Google just introduced Buzz, its newest development in the world of social media. Last year, I registered for a Google account and signed up for a Gmail email account. I never realized that having a Google account would include so many fabulous features! For instance, connected to my Gmail account is my Google calendar, Google Documents, Reader, and more. Gmail even allows me to send from my other email addresses, notice in the screen shot that I am sending the email from my debbie@minutesmatter.com address. I also installed WiseStamp, which is an add-on in Firefox that allows me to add a personalized signature stamp and include all my social media icons. Google Docs includes online documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can even upload an Excel spreadsheet or a PDF document. We are still exploring the endless possibilities that these online tools can provide for our company. Currently, my design firm is using an online spreadsheet to enter data for a large design project. Because one of our designers is not always in the office, we realized that it would be beneficial if she could do research from her computer and still have access to current data regarding the project. When files and documents are online, you can access them from any computer. Of course, I installed the Gmail App on my iPhone so that I can access the information from my phone as well. We can also designate specific folders that we would like to share with clients. I will be sharing a lot more information regarding sharing documents online in the upcoming months. Look for my posts about the benefits of Working in the Clouds or Cloud Computing.

But now, let’s get back to Buzz. Buzz operates similarly to Facebook and Twitter. The best part is that it’s embedded right into Gmail; you don’t have to launch another application. Imagine how easy it would be to click on Buzz to post an idea or ask a question, while you’re reading email. Buzz was launched last week and the response has been tremendous.

If you already have a Gmail account you’re ready to start Buzzing.

I am so excited to be the instructor for the brand new Minutes Matter Studio Coaching programs. In early 2004 (six years ago!!) I downloaded the first trial version of Studio 1.0 and immediately fell in love. I didn’t even wait the thirty days to purchase it, and just went to work learning all I could about how to use it. Since August of that year I have been hosting the Studio webinars to teach others about how to make this software work for their businesses, and each month I am delighted and gratified by how many new “converts” we have, especially those who are new to computers and had to learn the basics about using a mouse, file saving and copying and pasting before they could delve into designing. Studio truly is fun to use, and easy to learn, once you commit to spending some time practicing.

Now we have the opportunity to share in depth all the tools and features which make the renderings come alive. For new users, we have the Novice Level, so that we can go slowly and make sure that each designer “gets it” before going on to build on what they’ve learned. For more experienced users, who’ve mastered the basics, we can explore all the tips and techniques that will help them create renderings which their clients will love so much they’ll show their friends. And nothing is better than word of mouth!

During and after every Getting Started with Studio webinar we get questions about how to add an outdoor scene, draw shadows and highlights, make the fabric look realistic, import accessories and furnishings, work in perspective, and add those special touches which amaze clients. With the Coaching Program we’ll be able to share all these secrets to making your presentation the most professional it can be.

Those who know me from the Drapery & Design Professional Network forums know how much I enjoy sharing and teaching. I am really looking forward to working with Studio designers who are ready to take their businesses to the next level by offering a specialized service which will set them apart from their competitors.

Not sure which level you should take? If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at
MMStudioCoach@aol.com

 

In Jeffrey Gitomer’s email today, he reminds all business owners how important it is to put customer service at the top of our priority list. Exemplary customer service is the best way to ensure that your clients are happy and your business continues to flourish. The fact is customer service requires effort on a consistent basis and it cannot be left to chance. Many businesses tend to forget how even mediocre customer service can produce devastating results. Take some time to reflect and determine what areas in your business you can improve to achieve a better relationship with your clients.

Below is a partial excerpt from Jeffrey‘s email:

HERE’S HOW TO SERVE:

• Start friendly NO MATTER how they act or talk.
• Get off your high (pc) horse.
• Don’t worry about how you feel – worry about how they feel.
• Ask them how you can help them the most.
• Help them with whatever they need.
• Don’t tell them what you can’t do, tell them what you can do.
• Get them to agree that the solution you offer, or answer they need, is the one they are expecting, and the one they are pleased with (not “satisfied” with).
• Engage them personally during the conversation.
• Make CERTAIN customers are happy as a result of the call.
• Follow through on your promises with action and communication.

Read the entire article and subscribe to Jeffrey’s weekly ezine Sales Caffeine.

The checklist certainly does not cover everything required to put 2010 to rest, but it’s a good general start.

Reconcile

Reconcile all of your bank and credit card accounts with your December statements to ensure all of the balances in your QuickBooks accounts are correct and ready for tax preparation. If you reconcile every month, this task is 99% done by the end of the year. When making loan payments, be sure to check that the amounts going to principal and interest are accurate when you enter the payment every month. The result is that at the end of the year it takes only a minor adjustment, if any, to get the principal balance to match your bank’s loan statement balance.

Report

Print and proof reports for your files: Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports are essential. In addition to your digital records, have file copies of your year-end business reports printed. These printed records are a good quick reference if you want to compare one year to another. Natural disasters, fires, and thefts of computer equipment, all of these things make our computer records vulnerable and having that printed information could be very important to you in the future. Giving your accountant copies is also a good backup plan.

Backup

Make two backups of your QuickBooks company file. Store one copy off-site in a secure location. You should definitely have a backup procedure in place for all of your computer records. To determine how far you will want to go with your backup procedures, think about how painful it would be to lose all of your data and then backup accordingly. One method I recommend is to purchase multiple thumb drives and label them for different days of the week, to give you a series of “rolling backups” in the event one of your storage devices fail. Another method to use is an online backup service. I use Mozy.com to backup my computer files online. Each morning Mozy leaves me a screen open to confirm that my files were backed up to a website while I slept. Mozy also leaves a reassuring green checkmark next to every backed up file and folder. Using multiple storage devices and having some type of off-site storage are the main components of a good backup program.

Taxes

Print and mail your W-2/W-3, 1099, 940/941 and 1096 tax forms. Go through your Vendor list and double-check that all of your vendors who require 1099s are set up with 1099 vendor status and that you have their social security numbers. QuickBooks will print all of your 1099s and the 1096 reporting form for you. You can purchase the government required forms for a nominal price from any office supply store. QuickBooks does an excellent job with all of your payroll reporting forms also.

Data Integrity

Ensure your data integrity. As your data file gets large (in excess of 50 MB), you might encounter corruption. Problems are much easier to fix when they’re caught early and still small, so follow these easy steps to check the integrity of your data. It’s a great idea to do this when backing up your files. Close all windows, then use File > Utilities > Verify Data to verify your data integrity. If verification fails, it will give you instructions on the screen for how to proceed.

If you are instructed to run the Rebuild, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild (this will require you to make a back-up). After the rebuild finishes, run Verify again. Recently, we have had several customers have issues with some of their lists looking incomplete even after verifying their data. Running the Rebuild corrected the lists even though QuickBooks did not indicate their data was corrupted. I suggest running the Rebuild tool monthly after a backup just to keep your data in good shape.

File

A complete printed set of file folder labels is available from your QuickBooks Company File. Simply click File > Print Forms > Mailing Labels to set up the specifications. I set up my file folders right away with these labels for the companies I know I will need and then store the rest in a folder at the front of my files for companies I am not sure I will be using that year. I keep two years of folders in my office for easy access. I have seven large plastic tubs in my attic for previous year’s records. At the end of each year, I empty the oldest tub, retaining tax and payroll records, and put the most recently retired records in it and send it back to the attic.

For those of you that love technology, like me, you will want to know what exciting announcement will be divulged during the press conference Apple has scheduled. The press conference will take place in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time.

Rumors are running wild about the “new creation.” I have read several forums and most seem to agree it will be some type of tablet pc, with the majority of news and forum speculators guessing it will be 10-inch tablet. Apple has been working on a tablet for years. In fact, the iPhone was created during the development of the tablet. For now, Apple is keeping the announcement very hush hush. Some of the techies on the forums think that whenever Apple launches a new product it should be considered a holiday. I had to chuckle at that one.

Check these websites out for more information:

• Ubergizmo (Join them for live, up-to-the-minute blog postings with photos)
• Techradar (the rumor round-up)
• CNet (lots of comments)

Another rumor floating around is that Apple will announce that they will no longer be exclusive with AT&T and that Verizon could soon be selling the iPhone. Others disagree, saying that Apple will not want to dilute their exciting news about the tablet.

We can also look forward to a new release for the iPhone in the next couple of months. Who knows where Apple will take us in the future? One thing you can be sure of is that it will be exciting!

In the past few months, we have received numerous calls regarding our thoughts on Netbook versus Notebook computers. Netbooks are similar to a notebook, only smaller and normally less expensive. As you know, anything that has to do with technology can undergo massive changes in a matter of months. I had not taken the time to re-investigate Netbooks until Sandy Cruz, a good friend and a Minutes Matter customer, purchased a “Dell Mini 10.” I asked her to let me know how it performed after she had been using it for a couple of months. She installed programs such as Studio, Outlook, QuickBooks, Picture Manager, and Photoshop Elements. To sum up Sandy’s thoughts regarding her Netbook, here is a direct quote from her “I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my little “Mini 10,” it is always with me.”

Netbooks have become such a hot topic and they perform almost as well as a notebook. Notice the size of the Netbook in comparison to the coffee cup in the image above, they are small and super lightweight. I recommend purchasing a 10″ screen if you are planning on using it as a portable computer for your business. You can surf the web, connect on your social networking sites and run almost any business or personal software. Also, many mobile phones allow you to tether your computer to your phone for Internet access, eliminating the need for the $60 per month fee for a mobile broadband card.

TIP: Processors are generally not as fast on Netbooks, which means you shouldn’t have too many programs open at the same time.

My recommendations for a Netbook:

• Windows 7 Operating System
• Intel Atom Processor (533 MHz or higher)
• 1GB memory or more (remember you’re going to install Studio, Photoshop Elements, etc.)
• 160GB hard drive
• Always purchase an extended warranty for any portable computer

As I am writing this ezine, I realize that I would love a Netbook! I love the fact that it is so lightweight. They weight approximately 2.5 lbs. If you have been contemplating the purchase of a notebook, I definitely recommend researching specs on both a Notebook and a Netbook before making your purchase.

I have found a new iPhone app that is a must have for all you iPhone users. Its Dragon Dictation by Nuance. This company is well known all over the world for its voice recognition software Dragon Naturally Speaking. I have to confess, Jerry and I are not the fastest texters, so this app is perfect for us. It kills me if something is taking too long and texting seems to be a bit inefficient for me. 🙁 This app, however, puts me back in the game. (Now, I might be the fastest texter/talker in the South!) You can even use this app to Tweet and update your Facebook status. Best of all it is FREE! There are some rumors that there may be a fee in the future. So be sure to install this app right away.

It’s amazing, and is almost 100% accurate even with our Southern accents. However, people’s names seem to be a bit of a problem. Another similar app is AudioPeople for Facebook. It only works within Facebook, I use it to record a “Happy Birthday” wish to all my Facebook friends.

The screenshot above is the homepage of my iPhone, which displays my favorite and most frequently used apps. Check them all out! I have my iPhone organized with my favorite apps on my homepage; Minutes Matter you know. If you have any questions, please post in the comment section of the blog.

I recently returned from a two-day whirlwind trip to Atlanta’s Merchandise Mart. We shopped and browsed showrooms for two full days. After 10 hours each day, we would drag ourselves back to the hotel room to rest and pray our feet would feel better the next day! I truly feel for the designers that own a retail storefront and have to do that marathon shopping for three to four days. Visit my Dandelion Blog for highlights, “Our Trip to Atlanta’s Mart ~ Part 1 (Furniture.)“

During the market, I noticed several seminars were being offered and to my surprise several of them were discussing Social Networking. Even though I had very little time to attend seminars, one seminar really captured my interest. I decided to take the time to hear Erik Qualman the author of Socialnomics.

I wasn’t sure how many designers would take time out of their busy day to attend a seminar on Social Networking. However, as Erik began to speak, I turned around and was surprised to see all the seats were filled and many people were forced to stand. Hundreds of designers had decided to take time out to hear about this important topic and as a gift for attending each attendee received a free copy of his book, Socialnomics. Erik’s speaking style was very enjoyable and he always had a smile on his face. If you ever have a chance to hear Erik, I highly recommend taking the time to listen to any seminar he presents.

Afterwards, Erik stayed to autograph his books. (I know I look really short in the photograph, but I am 5’5″ and I am guessing Erik is around 6’10”.)

A little about Erik:
Erik Qualman is the Global Vice President of Online Marketing for EF Education, headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland. EF Education is the world’s largest private educator. Erik works out of the 850-person Cambridge, Massachusetts office. Prior to joining EF Education, Erik helped grow the marketing and eBusiness functions of Cadillac & Pontiac (1994-97), BellSouth (1998-2000), Yahoo (2000-03), EarthLink (2003-05) and Travelzoo (2005-08). Erik holds a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. A former basketball player at Michigan State University, Erik still finds time to follow his beloved Spartans.

Erik started out the seminar with his Socialnomics video on YouTube. Many business owners don’t see the benefit or the ROI (Return on Investment) in Social Networking. Once you hear him speak, you know without a doubt that the rewards can be phenomenal. Watch his video on Social Media ROI where he shows example after example of how Social Networking is boosting revenues for businesses everywhere. Both of these videos will demonstrate how our clients are getting connected with businesses.

He played a third video that had the room in stitches. This video “United Breaks Guitars” demonstrates how Social Networking can expose bad customer service. Be sure to watch all of these videos, they are very short but get the point across. The future of your business may depend on what you decide to do with the information Erik shares. Erik stressed one major point … when you are investigating a product or a company, do you trust what the company has to say regarding their product or service or do you trust what your friends say? The trust level is much higher based on what our peers and friends have to say about a product or company. As Social Networking continues to grow, you will soon be reviewing a product or company online and you’ll notice several of the reviews are actually from someone you know. In addition, he emphasized that follow-ups must be done to provide a second layer of engagement. You have to be willing to take the extra step to respond to comments and questions to provide a deeper level of connection. How likely would you be to do business with that company when several of your peers or friends have given them great reviews?

One thing to remember, creating a powerful online presence doesn’t happen overnight. It requires commitment and dedication. In other words, you cannot join Facebook or write one blog a year and expect to see results. Don’t have a blog? Let Minutes Matter set up your blog!

As another year draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on your business’s progress over the past year and plan how you want your business to develop in the future. With the current economic climate, the “business as usual” that many of us were accustomed to has disappeared. In fact, the new economy, plus the insurgence of technology into every part of our lives, has changed the business world forever. Many people take these changes for granted or resist them – I don’t and neither should you. You should regard them as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities! What mindset do you have? Do you make things happen? Do you watch things happen? Or do you just wonder what happened? Below are my “Fave Five” recommended tools that can help your business survive and thrive in 2010!

#1 Set goals! Written goals should include long term plans for your personal and business life. Be sure that the goals you set are achievable, specific, and measurable, rather than unrealistic pipe dreams that are so far out of reach they only lead to frustration. Establish goals for 10 years from now, five years, one year, and then one month. Set financial goals by creating a budget; sign up for our “Budgeting/Forecasting in QuickBooks” online class.

#2 Systematize! Set goals and make “To Do” lists! When you consistently rely on lists to govern your day, you can expect to get 25% more done in a day. Implement the Minutes Matter Measuring System, Work Order System, or Instructional Systems to streamline these processes to save you time and eliminate costly communication errors!

#3 Market in a New Ways! Promote your business regularly and consistently. Don’t let this task slip to the bottom of your to-do list! If you want to attract new customers, you have to make promotion a priority. Use Studio as a marketing tool and watch for the introduction of our newest marketing project “The Power of I.” There are plenty of low and no-cost ways to promote your business, such as newsletters, ezines, social networking, and blogs. The first step is always the most daunting, so why not delegate this task? Minutes Matter offers a Blog Setup Service for only $247. But don’t wait too long, this introductory price ends with 2009, so sign up now!

#4 Do the Math with Technology! Use Minutes Matter’s QuickBooks & Quoting 7.1 to quote on the spot, pay bills, quickly calculate yardage, and systematize your accounting. You’ll save tons of time by using our item codes, chart of accounts, templates and pricing. This is the most affordable and most complete QuickBooks add-on system for designers and window treatment professionals. As an added benefit, you will have access to FREE QuickBooks advice using our private online forum, Minutes Matter QuickBooks Community. Once again, Minutes Matter is here to set you on the right path. We have included a FREE one (1) hour private QuickBooks setup consultation to get you up and running quickly! If you already have QBQ, but still need a little help, you can purchase a One-on-One Consultation with Vickie.

#5 Get Educated Online! Take classes directly related to your business (like the Minutes Matter University online classes) or indirectly related (like taking a class to learn computer basics). During the past few years there have been dramatic changes in communications and technology. Computers are more powerful than ever! Are you taking advantage of new technologies to unlock new opportunities? The list is endless and is growing more every day.

The changes and advances in technology provide us with the opportunity to operate on the same level of play with the smallest and largest businesses in the world! Today you have the opportunity and the tools to contact and sell to more prospective customers than anyone’s wildest dream a few years ago.

Think about all your software and what it will do for you, write letters, design window treatments and space plans, create web pages, brochures, newsletters and books (to name but a few) all with the click of a mouse. If you look back in time to 10-15 years ago, none of these advantages were available to the average person. The power has shifted to us and we need to take advantage and use that leverage. All of the technology that we are taking for granted is there to be used; do you have the mindset to use it?

The opportunities are huge and endless. Some people say that opportunity never comes their way, but this is not true. Opportunity is all around; you just need to make an effort to go find it. It is an arena where there is plenty of opportunity for new people to get involved. We all have our own unique skill sets to use as well.

What mindset do you have? Do you make things happen? Do you watch things happen? Or do you just wonder what happened?

There is an enormous amount of talent in the interior design industry and everyone wants to know where we go, what we have to say, and what we do. People stop and listen when designers speak!

The Internet has made it so easy for us to share our knowledge with our local community, as well as the world. You can become an expert in no time! I highly recommend creating a blog as one of your “Top Ten Tasks for 2010!” Since interior design is all about creating a custom look and feel, blogging is a perfect (and free) solution for attracting and keeping new clients. While I still firmly believe that every business should have a website, a blog is a less formal way to communicate your thoughts and ideas to clients online. The content on a blog is dynamic and is always changing.

Blogging is fun and easy. At first it may seem like it’s overwhelming, as you start thinking about what are you going to write about or how much content should you put into your blog. Once you begin to blog, you’ll find there is an unlimited amount of topics you can blog about. Some of the blogs I write take only 20 minutes, like “Tis the Season!“

Click on the picture above to see my blog, “Making a difference in a community!” that I recently posted regarding our local Middle Tennessee WCAA Chapter involvement with Habit for Humanity. Everyone loves to hear how businesses give back to the community. At the same time, I also mentioned the non-profit WCAA organization, in which I am a member. Mentioning organizations that you are a member of will give your company another stamp of professionalism in a customer’s eyes.

Above is another example of a blog, “Tis the Season,” with decorating tips for the holidays and how Casey was inspired by the Anthropologie store.

Take time to skim over all the different topics I have posted for my own design business, Dandelion’s Blog. You will see I blog about everything from technology to designs tips. I even posted a blog about adding beauty to your backyard with Yellow Finches! I use my iPhone and take shots of interesting things at conventions or seminars that I know will be of interest to my readers.

The most difficult part of blogging, by far, is getting started. Fortunately, Minutes Matter has made starting a blog super easy. We offer a ONE-TIME blog setup for only $327. We register and completely set your blog up and even add the first post! Be sure to read the entire list of features and benefits of setting up a blog through Minutes Matter. Once your blog is set up, all you need to do is add one interesting topic per week. How much easier could it be?!?