life in the in the coming year.</p>
<h2>Question</h2>
<p>What are some of your biggest roles and goals you have for the new year?</p>
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		<title>Use Voice Dictation to Speed Up Your Writing</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/use-voice-dictation-to-speed-up-your-writing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2021 20:09:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41222</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[How fast can you type? How fast can you talk? Writing at the Speed of Thought A lot of times, when you have a thought. It’s possible that the ideas can come out of your head faster than you can type. This creates a problem. The mechanics of typing quickly slow you down and you [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>How fast can you type? How fast can you talk?</h2>
<h2>Writing at the Speed of Thought</h2>
<p>A lot of times, when you have a thought. It’s possible that the ideas can come out of your head faster than you can type. This creates a problem. The mechanics of typing quickly slow you down and you lose your train of thought.</p>
<h2>Voice Dictation/Transcription is the Key</h2>
<p>Here’s a trick to help you capture your thoughts quickly, and save a bunch of time. Learn to use the voice transcription services that are available to you.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day007 / Use Voice Dictation to Speed Up Your Writing" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lv5b1PmuW4k?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Voice Transcription Used to be Horrible &#8211; No Longer</h2>
<p>Just a few years ago these did not really work well at all. They were either expensive or slow or both. In past companies I’ve had administrative assistance or transcription service providers who would listen to an audio tape or digital recording and type up documents. No longer. Now your phone or computer can do it and its free. This let you talk out a first draft and concept content quickly, just using your voice.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41224" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How_to_get_the_most-51a20bd66a054ad6e098baadcbb01310-8374066-300x243.jpg" alt="how_to_get_the_most-51a20bd66a054ad6e098baadcbb01310" width="300" height="243" /></p>
<h2>It’s so easy to do today. Kids can do it.</h2>
<p>This is so simple, I’ve been teaching this to my kids. At nine and 11 years old they are nowhere near the my awesome (50 words a minute) typing speed. It’s hunt and peck and hunt some more. You can see it in their faces, how they know what they want to say, but they are just so incredibly slowed down by having to figure out how to type it.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41225" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iPad-Voice-Dictation-4692831-300x170.jpg" alt="ipad-voice-dictation" width="300" height="170" /></p>
<h2>First Drafts Require Speed and Flow</h2>
<p>I found a key to success in writing, is to get the ideas out of your mind as fast as possible. Then you have all the time in the world to review, revise, correct, etc.</p>
<h2>Don’t Take the Painful Path</h2>
<p>So many people come at this the slow way. They try to think, and type, and correct, and format, and style… all at once… End it ends up going nowhere and becomes quite frustrating. I think this is why some people hate writing. They’ve never had an easy way to do it, unlike the options you have today.</p>
<h2>iPhone’s make it easy</h2>
<p>You can do this with the text to Transcription feature on your phone. You’ve probably use this most replying to text messages. But you can also do this inside of any notepad application or editor on your phone or iPad.</p>
<p>I’ve taught my kids to capture their thoughts this way. I tell them to think it then say it, let the robot type it up at first, and then go back and fix it up right. This lets them get the thoughts out of their head quickly. Then they can organize, review and revise it. My daughter uses it to make a list of her homework each day and to help write up her daily journal entry. Daniel keeps notes of his game ideas and monster creature descriptions.</p>
<h2>Google Docs and Macbooks</h2>
<p>On a MacBook you can enable dictation in your system preferences and then just by touching the command key twice it turns on the transcription service. You can use this inside of any website or word processor to capture text effortlessly.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41226" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/enable-dictation-first1-8091910-300x190.jpg" alt="enable-dictation-first1" width="300" height="190" /></p>
<p>In Google Docs you just click tools, voice typing, and a little box pops up in your web browser that transcribes nonstop.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41227" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/voicedictationgoogledoc-1787064-300x190.jpg" alt="voicedictationgoogledoc" width="300" height="190" /></p>
<h2>Otter.AI Transcribes Voice Memos and Zoom Meetings</h2>
<p>Sometimes you just need to use your phone and record a voice memo versus doing live transcription. But how can you get that converted to text? Just get a free www.Otter.ai account. You can upload your audio file and in a couple minutes get a text transcription.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41228" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Otter_Unfurl_Oct2019_LK94_1200x600@2x-9701526-300x150.jpg" alt="otter_unfurl_oct2019_lk94_1200x6002x" width="300" height="150" /></p>
<p>You can also connect your Otter account with your zoom account and then after having a video conference call I have the entire call with all the participants voice discussions fully transcribed into a tax document. It’s amazing. I’ve used that feature to conduct interviews as well and then have the text of the interview and the discussion available after the fact.</p>
<h2>Future screencast demos to share will show you how to</h2>
<ul>
<li>Dictate/transcribe directly in the phone into a notepad app</li>
<li>Dictate/transcribe directly into a Google document on the web</li>
<li>Use the built in MacBook transcription</li>
<li>Record an audio file (voice memo) and send it to Otter</li>
<li>Connect Otter to Zoom and have your meeting transcribed</li>
</ul>
<h2>Question</h2>
<p>What have you been wanting to write more about now that you know you can do it faster and easier?</p>
<h2>Video Introduction</h2>
<p>I’m gonna show you a secret that will change your life. A lot of people feel writing is frustrating time consuming. But I will let you know that the feature of voice dictation makes it incredibly simple. You talk the computers type. You have all the time in the world to review revise correct style. But what you don’t have time for is losing your train of thought when you have something to say.</p>
<p>You can do this with your iPhone your MacBook your Google docs even a voice recorder. Otter.ai has a transcription service in the cloud for free, all of these things make it easier to get your thoughts out and end up with text that you can quickly review and revise.</p>
<p>I’ll make some follow-on ‘how-to’ videos showing you specifically how this works on your phone with a couple of apps and with the voice recording so you can see exactly how to do it. But it’s very easy and it speeds up your writing and content creation tenfold.</p>
<p>If you have something to say and taking the time to sit down and write it has been an obstacle you’re going to find this to be one of the most freeing and enabling technologies that you’ve ever come across. And it’s very easy to take it to a whole new level and enjoy the time savings that come with that.</p>
<p>So here’s to writing more, faster and easier than ever.</p>
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		<title>How to do an annual website audit for business owners</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/how-to-do-an-annual-website-audit-for-business-owners/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2021 23:05:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41215</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In 7 minutes I share 10 quick tips, practical advice for business owners to make sure their site is safe, squared away, is setup to do what matters most and ready to do what it needs to do for you this year. Watch the video for insights on each key point: &#160; Update Logins Ensure [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>In 7 minutes I share 10 quick tips, practical advice for business owners to make sure their site is safe, squared away, is setup to do what matters most and ready to do what it needs to do for you this year.</h2>
<p><iframe title="Day006 / How to do an annual website audit for business owners" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98KFhh59OZw?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Watch the video for insights on each key point:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Update Logins</li>
<li>Ensure off-server backups</li>
<li>Review your stats</li>
<li>Know what matters most</li>
<li>Look good on mobile</li>
<li>Have a clear, easy call-to-action</li>
<li>Make a plan to improve your top 5 pages</li>
<li>Remove outdated content</li>
<li>Promote your most popular pages</li>
<li>Copyright 2021</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Learn by Doing</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/learn-by-doing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2021 20:59:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41207</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I believe that what you think you know about doing things&#8230; is refined and made real&#8230; when you actually do them. Practice makes Perfect Some of us learn more by seeing, by reading, by listening and also by doing… doing real work, shipping results, going public &#8211; truly makes what you think you know very [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>I believe that what you think you know about doing things&#8230; is refined and made real&#8230; when you actually do them.</h2>
<h2>Practice makes Perfect</h2>
<p>Some of us learn more by seeing, by reading, by listening and also by doing… doing real work, shipping results, going public &#8211; truly makes what you think you know very real.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day005 / Learn by Doing" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_kugGh-JuT8?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>A ‘Correct’ Army Push-Up</h2>
<p>When I was in the Army, the drill sergeants would always emphasize when we did push-ups that we were to do a “correct” push-up. We learned quickly that there is a big difference between doing some thing and doing it well.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41210" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/army-physical-fitness-test-5597643-300x191.jpg" alt="army-physical-fitness-test" width="300" height="191" /></p>
<h2>Repetition is the Mother of Learning</h2>
<p>So I’m five short blog posts and videos in. Although I’ve done this hundreds if not thousands of times in the past and read about it all the time, I’m still learning. In the world of technology, things change every six months or so. There’s always new little tips and tricks that you learn when actually doing things to make them work right.</p>
<h2>Five Lessons Learned</h2>
<p>Here’s what I’ve learned in just 5 days of stepping out and doing this live.</p>
<h2>1) Writing comes easy to me</h2>
<p>So far I’ve observed that it’s pretty easy for me to write a first draft rather quickly and then edit it up to copy and paste onto the blog. I’m passionate about the topic so the thoughts come out easy. Writing them down and editing the post takes about 15 to 20 minutes top.</p>
<h2>2) The Clips App &#8211; Video Size</h2>
<p>In using the Clips app. I learned that it’s really better to record your video as a square or in the 4:3 ratio. If you’re using the live captions, which I love, this allows room for them to be seen vs recording full screen.</p>
<p>I noticed in my last video the second line of the captions got cut off because the way social media platforms share the video, it crops the bottom of the taller videos, erasing the captions, where the square and 4:3 size look great.</p>
<h2>3) Saving on YouTube</h2>
<p>This also got me thinking about saving the video on YouTube. To start off I just posted these video to my personal channel, which has a bunch of family videos.</p>
<p>A business would setup a ‘brand channel’ and many individuals do as well to keep highly topical content separate from personal videos.</p>
<p>At some point soon, I will create a Brand Channel and show you how to do that. It’s really pretty easy. They work well for any company or hobby where you would want to share specific videos and playlists and not mix them up with your family videos in your personal account</p>
<h2>4) Sharing on Social Media</h2>
<p>I’m also starting to see the ever-changing nuances of how a post and a video gets shared on social media. That’s something that changes every six months and you have to pay a little bit of attention to find really the best way to do it so it looks decent and it’s actually effective in getting your message in front of people.</p>
<h2>5) Have a Clear Introductory Statement in Video</h2>
<p>I also learned that I need to make it more clear that my short videos are really just an introduction of the concept that is much more fully detailed in the blog post. I could do a better job of mentioning there’s a link in the video description to the actual post where all of the details and resources are.</p>
<p>So the purpose of the little videos are to introduce the content in the written post. They are to help a viewer quickly decide if it’s worth looking at the post in more detail &#8211; not to fully record the entire ‘show’ or content of the post.</p>
<h2>6) Having a plan or template makes things go faster</h2>
<p>The last thing I learned is now that I’ve done this a few times, is that the structure of my posts and videos is to some small degree formulaic.</p>
<p>I’m making a better outline of how all the different pieces come together. I’ll share more about that in the future post and actually share what I’ve come up with.</p>
<p>I realize that even with just a 500 word post and a 60 second video, I’m starting to see an obvious structure to it. This should it much easier to do it each time versus just staring at a blank page or looking into the camera. Checklists help everything go smoother!</p>
<h2>Knowing and Learning vs Doing</h2>
<p>These are all things that just became crystal clear as I began this project. Not because “I know what I’m doing,” but as I actually did it… You instantly realize there are real world refinements to make that don’t show up until you actually put something in public.</p>
<p>That’s the real value of doing this is to sharpen these skills in the real world, share helpful learning, insights and resources with you. And help you, make what you think is possible, very real and come to life in 2021.</p>
<h2>Daily Question</h2>
<p>What have you been trying to do or learn that, you feel if you actually did it a few more times, would really level up in real life?</p>
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		<title>Apple Clips Video App</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/apple-clips-video-app/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2021 23:38:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41199</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Did you know Apple has a free video studio tool for your phone that has some amazing pro-level features? I didn’t until last year. It’s amazing. Apple Clips &#8211; it’s Free This is the app I’ve used to make these past couple videos. Below are four super helpful tutorial videos on how to use it. [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Did you know Apple has a free video studio tool for your phone that has some amazing pro-level features? I didn’t until last year. It’s amazing.</h2>
<h2>Apple Clips &#8211; it’s Free</h2>
<p>This is the app I’ve used to make these past couple videos. Below are four super helpful tutorial videos on how to use it.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day004 / Apple Clips App" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r1UjeAfebp4?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>And it’s Easy</h2>
<p>I think it’s the single best way to make a super quick video. It allows you to stitch together several short snippets very easily and look just a notch above a camera video with very little effort.</p>
<h1>Two Great 3 Minute Intros</h1>
<p><iframe title="Apple&#039;s Clips app -  features overview + demo" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Uz6q8GVOEI?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe title="Apple&#039;s Clips App on iPhone X: Selfie Scenes" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/99L_wK_H1Oc?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Anyone can use it</h2>
<p>Businesses can save a fortune in making quick short branding/intro videos. And everyone else, kids, parents, pro’s can really take advantage of this to level up super fast with this free app.</p>
<h2>Get it here on the app store</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clips/id1212699939">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clips/id1212699939</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Live Captions are Awesome</h2>
<p>One of the truly incredible features is it’s live captions… You record something, it transcribes it and subtitles your video. I heard last year that like 80% of the video views on Facebook and Instagram have the sound turned off. So for a video to be captioned, they get much more engagement. GaryVee does it &#8211; and he knows what’s up for sure….</p>
<h2>Demo of Live Captions</h2>
<p><iframe title="Add Voiceover and Captions to a Video | Apple Clips Tutorial | Instagram Tips" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ytFYeOtSuME?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Anyway &#8211; to do that with a regular phone video, capture it, put the video file into an editor, transcribe it, sync it up &#8211; wow &#8211; that’s a ton of work. Great if you have a production team on staff, but what if you don’t.</p>
<h2>Again &#8211; it’s free!</h2>
<p>Apple made this and gives it away for free. Really if you have any interest in leveling up your personal video production for your business or for your hobbies or just want to tip your kids off to something amazing &#8211; this is it.</p>
<h2>iJustine’s take (6 million subscribers)</h2>
<p><iframe title="iPhone&#039;s New Clips App!" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pgFxnLMyrr8?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Just take time to learn and play with it</h2>
<p>For the easy price of taking say, 10 minutes to learn about it and perhaps another hour to play with it &#8211; you’ve leveled up your game a huge amount. So this is the first step of where to start if you just want to be able to make video content a little faster without much more work.</p>
<p>I made these first few videos for these blog post intros using it &#8211; just in a single take, no editing other than fixing a couple of autocorrect words in the captions.</p>
<h2>Clips 2.0 Apple Tutorial Creating Videos for Instagram and Social Media</h2>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/CzI6L31LEvQ">https://youtu.be/CzI6L31LEvQ</a></p>
<h2>Add in graphics or more clips or music</h2>
<p>I could take more time to pop in an intro graphic, or intro logo video, or perhaps my theme music (ha) &#8211; and I might do so in a future post just to show how that’s done.</p>
<h2>If you need a good start with video &#8211; this is it</h2>
<p>But for now my purpose was just to share the links to these four tutorials so you could see for yourself how this tool works and might be able to help you.</p>
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		<title>What is your New Years Mindset? for me ‘Be Helpful’</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/what-is-your-new-year-mindset-for-me-be-helpful/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:40:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41193</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[What are your top of mind priorities, your focal points for this new year? Are they clear? A new year is the perfect time to think about this question. Seek Clarity “Clarity with regard to purpose” is something I find myself often saying. Before I task time or energy on a matter I seem driven [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What are your top of mind priorities, your focal points for this new year? Are they clear? A new year is the perfect time to think about this question.</h2>
<h2>Seek Clarity</h2>
<p>“Clarity with regard to purpose” is something I find myself often saying. Before I task time or energy on a matter I seem driven to ask myself “Why is this important and what outcome is most desired?”</p>
<h2>2020 was Hard</h2>
<p>We’ve all been through so much uncertainty and change this past year. It may have left you feeling tired, frustrated or unbalanced. In that state, goals and objectives become blurry.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day003 / What’s your 2021 Mindset?" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vvt-_fFxh1g?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Find your Focus</h2>
<p>I’ve found that having a focal point, a priority, a clear goal many times can ‘pull’ you through the fog of frustration and focus your mind and your actions on moving forward.</p>
<p>I would encourage you to reflect on this and find something that is positive, fresh, new, and opportunity oriented to focus on this year.</p>
<h2>For me it’s ‘Be Helpful’</h2>
<p>I mentioned in my first blog post I’ve personally settled on a theme of ‘Be Helpful’. Those two words help refocus my thoughts and actions very quickly when I want to create momentum and drive contribution to others.</p>
<h2>It’s not original 🙂</h2>
<p>I came across this thought again and again in so many great books. Dale Carnegie talking about focusing on helping others get what they want. Zig Ziglar as well. Gary Vaynerchuk in his book <em>Jab Jab Right Hook</em> talks about focusing on value and giving first. Jay Baer’s book <em>Youtility</em> emphasizing that your marketing content must have value to rise above the noise. And Guy Kawasaki (so many great books!) &#8211; his point of your business mission to ‘making meaning.’</p>
<p><strong>So there is my theme &#8211; Be Helpful…</strong></p>
<h2>Helping Business Owners</h2>
<p>I want to be helpful to the owners, executives, leaders and professionals I’ve spent my 30 year B2B technology career serving and advising.</p>
<p>As their companies have grown, there are now generations of young leaders coming up and looking for wisdom in how to best lead, serve and help others. I feel deeply that I might have something to share with them as I commit to exploring my thoughts here each day by writing and sharing.</p>
<h2>Helping Parents</h2>
<p>I want to be helpful to parents who are searching for a way to encourage and equip their kids to develop their strengths using technology to create and contribute. I’m living in that world first hand and seeking everyday to help my own kids learn, grow and develop an entrepreneurial perspective and have high competency with different technology tools.</p>
<p>Kids are awesome today at consuming content using technology. But I’m really excited to see them learn to create, communicate, collaborate and grow in their confidence to think about and solve problems using their newfound skill sets.</p>
<p>I’m seeking to identify for our kids a technology or business theme for each month of the year to explore together. I’ll share more here as that develops.</p>
<h2>Find your theme for the year</h2>
<p>So in conclusion, I feel strongly that having a theme, a focal point, a mantra that matters can really help drive positive thought and action this new year.</p>
<p>I think that’s the ‘mindset’ that I’m hoping you can find too. I think having one will pull each of us out of the fog of 2020 and into a brighter and more optimistic future together in 2021.</p>
<h2>What’s yours? I’d love to hear!</h2>
<p>Please, let me know what your mindset or mantra is for this coming year!</p>
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		<title>Short Video Production</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/short-video-production/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2021 20:47:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41187</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I believe the written word is an essential, proven and timeless way to capture and share thoughts. But I’ve also learned, communicating via video also has an immeasurable impact with it being so visually engaging and digestible. What is it they say? A picture is worth a thousand words… well, even more so for video! [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe the written word is an essential, proven and timeless way to capture and share thoughts. But I’ve also learned, communicating via video also has an immeasurable impact with it being so visually engaging and digestible.</p>
<p>What is it they say? A picture is worth a thousand words… well, even more so for video! Just think about how much video content you consume each day vs the time you spend reading.</p>
<p>**Video makes a difference… But can <em>you</em> make a video? **</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41189" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/short-form-video-2135760.jpg" alt="short-form-video" width="425" height="270" srcset="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/short-form-video-2135760.jpg 425w, https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/short-form-video-2135760-300x191.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px" /></p>
<h2>Goal / Reason</h2>
<p>This post is to let you know that I’m going to start creating a simple, short intro / summary video for these blog posts each day.</p>
<p>My goal in doing that is to show you how easy it is to make a reasonable quality video, quickly and easily, using just your phone/computer and free or inexpensive software.</p>
<p>I hope my journey doing this helps you learn to amplify the messages you have to share, either for your business or personal endeavors, by using video.</p>
<h2>Making Video Easy</h2>
<p>I want to help you avoid the complexity, frustration and hassle of going overboard and feeling the pressure to overproduce things (which just slows you down and often stops you altogether from creating a video).</p>
<p><iframe title="Day002 / Short Form Video" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VhaWmJr_Lm8?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Video Drives Results</h2>
<p>The lessons learned from the rise of social network platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok speak for themselves. All of them owe some degree of their success to short-form video and how much it drives user engagement.</p>
<p>Businesses know this… They get a 10x lift if they use video in their content creation strategies.</p>
<p>Video sells &#8211; it conveys emotion and drives action. But so often companies feel the unneeded pressure to ‘over-produce’ things and this often frustrates their content creation efforts.</p>
<h2>We all consume video content daily</h2>
<p>On the personal level not a day goes by where most of us watch at least one video on Youtube or one of our social networks.</p>
<p>One of the top careers that young kids seek today is to be a famous YouTuber with millions of subscribers. Hint &#8211; opportunities like that still come disguised as hard work.</p>
<h2>Let’s learn to make short-form videos easily</h2>
<p>So for all of these reasons, being able to quickly and easily create short-form video is a skill to be understood and mastered.</p>
<p>Whether for a business need or personal endeavor &#8211; being able to create a short form videos is an incredibly helpful skill to get your message heard in a noisy world.</p>
<h2>We all have the tools</h2>
<p>And it’s never been easier. The tools are ever present &#8211; any computer or phone can record video today. The software to edit / enhance your video is free or costs little or nothing. Distribution to everyone on planet Earth is also free via any social network with just a click.</p>
<h2>You just have to THINK about what to say</h2>
<p>All that is left for you to do really is think about what you want to say. Have something to say that people might want to hear. Think about it, write it out, and make your video.</p>
<h2>The skills can be mastered by kids</h2>
<p>Everything else you need is ready to go. You might need some tiny amount of skill &#8211; we’ll explore that as we journey together. But be assured, there is nothing that anyone &#8211; of any age &#8211; cannot master in short order.</p>
<h2>My use case &#8211; an intro or summary of a post</h2>
<p>So for these three reasons, I’ve decided, along with each day’s blog post &#8211; to share a very short ‘introduction’ or ‘summary’ video of that post.</p>
<h2>Practice will make perfect (or good enough)</h2>
<p>First and foremost, to put into real-world practice, the rubber-meets-the-road skill of making a short video and publishing it live for the world to see. I want to put myself on the hook to do it for real so you can see how it works firsthand.</p>
<h2>Shipping ‘real work’ daily develops skills quickly</h2>
<p>It’s not enough to ‘know’ how to do something… one must do it… these first videos will be simple, rough, authentic…</p>
<h2>Over time they will improve</h2>
<p>I can only imagine how they will evolve in 30, 60, 90 days … I’m sure when we look back and have iterated the process a dozen times, I hope they will start to be more polished, take less time to create, and be more thoughtful and effective, etc. I want to share with you these tips and tricks and learning along the way.</p>
<h2>Doing it clarifies the process</h2>
<p>Second I think it will illustrate clearly the process of thinking about how to craft and organize both written and video communication. I think writing and video creation go hand in hand together and complement each other.</p>
<h2>Writing and creating a video go hand in hand</h2>
<p>Writing with the intent that one’s message will be communicated via video and being able to record a video, having already being familiar with what one is speaking about. Both help the other be better.</p>
<h2>Distribution is free, always changing &#8211; we will figure it out together</h2>
<p>Third, becoming comfortable with the mechanics of distributing video on both YouTube, Facebook, your website and any other social networks. We’ll discover tips and tricks to get the most mileage out of each one of these and will explore them along the way.</p>
<p>What’s best? Sharing on Youtube? on Facebook? Both? I’m not sure &#8211; it’s always changing, but we’ll do it, test it and see what’s best.</p>
<h2>First videos will be simple videos…</h2>
<p>I’m going to start a very simple with just recording videos from my iPhone. Then will share some examples of how to do a simple screen cast, and then also demonstrate some of the more studio related skills with green screens, video editing, etc. again my driving principle is to keep things very simple and easy.</p>
<h2>Don’t overthink it… Just do it…</h2>
<p>So many people really overthink things and spend way too much time “getting ready versus just doing it” I want to demonstrate that this is very achievable for anyone at any level. And very viable for your business or for your personal endeavors.</p>
<h2>Keep it Simple Silly</h2>
<p>So KISS keep it simple stupid as a strategy. I want to use off-the-shelf tools that we all have. I want to do so where there’s minimal learning required on your part, so you feel comfortable that creating a short video for your business or personal endeavor is simple.</p>
<p>I’m going to avoid anything that takes a lot of time such as editing in post production to any large degree so that you can learn along with me, develop your own capacity to do this on your own and then take it to any level that you desire.</p>
<h2>Time to make the video</h2>
<p>So with this all written out now to introduce the idea of doing this each day &#8211; it’s time for me to go out and make a quick video intro/summary and post it up along with this article.</p>
<p>Here’s to Day002 of 2021!</p>
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		<title>Sharing Tech Tips for Leaders and Parents</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/sharing-tech-tips-for-leaders-and-parents/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2021 23:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Journey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41177</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[It seems like every year I want to start off writing regularly and then get sidetracked with a million business, family and personal projects. But persistence is one of my “four words” that I try and live by. Simplify, Clarity, Focus, Persist. So I’m just going to stick to it… and once again start sharing [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>It seems like every year I want to start off writing regularly and then get sidetracked with a million business, family and personal projects.</h2>
<p>But persistence is one of my “four words” that I try and live by.</p>
<h2>Simplify, Clarity, Focus, Persist.</h2>
<p>So I’m just going to stick to it… and once again start sharing some thoughts with the theme of “being helpful”.</p>
<p><iframe title="Day001 / Write Every Day - Be Helpful" width="1080" height="810" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/esfjHAm3els?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Always Be Learning</h2>
<p>I’m an aggressive and continual learner. I’m always finding new tips, tricks, and helpful insights to use technology to get more done faster in one’s business and personal endeavors.</p>
<h2>Using Technology to Make Life/Business Better</h2>
<p>I want to start organizing some of those thoughts into a collection of resources for:</p>
<h3>1) <strong>Executives and business professionals</strong> who are always under pressure to get more done faster and better… and</h3>
<h3>2) <strong>Parents</strong> who want to help their kids learn, grow and develop entrepreneurial business and technology skills so that they can compete, succeed and prosper in today’s new economy.</h3>
<h2>A Daily Commitment</h2>
<p>So to that end I will try and focus my daily writing on organizing resources and insights along those lines.</p>
<p>Just wanted to go on record and get this first post out there on day one of the new year and prayerfully keep a 365 day streak going.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41179" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/c00a3-write-every-day-type-logo-step-align-7346158-600x420.jpg" alt="c00a3-write-every-day-type-logo-step-align" width="600" height="420" /></p>
<h2>Thank you for your encouragement</h2>
<p>Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in reminding me that sharing is caring 🙂</p>
<p>Here’s to a great 2021!</p>
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		<title>Google Classroom Overview for Parents (and kids)</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/google-classroom-overview-for-parents-and-kids/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:21:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41093</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We are kicking of virtual school this year and I found this super helpful, short video helping parents (in just 9 minutes) learn everything they need to know in order to best support their kids with using Google Classroom. Google Classroom is a digital classroom platform where teachers most assignments, materials, announcements, and more. In [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We are kicking of virtual school this year and I found this super helpful, short video helping parents (in just 9 minutes) learn everything they need to know in order to best support their kids with using Google Classroom.</p>
<p><iframe title="How to Use Google Classroom for Parents!" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IgS-hoSIjnw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Google Classroom is a digital classroom platform where teachers most assignments, materials, announcements, and more.</p>
<p>In this video, you’ll learn how to optimize the settings of Google Classroom to best suit the needs of your family, how students can join classes, how students can look up what assignments they still need to complete, as well as what assignments have already been graded.</p>
<p>You’ll also learn how to use the calendar function to support with time management, how students can ask public and private questions, as well as how to receive email notification about missing and upcoming work directly to your inbox.</p>
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		<title>‘Back to Blog’ Season – it’s been 170 days!</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/back-to-blog-season-its-been-170-days/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=41076</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[‘Back to Blog’ Season &#8211; it’s been 170 days! I took quite a bit of time off from regular writing on the blog since we got back from visiting Great Wolfe Lodge during spring break. That was March 15th, 2020. Looking back over the summer it seems like it was years ago. With the back [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>‘Back to Blog’ Season &#8211; it’s been 170 days!</h1>
<p>I took quite a bit of time off from regular writing on the blog since we got back from visiting <a href="https://www.greatwolf.com/">Great Wolfe Lodge</a> during spring break. <strong>That was March 15th, 2020.</strong> Looking back over the summer it seems like it was years ago. With the back to school (virtual/remote/in-class) season starting up I thought it would be a good idea to<em> get back into the groove</em> of writing more and sharing some insights each day.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41078" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/backtoblog-2474556.jpg" alt="back to the blog" width="700" height="420" srcset="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/backtoblog-2474556.jpg 700w, https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/backtoblog-2474556-480x288.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p>
<p>In preparing for our 4th/5th graders going back to school at Bible Center School, you can look forward to seeing some thoughtful insights on educational / technology resources for kids. I&#8217;m going to be doing alot with the kids to help them learn coding, <a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/">scratch</a>, <a href="https://web.roblox.com/create">game creation</a>, <a href="https://www.oculus.com/">VR</a>, AI, 3D Printing, <a href="https://www.vexrobotics.com/">VEX robotics</a>, <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/">Arduino</a> / <a href="https://www.raspberrypi.org/">RaspberryPi</a> creations, and all sorts of fun STEM projects.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41080" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/stem-2428709-600x377.jpg" alt="stem" width="600" height="377" /></p>
<p>I’ve also had time this summer to clean out the garage and make room for the <a href="https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck">Cybertruck</a> (yes!). I’ve found all sorts of memorable treasures from years gone by in several different businesses, each of them quite ‘blogworthy’ and with their own interesting story behind them.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41079" src="https://www.paulhelmick.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cybertruck1-9806333-600x337.jpg" alt="cybertruck1" width="600" height="337" /></p>
<p>I’ll continue to share more <a href="https://www.paulhelmick.com/biz/">business, marketing, and technology</a> related articles &#8211; focused on the ‘digital business transformation’ theme that <a href="https://www.healthventures.info/">Health Ventures advisory and professional services</a> teams focus on.</p>
<p>You’ll be able to find everything here on the blog, in our monthly or weekly email digest or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paulhelmick">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paulhelmick">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhelmick/">LinkedIn</a>. I hope these are helpful as you learn and grow in your own family or business endeavors.  I&#8217;ll continue to post my<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paulhelmick/"> daily photo&#8217;s on Instagram</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s to a new season and rhythm of writing! And my continued prayers for everyone health, safety, family and businesses as we enter this new season of fall 2020 together.</p>
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		<title>SpaceX Crew Dragon Is the Most Anticipated Launch of the Year</title>
		<link>https://www.paulhelmick.com/spacex-crew-dragon-is-the-most-anticipated-launch-of-the-year/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[helmick]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2020 17:05:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspiring]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.paulhelmick.com/?p=40797</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[SpaceX is about to launch its Crew Dragon, and is making history by bringing back human spaceflight to U.S. soil. This is an incredible six minute overview of what&#8217;s going to happen tomorrow I&#8217;ve only seen one other special launch live from Cape Canaveral years ago Been blessed with a close high school friend who&#8217;s [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>SpaceX is about to launch its Crew Dragon, and is making history by bringing back human spaceflight to U.S. soil.</h2>
<ul>
<li>This is an incredible six minute overview of what&#8217;s going to happen tomorrow</li>
<li>I&#8217;ve only seen one other special launch live from Cape Canaveral years ago</li>
<li>Been blessed with a close high school friend who&#8217;s been intimately involved with NASA, the shuttles and the space station over the years. Amazing to see continued progress and innovation like this.</li>
</ul>
<p><iframe title="SpaceX Crew Dragon Is the Most Anticipated Launch of the Year" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEJi3ewHV1g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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