Meet Your Barista

I live in the coffee capital of the world: Seattle, Washington, where independent cafés thrive. Tucked among behemoth retail giants, tiny bistros serve up generous portions of ambiance and delicious fare at moderate prices.

My own life – and the way I do business – embodies what I like most about bistros:

Jeans & t-shirts.

I work from my home office (or from my local bistro), where comfort rules. I believe people work smarter and more efficiently when they’re comfortable. So suits and heels are out (except during business meetings). Fuzzy slippers are in. (I’ve even been spotted wearing slippers to and from business meetings!)

Conversation.

I taught high school (journalism and English) for over a decade. Did a three-year stint as a corporate PR director at a start-up. Wrote (and published) three books and hundreds of magazine articles. Blogged professionally. Keynoted at conferences.

During the 27+ years of my career, I’ve learned one important thing about myself:

I love helping people.

That’s it. Bottom line. Whether I’m delivering a keynote presentation to hundreds, teaching a workshop to a small group, or chatting with one individual, my chief delight comes from knowing I’ve helped someone.

I believe in speaking plain English. If you want me to impress you with hundred dollar words, I can do that (after all, I was an English teacher). But I prefer using small, easy-to-understand words. Not so I can talk down to you, but so we can talk with each other.

When we chat, you’re not going to hear techno-geekspeak from me. I detest techno-jargon, and if you catch me using it, I give you permission to slap me (virtually, that is).

I teach social media workshops at conferences around the U.S. Visit my Speaking gigs page to see some of the places you can find me in 2010.

Generous portions at moderate prices.

I subscribe to a bunch of marketing e-newsletters and blogs about how to become a better blogger. One that recently appeared in my Inbox announced, “Attend the ____ Webinar and learn how to maximize your online marketing efforts. Only $995!”

$995? As in nine hundred ninety-five dollars?

Who has $995 sitting around, waiting to line the pockets of an online marketer? I certainly don’t.

I’ve also succumbed to the allure of “free” teleseminars that are hour-long advertisements-in-disguise for the $995 Webinar. “Where’s the beef?” I wonder, as I hang up in disgust.

I believe in delivering the “beef” (or the veggie sandwich, if you’re not into red meat). I specialize in creating virtual teams of highly-skilled professionals:

• Graphic designers
• Freelance writers
• Brand identity consultants
• Social media gurus
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts

My fees aren’t the lowest you’re going to find. Nor are they the highest. They’re fair. When you work with the Blogging Barista (that’s me, Laura Christianson), you’ll get prompt, personal service customized to your needs. You’ll get more than you pay for.

What are you waiting for? Check out our full menu of services, and make a reservation at the Blogging Bistro.

Look forward to chatting with you!