Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
Monday, January 30th, 2012 |
January’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter has a full line-up of great articles. Start with Dave Weatherholt’s insightful economic summary – “Milk Toast Economy.” Learn about the “Common Network Cold” from Tim White, “The Risk of Serving” by Chris Pobieglo and “Yelp for Small Business” from Amanda Cullen. Finally, Dave gives us a civics lesson with “Caucus vs. Primary.”
Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – January 2012
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Posted in Business Insurance, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Risk, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, January 12th, 2012 |
In my first article in my computer back-up series, I encouraged businesses to take their back-up strategy seriously. In this month’s article, Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk, Part 2, I continue:
“Now that your backup procedures are second nature, what steps are you taking to verify that the data is recoverable and usable? Creating a backup of your data is only the halfway mark. There are other steps that must to be followed to ensure that, in the event of a catastrophe, you do not lose data.”
Read the article: Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk, Part 2
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Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, December 29th, 2011 |
December’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter wraps up the year with some great articles – including marketing planning for 2012 from Amanda Cullen and economic news from David Weatherholt. Christopher Pobieglo advises on the sensitive subject of employee theft, while Tim White continues his series on computer back-ups.
Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, December 19th, 2011 |
Crowd Funding Brings Unease
The House approved a bill that would let companies sell equities online. Senator Scott Brown (R., Mass.) introduced a similar measure. Listen as Dave discusses the overwhelmingly positive potential of this legislation. And read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal.
Cash Flow
If your business is on a calendar year, then you are approaching the end of this year. Have you been tracking your performance numbers or are you afraid to look? If you have spent most of this year looking for cash, then chances are that you have not been very profitable. Listen as Dave discusses cash management tools that work.
Download these tools here:
Projected Statement of Cash Flow (Adobe PDF)
Monthly Cash Flow Status (Microsoft Excel)
Tech Talk
What if your point-of-sale system went down during peak sales on “Black Friday”? How much would that cost your business? Tim White, our technology guru, discusses the inevitable but avoidable business risk– backing up your IT system. Visit Tim at www.akcb.com.
Listen or download below:
Go With the Flow
Posted in Finance, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Risk, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 |
Computer back-ups are the avoidable business risk, as I write in this month’s Tech Talk article. Even if your backups are spread across multiple external hard drives, your valuable data isn’t truly secure.
Read the article: Computer Back-Ups
Tech Talk is sponsored by ACB Solutions.
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Posted in Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 |
November’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter brings the latest economic news, marketing tips and technology advice. Our panel of authors are David Weatherholt, with his “800-Pound Gorilla” and “Go With the Flow articles, Tim White with “Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk” and Amanda Cullen who answers “Should I be on Twitter?”
Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 |
In the first installment of my Tech Talk column, I advise computer users on my best tip for troubleshooting, “The ‘What Changed?’ Effect“:
“In the world of Information Technology, there is no cookie-cutter solution when setting up computer networks. Even when using the same hardware, the results from two network configurations can vary. So what happens when there is an issue? What do you do when it’s not working the way that it’s supposed to? This is where the “What Changed?” Effect comes into play.”
Read the article – “Tech Talk: The ‘What Changed?’ Effect”
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Posted in Reducing Business Expenses, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011 |
Join the Crowd in Funding – Or Maybe Not
The House is expected to vote on legislation that would allow privately held businesses to raise money from nonaccredited investors in exchange for equity stakes. Listen as Dave discusses the pros & cons of using Crowd Funding sites to sell common stock in small businesses. Read complete article on the Wall Street Journal.
How Has Technology Changed Real Estate?
Ken Jelinek, Associate Broker with Remax Properties, Inc. joins Dave today. Listen as Ken discusses the impact that social medial and technology have on the business of buying and sell real estate. Back in the 1980s, new listings were actually printed in books, and it took weeks to get a property listed.
Marketing Matters
This month, we’re talking marketing copy. Listen as Amanda Cullen, President of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing give us 5 easy tips for writing great marketing copy.
Listen or download below:
Technology & the Realtor
Posted in Alaska, Marketing, Real Estate, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011 |
Steven Paul Jobs, 1955-2011
The passing of Steve Jobs had an impact on me. The “Information Age” developed during my business career and the entrepreneurs, innovators and founders are a source of inspiration to us all. The world will miss the inspiration and energy of Mr. Jobs. He ranks with Great American Entrepreneurs: Ford, Carnegie, Morgan, Vanderbilt, McLean, Gates, etc.
Business Succession Planning
Starting and running a small business is an emotional experience. The business contains a lot of the founder which makes it hard to pass on. Succession planning is something most small business owners don’t think about. Listen as Russell Ball, Founder and owner of ACB Solutions, a 25 year old business tells the story of his plan and how it involves Tim White, the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Find out more by visiting: www.akcb.com.
Go It Alone
Listen as Geoff Burch, author & business expert, talks about “Big Decisions” from his book Irresistible Persuasion. As usual, Geoff has some great advice along with a great story. Visit Geoff atwww.geoffburch.com.
Listen or download below:
Exit Stage Left – Business Succession Planning
Posted in Business Mentoring, Business Planning, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Sales, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, October 28th, 2011 |
Welcome to the first issue of the Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.
We’re pleased to announce our new contributors whose articles you won’t want to miss this month. Christopher S. Pobieglo, CRIS and President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc., provides expert advice concerning business risk management. Tim White is Chief Technology Officer of ACB Solutions and brings us Tech Talk each month.
And, as always, David Weatherholt gives his take on recent economic news with his nine key indicators. Amanda Cullen is back with Marketing Matters.
Don’t miss these great business articles! Read the newsletter here: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011 |
Price of Reclassifying Workers
If your business uses independent contractors, the IRS has a new plan that may cost you. Their new program called “Voluntary Worker Classification Settlement Program” will be taking a closer look at how you classify contractors/employees. Is this an attempt to raise money and increase employment? Read the complete article: “Price of Reclassifying Workers.”
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts Amanda Cullen (Zoo in a Jungle Marketing) and Steve Volz (Alaska Search Marketing) have an open discussion on the topic. Listen to learn more about how to increase business and some of the basics of SEO as well as finding an SEO provider.
Listen or download below:
SEO Roundtable
Posted in Business Planning, Finance, Government, Marketing, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, October 20th, 2011 |
Sometimes, it can feel like your PC has a “personality of its own,” especially when it comes to setting and remembering your preferences. Read this article to learn about “3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix.” (and it’s not that hard!)
Read the article: 3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix
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Posted in Technology | No Comments »
Monday, October 17th, 2011 |
Spending Wisely on Technology
People used to working in an office stocked with technology may find that starting as a solo enterprise can be painful. Listen as Dave discusses a useful reality of going it alone. Or read complete article: “Spending Wisely on Technology.”
Alaskan Association of Authors
Authors Josie & Mark McKinney are the co-founders of the Alaskan Association of Authors. Listen as they discuss the reasons for starting their company and the books they have written and published.
Listen or download below:
Written in Alaska
Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, October 14th, 2011 |
Facebook ‘Likes’ Small Business
Do you want to market your business on Facebook but don’t know how? Facebook, Inc. the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business will be able to help. Listen as Dave summarizes the new Facebook partnership and how it will help your business. Read complete article here.
Graphic Design & Technology
Listen as Adrienne Wilkerson, a graphic designer with Beacon Publishing & Design, and Dave talk about the gigantic shift technology had on the graphic design business. Adrienne also shares her experience building a business– a topic dear to all business owners’ hearts.
Tech Talk
Listen as Tim White, Chief Technology Officer with ACB Solutions introduces his new program segment Tech Talk.” Tim discusses his goal for the segment and talks about the “What Changed?” effect.
Listen or download below:
A Matter of Design
Posted in Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Marketing, Small Business, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, October 3rd, 2011 |
September was our final issue of Business/News & Views®-- but don’t worry! We have a great new eNewsletter venture for next month. Read all about it in Dave Weatherholt’s editorial, “Last Issue of Business/ News & Views.”
Then read Dave’s Economic News Summary (although you probably won’t enjoy his conclusions, it’s important for every business to understand the direction our economy is heading). Regain some of your optimism with Amanda Cullen’s marketing article, “Be Good, Businesses” and out IT article about stubborn PC problems you can fix.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®- September 2011
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Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, September 29th, 2011 |
One of the biggest factors in productivity for office workers is the amount of screen real estate they have. Learn how to increase your screen real estate in the article Dual Monitor Setup: Two Monitors Are Better Than One. It’s easier than you might think!
Read the full article: Dual Monitor Setup: Two Monitors Are Better Than One
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Posted in Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 |
The August Business/News & Views ® is full of great advice for businesses. From the marketing front, Amanda Cullen gives 5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Company, and our IT article on using dual monitors will really boost productivity.
Dave weighs in with his economic report– and since that’s not very encouraging these days, his Views article extolls Wealth Creation the American Way.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views ®
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Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Innovation, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, August 18th, 2011 |
Many companies are making the leap to wireless networks in the office for both financial savings in overall equipment and sheer convenience for their employees – this month’s Business/News & Views® offers an article on “Working Wirelessly: What You Need to Know.”
Read the full article: “Working Wirelessly: What You Need to Know”
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Posted in Reducing Business Expenses, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2011 |
As summer marches on, July’s Business/News & Views® brings some really hot articles for small business owners and entrepreneurs. First up, get some Facebook marketing tips from Amanda Cullen. While you’re learning about technology, check out our article on working wirelessly.
David’s articles are quite entertaining, even though they are on sober topics: surviving an audit and the state of the US economy. He encourages you to “Protect Your Pockets” while chiding the US government that helping the economy “Isn’t Rocket Science.”
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
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Posted in Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2011 |
In this article from Microsoft, learn “4 Ways to Simplify Your Powerpoint Presentation.” The article starts:
“Microsoft PowerPoint is a terrific medium because it allows you to reinforce your message with visual prompts. But too often, the power of PowerPoint is lost because the speaker doesn’t use it to help viewers focus on the message.”
Read the article: “4 Ways to Simplify Your Powerpoint Presentation”
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Posted in Marketing, Sales, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, July 25th, 2011 |
Contractors Survey: New EPA Rule to Increase Costs
Home-renovation businesses expect a federal ruling proposed last month to increase operating costs and dampen sales, according to a recently released survey. This survey is a great example of government regulation impacting small business. Read the full article at the Wall Street Journal blog.
>Entrepreneur takes a leap of faith
What is an entrepreneur? If you said a person who assembles the factors of production, raises capital, organizes management, makes policy decisions, and reaps the gains of success or the losses of failure, you would be correct. The short answer is anyone who risks everything to start a business. Steve Volz, of Alaska Search Marketing, left a good job with a steady paycheck and benefits to pursue the dream of owning his own business. Listen as Steve tells the story of how he took a “leap of faith.”
Marketing Matters
Does your business use email marketing as part of its marketing plan? Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing provides good reasons why you should and “how to do it right.”
Listen or download below:
Leap of Faith
Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Government, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, June 30th, 2011 |
June’s Business/News & Views® continues David’s journey through the audit process, with helpful advice for all who file a Schedule C. Dave also points out that the economy still feels bad, although we’re technically not in a double-dip recession. Learn great email marketing tips from Amanda Cullen, and pick up some advice on how to use PowerPoint.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
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Posted in Business Planning, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 |
In the latest Business/News & Views, we had an article “9 Ideas for Managing Files and Folders.” Here’s a preview:
“The tips in this article can help you master file management by supplying some tips to help you better manage and organize computer files. After you’ve decided on a strategy for organizing and managing files and folders, we bet you’ll see improved time management skills and increased productivity.”
Read the article: 9 Ideas for Managing Files and Folders
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Posted in Technology | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 |
May’s Business/News & Views® brings some encouragement amidst continuing dour economic news – that the US is still a powerhouse. David Weatherholt keeps it upbeat as he details his recent experience with auditors, while marketing expert Amanda Cullen advises businesses with tips for creating that great first impression. In our tech section, learn 9 ideas for managing files and folders on your computer.
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Posted in Business Planning, Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, May 26th, 2011 |
Any computer with an Internet connection can easily be turned into a global radio receiver. All it takes is some software and some tips on where to look, so you can listen to live radio or streaming radio. Let’s spin the dial.
Read the full article: Listen to the Radio on your Computer
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Posted in Technology | No Comments »
