How Small Business can increase profit in 30 days!

Google Chrome (Photo credit: thms.nl)

Always speak the truth, think before you speak, and write it down afterwards.     Lewis Carroll

Imagine yourself  wanting a certain item or service but you really don't want to waste gas looking around.   So you pull up you Ipad or your computer to Google for that particular subject.   If you want to get the most value of the item or services that you are going to pay for, then keep reading.     Most Small businesses aren't thinking that way, they are expecting people to walk in and buy their stuff without first seeing what is available.   I've come to the realization that 9 out of 10 small businesses in my local Evansville, Indiana aren't using their business to the fullest on the internet.

It begins with Thinking outside the box!

No small or big business will ever be making their true potential by being like everyone else.   I am not saying that you have to go to the extreme but there are ways you can make it more  accessible to the clients that your looking for or who are looking for you.   It takes 7 times for anyone to actually buy something from you or your company.   If your not doing the Rules of 7 right now, you are not going to make the most out of your business.   I recently found this out because I was looking for a job online trying to find business that I might be able to work for and I had a really good brain storm.   Most of the local business here aren't following the Rules of 7 and I am here to volunteer my services to anyone who might want help converting clicks into profit.

Social Media

If you haven't hired someone to do this then you are just asking for donations sort to speak.    Not having a Twitter account, a Facebook account, a Foursquared account, and a website promoting the products or services, just makes your work that much harder.  Just like Glasses USA [Affiliate Link], if you look at their website you will see they have a Facebook, Twitter, Email newsletter, and a Youtube account.   Each of them are making Noise and make sure people see there product to click and buy.  Just because you have them, doesn't mean you should ignore them or not use them.   You might have to pay someone to blog about your product or service but if you don't then you are loosing potential from your product or even service.   The harder someone has to look to find you the less likely they will find you, this is something that I've always believed in and will always blog about.

Customer Reviews

Another thing to consider when having a business is what are people saying about you on the internet. If your not monitoring these things then you are not going to fully understand your customers and that might hurt you in the long run.  It is essential to have customers who will proclaim your product, for example Glasses USA [Affiliate Link]. On their Customer Testimonials Page [Affiliate Link], you can see that their constantly putting up the good things people are saying about their products.  Thus they are showing potential customers just how well they are doing.  It is however a good indication also when it comes to employees and if customers aren't happy with someone's performance this is also a great way to re-enforce the idea of customer loyalty.

Customer Loyalty

This is something you must always strive for because without that you will not make any money or profit won't increase.  Customers who are loyal to you might pay a little bit more if they feel your company is working hard for them, whether it be groceries or buying a car.   If they feel like the company is the best they will go out of the way to tell people and also keep coming back, this I think is the best model to  strive for.   Nothing sells like word of mouth advertising but that also means you have to know your customers and make an effort to show them you are one of them.   If your just trying to push your product then you are just trying to make money but if your showing them you care, then you are showing your potential customers more than just wanting to make money.   Your showing them you care about your product or service and that you believe in it!

Know when you've done wrong!

Let's face it, no company in the history of time has ever been a 100% right.   There will always be times when a company did something or said something that makes them look EVIL.   If you ignore that then you are telling your customers you don't care, but if your acknowledged it and ask for forgiveness then you are telling your customers you really do care.  Most small businesses aren't hearing what is being said about them on the internet because they are blind to the idea that it isn't something they should worry about, but I tell you this if your not worrying about it then you are risking your business to the word of mouth customers.  There will always be two sides to the coin, even if you didn't know now.  You will know sooner or later because a customer might just bring it up when they call you asking why this other customer said that.   If your not prepared what people are saying then you can't possibly have a answer  to the question and might even loose a potential customer because of it.

Some Local business to mention are:

I'm going to share with you some of the local businesses that I see that could benefit from this web post and encourage them to contact me if they are looking to make even more profit then they are now.   I am willing to discuss in detail what they are doing wrong and help them improve their customer experiences for a small fee!

• Bucks and Jakes Outfitters -- Great website and Business location just needs to improve on what they are already doing!


• Baumberger's Furniture -- One of those business that had to shrink down because they were not doing some of this already!


• Penske Truck Rentals -- I've check them out and they are good but they could do better!


• Paradiseink -- This is a new site but seems they need a lot of different things to help promote their service and products!


• Desktopdoctors -- This business has some stuff already doing that but could do even more!

These are just a few that I've been looking at the last few hours and realized that they could be doing some stuff really differently and bringing in even more customers.   I think if you have read this article you probably are asking your self how you could make your business grow.   If you follow these tips you could make even more money but it is all how you do it.  If you like what you read please consider re-tweeting this and also posting it on Facebook and other social media sites!<

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Your Small Business: When to Expand, Sell or Close (Infographic) (noobpreneur.com)


• HUGE Mistakes Most CEOs, Small Business Owners & Managers Are Making - What to Do Instead (growmap.com)


• Why Having a Brand Evangelist Increases Conversions, Customer Satisfaction and Profits (growmap.com)


• Choosing a Domain Name for Your Small Business Website (bizfilings.com)

Affiliate Marketing - changing the scene!

Image via Wikipedia

Doing a 160, isn't easy!

You've seen that the last few weeks, I've become more honest about my Affiliate Links, this is the one approach that seems to be working best with what I am intending to do. I however am feeling that You probably are getting tired of just seeing affiliate links.  I have been reading about how to do it better affiliate marketing!  Even Though I've not been as successful as I would like to be, I will be working a that in the next few weeks but first we need to fix some common errors in the webpage design!

In the coming weeks, I will find a more professional template that I can use for my blog.  I haven't found one just yet but I will be looking.   I also am wondering what the tagline should be.   I've been looking around for ideas but I thought I would ask my readers what they think the tagline should be!

Does All this really Matter?

I've been thinking about this aspect of the blogging and I wanted to share with you some of the key points that I've come to realize and retain from my experiences.   I'd like to share some of them with you and help others who are asking the questions about Affiliate Marketing conundrum.

There isn't really any way to be successful if you don't at least try.

Learn from your mistakes and change accordingly.

Don't keep doing what you've been doing, think outside the box!

Without risks there isn't any loses, so step out and take a chance!

Keep in contact with your affiliates and they can help you!

Research the product or service before you post.

Try to give away a free product/service this helps from time to time!

Be Honest about your Affiliate links! It just makes good cents!

 I've come to realize these eight points but I am sure I will be reading even more in the coming weeks.  I'm going to sit down and start reading even more about how to do it right.   I'm tired of making little to nothing with my blog and thus I will be working really hard at changing that.  I'm unsure of how I will accomplish this but it does make even more sense to me that if I don't change I will only be hurting you the reader and in the long run, I will also be hurting myself because of the possible money that I could be making.   I'm you want to support me, you can always visit my Support Affiliate page and find something that will help you.  I will of course be changing my approach, but I won't stop doing blogging about products or services that I think you may be interested in.

Before you go!

Tax deadline is coming up in the few months, you only have like 12 weeks to file your taxes.   If your expecting a large return you should consider buying yourself some stylish and better quality Prescription Glasses from Glasses USA (Affiliate Link) then you could buy at any Walmart Store.  I simply love to go their every year to see what Styles they have and what I might want to buy.  This year, I'm really interested in iSee 2004 Gunmetal  (Affiliate Link).  I'll be getting these sometime in next few weeks and probably do a nice review of the Glasses themself.  I strongly recommend you go check these and other glasses, that way you can be prepared to buy them when you get your refund back from taxes.

Paul Sylvester

 

 

Related articles

• Being more Honest with my Affiliate Links! (paulstechtalk.com)


• How Do You Earn Money From Affiliate Programs? (myinvestingblog.com)


• Is There Any Money in Affiliate Marketing Internet Business? (yepthatsme.com)


• What is Affiliate Marketing? (imoneyservices.wordpress.com)


• Do You Really Need Your Own Website To Make Money With Affiliate Programs? (blogpronews.wordpress.com)

Being more Honest with my Affiliate Links!

Google Affiliate Network Summit 035 (Photo credit: Affiliate

Testing the Waters!

A friend told me, a couple days ago that I should be telling my readers when I have affiliate links.  He said I would would get even more sales if I were to be a little more honest with which ones are actually the ones that I make money off of!   It would better help those decide if your going to be a a good blog or not.   I really didn't have much to say on the matter because I didn't know what to say. I am sure there will always be those who will not tell you.   I thought it was quite obvious when I didn't tell you but then I forgot I was hiding my affiliate links, not to be dishonest but to prevent programs and virus from taking away from all the work I have done.   I know there will always be people who will got the site directly and not give the site the credit.  I understand that, and somewhat expect that.

Honesty is the best Policy!

That being said, if you ever come to one of my posts and you see the (Affiliate links) or (Affiliate link) then it will be linked to this post.   So you can read about my honesty and understand that I am working really hard at changing.   Here is how this will work:

• Reviews -- I promise to my readers that I believe in the review of the product and that it is a recommendation from me.


• Reimbursement -- Hosting isn't cheap now a days, that is I put up my Affiliate links and also to try supplement my working income.


• If Gifted to me -- I will clearly state that in my post and my review will no be swayed by the free gift of the item.  If it sucks, you will know about it and if it is something useful then you will also know about it.  I may however have affiliate links for the item.


• Nicer URLS -- even though I have hidden the urls and you have to click the URL to go the affiliate site in question, it is because the URL aren't really neat and tidy.   If you feel offended because you can't see URL then please feel free not to click those links.  (I wouldn't want to see http://www.amazon.com/blah/blah/blah/blah/etc, anyways and I bet you don't either)


• Gift Cards -- If you are wanting me to review a certain item and it is on Amazon or some other place then I will gladly accept a gift card through email(First name @ this domain).  However if it is something else please don't hesitate to email me.


• Review UNITS -- Same as Gifted cards, if your wanting me to review an item but don't know where to send it.   Please email me and I'll discuss with you where to send it.  (First Name @ this domain)  Please bear in mind that I may not give a nice review, so I make no PROMISES and there are no expectations.

Prove to me!

I've done the unthinkable and stopped hiding all my links on this site.   So if you want me to continue to do it this way,  I will need to see a positive out come.   I was making money hiding sites links and not telling people about them being affiliate links.   Now I don't want to see a drop in sales and money by being honest.   Help support my love to blog and being able to read about the stuff that matters to you.   Just like Glasses USA (Affiliate link) matters to me because I have to wear glasses everyday and I can't afford to go buy some really expensive pairs of glasses.   They have been the one source for me, when I need to buy new glasses.  If you find a post that you really think is good, then don't be afraid to share it on Facebook or Twitter.   Those are one ways to show your support of my blog.

Nothing shows support like sharing a post!

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• The Best Way to Monetize Your Blog with Affiliate Programs (leccoworkshop.com)


• Eight Ways to Make More Money as an Affiliate (blogworld.com)


• An app provides Amazon affiliates with quick access to earnings reports (intomobile.com)


• Is Affiliate Marketing Right for Your Business? (openforum.com)


• Serious About Affiliate Marketing? Then Don't Miss These Tips (famousbloggers.net)

Aspects of Technology in Today's Society!

Who'd of thunk it!

Having spent the last few years as technology had developed, I for one have seen where we didn't have anything small.   We now have a lot in common with our past.   I am not saying that we are exactly like our past but we have developed something of a reoccurring theme.  I don't know why I love to talk about Technology but I do think it is the way I have developed a certain love of the simplicity of it.   We've even come to the part of giving Technology as gifts, but when is technology more than technology?  That is the questions that we must ask ourselves.

 

 

We're we are at now!

Many people have probably said we can't go any further now in technology but I don't think we are going to know for sure until it has happened.   Some technology is just not being used and others is used on a daily basis.   I would say that I user my personal laptop everyday and even have a few extra ways to be on the internet.  I know technology isn't going as fast as we might think it but it is something that will forever be ingrained in our lives.  We've got people who can get the internet just on their phones and do not always need a computer.   I'm really loving how 20 years ago we couldn't do that.  I shouldn't say we couldn't but I didn't see it as a possibility.

Were are we heading?

I don't know if  I can actually tell you that.   Technology isn't always going to be in your face but we will do know it will be a change from what is going to happen. I will say only time will tell. I am quite curious as to what technology will do next but that is the future. I'd like to hear your ideas on the matter. Your more than welcomed to leave a comment and tell me what you think about technology today!

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Mansoor Altaf And Technology Love (hanselandpateltest.wordpress.com)


• The Technology Gap (citizeneconomists.com)


• Technology Tutorials (jcdickerson.wordpress.com)


• How can old media cope up with the new technology (mywella.wordpress.com)


• Technology Literacy (stem110t.wordpress.com)

Email Oppurtinities that seem Phishy!!!

Subject: Service manager position. Job ID 1278757758

Subject: New employment opportunity. Vacancy ID 1278793388
From: Xyla Cleveland <lopes_vivian@diamond-sky.net>
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2010 11:29:22 +0100
To: (hidden)

Our company Diamond Sky, which is dynamically developing with every passing year, is going to offer you the convenience of various perspectives on the prospective position of a service-manager.

We are acting as concierge services in  7 highly-developed countries of the world. Our managers provide assistance in different spheres of business and leisure such as:
- booking of air tickets
- hotel bookings
- car renting
- search, hire and design of conference halls
- search, purchase and delivery of presents

As a result of our managers` assistance our clients are exempt from spending their personal and business time. Due to the fact that the services we deliver are in great demand all over the world, we expand  the stuff and we invite you to participate in the contest for the position of the Service MANAGER and to join, become a member of our company.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES of the service-manager are mentioned below:
-work with clients
-processing of orders of our clients
-processing and updating of our database of services

Position Requirements:
- efficiency in processing of orders
- responsibility in carrying out your duties
- good communication skills

We are constantly looking for diligent individuals, at all levels, to join our winning team, across all our concierge services divisions.
At Diamond Sky, we distinguish ourselves as a high performance organization with hard-working people who provide quality service to our customers. We believe that one of the most important functions of management is to provide employees with the possibility to develop their talents to the full. The benefits are job satisfaction for our employees enabling them to make a positive contribution to the success of the company.

If this position seems to be interesting to you, you fit the requirements and would like to become a member of our company
send your resume  and your contact phone number to vivian_lopes@xxxxxx and we will contact you.

My Wife got this email and I wanted to talk about how this looks phishy!!   After doing my research about this company, by going to their website. You’ll probably thinking they have a website, well it isn’t a very useful website just a page that has nothing clickable or even any phone numbers or where they are actually located.    This is why I suspect there is more than meets the eye.   I wanted to warn people not send your resumes to people you have no way of verifying because like anything else if you have done your homework, you will have found my website.  This is most likely a way to get your personal information from your resume,   like you name, your email address and you home address and other sensitive stuff.   Since there was no way to contact them directly I would advise caution when you find emails like this and the possibility of a job.   It seems like more and more these scammers and other nefarious people will lure you into giving out your personal information in hopes of landing a job to help pay off your bills and other such necessities.     If you get this email, I would just delete it and do not even consider this a viable source of a job opportunity.    My Wife got 3 different emails from the same place, I also did some searching and I found the website in question was recently made June 29, 2010. Stay Safe and remember do your homework before you jump into anything like this!!


I get my glasses from GlassesUSA. They have a Satisfaction Guarantee and evenPrescription Sunglasess for when your out doors. Give them a try, and I know you'll like them!

Don’t Do business with: “Check Management Services [CMS]” (collection agency)

I recently got what I would call a Scam because they made me feel like they were REAL Police Officers and that my wife was in the court systems. I thought I would warn people about this company because of their UNETHICAL Way of how they get their money for claims. I have been tricked and to a point scammed to give them my money and I wanted to warn everyone else about their tactics and who they are. I tried to file a police report but they said that this is unfortunately not a crime because they used the WORD “Investigator” and not Detective in their Voice mail Message. I would encourage anyone and everyone who reads this and being harassed by these people to do a few things:

 

1. Record your Call with them — It is however Mandatory to have tell them so they know you are recording the call, and get all the information about them. (This will help you tell people)


2. Get everything in WRITING — Another way that will help in this message because you can warn others of this company who will probably change their Phone number in the future because of this blog Post!!


3. Now your Rights with Debt Colelction — This is great resource that I should of looked at when this was being done but didn’t. I know know what they can and can not do! Read it and make sure you know your rights. Help fight this injustice by reporting them to the FTC if they try this on you!!!

Anyway these are some of the things you can do to fight back against this company. I know will tell you what I numbers and people I have found to help others who have scared us honest working Citizens.

Some of the People that I found to be with this company are:

1. Chief investigator Morgan or “Lead Investigator”¹


2. Case Investigator Rogers¹


3. Investigator Mills


4. investigator Tyson


5. Todd Williams


6. Lester Kincaid

These are just a few that I have found but If you get a call from someone else please leave a comment on what happened so others can find this post and also be warned about this company. Now I will talk about the Numbers that I have found to be associated with this company:

1. 877-485-5040²


2. 877-499-9473⁷


3. 877-269-1745¹


4. 877-313-4402³


5. 1-866-794-3646⁴


6. 847-631-0800⁵


7. 877-269-1745


8. 800-825-8131⁵


9. 716-941-9829

I did Find out about who this company is really:

Midland Credit Management ¹
8875 Aero Drive Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92123

BBB.ORG about Midland Credit Management

If This post has helped you avoid giving them money and you would like to repay my efforts in finding all this information and posting what I have please consider bookmarking my My Site(Drag link to the toolbar to bookmark this link) and using that whenever you go to Amazon. You see they took quite a lot of money from me because I was foolish enough to think they are a legit and I want to warn people of this and try to get my money back. If you know any numbers or find a new “investigator” and you would like to warn people please leave a comment and tell us your story so others can be warned as well.

If you feel this has been help please consider clicking on a link and buying something, other than that thank you for reading this.

P.s. I tried to get the address but this Collection Agency won’t give me the address they also sent me a Reciept for this complaints: northerntier.agency@gmail.com Which seems to be Norther Tier Agency. I will do my research to see if I can find the Address but if you know the address I would love for you to make a comment or contact me!! The address on the reciept was:

Check Management Services
78 Webster st
Tonawanda, NY 14120
Google Maps of the Place

As you can see the street view is quite concerning and I can not find any real building, all I see is an a empty LOT!!


I get my glasses from GlassesUSA. They have a Satisfaction Guarantee and evenPrescription Sunglasess for when your out doors. Give them a try, and I know you'll like them!

5 things to do when You get scammed and burned!!

I usually don’t like to talk about this but I was recently scammed by a scam artist who tried to make me believe they are Police Men and they were court appointed “Lead Investigators“. Suffice it to say that I found out two or three days later from friends and family that this was not right. After Googling the Number “1-877-499-9473“. Which if you are like me quite confused but thankfully I had other resources like what my Credit Card said and they said it was “CHECK MANAGEMENT SERVICES 716-6942500 NY“. Anyway I have already talked about one scam when it comes to cash checking.  I also want to talk about how you can tell if it is scam, some of the more common things t hat I find are:

 

• Must Pay Now — These are scams that say that you can get something for really cheap, if you pay now.   This should always be the first flag.


• Scare Tactics –  These are scams that try to scare you into buying a product or giving them money because something is about happen.   They try to confuse you into paying.   This is also one of the RED Flags.


• Free products –   Here is another that I find because you have to read the fine print and see that you aren’t really getting it for free but trial and that you will be charged for the product after a certain amount of time.   This is another RED Flag, in my opinion.


• Pressure Tactics -- This can be anything from constantly calling you to making radical claims about product.   If you have any doubts.   Always ask yourself “Could this be to GOOD to be TRUE??“

I know I will have missed a few key ones but these are the ones that I see all the time. I know want to talk about what you should do:

1. Call your Local Police Department and File a Complaint–  This is a must because most banks and credit card companies require proof that there was a crime committed.   By doing this you are fighting back against the scam and showing them you will fight for your rights.


2. Call Your Bank or Credit Card Company — Now since you made the complaint you should now have your bank or Credit Card company reverse the charges so you can get your money back. You will have proof that this was illegal and the bank/Credit Card will comply with all Local or State laws. This seems a sure way to get your money back.


3. File a Complaint with the BBB — This one can be tricky if you don’t know who the company is but if you look at your credit card information and Google it you might get an idea to where look


4. File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission — This is one of those that you have a choice in how your proceed but this will help out when all else fails. They might even be able to give you more information about the company and help you get your money back. This is however just a guess but it is a good way of fighting scammers.


5. Tell you Family and Friends about the Scam — This is also important because most of the time these scammers find you by talking to your family or friends. So warning them can keep them from getting to close. Although it will not always work, it does provide a little protection down the road.

I intend to file my complaints to all the above plus more to fight this particular scam so I can get my money back. I am sure this isn’t over by a long shot but I do Hope this has helped you in a small way like it help me. If you have come here trying to find out information about the number and haven’t paid them, don’t do it. Call you local Police and report them and still report them to as many places as possible to help those who have been scammed or could be scammed. If you know anyone who has been scammed maybe it is time to show them this article so they can find out how to get their money back.

Have a Good Wednesday, See you Friday!!

I get my glasses from GlassesUSA. They have a Satisfaction Guarantee and even Prescription Sunglasess for when your out doors. Give them a try, and I know you'll like them!

The Next big Wave of Layoffs is Sony. (9,000 workers)

In a report from Engadget, there seems to be more Layoffs going on.   One such one is Sony.  Here is what Engadget said:

[ad#ad2-right]

The bad news from the Japanese consumer electronics industry continues. Sony just announced plans to cut about 8,000 global jobs from its beleaguered electronics business while making unspecified reductions to its seasonal and temporary workforce. The move, as Sony explains it, comes "in response to the sudden and rapid changes in the global economic environment." Ominously, it looks like Sony will also be raising prices in the countries where "Sony makes significant sales" (read: US and Europe) if we're reading this statement correctly:

[Via Engadget]

[ad#ad2-left]In Today's economy, you need to be prepared.  So I thought I bring back some old Favorites of mine and talk about them.  To see the other layoffs that I've talked about CLICK HERE.   If you wanted to know what you can do to be prepared here are some great resources for people who are worried about there jobs:

• 5 ways to improve your chance of getting hired.


• Are you asking to be scammed? (Don't get scammed while finding a job)


• Google : Job Resources
  
  

If you have any others you would like to suggest please leave a comment and let everyone know.   These are hard economic times and we all could use the help.

Comfirmed: DHL to Lays off 10,000 workers!!

[ad#ad2-left-1][COMFIRMED]

According to The Press-Enterprise has announced all 18 U.S. Hubs will close and that means 10,000 workers will be out of a job.  They will keep 3,000 for international business.   I wanted to tell everyone about this as soon as I found out.

There is a rumor that DHL might layoff some of it's employees. About 8,000 Jobs will be announced to tomorrow when they release the earnings report. Now I know very little about this parent company but they have 475,100 employees and that would mean 1.6% of the people would be laid off!!

According to Business Week there Volume have been going down this year.

(CNN) -- A southern Ohio community is bracing for possible layoffs as DHL Express -- the largest employer in the area -- planned to announce its quarterly earnings report and restructuring details. [Via CNN]

[ad#ad2-right]

From what I can tell this will affect the Eastern part of the US. I've done a little digging for everyone to see just why they would want to layoff so many people. They have to reduce there spending because there Volume isn't as it should. This will also effect delivery of packages, and might end up slowing the delivery of Christmas packages.  So pack those presents early and ship them off early, to make sure they get delivered before Christmas!!  To see other layoffs this year just click this LINK.  It will show you all of the layoffs that have/are/or might happen in the near future.

Windows update is getting a revision!

[ad#ad2-right]According to Computer World, dated Oct 31, 2008 and I'll quote:

"Over the next couple of months, we'll be rolling out another infrastructure update to the Windows Update agent (client code)," said an unidentified Microsoft employee on the Windows Update team's official blog. "This update makes it possible for users to install more than 80 updates at the same time."

[via Computer World]

Now if your like me and have several computers who need to be updated at a given schedule, you sometimes worry about these updates that come along that might just break your system. I have been using a program call Offline Updater, which does what Autopatcher does really nicely. So why is Microsoft sending out this patch? Two reasons, one they want you to be able to update your operating System without hurting your system integrity.

Now lets talk about the integrity of having to reboot your system. You see, every time you reboot the system, it causes the system hardware some strain.  It is something like having starting up a car, sooner or later you will have the starter go out, because of to much start up.

[ad#ad2-left]Second reason for this is, basically the update software needs to be update yet again for any security flaws or features that might be exploitable.  I am sure there are some and Microsoft probably knows about that we do not.   So that is the second reason, which it is the most obvious reason yet to push out another revision of the Windows update.

What about stopping the update from effecting your system.  The only way that I know of is to prevent Windows from checking for updates.  Which is simple:

Windows XP Version:

[Category View and Classic View]


<Start> / Control Panel / Security / Click Windows Updates

For Windows Vista:

<Orb> / Control Panel/ Security Center/ Windows Update / click "change Settings"

With both ways, you will be able to control four ways to handle Windows updating and they are:

• Automatic - Will download all necessary updates and install them without your permission or knowledge.  Note some of the updates will automatically reboot your system.  Most commonly they are set to do this every day in the 12am to 4 am period of time.   So when you wake up you would see an log in screen.

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• Download updates but let me choice which ones to install and when -  This is most commonly used by people who don't want to bother having to check manually.  It will check and download, then it will let you know.




• Check for updates but don't Download them -  This is like the previous one but this will only tell you.  The rest of the decision is in your hands not the computer.  This is good for people who have limited system resources, like Hard drive space.  It still reminds you like the previous one but won't download any updates.




• Never check for updates -  This is used for people who don't want to be bothered with updates and have a way to update manually.  This is commonly used by businesses who have several systems on and don't want to risk an update causing trouble or weigh down the companies internet by downloading updates un-necessarily.   This option is not to be messed with because it leaves your system with quite a lot of vulnerabilities.  You do this one if you have a set schedule to update each and everyone system. (Extremely Dangerous to do)

With what I talked about, I am hoping you find this useful and to share your discoveries with other people who might want to be able to change how Windows updates are handled on other systems.  If you have comments or questions, please post them in the comment section and someone will be more than glad to help you out.

Fidelelity to Lay off more than 4000 people in 2008.

Fidelity Investments acknowledged yesterday it is studying cost cutting but declined to comment on an industry report that it plans to lay off up to 4,000 employees as plunging stock markets cut into the value of its mutual funds business.

[via Boston.com]

Now this is another example of all the layoffs that are coming due to the recession. If you want to find out all the other layoffs that I have found just search my site. There are far to many for me to list now. I am not happy with what seems to be and down ward spiral.

Mahalo Lay's off around 10% of it's workforce!!

[ad#ad2-left]In an email he sent to the readers of his publication, Jason Calicanis talks about having to lay off around 10% of people from Mahalo.  Here's the quote:

We've laid off a just under 10% of our full-time staff, cut our overhead by doing smart things like renting desks (we have six desks/offices available fyi), and reorganized our editorial department to focus on freelance positions over in-house editors. The net result
of the effort is we are giving Mahalo another year of "dry powder" (or runway) to complete our mission.

This is not to be unexpected after all the talk about the recession coming our way. It does however emphasizes the need for companies to consider there profit margins and accounting strategy.

Mahalo was launched in May 2007 as an Alpha test. That is to say only a select number of people were able to access the site and create feedback to the development of the site. As of January of 2008 it is in what we call the Beta test phase. Which means more people are testing it out and find out it's flaws to report back about where they need to improve.  Mahalo's directory employs human editors to review websites and search engine results.



[ad#ad2-right]Saying that Mahalo is in Beta still doesn't lessen the fact that they are worried about there revenue model and expect a drastic decrease in revenue over the next 2 years due to the Recession still hanging over our heads.  This is where it comes to pure talent and understanding that most people in the business has to worry being laid off for example Merck Laid off 13% of it's workforce. Most people know the dread and fear of having the possibility of a Layoff hanging over your head and it is bound to affect even the most stubborn person and independent person.   It is going to come at a time like Christmas or the first a year and you will have to scrounge around and try to find another job.   It's tough and I've got a list that will help you :5 ways to improve your chance of getting hired.

With this list you will be able to get a better grip of the future and maybe create a better future in the process.

Mahalo is still in it's infancy and will still need time to grow and mature and with this recession looming over everyone's head they will have quite a time making heads or tails of the future.  So why try to create the future if you don't know what will happen?  That comes with the territory of blogging and website that are 2.0.  It's a hit or miss when it comes to people finding the best content and sometimes finds the worst content.  This is where you as a reader have to choice what to listen to and who to listen too.  I don't say that will be easy but it is essential in finding what you need at the time you need it.

If we don't do anything, this will be the last you will see of some of these big name sites.  We need to gather around them and show our support, by reading there content and providing feedback if there is something that needs to be change.  That is your power to help these websites become the best they can.  So go comment on your favorite website, tell them something you think they can do to better the content.  So why aren't you doing that now?

Apple reports there earnings for the quarter!

After all that happened today, Apple decides to talk about there earnings for today.  Some things to consider are:


Apple ships more than 2.6 million Macs and 6.9 Billion Iphones.   Now let's do the numbers on this 6.9 billion Iphones at an average over 500$ a piece would mean quite a earnings for Apple.  This according to Applewatch and I've got to think is this showing the real economy or is this all hype from Steve Jobs?

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According to M&G Business they are up 24 per cent this fiscal year.  Which means that they have gain ahead from the recent problems in the stock market.  Are they going to be able keep that going?

Last but final least saying of the day Gizmodo is stating : Steve is on the call, says that iPhone is now 39 percent of their business, Apple is now world's "third largest mobile phone supplier."

Now what about the Google Phone is that going to out sale the Iphone?  I would like to know the current status of how man Google phones they have estimation sold on pre-orders?  Are they going to be able to out do the Iphone or is it going to be even more of a problem when they release the final numbers on the G-phone!!

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Has the Mac ads been helping fueling the Iphone sales or have they been Hindering?  People are assuming they are helping the notebook sales and possibly helping the iphone sales?  What do you think?

Is Hulu the "salad course"?

As I've been watching Hulu the last few months.  I've come to think that Hulu isn't offering us the viewers the chance of a full course meals.  They seem to like to stop after the first 2-3 seasons on most of the shows.    I recently contacted Hulu about the Naruto episodes and here's what they had to say about it:

Thanks for the email. On background, sometime in the coming weeks, Hulu
will get the remaining episodes of Naruto Season 1, and we'll also get
episodes from Season 2-3 in the future as well.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
Brandon Boone

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So why does Hulu do this? I have a theory and this is one that most people will agree on. My theory is that the distributors are trying to entice us into buying the rest of the seasons from someplace, like Amazon or Itunes. Now I am going to have to say this is really stupid way of business and will sooner or later create even more of a demand to download these shows illegally. In the past people have always looked for the cheap way to watch there favorite shows.

Increasingly people are using BitTorrent to download their favorite TV-shows. The rise of unauthorized downloading of TV-shows is a signal that customers want something that is not available through other channels. It’s more about availability than the fact that it’s free and should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat.
[Via Torrentfreak]

It is one thing to offer free content and get revenue from the free content. It is another to offer free shows and encourage people to download the rest of the show illegally.

Why do they want to buy the rest of the episodes, it is simple math.  They are wanting to get the money for each DVD you buy.  In today's economy there seems to be less and less Blue ray sales.

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Published: September 23, 2008 - 08:18PM CT

The numbers show that Blu-ray's market share dropped 13.39 percent from the previous week, and that DVD's numbers actually went up by 0.15 percent. Netflix CEO Barry McCarthy recently told Home Media Magazine that he didn't expect Blu-ray to have much of an impact on the company's DVD business in 2008 at all. Citing high player prices, he said that only a fraction of Netflix subscribers currently rent Blu-ray disks.

[via Arstechnica]

Although, this is a couple weeks old article from arstechnica, I thought it was more relevant than most. It talks about how people can't afford to buy a player and the BD Dvd's due to the high prices and charge more than they should. So why do it in the first place? I don't know but all this is showing people are having to choice cheaper and cheaper ways to watch what they want because of the US economy slinding further into recession.

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What is your most favorite show or movie?  Are you willing to pay a lot for the movie?  These are questions,  that we have to challenge Hulu and other shows on why they only have 2 or 3 seasons of a particluar series.  Is it right to have lure us into the episode and not offer more episodes later on?

5 ways to improve your chance of getting hired.

Having seen the economy this week, I've come to the conclusion that it is time to redo all the important essentials and get all my ducks in the order as they say.   I've been thinking of how best to be ready in case the dreaded day comes when my employer no longer needs my assistance and what could I do to be prepared.

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• Get Someone to Critique your Resume -- This is the most important step because this is the first place employers look when they want to hire someone.  So how do you get it critiqued?   Here are some good links to help you start off with:  Careerbuilder Critique, Mind of Root Peer Critique(Last until Oct 30, 2008).


• Have your Resume Ready to upload to Resume sites --  You should always register at all the important resume sites just in case.  The Sites that I recommend are : Monster, Career Builder,  Hot jobs, Dice, US jobs, Best Jobs USA, Computer Jobs, and Nation Job.


• Use your website as a place to put your Resume -- Have your resume available in case some contacts you and tells you they know someone who is looking to hire people.  Have this resume hidden and only give it out to people you know.   This is also known as networking.
  


• Network as much as possible --  There are sites out there that have made it easier to network.  Sites like linkedin.com, this site is great because of the 6 degrees of possibility as I call it.  You know someone, they know someone, and then you will both know the same one!!   This also will greatly increase your chance of an employer finding you.


• For those who want to be Self employed --  I wanted to say that most people who want to be self employed know just how hard it is to begin with.  So I've got some interesting links to help start you on your way.   First link is Technibble.com Computer Business Kit,  This has Maintenance Sales Letter, Work Order, Marketing Analysis and Payment Overdue Letter. It is also a good idea to have an MP3 Advertisement that you can give to podcast and throw them the link to it.  You will need to market yourself to the public in ways that no one has thought of.   You will on an occasion have to spend money in order to get money, it's always been that way but it seems to work.

These are some great tips that will greatly improve your chances of landing that job or becoming even more chance of you making money.   If you have any tips or want to suggest ways to improve upon these tips please email me.   If you like what you see discuss it on the blog or click on my ads to help offset the cost of this blog.

Consumer protection org warns: resist Vista, "back to the future" with XP

In yet another blow to the reputation of Windows Vista, the Dutch Consumers' Association (Consumentenbond) has recommended that customers who purchase new PCs insist on obtaining Windows XP over Vista. In addition, it called on computer shops to provide Windows XP downgrades to customers who have already obtained Vista from said shops. After unsuccessfully trying to persuade Microsoft to provide those free downgrades, the DCA said that consumers would have to take matters into their own hands since Microsoft does not agree with its assessment of the OS, which the organization said appears to have been released before it was truly ready, according to comments recorded by Expatica. Related Stories * XP on OEM hardware? Not after January, 2008 * Microsoft's OEM catch-22: XP still in the driver's seat * Report: Vista Business, XP Pro sales down in Europe * Forget big service packs, Vista "high quality right out of the gate," says execThe organization's spat with Microsoft began when it conducted a survey on Vista's performance. According to the survey results, the OS performed quite poorly, racking up 5,000 consumer complaints in less than five weeks. Commonly reported issues center on printer and hardware compatibility, system crashes, and slow peripherals. The DCA met with Microsoft to discuss its concerns before issuing its statement warning consumers away from Vista—evidently, whatever olive branch Microsoft offered wasn't enough to satisfy the group.

read more | digg story

Man I am with them on the Vista problems!!