Tech Tuesday Tip

I've never had a laptop stolen. But just in case.....

This tip is from Kim Komando. I installed the program last week on my laptop.

Track your stolen laptop for free

Owning a laptop is a great convenience. It lets you work, have fun and connect with people from anywhere. But with this mobility comes danger. I'm talking about theft. It's bad enough when someone steals from you. But your laptop likely has tons of personal information. This is why Prey was developed. It's a free program that works to track your laptop should anyone try and steal it.

As soon as the thief turns on the laptop, Prey will try to broadcast its location. Even if it isn't connected to the Internet, Prey will try to find the nearest open hotspot.

All you need do is send the laptop a message from your phone or another computer.

Prey gives you a slew of other features as well. You can take screenshots to see what's happening on the screen. You can hide personal information like stored passwords remotely. You can even activate the Webcam to get mug shots of the criminal.

Cost: Free

System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, Mac OS X

Link: preyproject.com

Note: This program can cause a false positive with some antivirus programs. Don't worry; it is virus free.

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

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The Value of Social Media

Lot's of companies like to measure the Return on Investment or ROI on everything they do.

The radio stations I work for do this as an exercise in ROI with the I being a Time Investment.

And we have changed some of our priorities as we look at the amount of time it takes and the financial reward, then we decide who should do it.

I look at it this way:

If a business wants to remain hidden, they better stay off the internet, never print business cards, don't put a sign on your door, window, or building, and forbid the employees to tell anyone what they do or who they do it for.

Sounds silly.

Flip it over.

If a business wants to get exposure to people who might become paying customers, then do the opposite, including social media.

Our radio stations have Facebook accounts which is a start. Several of the employees also have Facebook accounts and some of us are also active on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other sites.

But for those people who still think Social Media is a waste of time, check out this post from Chris Brogan's Blog:

They Will Never Understand

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 01:30 AM PST

People who ask what the ROI of using social media is will never understand the value (not the ROI) of things like Facebook and Twitter. I asked my gang of friends and colleagues and contacts and potential customers and clients (because in my world, they are all mixed together) a question on Facebook. Here’s what I got back:

And Look at THIS from Peter:

Peter’s advice actually goes further than I can screen capture (because I’m not smart at using Skitch enough to do so, at least).

People who ask you about ROI won’t ever see that there’s a huge value in my being able to know all this about Berlin before I show up. That is, unless you tell them about human business, and about how building relationships matters, and what you’re working on is much bigger than just straightforward sales.

Am I wrong?

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

I'm going to do a series called Monday Morning Media....

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Maybe it's time?

If you are dreading tomorrow because it's another Monday, and you hate what you are doing, then perhaps this is for you, from the DLM blog:

How to Know When to Quit

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:53 AM PDT

How would you feel if someone called you a "quitter"?

My guess is – not good. You might feel hurt, guilty or upset. You almost certainly wouldn't feel proud of yourself.

Quitting gets a bad rap. We're often encouraged, from an early age, to stick with our projects at all costs – even when we're totally fed up. You might have come across quotes like Napoleon Hill's "A quitter never wins and a winner never quits."

Frankly, that's nonsense. Lots of successful people achieve their real goals by knowing when to quit. You could waste years of your life beating your head against a brick wall – when the real way forwards was to quit, and start something new.

I like the way W.C. Fields puts it:

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it.

So how do you know when to try again – and when to quit? Here are four warning signs that make quitting a perfectly valid option.

You Just Wish It Was Over
Maybe you're engaged in a long project – like studying for a degree, or working in a particular career. If all you can think about is the day when you'll finally graduate from college, or finally retire, then it's worth thinking about whether this is the right course for you.

Almost every project we undertake will have some less-than-fun moments. But if you're working towards your real goals, the process will generally feel worthwhile and interesting.

There's No End in Sight
Do you feel as though you're going round in circles? Perhaps you're slogging away in a particular job, but it's become clear that you're not going to get that promotion you hoped for. Maybe you've been working on a novel for the past five years, but you're not really getting anywhere nearer to "finished".

Of course, not everything we do has an end point – and that's fine, so long as you enjoy what you're doing. But if you're thoroughly fed up, think about whether there's an end point which you can reach or not. It's probably worth sticking out your final year in high school so that you can graduate – but it's not worth staying in a job you hate if there's no route forwards.

You're Not Gaining Anything New
If you've been engaged in one particular project for a while, are you still getting anything out of it – or has it just become a habit? I've given up a magazine subscription that I used to enjoy, because I was finding that the articles were very beginner-focused – and I'd moved on from that stage.

You might consider quitting:

• Particular groups or classes where there's nothing new to learn
  
• Hobbies which you used to enjoy but have lost interest in
  
• A job which was once exciting but now feels stale
  

Your Priorities Have Radically Changed
What was right for you five years ago – or even one year ago – might not be a good fit now. Various life events may have seen your priorities change: perhaps you've started a family – or your kids have left home.

If you took on a particular project, goal or hobby in the past, it's worth considering whether it's still something that you want as part of your life. You might, for instance, quit an expensive hobby so that you have more money to spend on your growing family – or you might leave a hectic job in order to have more time with your aging parents.

There is absolutely no shame in quitting. In fact, it can take a lot of maturity and bravery to stand up and say "I quit".

If there's something in your life that's holding you back, what's your first step towards quitting it?

Written on 10/27/2010 by Ali Hale. Ali writes a blog, Aliventures, about leading a productive and purposeful life (get the RSS feed here). As well as blogging, she writes fiction, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing.

Photo Credit: bark

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

This is where you're likely to find me and my wife on Saturday evenings for the 5pm Contemporary service. Click on Pic.

Saturday Night Classic Music Video

A few personal favorites this month:

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

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The Answer to Unemployment

from Drew:

Use word of mouth to score your next job

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 12:16 PM PST

Word of mouth sells products and services every day. In fact, 67% of consumers say that WOM is the #1 influencer of their buying decisions.

Why would work any differently when someone is "buying" a new employee?

Here's how you can amplify some word of mouth for your next job search.

I end up having coffee with many people looking for work. They might have been fired, downsized or are a college graduate just starting out. They're looking for someone to run their resume by, someone who might be able to help them make connections and often, just someone to listen. (I have some specific advice I give college kids but I'll save that for another post.)

I try to offer them as much help as I can. One thing I always do is describe what I believe is the surefire way to find your next job. I've seen it work every time someone has tried it. But it requires some work and discipline. Which is why most people never bother with it.

And why many of them are still looking for work.

If you're serious about finding the next job -- follow these instructions and then watch what happens.

1. Make a list of 100 or so people (you will need email and phone numbers) that you believe would want you to succeed. This might be family, friends, former co-workers, professional group colleagues, neighbors and the people you know from the PTA, gym, church or softball league.

In other words, think long and wide. Ideally, they should all either live where you want to work or be wired into the industry you want to be a part of. If you are looking for a job in your hometown of Chicago, your cousin in Houston isn't as good a choice as your next door neighbor. Unless he's connected. Then, keep him on the list.

2. Write an email that basically says:

I am looking for my next job and I am trying to build an army of people who will help me find that new job by making introductions, sharing their knowledge of companies and people, keeping their ear to the ground, etc.

If you'd be willing to be a part of my team, I promise I will not abuse your kindness and that I will pay it forward by helping others when they ask down the road. My plan to to send you one update email per week.

In this email, I will include any meetings, interviews, ads answered and other activity done that week. I will also share what I have on my to do list for the following week. All I ask is that you read the email and if you know any of the people or companies and can put in a good word - you do.

Would you be willing to get this weekly email from me and help if you can?

3. Wait for replies and based on the yeahs or nays you get -- build your mailing list. Most people, if you choose wisely, will say yes and be genuinely glad to help.

Send them your updated resume and a detailed description of the type of job you are seeking. Be candid about your strengths and weaknesses. Help them help you.

4. On the following Friday morning, compose and send your first email. Include:

• Coffees/meetings held
• Interviews
• Phone contacts made
• Ads answered/jobs applied for
• Interviews set up for the following week
• People you are trying to make contact with
• Any specific things you need help with (review the resume, mock interview practice, etc.)
• And then, send it on it's way and let the army go to work.

If you are going to employ this tactic, you absolutely MUST send an email every week. Share the good weeks and the bad. This isn't the place to whine, complain or gossip.

This is not your diary, where you can air all the emotions that come with a job search. This is a top line report of your efforts. Nothing more or less.

If you activate this job search army, you will be amazed at their reach and their willingness to help you. Be respectful of their time, be humble and say thank you often to those who help.

Most important - once you land that next job, remember your promise to pay it forward.

Note: I am not negating LinkedIn, Facebook, or any other social media tool. When you're looking for a job -- it's all hands on deck. But there is something very powerful, affirming and effective about mobilizing a team of people who truly can get you past the gatekeepers and onto a short list of candidates.

Word of mouth sells products and services every day. In fact, 67% of consumers say that WOM is the #1 influencer of their buying decisions. Why do you think it would work any differently when someone is "buying" a new employee?

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

I went to school with these two. Now we attend the same church. And my parents always called their business. Click on Pic to see more.

6 Tips for 2011

Every year about this time, I am given a budget for the new year.

I use it as a guide, but I usually set my own goals which are higher than the numbers given to me.

Here's some tips that I've used to exceed my budget (from the DLM Blog):

Six Ways to Trick Yourself into Working Harder

Posted: 16 Nov 2010 05:46 AM PST

I suspect that, like me, you've had times when you've thought if only I could work a bit harder...

Maybe you're worried that your only claim to fame is going to be "World's Greatest Procrastinator" or "Biggest Farmville Addict". You've got some great dreams and ambitions – but you secretly doubt whether you can work hard enough to achieve them.

I've got good news for you. There are a bunch of great little tricks you can use to encourage yourself to work harder. No sweat, no tears.

These aren't just for your paid work or your small business: they work for any goal you have in mind, like losing weight or quitting smoking.

1. Use Your Competitive Spirit
   I've got a huge competitive streak. Give me someone to compete against, and I'll find reserves of energy and motivation that I never knew I had.
   
   You might well be wired the same. Perhaps you love the idea of competitions like National Novel Writing Month (just rope in your friends and see if you can beat them to 50,000 words) or maybe you'd be great at losing weight if you were competing with your partner.
   
   Look for a way to turn your work into a competition: this could be something informal with your friends, a competition that you find online, or even something you start up yourself.


2. Tell Yourself "I'm Just Going To..."
   You're keen to write a book. The problem is, you never feel like starting. Every weekend, you promise yourself you'll spend two hours on it ... but somehow, you never find the time and energy.
   
   Instead of trying to make a huge commitment, start ridiculously small. Tell yourself "I'm just going to open up the document," or "I'm just going to spend five minutes writing." Usually, you'll find that initial resistance vanishes once you get going.
   
   This works for almost any goal, too:
   
   
   
   • "I'm just going to tidy this one shelf."
     
   • "I'm just going to put my jogging kit on."
     
   • "I'm just going to pick up my guitar."
     


3. Set a Timer (and Try to Beat It)
   This is one of my favorite methods at the moment (I've got a timer running as I type this!) When you want to squeeze out a bit more work in a bit less time, one of the best ways is to race against the clock.
   
   Give yourself a challenge: if you think that cleaning the kitchen will take a half an hour, set your timer for twenty-five minutes.
   
   Using a timer encourages you to stay focused – partly because you know that time is ticking away, but also because you know that after half an hour (or whatever), you'll be done!


4. Listen to Music (Fast or Focused)
   If you exercise regularly, you'll probably know already how useful music can be. A fast paced, powerful album can get you working harder in the gym than you'd otherwise manage.
   
   The same goes for almost any work that you're doing. If you're trying to power through your emails or get your filing done, fast and energetic music can help you feel awake and energized.
   
   For more cerebral tasks – like writing, designing, programming – you might prefer music which helps you to feel calm and focused. I won't give specific recommendations as my tastes in music may be very different from yours: experiment, and see what works best for you.


5. Be Accountable to Other People
   Have you ever worked hard just because you knew someone else would be checking in with you? Perhaps you hired a personal trainer who asked about what you'd eaten during the week, or maybe you worked with a life coach who helped you set specific goals.
   
   Accountability is a really powerful motivator. It can be incredibly simple to put in place, too: perhaps you're planning to do a certain amount of work on a website you're designing, so you put a quick message on Twitter or Facebook to say what you're working on. You'll find that you want to do the work because the world is watching! It's a great feeling when you can let your friends know that you did do what you said you were going to do.
   
   You can go further with accountability, too; perhaps setting up a small, focused group of friends or colleagues who meet regularly to discuss progress and future goals. By being accountable to one another for the work you're putting in, you'll all find that you're more motivated and focused.


6. Give Yourself Rewards
   Although completed work is often a reward in itself, it's sometimes the case that the pay-off seems a good distance away. If you're dieting in the hopes of being at your ideal weight in a year's time, then it's hard to stay motivated from week to week.
   
   By giving yourself small rewards, you can make difficult tasks seem much more desirable. If you promise yourself a long bath after you've cleaned out the garage, or a new video game once you've lost 15lbs, then you've got a short-term reason to keep going.
   
   (You can even combine this with some of the other tricks – like competing in a competition which has a prize as the reward, or asking a friend to take custody of your reward until you've done the work that you've committed to.)

Do you have any extra tricks to add? If so, share them with us in the comments!

Written on 11/16/2010 by Ali Luke. Ali writes a blog, Aliventures, about leading a productive and purposeful life (get the RSS feed here). As well as blogging, she writes fiction, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing.

Photo Credit: jronaldlee

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

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Video Time: The Pet Door

Welcome to December. You know, the month when the fat guy comes down the chimney... and something else comes in the pet door:

Fort Wayne Site-of-the-Day

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