Browsing Category: "Small Business Management"
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a virus on your computer. I went through a week and a half of trying to remove a virus from my computer. I first tried to remove it myself using my anitivirus software. Then called the software company to get help from them. After 3 days of phone calls and tech support, it was still there. I called a local place who would need my computer for a couple days - my business is totally online. Giving up my computer was out of the question. How did I get the virus OUT of my computer? I finally broke down and paid the bucks to have The Geek Squad come to my office and remove the virus. A week later and I’m still virus free!!
I’d like to share with you what I learned in this experience:
1) Backup System - I learned the importance of having a file backup system. I spent 4 hours backing up all my files onto CD-R so I’d have them if we had to erase the hard drive. I was talking with a techie person and they recommended “offsite” storage (like Carbonite). You’ve seen the offers for secure online storage of your files. That’s what I’m talking about. Find one that has a way to flag the files you always want to back up and then you just login and click a button to back up your files. Another option is “onsite” storage. Like an external hard drive. I now have a Maxtor external hard drive that I schedule to back up every day. Offsite is recommended, just in case you have a fire or some other disaster … your files are still accessible.
2) Antivirus Software vs. SpyWare Software- Do you need both? Yes. Actually, I learned that having 3 programs is ideal. Antivirus, Spyware and a freebie like Ad-Aware used together can create a safe environment for your computer. Antivirus software is a great way to prevent viruses, but it doesn’t always prevent you from spyware that gets on your computer. Spyware software will stop the spyware at the point that it tries to install on your computer. Ad-Aware provides a different way of scanning your computer, with a different list of viruses and will catch some of the things your regular antivirus and spyware will not.
3) Browsers - Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser on the internet. Therefore virus writers target IE the most. Same with the most popular antivirus software. Which is why a little known program like Ad-Aware is good to have. Keep your browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari etc…) updated with the most recent version. Every version has new security measures so you’ll be more secure with the most recent version.
I am spiffing up the protection on my computer now. I believe that it is worth it. Especially when there is confidential information on your computer. Not to mention your own personal information. Be safe and be prepared.
Hey Everyone!
So, out with 2006 and in with 2007!! What are your business goals for the new year?! I know you have them. Are you getting into action? Is it part of the bigger picture that you’ve been working towards all along?
As a Coach, you have a good grasp on setting your goals, holding yourself accountable (or having someone else with you that does) and getting into action on those goals. I have clients who know what the goal is, get into action and then get lost in the little details that come along with setting a goal. A few things you can do to help keep track of and accomplish all those little details, without getting lost are:
1) delegate - give a few tasks to someone else. Hire a web designer, Virtual Assistant, Accountant, etc….
2) keep a list - keep a running notebook, sheet of paper, or computerized list that you can add new details to. As you finish something, check or cross it off.
3) prioritize - Ask yourself what’s most important to accomplish right now?
4) celebrate - celebrate each task accomplished.
5) Ask around - ask others how they are accomplishing some of the details. They may have ideas on how to consildate a few.
6) Know that every detail you work on will get you closer to where you WANT to be.
Have a Happy Holiday, Safe, Happy, Healthy and Wonderful New Year.
Your Virtual Helper,
-Kristen
Hey Everyone!
I’ve returned from my move. I am back and ready to go. New environment, new town, new stuff, and the creativity is flowing!! How about you? Did you attend the ICF Conference last week? Are you getting that creative bug too? I know whenever the creative juices get flowing it’s time to take action. Although there are times when the juices get flowing and I delay the action. As a Coach, I’m sure you have your own ways of working with inaction. So, let’s talk about getting it all out there and putting the creative ideas into your business. What are some ways to get those thoughts and plans together so that they are useable? Here are some suggestions:
1) When my creativity kicks in, ideas come very fast. So, I carry a small spiral notepad in my purse and take it everywhere. I jot ideas down for future reference.
2) Do it NOW!! It’s so easy to just say, “when I have time I’ll do it.” Nope, no time like the present. The moment you see the opportunity to put your thoughts into action, do it!! When I came back from my move, I noticed I needed a better way to keep my client files organized. So, I immediately started playing with it. I was at the store and saw the spiral notebooks I would need. While my husband and I were out at the office supply store, I went ahead and bought the other supplies. I spent an hour and a half putting the system in place. Time I could’ve spent doing something else. Putting my thoughts into action has saved me time ever since. I don’t have to root for client notes anymore!! I just pull out their notebook from their color coded file and voila!! Instant history and space for the new info.
3) Share the work. As you put new ideas into place for your business, you still want to have time to take care of your current clients. Get some help!!! Share your ideas with a VA, your partner, your spouse ANYONE who might be willing to take some of the work off your hands and supports your business. This will keep you moving forward.
Be creative and enjoy it!!!! For anyone willing to share… I’d love to hear how your creative juices have gotten started recently. How have you organized your creativity? Leave a comment below.
-Kristen
http://www.virtualhelper4u.com
A large portion of a Coaching business is offering and selling intellectual property. Ever question whether you want to copyright or trademark it? You can copyright all of your intellectual property. As long as it uses creative words and concepts. If you’ve invested time, money, and effort into developing it; copyright it. In the USA, as long as you have:
©, Year, name, company name, and All Rights Reserved
on the document you do have a legal leg to stand on.
- Some examples of property you may want to copyright:
- Power Point Presentations
- Articles
- Podcasts
- Reports
- Websites
- Worksheets
- Logos
- Banners
- Blog Posts (You can add the copyright information and your disclaimer that allows distribution with your name and link on your “About” page)
There are people out there who steal intellectual property and post it on websites. I’ve heard of Coaches asking the owner of the website to remove their content. A lot of times they actually do. So, it is possible to resolve the issue. Sometimes they don’t even know where they got the information and it’s truly innocent.
As for Trademarks, it is several hundred dollars to trademark a business name. However, if you really don’t want someone else in the Coaching industry operating a business under the same name, then you might want to consider this. Just because you buy the web domain it doesn’t mean the business name is safe.
You can get more information at the US Patent and Trademark Office - http://www.uspto.gov/#
For more information on copyrights - click here.
For more information on trademarks - click here.
If you have a link to other websites or information outside the US, please leave a comment and include it here.
©, 2006, Kristen Beireis, Virtual Helper 4 U.
You may reprint information from this blog, provided you give credit with this statement “Written by Kristen Beireis, Virtual Assistant to Life and Career Coaches (http://www.virtualhelper4u.com/).”
