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| Issue: # 30 | September/2010 | |
Greetings!
 Just finished watching the PBS series "The Human Spark." Hosted by Alan Alda, it explored the questions of what makes us human. And the piece that fascinated me was studies that indicated the same parts of the brain used for thinking from anothers perspective are the same parts used for thinking about ourselves, but in a different time (past or future). Cool stuff. What is it they say about the difference between tragedy and comedy? "Time and Distance?" Ok, ok...so what does that have to do with...well, anything? The fact is, these parts of the brain come in handy in our professional world. Specifically, when we need to plan for factors outside of our organization ("Distance") or for the future ("Time"). And the more we can effectively do this, the better for ourselves and our organizations. How often do we hear about someone go on about the "Here and Now?" But when I think the term now, part of my thoughts go to the "How shortsighted." |
| September Lunchinar: When is IT Obsolete? | | |
Ok, the question of when to update is a serious one (in spite of an article somewhat to the contrary elsewhere in this issue).
And that's why it's the topic of the next free Lunchinar.
How do you make that decision as to when to upgrade infrastructure? From strictly a cost-benefit, bottom-line standpoint? Do you abandon existing applications?
Let's explore this further, shall we? Join us on Wednesday, September 15th from 11:30 am to 1:30pm at Hattie's Cafe, for a free lunch, some conversation, and probably (we admit it) a couple of bad jokes.
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| When is IT Obsolete? | | |
Ok, so your stuff works...kinda. I mean, there's that one program that if you start it while the other program is running, *look out!* Or the other program that you can run ok, but it won't take files from the newer version. And if you load a website that has anything like multi-media...ummm...everythin looks like a film strip (ask your parents). And you gotta hit the 'W' key just right,
Otherwwwwwwwwwwwwwwise...
But you're actually safer than some. Recently you were hit with a virus, but the old PC couldn't run it.
Phew...
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| Simplex-IT Summer Picnic | | |
This year's annual Simplex-IT Picnic was a sucess! Bob, John, Kevin and I enjoyed meeting and talking with over 60 people, like Dave who came all the way from Youngstown! We had an exciting foosball game as well as live entertainment provided by our own John Harrow!
The hamburgers and brats were great thanks to Bob's wife Julie providing her grilling expertise as well as great baked beans! Our guests were able to view the new Disaster Recovery solution from our partner, eFolder, and of course, everyone got a good look at Office 2010 we had on display.
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| Microsoft Office Web Apps Are Here! | | |
Now no matter where you go, if you have an internet connection you have the ability to create, edit, save and store Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote documents through Office Web Apps. You do NOT need to have Office installed on the host computer! Yes, it's Office on the Web.
And the best part is these Web Apps are being made available by Microsoft for free! That's right, I said free!
All you need to access these cool new apps is a Windows Live ID, which is another free service that Microsoft offers (http://www.live.com). Once you access the Live website you will see a menu that provides many additional free features including Hotmail, Messenger, Photo sharing and, of course, Office.
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| Join Simplex-IT on Facebook | | |
Facebook - everyone is doing it...and now Simplex-IT is too!
Join our Facebook page to learn about the lastest IT technology. See pictures from our Free Lunchinars and from our Summer Picnic.
Just click below to go to our Facebook page, login and click the like button at the top of the page! See you on Facebook!
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| What Business Networking Questions Can You Stand Answers To? | |
by Patricia Weber
Is one of the reasons you avoid networking, because the answers to some of the questions you ask make you want to look at your shoes and puke? Introverts and even extroverts, like Stephanie Rainbow Bell, "The No B.S. Coach" claim being allergic to networking because of all the BS that goes on in elevator pitches and conversations. Sometimes, when I let my introvert guard down, the same feeling of disgust overwhelms me. But when I prepare, with good questions, I leave feeling positive about the event, the people I meet and my own networking results. Let's get down to some questions that you might consider asking to get beyond that make-me-hold-my-nose-in-disgust small talk: Introvert-itudeŠ: Masterful questions come naturally and can help you keep the focus off of you and on the other person. 1. One question which is just above small talk radar for meeting new people which can yield valuable insights, "How is it you're here at this event tonight and not doing something else?" At first they might laugh. Then you hear, they're a member of the group, they serve on the speakers committee, one of their partners loves the group or they just popped in because there was nothing better to do. Listening to a person's response will give you a bit about their style, their connections and them as a person. 2. My guess is most of us, introvert and extrovert alike, have little problem connecting with friends when networking. If you're like me though, falling into the "How are you?" often gets that stare into nowhere, hidden behind a smile on someone's face even if you know them. Yield, can't stand the answer. I often like surprising my friends and instead ask, "So why haven't I see YOU lately?" Much better because it starts with a laugh and then moves to the real nitty gritty of why they've been missing in action. 3. If I like who I'm face-to-face with, friend or new acquaintance, one of my favorite questions is, "Who can I introduce you to here tonight?" I've been in business in my community for 30 years so I do know many people. My reason for asking this question is to determine if I am going to be able to help this person and to discover how clear they are about who their customer is. It helps with assessing the mutual benefit of deepening the relationship. Two thoughts so you don't work so hard with this: Small talk is just that; small. That's why introverts can't stand those answers to many small talk questions. You don't need a lot of questions, you just need a few information gathering rich questions. Build up to power question that dig deep. One Stephanie uses most, "What are the 3 things you are most passionate about?" This will shine on a light on a more meaningful conversation and be a question you want to have the answer to. Will any of these questions work for you? What are some questions YOU can stand the answers to when you engaged in business networking? Patricia Weber is an internationally recognized expert on radio and in print as a Business Coach for Introverts, debunking negative introvert myths so introverts can stand up and be recognized for who they are, as they are, without any disguise. Subscribe to her blog at http://www.patricia-weber.com |
| Save Time and Money with Managed Services | |
If there is one thing most small businesses can agree on is that time equals money. Small business owners are in a position where they have to be a jack-of-all-trades, often spending most of their day wearing different hats. This is the nature of the small business and while expected is not always the best way use of time. In order for a small business to be successful and remain competitive in an industry, there must be designated time for the owner to focus on growing and building the business. In many cases small businesses fail as a result of being unable to handle emergencies or other situations that are simply beyond the control and expertise of the owner.
Any business that relies on technology, which covers almost every business operating today, can benefit from managed services. Managed services providers understand that not every business has the ability to pay for an internal IT department which can be very expensive yet necessary to ensure all aspects of technology are supported. Without this backup, many small businesses find themselves in a position where they have to foot a very expensive bill to recover from a disaster or emergency. In other situations, using out-of-date or ineffective technology is simply a waste of both time and money on the part of the small business.
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| Why Your Small Business Needs an Intranet |
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One thing I like about running a small company is the ability to act quickly. Decisions are not bogged down by layers of management. In fact, most moves are made with the interested parties meeting around a conference table.
But there can come a point when your business outgrows this arrangement. You need constant, reliable and secure communications with others in the company to ensure successful growth. You need an intranet. An intranet is similar to a Web site, and it uses Internet protocols, but it's an internal network exclusive to one company. (An "extranet" also is an internal or private Web site, but access privileges are extended to designated customers, partners and/or others.)
Most large corporations use intranets. Information distribution is a huge task when you have 10,000 or more employees. Intranets can help cure that headache. I hear you, "I don't have anywhere near 10,000 employees!" But I can give you three major reasons why your small business should invest in one. Here they are:
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| Want to find out about this stuff quicker? |
| | Blog updates from Simplex-IT over the past month
Remember to check out our blog:
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| Plain Funny #22 | |
Um...ok, so this one isn't funny. But it's cool. I'm talking Asteroids here. No, not the game (which I totally ruled at back in the Dark Ages), nor any Bruce Willis-inspired piece of Hollywood.
I'm talking the real thing. Over the past 30 years, almost half a million new asteroids have been discovered (less than 10,000 of which were known in 1980). This video will show you the discovery of them visually, over a 3 minute period. Think space is empty? Guess again!
Check it out by clicking here.
And see if you can pick out the one that's heading straight for us! |
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We'd love to hear feedback about this! Send comments to Bob@Simplex-IT.com, or call us at 234.380.1277!
Sincerely,
Bob Coppedge
Simplex-IT LLC |
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