The Best Ways to Use Instant Messaging for Companies

Instant Messaging first became really popular in the mid to late 1990's for staying in contact with friends and mainly members over the internet. Instant Messaging, also called IM, can be thought of a lot like a text based phone call. Since the early 2000's it is becoming more and more common for businesses to take advantage of instant messaging software to help keep in contact with suppliers, customers, employees and other business contacts.

If you want to use an instant message program to keep in contact with all or any of your business professionals, be sure to create an IM user policy. Employees will need to know how, where, when and who to instant message. Try creating a user policy for your business that presents your company and employees the way you want to be seen be customers and clients.

When instant messaging and creating your IM policy, keep in mind that IM's can be saved by either you and your employees and also by the other people you are talking to as well. Often you or your employees will need to use instant messaging to share files with customers and suppliers. Viruses can easily be transferred on files to your computer, so before you begin file sharing through IM, make sure you have a good anti- virus program on each of your computers.

People are very busy so a very important thing to remember is to keep IM conversations short, simple and to the point. Keep your friends and family contacts separate from your business and employee contacts so you can easily tell which of you business contacts are available during business hours.

Even if using instant message for your business sounds unprofessional or more complicated, look into enterprise instant messaging, which can be a real time saver when communicating with clients and customers or sending simple messages to employees and other business providers.

Buying Sexy Clothes For the Summer

Because I work from home, I very rarely have an excuse to wear sexy clothing or clothes that make me look nice and well put together. Because we are now getting into summer, I have decided that it is time to upgrade my wardrobe and get some new pieces to really play up and enhance my look.

Our neighborhood has a private pool, so I am using this as an excuse to get some fun cover-ups, skirts, and summer tank tops that will keep me cool while also providing me with a fun new wardrobe.

While browsing for new outfits, I found Devilswink.com, which is a website that provides lingerie, clubwear, and beachwear. It was perfect because there are a variety of price ranges, styles, and options to choose from. The website was easy to navigate and I found a couple of pieces that I really liked, including this summer dress:

 

Unfortunately, this dress is out of stock on the website, but I hope it comes back soon!

Why You Should Have A Secure Instant Messenger

There are many ways to communicate in the modern world full of technological wonders and one of them is instant messaging over the internet. Although it is an easy way to communicate and is low cost and instant messaging is often free, it is not all that secure, leaving you open to virus attacks, wiretapping, and even identity theft. It's an ugly thing to think about, however there are ways to ensure that you are able to have secure instant messaging. Here are some of the benefits and things to think about as to why you should have a secure instant messenger.

The usual most popular instant messaging networks are the most vulnerable as they send your information and conversations over the web with little to no security in place. They send their data without any sort of hack proof encryption free and clear. This allows for people to hack your accounts all that much easier. In this way you can have malware or Trojan viruses send to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You would not likely even know that you had gotten the virus in this way. This also applies to it being easier for people, not just the government, to tap your conversations or to steal your account and/or identity. Why put yourself at risk in the first place by using unsecured instant messaging?

When you use a secure instant messaging service you have better peace of mind that you are safe from attack. The people you talk to can also have this assurance that when you send them a message authentic and it came from you directly and not some unknown third party. You have the benefit of encryption to protect you from others seeing your messages as well as hacking into the account. Deniability keeps others from sending your clients and friends strange advertisements or forging conversations you never made so that they can't trick people into revealing information that shouldn't be known.

Your secrets and privacy are important and they are not things that you would desire to have out in the open. Instant messaging when unsecured can be an all to easy gateway to people hacking and infecting your computers and networks. The best way to prevent it all in the first place is to make sure that your are using an effective secured instant messaging client for all of your online conversations.

The Glory of Massage Chairs

For a long time, I have wished for a massage chair. I get professional massages regularly, but being able to have that level of relaxation at home would really make a difference.

I get sore muscles easily from working out and also from being on the computer several hours each day, up to 10-12 hours. Getting regular massages really help me relax and keep my body in good condition.

Another thing that massages do for me is to decrease my stress and anxiety. I get stress and anxiety because I own my own business, so I put myself under a lot of pressure to do well and to keep growing my business.

Having a big massage chair at home that I could use would really make a big difference when it comes to my stress levels. I hope that one day I will be able to afford a large massage chair, but until that time comes, I guess I will have to keep getting pricey professional massages at my favorite spa!

The Wish List For My Personal Trainer

Because I really enjoy exercising, I have always thought getting a personal trainer might be a good idea, because they would push me harder to do more with my exercise. Sometimes I will exercise for stress relief, but the main reason why I do it is for weight loss. I know that a personal trainer would help me accomplish that.

Whether you are looking for a Personal Trainer in Potomac or other city, they can be easy to find. However, the key is finding a personal trainer that matches your personality and work out style. For instance, I really would like a personal trainer that:

• Took me seriously
• Trained me hard
• Reliable
• Challenged me

Because I am a woman, I worry sometimes that I am not taken seriously in the gym. Whatever Personal Trainer in Potomac I had would have to get me over that fear!

Cool Gadget: Car Cameras

We have all seen those viral videos of police pulling over another car, and antics ensue. Luckily, we get to see these, thanks to the police cruiser's car camera. One thing I just found out was that these car cameras are for sale! I had no idea that they were available to anyone else except for the police.

Car camera may have a variety of uses- to create a home movie commemorating a road trip or travels, for evidence should anything happen (this may be a good idea for semis or other long-distance drivers in a company car). Having a camera as back-up evidence is always a great idea.

These car cameras come in a variety of difference styles, sizes, and shapes. There are also different capacities and recording features. There are smaller styles so they don't inhibit the driver's view, and there are even more that have larger capacities to record long sessions of video tape at a time.

The majority of these run through the AC outlet in your car or truck and are easy to set up.

The Development of Business Instant Messaging

 Even as recent as a few years ago, the use of instant messaging clients by employees in the workplace were strictly prohibited by supervisors and managers. However, once business owners began to realize the power behind instant messaging as a communication tool, they learned that it may be more that just a waste of company time. IM can actually increase productivity, employee team cohesion, and the  efficiency of communication.

At first, supervisors began to allow employees to download instant messenger programs like AIM and Yahoo! Talk. However, as important or confidential data began to be traded through this new channel of workplace communication, companies began to worry about the instant messenger security.

This is where  corporate  messenger systems come in. They provide secure instant messaging by encrypting all conversations, data, and file transfers that take place. This is achieved by allowing businesses to download an enterprise instant messaging client that is kept on a secure server.

As more and more businesses make secure instant messaging a priority, hosted instant messaging clients will continue to grow in popularity. Besides encrypting all data and conversations, many programs allow managers and supervisors to oversee their employee's accounts using an online account manager. From this database,  they can add new employees, remove employees, view employee conversations,  and much more. This may ease the fears of many business owners who worry that their employees will use instant messaging to talk to friends or others not affiliated with the company.

The goal behind enterprise instant messaging programs is to provide the flexibility to communicate online instantly, while still providing security and control due to the confidential nature that is crucial to most business's profits. Many hosted IM programs offer free trials and can be found online. Try out several different interfaces, programs, and options before deciding which is best for your individual company.

How to Download Instant Messenger Programs Safely

In an ideal world, it would be great if every program that was downloaded was completely safe and no one had to worry about the program containing a virus or Trojan. However, in the real world, this simply isn't the case. Malicious computer hackers will use whatever means necessary to gain access into home computers through viruses posing as safe and legitimate programs, like instant messenger   clients. Some hackers use these programs to collect personal information, allowing them to steal a user's identity and wrecking havoc on their credit. Below are some steps to take in order to ensure that users download instantmessenger programs that are safe and credible.

Research Ahead of Time

Before you download instant messenger clients, be sure to do a lot of research. Only download instant messenger clients who have all the components you need and will use almost every day. Make a short list of what you are looking for and try to stick with it when you decide which program to choose.

Company You Trust

It's important to remember to only download instant messenger programs that have good reviews from the users that have a lot of experience with them. User reviews are also great because they allow you to find out bugs or flaws that may come from every day use of the client.

Verified Download

After you have located a IM client to download, make sure you either download it from the creator's website itself or from a trusted download site like CNET. To make sure that it is safe, look for an icon that says it is verified, certified, or has been 100% tested for viruses by an independent resource.

Virus Scan

Finally, after the .exe file has downloaded, have your virus scanner check the file to make sure that a virus isn't embedded into it.

Once you have completely downloaded your IM program, use it and make sure you provide feedback both to the developer and the user community. They will appreciate your feedback and put it to good use.

How to Find Effective Self Storage Marketing Opportunities

There are several different available self storage marketing opportunities, both online and offline. Varying your marketing strategies can certainly make your overall marketing and advertising efforts generate a higher return on investment (ROI). 

·         Direct Mail: This may be a good strategy if you have access to a new homeowner or apartment tenant mailing list. Other instances where people may be a good targets for direct marketing are college students leaving school for the summer, as well as recent graduates. 

·         Social Media: Hosting social media exclusive specials, promotions, and events can be a great way to use this online marketing medium. 

·         In-Store Advertising: Having a billboard or sign outside the storage grounds can attract potential customers driving by. Additionally, advertising specials in the store (such as volume or referral specials) is also a good way to drum up business.

·         Website: Having a website is a necessity for local businesses. Many potential customers look for self storage facilities online before deciding on one. A website can help your future tenants find you easily.

·         Business Exchange: Partnering with other area small businesses can definitely be a great help. Choose businesses or properties where their customers would benefit from your facility, and vice versa. Such places include container and organizing stores, moving services, home stores, and more. 

These are just some of the offline and online marketing strategies for self storage owners. Do you have any others? Let us know in the comments. 

This post was sponsored by Scott Meyers' Self Storage Investing.

Helping Severe Sweating with Botox

Botox can be used for a variety of reasons beyond decreasing the look of wrinkles, which was also discussed in my previous blog post. But did you know that Botox for men and women can have different uses as well?

For instance, men may find Botox useful to help cure Hyperhidrosis for excessive sweating in the armpits and other areas. While women can also use Botox for this reason as well, it is usually more common for men.

A use of Botox for women that is becoming more popular is the inject of Platisma bands in the neck. This can decrease the occurrence of "turkey neck" or sagging neck skin. Many women feel self-conscious about this occurrence and Botox can certainly help reduce the appearance of sagging platisma bands.

This post sponsored by CI MedSpa, a medical spa, Chicago-based

Other Uses for Botox

When Botox was first introduced, it was mainly for reducing the look of wrinkles temporarily. Now that it has grown in popularity, the medical community is discovering more uses for Botox.

The advantages and benefits of Botox can go beyond traditional layered fillers (even though layered fillers can help with under-eye bags and other physical flaws). Some patients get Botox treatments to decrease rosacea, which has been shown to decrease after regular use when injected in cheeks.

Botox can also help with headaches and excessive sweating, which is something I will talk about in my next blog post.

This post brought to you by CI MedSpa, one of the Medical Spas, Chicago

Medically Advanced Facials

I have always wanted a facial, but I keep thinking that they aren't worth my time or that they are too costly. Luckily, I scored a coupon for a discounted facial and went into to get it last year. I loved it! The best part of any facial (in my opinion) is the facial massage.

There are several medical spas that offer advanced medical facials, Chicago and beyond. While I haven't been to any of these medical spas, I do know after getting my first facial last year, I do reason how much facials can improve skin and overall tone, complexion, and skin health if they are done regularly.

This is one beauty treatment that I wouldn't mind getting regularly!

This post brought to you by CI MedSpa, one of the Medical Spas, Chicago

Uses for an iPad or other tablet

I recently got an iPad. I was sick of taking notes in several different notebooks or post it notes and p then not finding them later. It wasnt productive and I might as well not have been taking notes at all. The iPad 2 has gone down in price since the new iPad has come out, so I went for it.

The iPad has a variety of uses, including:

• Taking notes at meetings
• Sending emails
• Sending text and instant messages
• Looking up information on the internet
• Playing games
• Downloading productivity apps, such as Wordpress and document editors.

I have found that the iPad is a very useful tool for business owners, working professionals, and for personal use. Finding a sale on a used iPad or a new one from a wholesale distributor online can be a good way to save some money. Other tablets are available as well, including the Samsung Galaxy and the Kindle Fire.

This post was sponsored by Brosix Instant Messenger, an alternative to Skype.

Communicating With My Business Partner Online

I have a business partner that lives about 3 hours (by car) away from me. Because of this, we had to find some affordable (and free) ways to communicate every day by phone.

• Email: We use gmail and go daddy email addresses with our URL to communicate with one another and our clients.
• Instant Messaging: We talk via gchat, Skype, and Brosix every day to stay in touch so we can chat about clients, projects, and other developments.
• File Sharing: We use Google Documents for a lot of our files that we both need to access. This is especially useful for spreadsheets.
• Text Messaging: We both have iPhones, so we can use iMessage or HeyWire to communicate via WiFi or our phone's data service.

These are just some of the free tools we use to stay in touch and have a successful business partnership.

Do you have any others we can use?

This post sponsored by Brosix, a corporate messenger program available for Android and iPhone.

Finding Party Ideas

I always love creating theme ideas for parties, and this is especially true for birthdays and around the holidays. I have had several themed parties, including:

• Vegas
• Neon
• Halloween Housewarming
• Flannel

and several others. I will say that the one theme party I have never had is an ugly sweaters party. These are usually really popular around the winter holidays, especially Christmas. Ugly sweaters can be very fun, especially searching for an ugly sweater to wear before the party. I'm sure I would try to find the ugliest sweater I could, maybe one with a dog on it, since I have two dogs.

Have you ever had an ugly Christmas (or other holiday) party? Was it fun?

Finding a Dentist

I am not a huge fan of dentist. It could be a San Antonio Dentist or a Kansas City dentist, it really doesn't matter.

I am not a fan of drills in my mouth or really, anywhere near my body. This might be why I am not a huge fan of dentists at all. I also had a bad experience with anesthesia at the dentist's office when I was little, so that is definitely a big part of it.

Now, I have some cavities and I'm not so keen and having them, and want to get rid of them. I got x-rays taken and now I just need to make the appointment! I found a good dentist nearby, and I'm going to call Monday.

Please wish me luck!

Brought to you by: Dentist in San Antonio

Making Side Income

Everyone needs some side income once in a while...when I was working full-time I did freelance work to help pay down my student loans (which are still haunting me) and to have extra money for trips and Christmas presents.

Now that I freelance full-time, I am still always looking for ways to make side income for even greater trips and a bigger savings account (as well as still paying down that pesky student loan debt).

There are several ways to make side income on the weekends or evenings. They include:

• Freelancing (painting, moving, writing, designing...)
• Buying and selling items at storage auctions
• Selling owned items on eBay
• Reselling concert tickets (if legal in your state or city)
• Babysitting
• Being a server or bartender
• Helping people move
• Lawn mowing
• Pet sitting
• Selling goods on Etsy or Fiverr

and so many more!

Do you earn a side income? Have you tried storage auctions or Etsy yet? Let me know!

Finding Polish Pottery Prices

Because I am a new homeowner, I still am constantly finding new home decor or improvement projects and ideas, especially because of Pinterest. One such find are beautiful Polish Pottery pieces, which can get quite pricey. The Polish are well-known for their pottery pieces, and they can become valuable collector's pieces or family heirlooms.

Thanks to the internet, sites like Polish Pottery Store make finding the most reasonable prices on Polish pottery a reality. I really love this Polish Pottery Bowl (pictured in this post), and the website helped me find it for around $60. What a great deal! We have glass cabinets at our house, so this would look great in those.

Next time I need some more Polish Pottery, I'll certainly check out Polish Pottery Store again!

It's Tax Time!

Tax time is fast approaching, and luckily, we have an accountant this go-round to make sure that we don't make any mistakes and pay any remaining taxes that are left over from my consulting and freelance work.

I enjoy owning my own business, and especially being my own boss, but I will say that the whole tax and financial side of the business can definitely get overwhelming at times. Accountants and Attorneys can definitely make the process easier and help prevent any penalties or legislation against you or your business.

That is definitely a "worse case scenario" situation, but it always helps to be prepared and have people on your side who know what to do in these situations. I always feel less anxious and more calm whenever I have a professional guiding me through a difficult or stressful process that I haven't experienced before.

Have you done your taxes yet? Did you get a refund?

This post was sponsored by Florida Tax Solvers, which helps individuals with their Florida Tax Return.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is becoming the "next big thing", mainly because avid internet and technology users are finding it hard (not to mention risky) to have all of their files, including music, stored onto their computer's hard drive.

Cloud hosting involves hosting files "in the cloud", which means they are stored via a remote server and can be accessed almost anywhere (and usually from any computer) through the internet. Cloud Hosting users appreciate this flexibility as well, as they can still access files when they are away from their home office or computer.

Many services, such as HostZilla, offer FREE Cloud Hosting up to 100MB. They also make it easy to upgrade for as low as $15/year, which is only a little bit more than $1 a month. That is a small price to pay for unlimited cloud web space.

The HostZilla website is easy to navigate and simple to use. It outlines available features easily and I would definitely recommend it.