Now that Spring is here, it's time for spring-cleaning. I read a good article from Mashable called "8 Ways to Give Your Gadgets a Spring Cleaning". Some may seem a little strange but some make a lot of sense. First on the list are "designer" microfiber cloths from Lynktec -- used to clean your phone screens, computer screens, etc. Each cloth has a piece of artwork on one side (I've already ordered the Japanese print), is reasonably priced, and is washable. Next on the list is compressed air, used to clean dust from keyboards, desktops, etc. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can be used for cleaning the outside of laptops.

Number four on the list is making your own cleaning solution using 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol aka IPA). Remember to always spray the liquid on a soft cloth for cleaning phone and monitor screens, never spray directly on the screen. Cyber Clean looks like a green blob but is used for cleaning up your keyboard. Companies are putting together cleaning kits, like iKlear. (Photo shows display at Staples.) Number seven says you can clean your keyboard in the dishwasher (making sure to let it dry completely before plugging it back in), something I'm NOT planning to try. And finally there are UV light units to disinfect your phone. (See the article for details). Happy cleaning!!

Remember the days at the swimming pool, when the life guard would yell "No Running"? Well, sometimes that applies to life too. I've written in the past about my problem of trying to do "just one more thing" before running out the door and running late. I'm getting much better about making myself leave on-time (or sometimes even early). But what has really helped is a lesson I learned from my Rabbi. She went to Oxford to learn Yiddish (well, you have to learn it somewhere!) One of her professors had a favorite saying, "Loif Nisht" or "Don't Run". He used it when a student tried to speak too fast and got a tangled tongue or if a student got frustrated trying to get through a translation.

This has now become my mantra. When I'm driving somewhere and I get frustrated by a red light or a back-up in traffic, Loif Nisht. When I'm trying to finish something and I start getting impatient, Loif NIsht. And do you know what? The less I rush, the sooner I get where I'm going or the sooner I finish what I'm doing. And I'm calmer and happier. It's amazing!

The financial industry has special concerns and needs when it comes to social media. FINRA has put together various policies and guidelines for using things like LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, etc. Having worked with financial advisers before and remembering the stringent approval process, I know this can be a problem. However, I've been researching and reading all of the resources out there, so I am here to help! If you're in the finance world and haven't ventured into social media yet because you're worried about FINRA, let me help you!

Are you interested in trying e-mail marketing? I am a Certified Constant Contact Expert and a Constant Contact Solution Provider. Which means I can help you with your e-mail marketing -- whether it's helping with set-up, writing the content, or doing something more advanced. I can even set up your contact lists, help you choose a template, and develop your e-mail schedule. To learn more, click here.

E-mail marketing is a way to stay in front of your customers. Whether it's an e-letter (like this one), notice of a special event or sale, or just a holiday greeting, e-mail marketing should be a part of your marketing package. Let me help you get started.