Category Archives: General

Mar16

The more things change…

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The more things change…

I was reminded by the recent blog post of Farhad Manjoo, on his blog PandoDaily, in his talk about the iPad3 and the Amazon trade-in program – that with all our posts on embracing change, we had not talked about the one change that I as a Tech person, experience the most frequently… Technology changes.

There are really three stages of embracing technology changes (whether it is a piece of hardware, or software application or new operating system), and they are:

1.  Trying to figure out if it is worth it to make the change.

For many “early adopters” this step is perhaps just a moment of hesitation before pulling out the credit card or writing the check for that new shiny piece of technology.

But for the rest of us (and yes, I hesitate to get the newest stuff because I am a “once burned, twice burned, thrice shy”kind of gal) – we have to figure out if the price tag and the value are worth the hassle of trying to learn and make use of this new bit of fun.  Often, the newest piece of hardware and/or software has been released and it is “not quite ready for prime time” – and while it may not have BETA written anywhere, it is truly a Beta release.

This means that it is being tested by end users in real life usage and may be unpredictable at best, and buggy at worst case.  It translates to frustration and a lot of hours spent downloading patches and updates, and rebooting.  I tend to wait a few months for all the worst of the surprises to be uncovered by more adventurous sorts of folks.  I like my shiny new things to work properly out of the box, or as nearly as possible.

2.  Getting it, and the ensuing fun of installing, implementing, learning, swearing, and using the new item.

3.  Figuring out what to do with the old item.

In the case of iPads, there were a number of places to sell your used iPad2 that had high dollars right up to the point that the iPad3 became available, and now the prices for resell or trade-in are lower by a bit.  Still, if you (or your business) are on a tight budget – the question of what to do with old equipment is a tough one.

There are a number of resources for donating and/or recycling your old equipment (not so much for software, sadly).  And you can always sell your old equipment – see eBay.com or Craigslist.org.

But before you trade in or sell or donate your equipment, be sure to really remove all your data and information from any of the storage media that might be present.  There are a number of software tools available for helping you to remove all the personal data from your pc, or if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, your IT folks should know how to do this.  However you do it, just do it.  There are a number of scandals that have happened because large government agencies failed this simple step, and citizen’s personal data became compromised as a result.  And as entrepreneurs, artists and writers – we don’t need to have our personal information or any of our client information out in public opening us up for embarrassment or legal actions.

P.S.  If you want to understand more about cleaning your pc before disposing of it – check out this article at OnGuardOnline.gov

Mar12

Springing Forward

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Springing Forward

Speaking of changes that are difficult to embrace – this last weekend was “Spring Forward” time, once again.

I won’t wax poetic on my opinion of this change – but I will note that today, the first business day after Spring Forward, is when you get to see if your systems are all set correctly to automatically, or auto-magically,  reset the time to the appropriate time for your zone.  Plus you get to see which of your systems do not reset appropriately…for example our phone system here has to be manually reset.

I am sure some of you have stoves and microwaves that will need to be reset as well, not to mention wristwatches.

It brings to mind that not all things involved with your business can be automated, nor would you necessarily want them to be automated.

While you are waiting for the inevitable missed meetings and strange scheduling glitches for today (as in, when someone has reset the time zone, rather than allowing the system to reset the hour difference)… ponder which processes in your business, and in your life, should be dependent upon tech and which should not.  It is all part of the planning in order to embrace change.

Happy Monday.

Mar4

Managing Change

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Managing Change

Just what is “Change Management“?  And why, as a small business person, sole proprietor, artist or consultant – should I bother about managing change?

Let’s start with what it is.  One definition of Change Management is the process of developing a planned approach to change in an organization. Typically the objective is to maximize the collective benefits for all people involved in the change and minimize the risk of failure of implementing the change.

So why bother trying to manage change in your business?  I know, you manage the whole shebang, you roll with the punches and you call the shots… but you are still subject to the whims of the regulations out there, and you are still a growing and evolving business (at least I hope so) – so external forces will force change upon you sooner or later.  Whether it is a new tax law, sudden audit, or the need to upgrade your tech – change happens.

There are numerous tools for Change Management – you can find materials at CorporateTrainingMaterials.com and multiple sites which offer articles and processes for your use.  You can find them easily enough in your search engine (like Google or Bing) by searching on “articles on change in business“.

I think that the major thing to bear in mind with Change Management is that it requires that you consider the change and its affects and ramifications prior to launching the change.

In other words, think before leaping.

And most of the small businesses I have seen, have been at one extreme or the other – paralyzed into no change or leaping helter skelter with little regard for the results of the changes.

I recommend aiming for the middle ground. :-) All things in moderation.

Consider what the change is before you initiate it, but don’t over think it.

And remember to trust your gut.

Mar1

The Future – What’s Next?

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The Future – What’s Next?

The recent post entitled “Resistance is Futile” discussed some of the good and bad aspects of change and our tendency to resist it.  Another way to alter our filters and look forward with enthusiasm to what the future may bring is to spend some time monitoring sites or blogs that measure trends and look ahead to see new directions in business, technology, or everyday living.  I’d like to share some of these resources with you, in hopes that you’ll become more optimistic about the positive advancements that are coming.  The mainstream news, especially on TV, is often filled with war, crime, mayhem and tragedy.  But there are lots of positive things happening in the world that just don’t make it to the airwaves.

A good site for looking at business and entrepreneurial trends is Springwise.  You can subscribe to a free newsletter from the site, or just check it when the mood strikes you.  Recent featured businesses included DOGTV, a “scientifically developed, pup-approved” cable network for canines — love the idea.  No need for pooch to be lonely while you’re at work — he’ll be entertained!  There are plenty more intriguing ideas on the site, and if you consider yourself a trend watcher, you may want to join their 15,000 spotters from around the globe who tell them about new business ideas.

The non-profit organization World Future Society, whose motto is “Tomorrow is Built Today,” is another inspiring place to go when you’re pondering the future.  Sign up for their free newsletter; you might want to become a member or attend a meeting.  In July of 2012 they will hold a conference in Toronto, WorldFuture 2012, where you can meet the most successful entrepreneurs of the next decade.  I found out about this organization a couple of years ago from a friend of mine who goes to their annual conference as a coach every year, and I’ve paid attention to it ever since. Most public libraries carry their magazine, The Futurist, so you can get a taste of their research prior to joining.

There are many other great resources to help you look forward to a better future rather than dwelling on the sad aspects of life.  Fast Company is a good print publication if you like to have a tangible product to read, or of course, you can download it to your tablet, e-reader, or computer.  Entrepreneur Magazine is another publication geared to business owners.

I also like to monitor university research.  Many of our universities have formed alliances with business leaders and venture capitalists to encourage innovation.  For example, the University of Texas at Arlington, a suburb of Dallas, has a magazine called Inquiry that features the innovative research taking place at the university and how it is being translated into practical, real-world products.  Here’s an additional link to Harvard University’s research programs. 

Pick practically any university in the US, Europe, Asia or Africa, search on the university website, and look at what’s happening with research related to biology, chemistry, anthropology, medicine, or similar study realms. I guarantee you’ll come away encouraged and far more optimistic than if you watched reality TV or the evening news.

Feb29

8 Qualities to Watch For

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8 Qualities to Watch For

I just ran across an article in INC that I thought was share-worthy:  “8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees“.

I might add that if you change your perspective just a little… those 8 qualities apply to remarkable artists, consultants, entrepreneurs and other professionals.

Happy Leap Day.

 

Feb27

Creating Change

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Creating Change

Ann Adams and Liz Brensinger of Green Heron Tools wanted to find and sell gardening tools for women – and not just ones that had been given a touch of pink to feminize the look of them.

Just one problem… they couldn’t find any tools specifically made for women.

So they set about to study what would be needed, got a research grant, and designed a hybrid shovel-spade that took into account the differences in how women use the tools, their strengths and weaknesses, and -presto- a new line of tools for women was created.

Creating change is often driven by a need.  Remember that the mother of invention, is necessity.

Embracing change can also be driven by need.  For example, I will gratefully embrace a shovel that enables me to work the way my body is designed to work and save my shoulders and lower back from the excruciating results of my gardening efforts.

Figuring out what need is being addressed by a change is part of learning to absorb that change and move on, in life as well as in business.

Creating change is the entrepreneur’s (and artist’s) greatest tool… find a need and fill it, or find a new way of looking at something – both work to build a stronger, better business and grow the potential client base.

Go out and make some changes!

Feb22

Resistance is Futile

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Resistance is Futile

The title of this post is the oft-quoted phrase from Star Trek, and it is also an appropriate mantra for dealing with change. Whether we like it or not, we live in turbulent times with a great deal of change facing us daily.  I see in those around me and even in myself, a weariness with this aspect of modern life.  For example, I’m a big LinkedIn fan, and often tout its virtues to others,but a friend recently responded to my encouragement to set up a profile, “I just don’t want to have to learn something new.”  I understand his feelings.  I’m having to face that issue with my own attitude toward Facebook, which I use with trepidation because it feels so very automated.  I feel like I’m not “in control” of a tool that is supposed to serve me, and I know I’ll need to spend some of my precious time learning more in order to feel comfortable with it. 

But the purpose of life is not always to be in control.  That would be an impossible goal, wouldn’t it?  As human beings we definitely need to impose a degree of structure upon our lives, but rigid control actually works against us.  We need some balance between the logical, analytical, scheduled times and the creative, freedom-loving, playful times.  As a person with a natural resistance to change, I’ve had to come up with some new attitudes to encourage myself to “roll with it” and adapt to new things.  I hope sharing these ideas will be helpful to you when change is staring you in the face and you’re wondering whether to dig in your heels and resist, run screaming in the opposite direction, or smile while accepting it gracefully.

1.  Change is not inherently bad.  It’s hard to know when something new comes along if it will be bad or good.  The truth is, it will be both.  To those who did radio dramatization, TV was a bad thing.  To Apple, the PC was a bad thing.  But radio has evolved and so has Apple.  The changes from competitors moved them in new directions, and those new directions made them better and stronger.  So when I’m faced with change, I make a concerted effort to remain neutral rather than negative, and to think of the change as something that will make me stronger in the long run.  (Okay, I’ll acknowledge that the short run might be hell…..but keep your eye on the long term good.)

2.  Change is inevitable.  We have limited amounts of energy, and fighting a change that we have no control over is a waste of energy.  If management is upgrading your computer, adding a new CRM, or altering work processes, you may have no choice but to accept the changes gracefully.  Here’s the plus side:  new pathways will develop in your brain as you learn and make those changes.  You are exercising your brain and that is good for you!  You don’t want to have a hidebound, crusty, creaky old brain, do you?  And speaking of exercising the brain, check out Lumosity.  It’s an amazing and scientifically-researched way to play games and improve your brainpower at the same time.

3. Change is filled with opportunity.  What we see now in the marketing world shows us this.  There are opportunities due to the internet, social media, economic changes, and demographics that can lead us in exciting new directions.  I feel like an explorer, and that is exciting.  Every day brings something new to consider.  If you view yourself as a life-long learner, this makes every day an educational opportunity.  And yes, even though change brings problems – problems are opportunities to provide solutions, services, and training on how to overcome them.

My last observation on change is that it prevents stagnation.  I truly believe that we’re either moving forward or losing ground.  Stagnant water is stale and foul-smelling and full of bacteria.  Change, and the forward movement it brings, keeps us as individuals and as a society, fresh.  As Benjamin Franklin said:  “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”

Feb17

The cost of doing biz

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The cost of doing biz

There are a lot of folks out there struggling.  The cost of doing business is so very expensive that it makes it seem like a Herculean task to try to navigate through all the different tools and decide what to use for what – and get the most bang for your buck (a very important consideration).

So I am here to tell you about two services that are FREE, that can help most consultants, small business owners and even the occasional artist.

The first is FreeConference.com – it enables you to have a conference call, for free.  Hence the name.  LOL.  Seriously – if you do phone training, need to have a meeting with people across town or across the states – this is a great tool.   You can tie it to your Evernote.com application for reminders, if you like.  You get up to 4 hours of free conference time for up to 150 participants.  For additional costs, you can record the conference call – which works great if you plan to put a copy of  the call on your website.  It is easy to set up, and you can send emails to your participants with the phone number and pass code to use for the call.

What would you use it for?  Team meetings, collaborations, fundraising, study groups – the possibilities, as they say, are endless.

The second tool, enabling you to do webinars – is Anymeeting.com .  It enables you to have a webinar (voice and web-based presentation which allows you to share desktops) .  As with the first tool, there are some cool free features and the best feature (in my humble opinion) is that there are no downloads needed.

How would you use it?  Presentations that rely on slides or pictures (which you can show on your desktop), training, collaborations, study groups, orientation meetings,  weekly status meetings, interviews – you can do a lot.  You can even charge for your webinar using this tool.  And they have training tools available so you can easily learn how to use this tool.

TGIF – ponder how you can use these tools to improve your business or just have a great weekend (or both).

Feb13

Fact or Fiction

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Fact or Fiction

All too often in life, our gullibility is played on.  We know better but we want to believe.

In business, this can happen in a deal that is taking too long to finalize or in an email asking you to forward it so someone or something can be helped.

In both cases, your gut tells you one thing…but you want to believe that the deal will happen, and that Microsoft can really mysteriously track your email and send a dollar to help the someone or something (they can’t by the way).

First, always trust your gut.  If it seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t true.

Second, follow NCIS Jethro Gibbs Rule #3: Don’t believe what you’re told. Double check.

The business you are trying to close a deal with – how is their Dunn and Bradstreet ?  What do their clients say about them?  Did you talk with their accounting people?  Are you sure you are dealing with a decision maker? Did you get clear expectations set of the time frame for a decision up front?

In the case of emails asking for help or declaring some, until now, obscure “fact” about something you care about – double check on Snopes.

What is Snopes?  According to wikipedia :

Snopes.com – officially the Urban Legends Reference Pages, is a web site
discussing urban legends, Internet rumors, e-mail forwards, and other
stories of uncertain or questionable origin. It is a well known resource
for validating and debunking such stories in American popular culture,
receiving 300,000 visits a day.

I go to www.snopes.com immediately when I get an email or a Facebook posting asking for support, forwarding, sharing or which states something so unbelievable, that I doubt.

Whether I am trying to determine the probability of business, or the veracity of a potential urban legend, I trust my gut.

Make it a great week!

Feb11

Where were you when the lights went out?

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Where were you when the lights went out?

And what did you do about it?

Disaster recovery planning.   It is not just for big corporations.  Disasters hit small businesses, sole owners, consultants and artists.

Disasters are not just big storms, earthquakes or terrorist attacks.

Disasters can be (and often are):

- overheating caused the sprinkler system to go off, everything is soaked;

- the fire next door caused smoke and water damage to your business;

- an unhappy employee does bad things to your files both paper and electronic;

- vandals break in and damage and/or steal your goods and data;

- hackers get to your website and redirect it;

- a spouse or significant other and you are splitting up and someone gets vindictive.

These are just a few example of what a “disaster” might be to your business or enterprise.   Often you are so very busy trying to juggle everything that needs to be juggled, and building up your business, that you have little time to consider protecting it.  And the concept is a bit overwhelming.

So take a deep breath – let’s run through the basics:

1.  Do you have insurance?  And not just property and liability – do you have Errors and Omissions (aka Professional Liability)?  Make an appointment with your insurance agent and have him/her explain in detail what you are covered for and what it would cost to cover whatever isn’t covered.  Make a decision based on your own understanding of your business – and what it takes to keep it safe.

2. Identify all your critical records – these are the documents, licenses, permits, etc. that are required to run your business.  They may include past income tax returns, client information, and accounting information.

- Determine which items are static (i.e. don’t change).  Those items you will want to scan or if they are only in electronic form, copy to a cd or dvd and store off site in a bank safe deposit box or other safeguarded place.  You should include a copy of your driver’s license and passport in the scanned items, in case you have to establish your identity as well.  If you do not have a scanner, you can probably rent the use of one at Fedex/Kinko’s or purchase one at local office supplies stores.

- Files and data that change regularly, should be backed up and stored either offsite via tape/portable drive or to a cloud storage space that has been vetted as secure.

- If you deal with inventory, photos and descriptions are important (as with artists and crafts people) of your finished items, and listings of your materials are needed to establish how your insurance will be able to handle for you.

-  Again, you should know clearly from your agent whether you have actual or replacement cost covered and for what items.  You should know what your deductible is and save that amount aside in your business savings account to cover it.

3.  Equipment – remember that your phone, cell phone, iPad, Touchpad, NetBook, etc if you have them, are all part of your business.  Are they insured? Have you backed up the data from them?  If you use an IT Tech or Consulting Firm – do they service all of your equipment?  Can they keep an inventory for you?  Do they do back ups of non-pc equipment for you?  Also – if your equipment is damaged, can they retrieve the data for you? And don’t forget an inventory of your software!

4.  Employees, do you have a method for contacting everyone, in case of a disaster that closes your office?  Can people work from home to keep your business running?  Do they know their roles if such a thing occurs?

5.  What happens if you are in an accident?  Who contacts your employees to let them know what should happen with the business?  Who contacts your clients?

6.  What should be done if you are in the office or business during a disaster?  Should you turn off or unplug equipment if you have time before evacuating?  What should you grab on your way out (besides making sure everyone is safe and out)?

These are just the high level items to think about for your Disaster Recovery and Business Resumption planning.  If you have a team, consider brainstorming and delegating to them.  If you rely on vendors and consultants – do the same with them (just watch your budget).  You don’t have to do it all at once.  Take it in small chunks, but do it.

It could mean the difference between bouncing back stronger than ever or closing your doors forever.

Don’t be in the dark when the lights go out.