Here is a good article from Mashable discussing practical things to consider when thinking about Redesigning your Website.
Sep 052011
Aug 262011
Another interesting article from Mashable about some of the popular Cloud Providers.
Cloud Computing: The Layperson’s Guide to Distributed Networks
Aug 192011
One of the things that really annoys me about people in my business, myself included, is that when we are asked to explain something related to Computers or Technology we tend to use very complicated sounding technical terms. While to us, it makes sense, to the average business person it can sound like we are speaking in some sort of Martian Dialect.
The problem with this, is that because we can make new technology sound complicated, and most of it is not complicated, businesses are put off evaluating new technologies that could really benefit their businesses. This is particularly important in tough times when the proper use of Computers and Technology can make your business more efficient, allow you adapt to the changing marketplace, reduce your costs and ultimately make your business more profitable.
Anyway to this end I have included a link to a video explaining in simple terms what Cloud Computing is.
Aug 182011
Interesting article from Silicon Republic on Cloud Computing and some of the practical issues for businesses considering moving to the Cloud.
Moving to the cloud
Jul 072011
Just received this letter from European City Guide. Do not reply to these letters, THIS IS A SCAM.
This is a variation on the World Directory Scam. You are being asked to pay a recurring annual charge of €998 to participate in an Internet directory that has no real value.
The company is registered in Spain and the gray letters are posted from Spain.
See previous posts;
http://blog.glasgorman.com/2009/11/world-company-directory-scam/
http://blog.glasgorman.com/2009/12/internet-register-ireland-scam/
Nov 222010
Over the last two years the Irish Government has given us a very good demonstration of How NOT to Communicate Effectively.
- Mushroom Management. If you feed people a load of crap and keep them in the dark then they will produce the goods. As the Irish Government have found out, if you give people very little information and when you do talk to them you are economical with the truth, then eventually you will be found out and you will be in a much worse situation than if you were straight with them in the first place.
- Set realistic expectation levels. In general the expectation levels of our customers are set by us. So don’t tell them it will take two weeks when you know in your heart it will take at least four. You are much better to be realistic and conservative with your estimates and if it you exceed those expectations then you will get the credit but you have allowed for unforeseen eventualities.
- Deal with any issues up front. During any project there will be problems and anyone who says otherwise does not live in the real world. When issues arise deal with them straight away and be realistic about their impact. People are realistic and know that things don’t always go to plan. If you keep them informed and show you have a clear plan to sort out the problems, they will generally give you the space and time to sort it out even if it takes a while.
- Don’t keep making the same mistakes. In the words of Oscar Wilde ” To lose one parent is unfortunate, to lose two sounds like carelessness. “. Everyone makes mistakes and people will forgive you once for making a mistake, but they will expect you to fix the situation and put measures in place so that the same mistake is not made again.
The result of not following these simple rules can be clearly seen in the situation the Irish Government find themselves today.
Nov 082010
For anyone looking to up-skill here are some Computerised Accounts courses from GD Accounts Training coming up in the Gorey area.
Big Red Book Computerised Accounts -The Net IT Centre, Esmonde St, Gorey.
Monday Nov 22, 29, Dec 6 and 13. 10am – 1pm €250
Big Red book Computerised Payroll – Craanford IT centre, Gorey
Thursday Nov 18, 25, and Dec 2. 7pm – 10pm €180
Oct 292010
Like everybody else in these tough times I have been doing a lot more business networking and with all that networking / business shows comes business cards. Lots of Business Cards!
Like everybody else I had a huge pile of Business Cards sitting on my desk waiting for me to input them into Google Contacts. After entering about five card details I got completely browned off and started looking for a better way.
That’s when I came across CamCard for Android. CamCard is a Business Card Reader that is available for all the main smartphones and it works brilliantly.
Just take a photo of a business card and the app will use OCR to read the card details and populate the standard contact fields and allow you to save them to your phone or Google Contacts. Gets it right 90% of the time and saves you loads of time.
Oct 222010
Often when I’m talking to customers, particularly in these tough times, they say they would like to start an Email Newsletter, Ezine or even a blog to help promote their business but are terrified of having to write the content and don’t know where to start.
They also say that they don’t want their newsletters to appear unprofessional or unfocused like some of the Ezines they see coming into their inboxes.
Well you’re not alone. When I need some help in this area I work with people like Deirdre O’Flynn in Spellcheck Editorial Services. Deirdre can point you in the right direction and turn your raw ideas, or unfocused ramblings in my case, into clear readable content that concentrates on getting your key messages across to your customers.
So whether you just need help getting started with your first brochure or need to keep your customers updated with a quarterly business newsletter, a little external input goes a long way.
Oct 142010
My clients often ask me what is this “Social Media” stuff and is it really worth putting the time and effort into it.
Well here is a very good example from Beaut.ie and Gavin Duffy of how engaging with your customers online can not only have a very positive affect on your businesses image but also drive sales.
Firstly I have to say I am not a fan of Gavin Duffy and have no connections with him or any of his businesses. Read the following post from Beaut.ie and then read all of the comments.
Note the change in the tone of the comments before and after Gavin makes his comment.