What Happens in Vegas...Gets shared!

Wow! I have to say there was so much valuable information shared in one day, my head was spinning. My to do list just kept expanding. I appreciate that other TpT teachers were open and willing to share their tips for success. I know that is the part of teaching, blogging, social media(ing) that I enjoy. Teacher helping, encouraging, motivating other teachers. Now, I have the opportunity to share my AHA moments with you. I'm linking up with A Burst of First to share my experience. There were many sessions, so be sure to visit other bloggers to get their insights. I will be!

Wendie and I attended the Kickoff Keynote session where we heard the founder of TpT, Paul Edelman, speak. I was just amazed how an idea (teachers selling their products) grew into what TpT is today. The growth and continued growth is truly amazing. Deanna Jump shared her story of success and emphasized the importance of quality of products over quantity of products.

Here are my AHA moments.

First Session
 Jen Jones

 Providing Top-Notch Customer Care for Your Buyers

• Covers of product should reflect fun and rigor of that product
• On TpT use Custom Categories to make finding products easier and organized
• Products put on TpT need to have 4 thumbnails, a detailed product description (more is better), and preview 
• When you provide feedback as a buyer make sure it is meaningful and explicit. 
• Provide your followers on TpT with notes once a month. Choose non peak times and make it catchy

Second Session
Laura Candler

Winning at Facebook: How to Connect, Engage, and Inspire!

 She has over 400,000 (yup, really) friends

•  2 to 5 posts a day. You can schedule post just like in blogger.
• Possible posts: links to blog posts, freebies and TpT store, engaging questions, quotes, cartoons, etc.
• Post good content (50% free) find your niche
• Facebook freebies (check out Woobox)

Third Session
Hadar Maor

Beginning Blogging it's Serious Business
Handout has clickable links-

• Widgets to have on your sidebar: follow by email, labels, popular posts, and blog list
• Don't post pictures of your students without parent permission
• Take nice pictures to post
• Have a schedule to follow: posts, giveaways, product reviews, guest bloggers, etc.

 Final Session
Jennifer White

Make Your Product Pop!

• Create great covers- colorful, easy to read, and attractive
• Look for trends in colors and graphics
• Proofread your work and ask other bloggers/teacher friends to help proofread. You can trade product for proofreaders
• Here is a great link for HTML codes for TpT products and blogs http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/bHTML-code-for-your-TPT-products-and-teachers-webb-78137

These were my AHA moments. I hope you find them helpful. 

Currently in July

Where has the time gone? I love teaching, but I also love being on vacation. I don't have to wake up early, I can sip my coffee, I can hang out with my dogs all day long, and since my hubby is also a teacher we get to hang out together all summer long. Cool huh?

Another big thank you to Farley, for sharing her monthly currently with all of us. So here is what's happening in my little world.

Listening: There has been FIFA World Cup fever in my house since the games started. With the USA and Mexico  out my hubby and I can enjoy watching with less emotional attachment. Good job Netherlands!

Loving: My iPad is amazing! I love that it is small enough that I can take it anywhere. Much lighter than my laptop. It is also bigger than my iPhone screen which makes browsing much easier.
I now have access to tons of apps too. I recently purchased iDoceo which is for teachers and has a grade book, planner, schedule, as well as other nifty features. This app was recommended by Ladybug's Teacher Files back in March 19, 2013. That's how long I have needed this iPad. She does a great job explaining all the bells and whistles.

Thinking: Yup- summer is just flying by. Ahh! I return to work August 6th. I typically go in a week or two early to set up. I don't like feeling rushed or the pressure of not being ready for the first day of school.

Wanting: Oh I love chocolate and there are certain times when I want (need) chocolate more than others. They have these delicious dark chocolate peanut butter cups at Trader Joe's that are simply delicious!

Needing: The TpT conference in Las Vegas is happening Friday, July 11th. And being that the 2 Smart Wenches live in California we are driving to Vegas on Thursday so that we are rested for Friday. I think this is going to be such a great opportunity to hear from successful TpTers (not a word) and learn from their successes. Thus - I need a new outfit.

Our Plans: My hubby and I enjoyed a nice lunch with my family and then headed home before dark. Lefty and LuLu do not like fireworks at all and although fireworks are not allowed in our city we can still hear the booms from the neighboring cities. Luckily, my hubby and I have a system to help them get through the fourth of July. Our system- AC on all night, windows closed, TV on (loud), and Benadryl if needed. I think this was the best year yet- they never heard a boom and slept through the night :)