I recently had a computer crisis -- my desktop computer wouldn't boot-up. That was not a good way to start the day -- especially as I had to revise and upload some files for the course I teach at FDU and finalize and e-mail a client's press release. Luckily, I have an external hard drive and I do backup my files (not quite as often as I should, which is supposed to be daily, but at least every few days). So I was able to link the external hard drive to my netbook, revise the files, and upload them. And access the press release and e-mail addresses through my on-line Google e-mail account. On my way to school I dropped off my CPU at the computer repair guy (an experience all of its own). He removed a lot of cat hair from inside (which certainly improved performance) and had it ready to pick up the next morning. Between my netbook and my smartphone, I barely missed a beat.

But, the big lesson learned is . . . backup, backup, backup. Don't run the risk of losing access to your files. Along with all of my documents and photos, I backup my bookmarks and, periodically, my complete profiles for Firefox and Thunderbird. This way I can reproduce my inbox and address book as well as my Internet identity (tricks I learned when moving from one computer to another). Yes, my computer was easily fixed, but losing access to my files for even a day would have been disastrous. There are several options for backing up your computer. I use an external hard drive (you can usually find one on sale at Staples or Best Buy) and a program called Cobian Backup (there are other programs available). There are also on-line companies that provide backup services (e.g., Carbonite). Find what you are most comfortable with (and most likely to use on a regular basis) and backup your computer now!

Introducing my Samsung Intercept -- powered by Google's Android system . . . yes, I now have a smartphone. Within a day I'd learned to download my own ringer (once again my phone calls are announced by the Allman Brothers' "Jessica") and I managed to send a photo to the phone so that one of my Barnegat Lighthouse photos is the wallpaper. I've downloaded a few apps, including Keyring, which scanned all of my loyalty cards (my wallet is now half-as-thick!) And when I had some recent computer troubles, it was great to be able to easily access my e-mail. I'm still learning all the wondrous things this phone can do, which I'm sure will take a while. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, it makes and receives phone calls. And the calls are clearer than with my old phone.

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Many people use LinkedIn to find a job, but you should also be using it as one of the marketing tools for your business. Not sure how to do that? I can review your LinkedIn profile and show you how to make it better. And if you aren't on LinkedIn yet, I can help you set-up your profile. Make an appointment today and let LinkedIn work for you!

And don't forget, I'm a Certified Constant Contact Expert and a Constant Contact Solution Provider. Which means I can help you with your e-mail marketing -- set-up, content, or something more advanced. To learn more, click here. Let me help you get started or do even better.