Phil Ladden . com

Look who’s using Talk Fusion Video

Click here to view video

I have found a tool and business I am really impressed with, that being Talk Fusion Studio. Yes, there are many options, some at no cost, in using the effective tool of video in one’s business or online communication. But none bring the level of branding and ease to implementing video to your business as Talk Fusion does. I’ve used YouTube, Ustream, and the like. They’re fun and shareable, but easy to get lost in the huge jungle of users. I don’t like the ads, the cumbersome uploads, lost connections, design, etc.

Three reasons I’ve chosen Talk Fusion Studio:

1. Its video email tool is superior. No downloading or attachment clogging files, unmatched quality templates, and  unlimited storage!
2. It stands out. Being able to professionally present your messages or information really creates a difference in the impression that results. The hundreds of professionally designed templates are invaluable. Or you can easily create your own brand producing presentation without having to know photoshop or any other programming design platforms.
3. Its simplicity. If you can use a mouse, you can create effective content. Gone are the days of complex video creation. I didn’t need a fancy, expensive camera nor a high priced production company. Or a studio.

Technology continues to just get better and better .. and cheaper. It amazes me what some are charging for services that the Talk Fusion product and tools give so inexpensively. Conferencing, webinars, and video emails are the communication tools now being implemented for connecting and engaging your audience. Actually, the cutting edged marketers have been paving the way for a few years. The difference now is the learning curve has leveled. The technology has been getting better and better … easier, and now is very affordable.

I bought a Flip camera (I think it was over two years ago) after reading and seeing that the use of video was the future for engaging online. I haven’t used it as I wanted, but that is finally changing.

I am seeing video being used everywhere today. This past week I’ve noticed it being added to a state’s department of education web site, a wine advisor’s blog, a local restaurant’s site, etc. There is no doubt that this technology offers a large upside opportunity.

Have you used video technology? I think it’s time.

It was less than a hundred steps, but one of the most significant events in my life.

May 21, 2011 I took a walk that was like no other. I walked my one and only daughter down the aisle for her wedding. Words do not come to me as to how this felt. It was the most meaningful walk in my life.

Seeing her so happy made me feel great. I had told her to focus on the celebration and not the pomp. She and Pete did.

While I find it difficult to express the weight of this life event, I can compare it to only two other meaningful moments from my life — the day she and Greg were born and the loss of my firstborn. Huge emotions found in all three. These are events and moments that bring into focus those things where you have discernment that what is happening is something to take notice.

So it was with a lot of happiness, pride, love, and excitement that her and I took this walk. A walk that ended with the giving away one who means so much to me to another, a young man who I think is awesome … in the presence of God, friends, and family.

This isn’t new news. And it isn’t something you write about. You watch it.

Despite my daughter’s wedding and a bum knee, another pound down using Visalus Shakes

I have just 32 days left on my first Visalus 90 Day Challenge. I am 5lbs away from my goal of losing 20lbs and reaching 185. I am feeling good about this as I have been able to pretty much maintain my weight during a time of great celebration and almost 3 weeks of not being able to walk for exercise because of my knee.

It continues to be a challenge to get to the store and pick up fresh foods … fruits and vegetables. I am also still craving a cheeseburger now and then. I’ve given in a couple times too.

I can’t say enough about the nutritional value of the Visalus Shakes. I don’t believe there is a better product available.

15 pounds lost in 58 days, no more acid reflux, and I’m getting my shakes for free because I promoted it to just 3 others!

Start your own challenge here: Begin Now

What did you think of the Rapture last Saturday?

Well, another prediction of the end of the world has come and gone. This one actually gained a lot of attention. I started noticing the billboards here in Phoenix over a month ago telling of the end coming on May 21st. Folks were really getting worked up over it too.

May 21st also happened to be the day my one and only daughter was getting married. (THAT was a life significant event and a post is coming soon on that).

I read an article that briefly reviewed reactions in social media. The one that made me laugh was the Worst. Rapture. Ever. comment. There certainly have been a number of them. Another reaction was of a billboard that said THAT was Awkward … No Man knows the day or the hour. This may have been photo shopped, but it expressed how I felt.

These predictions seem to do more damage to people’s belief than good. It opens the flood gates for the non-believers and doubters to snicker and express criticism of Jesus’s declaration that he would return.

I like what Greg Laurie had to say in response to this rapture prediction. He is a man of God and he had come out prior to this rapture warning and said it was wrong. He states while we know this prediction was wrong – on a number of accounts – we should also ask the question, “But what is right?”

Yes, what is right?

Jesus is still coming. Despite the false prediction. The signs are present, have been, and are all-confirming.

This mockery and ridicule is even a sign of the end times as the Bible says, “Mockers will say, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ ”

Laurie reminds us to be ready to meet the Lord. He is coming back.

I agree. And for those who believe, there is no fear or worry about when the Rapture comes.

Oh, according to the false prophet, there was a mis-calculation and the real event will be later this year. October 21 …

Visalus weight loss good news, bad news

Day 49 of the 90 Day Visalus Challenge was recorded this past Sunday. Good news was that I maintained my weight from the previous week, remaining at a 14lb loss thus far in using the Vi-Shape shake.

I say this is good as I continue to be unable to do any exercise as my right knee continues to heal slowly. It appears I have had a gout attack! At least I am now walking without a noticeable limp … all the more important as I leave today for my daughter’s wedding!

I continue to enjoy the shakes and look forward to them each day. This past week I did eat a couple meals that were not the best. For example, I succumbed to a desire to order a Whopper. After eating it, I clearly felt the sluggishness. It didn’t even taste that good. Those results are showing me that a good change is taking place. Eat good, feel good. Eat poorly, feel poorly!

I will be taking the shake mix with me on my trip. There will be some special meals over the next week that I will have because of the occasion. It will be a good test to show that the Visalus Challenge is more than just a temporary diet fad but more of a focus on the lifestyle change in what and how I am choosing to eat.

I continue to benefit financially by drinking the shake instead of eating lunch out. Replacing my lunch on M-F has resulted in an actual savings of over $400! For example, last Friday I splurged and went out for lunch … ordered a salad and some chicken wings. THAT totaled  over $14 plus the tip! The shake is running me about $1.50 per day … people that have told me they can’t afford it make me wonder what financial planner they are talking to.

Have you tried the Visalus Challenge? What has been your experience?

The real meaning of a come to Jesus meeting

Yesterday I jokingly made a reference on it being time for a Come to Jesus Meeting(!). I add the exclamation because of the connotation of this expression. Ironically the same day, I heard another reference to it being time to bring the powers that be to a sit down come to Jesus meeting.

And it was then that I realized the mis-representation in this expression.

Both examples were said in references to job situations. One party had just about had enough and thougth it was time to set another party straight. Hence, it was tiem fo ra come to Jesus meeting! Problems were going to be confronted and things addressed, or else.

Come to Jesus Meetings expressions are used when one has had enough. So there is an understanding that we’re bringing Jesus and the guilty will be judged! Dealt with!

Ahhh, but therein lies the deception. For most, it seems, the return of Jesus is about the judgement of the world. All will be made known and further, all will be understood. The Bible promises that. It also is clear that at His name, every knee will bow. All authority is given to Jesus.

So this seems to be the connotative meaning behind the term come to Jesus meaning.

But, the message of Jesus was GOOD NEWS (the gospel). That His coming again was really about a rescue. That through His sacrifice, we have re-connection with our Creator. So in this light, a come to Jesus meeting would be more of a welcome! A celebration! This meeting would be one where Jesus wasn’t there to straighten you out; it was a meeting to accept you back in the fold, forgive, no questions asked, no need to defend. Grace.

I want to go to that meeting.

Next time I am invited to a come to Jesus meeting, I want to know which gospel is being used. I’ll decline the first one and look for the rescue.