The Timesaver

Copyright 2006 Michael Cottier

Business data is perhaps the most important data that exists on computers, and can literally destroy some businesses that rely on their data. This is why every business needs to do weekly, or daily, backups of their data. But with so many backup choices, a business owner can feel frustrated and worried about their choice. See, some backup methods are more reliable then others, but others are more convenient then the reliable ones. If you are a business owner, you want a backup solution that is both reliable and convenient to use. So let’s talk about the current business data backup solutions available to you, and how to implement them correctly.

The first data backup method I will discuss is hard disk imaging, also known as cloning. This is, in my opinion, the best data backup solution for anyone from home users to successful business owners. The reason being because it saves every last scrap of data that you have on your hard drive, so basically should you ever have to restore your backup because of data loss, all of it will be given back to you. It also is the quickest and simplest method of data backup for someone with little knowledge of computers and doesn’t have time to spend backing up data all day.

The next backup solution for your business is remote online backup. This means your data will be saved on a secure server, in a remote location that is far away from you. This is good for many reasons, but mainly it protects you from losing everything in case of a natural disaster that might take out your whole business or home office. Backing up your files online is also pretty cheap and convenient, and sending your files their can be as easy as one click. Another good reason for choosing an online backup company is because they also backup your files using professional software and hardware, to make sure that your data is literally locked away in a digital vault and will never disappear.

The last business data backup solution I will discuss is external storage devices which are very simple, and pretty useful, so I thought it was worth mentioning. External devices that store data can come in a variety of ways. Most common are external hard drives and memory sticks. Many people are choosing memory sticks these days because they easily plug right into your USB port, and can hold gigabytes of data, which is usually more then enough, especially for text documents and stuff like that.

DVD and CD burners can also be external, and perhaps are the best choice for most people that are always on the move. Just like the old floppy discs, external DVD or CD burners allow you to store data quickly and accurately, but CD’s and DVD’s whole a lot more data then a floppy ever could. As for drag and drop ease, that is actually possible with all burners these days, and should be considered. Imagine being able to just click save on a file, and it saves it to your disc.

Well that is just about all of the major data backup solutions that are available for businesses. There are of course many other backup options that exist, but the ones I talked about are the most common, most effective and easiest to implement. Before I end this article though, I would like to remind business owners that have computer servers, to use disk imaging software on a daily basis. Servers store a lot of data, and most of it is important, so be sure to back that data up or you will be in for one big headache if anything should ever happen.

About the Author:
Michael can give your more in depth business data backup info. You could also use his knowledge of computer customizing to completely upgrade and personalize your PC .

Copyright 2006 Titus Hoskins

Internet or e-mail fax services are becoming very popular with the computer savvy public. The ability to receive and send faxes whenever and wherever you access you e-mail has proven too irresistible for many fax users to ignore.

It’s an offer they couldn’t refuse. Can you blame them?

No more paper-jams, no more bulky fax machines, no more messy inks, no more busy signals, no more extra phone lines, no more return trips to the office at 10 o’clock at night to retrieve that important fax.

Internet fax is easy, mobile, convenient, accessible and very compatible with most of today’s and tomorrow’s computer gizmos and gadgets. From cell phones to BlackBerries to ultraportable notebook computers, e-mail fax services will work with all of these contraptions.

Besides, almost every aspect of doing business in our brick and mortar world has been transferred onto the Internet. Faxing services are no different. However, using an Internet fax service has some distinct advantages over the old fashion fax machine/service; mainly the ability to access your faxes anywhere, anytime. This mobility is a big plus for both mobile professionals and ordinary fax users. Being completely connected in a wired world can give any business or company a competitive edge.

But there are so many Internet Fax services to choose from, each with its own features and pricing structures, so just which Internet fax service is right for you?

The answer will mainly depend on your own faxing needs or requirements. How much faxing do you plan to do? What types of faxing services do you need? Will you be only receiving faxes? Will you be only sending faxes? Will you need both functions? Will you need a fax broadcasting service?

Perhaps, the first question you have to ask yourself? Do you need Internet fax at all? Some people like to keep their businesses 9 to 5, weekdays only, please don’t bother me after working hours or on the weekend. If you want your faxing strictly confined to your office, during office hours on your old fax machine, then Internet fax is probably not for you!

On the other hand, if you want your business or company to be able to receive and send faxes 24/7/365 days of the year, then you should check out the different Internet faxing services.

There are many Internet fax services available to the consumer. Some of the better known ones are MyFax, eFax, Send2Fax and TrustFax. All these e-mail fax services have different plans and features. They also have different rates and fees, so it pays to shop around and check out each before you sign-up to any one fax provider.

Each Fax Service provider has slightly different ways of sending and receiving faxes. They all use e-mail and the Internet. Some have a free desktop application download that sits on your desktop. Most can be used with Windows Outlook and Windows Office. Most or all have a Web Interface, online web site where you can access your Internet fax account to send or check your faxes. Most also provide storage space if you wish to keep your faxes online.

Almost all are completely flexible and scalable to meet all corporate faxing requirements. They can be customized to any size organization or business. Fax broadcasting, where you send a fax to a large numbers of recipients is offered by most online fax services including the ones mentioned here.

And obviously, all supply you with a local or toll-free fax number.

What Internet Fax service is right for you depends mainly on your own personal needs. Are your faxing needs very minimum or do you do a lot of faxing? The answer will usually determine which faxing service you go with. Of course, you must also check out customer support, service reliability and the overall quality of the fax service you are signing up for. But you knew that!

If you just want to ONLY receive faxes, eFax will provide you with a free account where you can receive up to 20 free faxes a month. But be warned, you will have to upgrade to a paid service if you want to send faxes. The charge is minimal but they can quickly add up, so keep a close check on how many faxes you send each month. You should also be aware that each of these services charges higher rates to send international faxes; domestic faxes are cheaper.

Another fax service you should check out if your faxing needs are light, Send2Fax Prepaid charges you $0.15 for every fax and a $20 deposit along with a very low $1.95 monthly fee. They also have a plan if you only send faxes - Send2Fax Broadcast is a send-only account at $0.06 per sent page and a $1.95 per month fee. TrustFax has a Power User plan for $19.95 per YEAR with 70 Free Fax Pages (Incoming AND Outgoing) and 15 MB online storage for your faxes.

If your faxing needs are a little heavier you could try MyFax, it has great customer support and is only $10 a month which includes 100 sent and 200 received faxes. No setup fees, no hidden charges and it also informs you how
much each of your faxes cost.

Which one should you choose?

It’s always a good idea to try before you buy. Many of these Internet fax services have free one month trials. Some services such as MyFax and TrustFax have online demos which you can use to see what your faxes will look like. You can Test Drive their faxing systems before you buy.

If you check online, MyFax has garnered top customer or user ratings in such sites as Microsoft Office Marketplace, PC Magazine and on Fax forums. It provides good quality service for a very reasonable price. Not to be outdone,
eFax is extremely popular with over 9,000,000 users and that must count for something. TrustFax and Send2Fax also come highly rated.

But make up your Own Mind!

There are many more Internet faxing services on the web. You will have plenty of other services to choose from. Just make sure you have an Internet fax service that meets all your faxing needs and you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re running a small home office or a large multi-national company, there’s probably an online faxing service that will meet your needs.

About the Author:
For more information on Internet Fax Services try this handy online Guide.
Titus Hoskins ©2006. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Networking With Ease and Grace - 5 Fabulous tips on how to meet the right people and where to go to meet them.
Wed, Apr 12, 2006 (6:00 PM US EST; 5:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Mountain; 3:00 PM Pacific; 11:00 PM GMT)
-OR-
Thu, Apr 13, 2006 (1:00 PM US EST; 12:00 PM Central; 11:00 AM Mountain; 10:00 AM Pacific; 6:00 PM GMT)
Hosted By: Joy Boughton
Duration (hours): 1
Cost: Free
Description: Have you ever wished you could walk into a room of strangers and feel comfortable and confident? Do you notice how some people just seem to connect effortlessly with others at social events or business mixers? If you gasp at the thought of “working a room” this class is for you. Even if you’re already pretty good at it, you could still learn a few tricks. This fun and interactive class will teach you how to work a room with self-confidence.

Joy Broughton, Career & Life Coach, is known as the Queen of the Networkers. A confessed introvert, she has learned how to network easily and naturally. For 15 years now, she’s built her business based on networking, and now she’s sharing her secrets. Joy will show you how to work a room successfully and have great fun doing it!

In this class you will learn:
1. Understand precisely WHY you’re building a network.
2. Where to go to meet new people.
3. Define clearly the types of people you’d like to meet.
4. How to prepare for the event in advance so you stay focused.
5. How and when to follow up.

Register here.

“Thou Shall Not Kill….Thy Business”
Wed, Apr 12, 2006 (8:00 PM US EST; 7:00 PM Central; 6:00 PM Mountain; 5:00 PM Pacific; 1:00 AM GMT)
Duration (hours): 1
Hosted By: Maria Simone
Cost: Free
Description: Are you launching a business and feeling a bit stuck or would you just like more support? Not sure what to do next? Is it taking longer than you thought, costing more than you thought? Not sure how to fund your business or where to look for capital? Have a product or service that’s not “flying off the shelf”? You don’t know what you don’t know…but WE do and we can help…and show you what’s next!

This is a free introductory class that introduces you to the 7 critical steps of sequencing any business for success, including how to raise capital, who you need to know, and how to get your business moving. Taught by people who have been where you want to be and succeded. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. We guarantee that our information will help save you time, money and perhaps your sanity in the next 30 days. Join us…it’s free for a limited time only.

Register here.

Copyright © 2006 Cathy Goodwin
http://www.cathygoodwin.com

You’re ready to move: start a new business, change jobs, change locations.

You made the decision. But three months later, you’re wondering, “Did I make a big mistake?” We tell ourselves not to expect a “happy ever after” ending…but let’s face it: that’s what most of us want!

So here are five tips to reconnect with your dream.

1. Review your reasons for moving, changing jobs and/or starting a business.

Are you moving for “a lower cost of living” or “to be closer to family?”

Clients who move for these reasons tend to call about a year after they make a change. They’re not enjoying their new lives, they say. They spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to escape on weekends and take long, long vacations.

And often (though not always) families find they get along better with more miles between them.

Clients who realize they’re following someone else’s dream tend to be the most frustrated. Maybe your mentor wanted you to follow her footsteps or your family always saw you as a business success.

The happiest life-changers are guided by their own inner compass, even when the wind changes.

2. Give yourself time.

Clients sometimes call to say, “I moved six months ago and I don’t know anybody!” Or, “I started my new business and still choke on the words, ’self-employed.’”

Researchers find most newcomers need at least two years to feel settled in a new home. Getting used to the “self-employed” identity can take three to five years.

Before you move, and during the early stages, practice saying, “I am a…” Ideally, wait to move until you feel comfortable and proud. If you continue to choke on the words, maybe it’s time to reconsider your goal.

Some people never get comfortable saying, “I am a writer,” or, “I live in New York.” Others just need more time.

3. Go slow when you’re new.

This recommendation is probably most important to your success.

You’ll be invited to join professional organizations, clubs and neighborhood groups. Say no! Go to meetings as a guest - at least five or more times. See if you feel comfortable after the first encounters.

People are almost always friendly with strangers. You’re a novelty! But after a few meetings, you’ll be treated differently. You may find people warm up after awhile. Or conversely they may reveal they have different values and approaches to friendship.

Once, right after moving to a new city, I joined a group that seemed professionally useful and also friendly. Later I learned that most meetings were held in a place that’s very difficult for me to reach. Because I missed so many meetings, my membership was a waste of time and money.

One client volunteered at her new Humane Society. She had loved her work for a similar group in another city. To her dismay, the new group held very different values about adoption and “who would make a great dog owner.” She resigned after three months and felt awkward when she ran
into members of the organization around town.

4. Make time for something meaningful.

Go back to why you moved or changed careers. What were you hoping to achieve? Are you following your own promises?

Let’s say you moved to a city because you wanted to be able to attend symphony concerts or football games. Are you following through? Or are you too busy to enjoy what brought you here in the first place?

Or you changed careers to have more time with family. Are you working through dinner, although you no longer need to put in face time?

Why make a change if you end up where you started - overworked and frustrated?

5. Have a confidante on call.

Inevitably, you’ll have a Day of Frustration. Most likely you’ll find yourself in a place where you absolutely, positively need to keep quiet. You probably didn’t get much sleep the night before. You feel like sharing your feelings with whoever’s around.

Get out your phone and dial a number you chose ahead of time: a trusted friend, a family member, even a consultant or coach. When you’re new, it’s important to project an image of “Everything is wonderful,” no matter what. After a few months (or years), you can begin to join the chorus of
local feelings, like everybody else.

Article Based on Cathy Goodwin’s Relocation Guide
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/bigmove.html

***********************************************
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is a published author, speaker, and career/business consultant to midlife professionals who want to win the First Inning of their Second Career. Download a Fr*e Report: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story).
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html