Posted by admin on May 31st, 2010 — Posted in Social Sites
Looking for somewhere online to meet new people, discuss hobbies, plan events, or just have fun chatting? Internet forums have been around for some time on the web and often are free and easy to setup. Forums are basically online discussion web sites where people share information and chat grouped around a set of topics. One example might be a local photography club. You could setup topics around types of cameras, locations for shooting, local events and meetings, printing tips, etc. Often there are administrators and moderators that help to keep the discussion orderly and on topic.
Some items to consider when starting an online forum include…
Cost - Often you can find them for free. There will probably be some advertising on the site, but don’t most sites now a days?
Features - Does the forum support avatars, private messages, user levels, themes, etc.
Security - Is it possible to create forums that only register users can post in? Helps to avoid those spammers.
I cannot stress the last one enough. You should be completely able to control who is in your forums. One bad apple spoils the bunch. On that same note, it is common for a forums to have moderators. These are people that help enforce the rules in the forum. Make sure your choose your help wisely. When it comes to administrators, there should only ever be one. Administrators have the keys to the city and can set your forum ablaze.
Finally to make a forum a success you need to attract people to it to join. Obviously if it is for a church or some other established group, this is relatively easy. Tell your friends, family, club members. If you are starting from scratch, do the same. Tell people, show people, invite people. Check to see if your forum site is listed in search engines like google. Once you get past that initial setup and recruitment your will soon be on your way to having a forum that you and your friends can enjoy.
George Hubka has a masters degree in software engineering has been building and running web sites for more than a decade. Visit www.AtTheForum.com to get started with your own online community today
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Posted by admin on November 13th, 2009 — Posted in Baker's Dozen, Social Sites
Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) was set up by Henry Kravis and George Roberts in the seventies with the help of the First Chicago Corporation. However, they have launched an unusual venture which centers not simply on how profitable a company is, but also on the environmental impact of the companies they acquire. Environmentally aware business processes became more widely recognized in 2008 when Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co’s Henry Kravis and the non-profit environmental advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) joined forces. Issues like hazardous emissions and unreasonable consumption of water resources feature high on their agenda.
Eco-efficiency (a phrase initially submitted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development WBCSD) constitutes the framework for their mission, using ecologically aware policies such as reducing the intensity of materials, optimizing data centers for efficiency and waste reduction. Impressive though it was the management didn’t even understand the full project’s benefits until Ken Mehlman, the head of the Green Portfolio Project and global public affairs, reviewed the program when it had been operating for its first year.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Ken saw that eco-efficiency not only decreased the overall impact on the planet, but was increasing the profitability of all their business organizations too. Almost all of the firms linked with Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co and Ken Mehlman now are engaged in eco-efficiency. If you think about the fact that the entire portfolio has a net worth of 86 billion dollars, you can imagine what an enormous achievement this really is.
KKR with the Environmental Defense Fund alongside Ken Mehlman are developing the Green Portfolio project. For example, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co got together with the Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps Program which teaches students taking an MBA how to introduce financially strong, green practices.
KKR and Ken Mehlman have made the effort to formulate a series of metrics that quantify and administer various resources. This type of data is crucial as businesses can evaluate all of their day to day activities and find out how they can solve any problems while at the same time seeing their progress.
Henry Kravis, the KKC, and the Environmental Defense Fund have made going green less painful for companies large and small. In conclusion, these systems have made ecologically friendly business techniques not only viable, but commercially desirable, and their revolutionary ideas are setting a new standard in the high-pressure business world of today.
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Posted by admin on October 26th, 2009 — Posted in Social Sites
Here is the story of Stephen A. Schwarzman. Forbes named him the fifty third most well-to-do individual in the country in 2008, but it is his significant rise to power in the domain of finance as well as his generosity to non profit organizations which make his account different. This Blackstone Group magnate is inspiring and further proof that commitment and hard work are the true keys to achieving success. In the mid-eighties Steve and his co-founder launched their firm providing financial advice. The group has since grown apace and is now colossal in M&A. Having called Pennsylvania home for much of his childhood, Steve Schwarzman went to school in the Abington School District. After graduating from high school he opted to study further at the respected Yale University and was awarded his degree in 1969. He took on a program of post-graduate study at the highly esteemed Harvard Business school near Boston, MA. Then he joined with Lehman Brothers investment bank, located in New York. By the age of thirty one, he had been appointed a director.
Steve doesn’t just give of his time and money to a variety of non-profit organizations, but additionally he has also been a part-time professor at Yale. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in NYC. Additionally, Steve recently donated to the New York Public Library a hundred million dollars to help fund their expansion program. They also called their new extension the “Stephen A. Schwarzman Building”.
It is not a surprise that Steve Schwarzman is now one of America’s elite — Times Magazine recently named him as one of the one hundred most influential individuals in the world. His supremacy in the business community has been nothing short of miraculous, and without a shadow of a doubt his generosity has set business leaders a one-of-a-kind new benchmark to live up to. So the business space waits with baited breath to see what Steve will do next. To sum up, Stephen A. Schwarzman is an individual who has taken every last opportunity offered to him and in return he has at the same time employed his influence as a way to empower his community.
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Posted by admin on January 13th, 2009 — Posted in Social Sites
Why do some people ruin a perfectly good business networking opportunity by exhibiting “foot-in-mouth syndrome”? They risk alienation of the very people they paid good money to meet by behaving in a manner that makes them seem unprofessional.
There are many good, informative articles about the basics of networking, how to prepare, what to say and whom to look for. This article will look beyond the “how to” aspects and focus on “what NOT to do” when participating in business networking functions.
5 Business Networking Rules — What NOT to do:
1. Monopolize one person with your very specific questions, problems or opinions.
2. Expect free professional advice.
3. Correct, admonish, belittle, or otherwise denigrate another person either in-person or in absentia.
4. Badger anyone into scheduling a meeting.
5. Donate a “door prize” for the purpose of getting a captive audience for a sales presentation.
Now that you know what not to do, what are the corrections, what is it that you want to do instead? Here are a few solutions:
1. Monopolize one person
If you have been trying to contact a specific person and you see them at the event, this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself, ask them a few questions, talk about how you may be able to help each other and finally ask if it would be OK if you called them next Monday to follow-up. This is definitely not the time to give a sales presentation or try to close the deal.
2. Expect free professional advice
A networking event is not the time to buttonhole a businessperson and ask them how to handle a specific problem. Recently a networker asked a lawyer if his business needed trademark or copyright protection. Her reply was “This is something I can help you with, but did you know that you can go to a free government web site for basic information on copyrights, patents and trademarks?” She created a win/win with her response and diffused the free advice hound.
3. Correct, admonish or otherwise belittle
Situation: Tom and Jane were in a loose group of five people discussing various business opportunities. Jane (an executive search consultant) mentioned that she was looking to place a particular type of person in a job. Tom immediately responded that the manner in which she spoke was not within the legal parameters of employment law. The other three people in the group were instantly aware of the conflict Tom introduced, and when he proceeded to argue points about the law, they excused themselves from the conversation. This “foot-in-mouth” syndrome was proved when upon further discussion he acknowledged that the situation was not what he had assumed and she was indeed acting well within the legal parameters of the law.
4. Badger anyone into scheduling a meeting
Occasionally attendees may set a goal for themselves of scheduling “x” appointments with people they meet at the networking event. While having goals relating to networking is great, perhaps a better goal would be to identify “x” prospects for follow-up phone calls or emails. Your prospect will appreciate the fact that you value their time.
5. Donate a door prize
Door prizes are a fun way to end the evening. A free dinner, bottle of wine, book or gift certificate is always a hit with the recipient and they will remember your generosity. But companies who “donate” a consultation for the purpose of giving a sales presentation quickly gain a reputation for manipulation which is a sure kiss of death in the networking community. So, please, do give door prizes and make sure that there are no strings attached!
Gloria Berthold is president of TargetGov at Marketing Outsource Associates, Inc. and an expert in business development in the corporate and government business arenas. Visit http://www.targetgov.com for more information.
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Posted by admin on January 11th, 2009 — Posted in Social Sites
Top 3 Ways to Maximize Your Small Business Server Consulting Profits
Over the past 7 years, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has gained traction as a widely-respected Small Business Server networking suite.
As a result, many small business computer consultants, systems integrators, and value-added resellers have jumped on-board the Microsoft Small Business Server bandwagon.
However, before you go ahead and bet YOUR company on Microsoft Small Business Server, consider the following three Small Business Server Business Tips… so you can maximize your Small Business Server consulting profits.
(1) Most small businesses in your area have never heard of Microsoft Small Business Server.
Although there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses in your area that would be excellent candidates for Microsoft Small Business Server, don’t make the ultra-common mistake of assuming that the typical non-technical small business owner even knows what Microsoft Small Business Server is.
If you want to maximize your consulting profits and avoid commodity price wars, you’re much better off leading off with a pitch for something that’s more universally recognized… such as getting rid of computer viruses, stopping SPAM, or preventing computer security breaches.
(2) Sell your small business prospects on YOUR company first.
The real money in Small Business Server is NOT in reselling the Microsoft Small Business Server software. The real money comes from selling the RELATIONSHIP with the small business. So your company essentially becomes your clients’ outsourced IT department.
Remember, no small business owner is going to wake up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, craving Small Business Server. However, small business owners DO constantly lose sleep over what will happen to their companies if their computer systems fail them. Become the solution to the more primal, survival instinct and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to sell Small Business Server, once you’ve established a solid client/consultant relationship.
(3) Microsoft doesn’t value computer consultants as much as they sometimes say.
Little known fact: the first version of Microsoft Small Business Server, planned in 1996 and released in 1997, was code-named “SAM”… because Microsoft’s goal was for Small Business Server to completely bypass their reseller channel and be sold at “Sam’s Club” warehouse clubs.
So the product team had the mandate to make the Small Business Server product SO simple that a non-technical small business end user could buy Small Business Server at the warehouse club and have the Small Business Server suite running in their office that same day.
Shortly after the first-version shipped, Microsoft realized that the most cost-effective way to reach small businesses with Small Business Server was through their reseller channel. And since then, Small Business Server resources have flowed toward the channel.
However, even today, you can often find 5-user versions of Microsoft Small Business Server in retail stores.
So the point: Microsoft isn’t putting all its Small Business Server “eggs” in one basket, so why should you?!? Which brings us back to points one and two: Small business owners aren’t actively shopping for a “Small Business Server”. So instead of “selling” Small Business Server per se, you’re much better off selling a small business on YOUR company, BEFORE you sell Microsoft Small Business Server.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we looked at three Small Business Server business tips that every computer consultant, systems integrator and value added reseller needs to be aware when selling Microsoft Small Business Server.
Copyright MMI-MMV, SmallBusinessServerTips.com, All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
Joshua Feinberg helps small business computer consulting firms get more steady, high-paying clients. Sign-up now for the free training on proven Small Business Computer Consulting Secrets at www.SmallBusinessComputerConsulting.com/blog/
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Posted by admin on September 5th, 2008 — Posted in Social Sites
Bigger Better Deal. That’s what everyone always hopes will come along. And if you are one of the few who don’t, maybe you should reconsider!
Last night I was at a happy hour gathering of a bunch of my friends. There were 14 in all and we had quite a time playing musical chairs every so often to make sure everyone got to talk with everyone. We amused many of the people on the sidelines who wondered who we were and WHY we were having so much fun. The energy was contagious!
At one point the conversation settled in on what people did for a living. Since I’m getting more and more into the recruiting and placement side of my business, it seems that everywhere I go, people want to get me their resume. They want me to keep them in mind as I find new job opportunities. At first I was secretly surprised that so many people seem unsatisfied with their current work. It’s not something that people usually talk openly about so when a certain conversation came up, I thought was quite interesting.
One of the fellows that we were with happens to work at NASCAR. He’s extremely bright, hard working and loves what he does. But his attitude about work was one that I’d love to share with many of the people that I coach or have coached, because it ensures that he’ll never be stale or stagnant in a career.
He said that he told his boss “if you think I’m not always looking for another job opportunity, you’re crazy! I’m always looking and if something better (the BBD) comes along, then I’m outta here” . He also shared with his boss that he should be the same way, and that most ambitious people are like that. His attitude is pulling him forward constantly about looking at opportunities, and its’ not sitting back complaining about the situations he has no control over. He’s a great worker so there wouldn’t be any way he’d be fired for something like this, but it’s an example of how someone can continually get ahead.
After he shared the story with us, nearly everyone at the table shared a similar story. They’re all in great jobs, making an excellent income, but none of them want to become stale with what they’re doing. They want to remain excited about their work place and the work that they do, and yet, most of them had long histories with their current employers!
The conversation went into WHERE they each wanted to work after they left Charlotte. The places that came up were: Oregon, Southern CA, East coast beach town and FL. That was me of course, because my husband and I are moving there! In every case, the job was a secondary concern to HOW they wanted to live their lives. They considered the environment or the weather as one of the most important things and what the area offered them in relation to their hobbies. Some of them wanted to move just to experience another part of the county, and some of them wanted to be close to the best athletes in the world. The draw for me is coming home to family so my son can grow up around relatives.
The other sense I got at the table last night was how fortunate every single person there felt that they had met a group of people who genuinely liked each other. Everyone there had swimming in common, even if they didn’t swim, their mate did. But everyone seemed so happy to be accepted for who they are and seemed to just love the camaraderie. I remember having groups like this in high school, college and when living in NYC, but hadn’t had this again until recently until this group came together.
So what I see, is that it isn’t MONEY that makes people happy. It isn’t their house or the clothes they wear or the jewelry they adorn themselves in. It isn’t the car that they drive. Rather, it’s being with people who accept them, working in a profession where they are respected and are able to use their talents well, and live in a place where they feel comfortable.
So ask yourself: Have you gotten content? Have you settled? Are you happy with the place where you are in life? If so, FANTASTIC! If not, then get the wheels turning and get out there and start generating action. Talk to people about what they do for a living and how they like it. Call people from college or from the “old days” to check in to see what they’re up to! Subscribe to the local newspaper of the city of your choice and call a recruiter (ME!) who can start the job search for you. And JOIN a group of people who are doing something that you enjoy. It doesn’t matter if it’s scrap booking or swimming, just do something. You’ll be glad you did.
Making our decision to move was a big one, and I’ve noticed that my leap of faith has caused others to review their own life to see if they’re happy or not. I find that if you see yourself being envious of another person for making change, perhaps it’s time you made one too.
Change can be scary. Things don’t always work out. But going for the life you’ll love will always be worth it. And who knows, with a lot of persistence, you might come across that BBD!
Go for it.. and call me if you need help!
Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an Executive Communications Consultant and Trainer. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She owned and operated one of the first coaching institutions on the east coast, CCI, in NYC, Philly and NJ. Mary has appeared on ABC’s 20/20 and has self published a book on public speaking. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5, and lives in Orlando, FL.
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Posted by admin on September 4th, 2008 — Posted in Social Sites
I bet you have not thought about it much, but there are many ways you can help your customers in their daily lives. If you have a customer who just got laid off from their job, tell them you will be glad to take a few of their resumes and put them in a file box and when Corporate Executives come into the store you will be sure to put a good word in for them. Many years ago I use to drive from company to company to wash cars. Sometimes companies were hiring and sometimes laying off or closing. It was easy to put a small box behind the seat of my work truck and sense most of those who gave me their resumes were customers. I helped them and maintained a customer, because once they got a new job they could resume my mobile car wash services. It sure made people happy. I use to laugh at that, but I placed so many people over the years in jobs and they were so grateful they always referred so many new customers to me. As business owners we know thousands of people and we understand networking, use this skill to keep your customers gainfully employed so they can continue to patronize you. When you see someone out looking for a job, get their resume and keep it in a small file box behind your seat. Label ten folders with categories such as:
Clerical
Computers
Sales
Engineers
Management
Medical
Legal
Labor
Construction
Etc.
When you see a Human Resources person, take out the box and ask her if she would like to copy any of these resumes, ask her which categories and positions they are looking for put that information on the box lid on a 3 X 5 index card with their name and phone number. They’ll be impressed and want to become a permanent customer of you business because you are showing an interest in their company. This is also the easiest way to sign up a corporate account. The Human Resources person is the one who can give you the green light. You are also cutting down on the unemployment line. Good job. Think about this idea, it works.
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
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Posted by admin on August 30th, 2008 — Posted in Social Sites
Did you know that by simply participating in various forums and posting your various views and ideas, can potentially bring new growth and life to your online business?
Let’s look at some of the positive aspects that forum participation can bring to your business.
1. We are all looking for traffic to our websites and if we can get it for free with little effort, that’s even better. Did you know that when you sign up as a new member at a forum, you can usually create a “signature” line that will be attached to every post that you make in a forum? This signature line can contain your website address, and as other members read your post, this will provide another route for potential customers to find your website.
2. One of the worst things about trying to advertise on the Internet is the lack of trust between website owners and customers. Everyone is afraid of being scammed. A good way of building trust with potential prospects is by giving them a chance to get to know you, and by letting some of your knowledge, honesty and integrity show in the post that you make at a forum.
3. Most webmasters on the Internet exchange links with other like sites, because exchanging links will boost your link popularity. It’s a proven fact that you get higher search engine rankings when your site has a high PR due to your link popularity. But did you know it’s even better if you have a link pointing to your site that isn’t reciprocated? Every post that you make in a forum will create a one way link pointing to your website. If you make 1000 post in a year, you have potentially created 1000 back links pointing to your site. As the search engines crawl the Internet and detect all these links pointing to your site, your website is going to move toward the top of the search engine listings.
4. Running a business on the Internet can be a very lonely occupation. There is very little interaction with other people and this can be devastating to some. By participating in forums, you will meet other people who have online businesses and who have a lot in common with you. It’s sometimes comforting to know that there are others who share your occupational frustrations, and will be there to support you if you need them.
5. It’s a proven fact that two minds are better than one. Everyone goes through learning curves on the Internet. Whether that learning curve involves starting out, building websites, search engine optimization, or the millions of other things that you must be prepared to do on the Internet to establish your business, there is someone in your favorite forum that has been there and done that. These people will be more than happy to give you free consultations.
Best wishes to you,
About The Author
Rebecca Gilbert is a successful business owner and webmaster who has provided free consultation to hundreds of people who were getting started on a home business. Rebecca has just launched a new forum where she welcomes new members. http://www.home-business-opportunity.biz/PNphpBB2.html. All new members will be entered in a contest to receive their choice of 1000 FREE BANNER IMPRESSIONS or a FREE DOMAIN.
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