KeyNotes Newsletter
October 2006

Greetings,

My September began with a very rocky start. Something I never thought would happen to me - happened! My computer crashed! Though it didn't technically "crash" (my motherboard went), it was traumatic enough that I feel "crash" is using the appropriate terminology.

Though I have been utilizing an online back up service, Data Deposit Box, and an external hard drive, there was still a moment (several of them actually) of panic. Did the service back up everything it was supposed to? Did I set it up to back up everything I should have?

Well, thankfully everything was backed up appropriately. I purchased a new pc while a new motherboard was being installed in my old pc. I only had a few days of not being at full work capacity, and, all in all, it was a good learning experience. Best of all - I now have two working computers networked together, which will allow for the company expansion that has been in the works. Ahh - that silver lining...

Don't think it can't happen to you - back up your data!
by Donna Toothaker

When it comes to our computers, I don't know why so many of us have the "it won't happen to ME" mentality. You know what I'm talking about - computer crashes. We read about it happening ALL the time; at least one person we know has had it happen to them, so why is it that we think we're special?

It just happened to me. And I was one of those people - going through the motions, backing up because ‘they’ say we should. I never thought it would happen to me. Why? I have no idea. It’s not like I have the greatest, most impenetrable, unbreakable, pc in the world. Is it denial? Who wants to even think about what would happen if their pc crashed? I’m not sure. But I am here to tell you – it can, and it might happen to you.

I was thanking my lucky stars that I had done regular back-ups. You never realize how much you have to lose (data, emails, calendars, contact information, financial information), until you find yourself going through an entire day and thinking – I hope I still have that. It’s not a fun place to be.

We no longer have excuses for not backing up. Even the most technically challenged can utilize an online data back-up service. There are fantastic online services out there that are secure, inexpensive and easy to start using. And, they function just as well as having an additional hard drive. There are several options and alternatives for backing up your data. So, please, do your research; use what you’re comfortable with – but, by all means, back up your data!



Donna Toothaker is an expert Virtual Assistant and founder of www.1stVA.com. Donna specializes in providing marketing and administrative support and services to Professional Speakers and Life and Business Coaches. To discover how 1st VA can help your business – visit http://www.1stva.com .

Resource of the Month

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Business Building Tip of the Month
by Amy Derr, of www.insitefulwebdesign.com

“Nothing is more powerful – and empowering – than the testimony of an individual. It's a personal acknowledgment of realization...and commitment and triumph.” - Robert Kiyosaki, Author, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

You have created your website. You have worked long and hard on it. You’ve done your research, so you know there is a market willing to pay for your product or service.

All of the credibility in the world won’t matter if you have no one to sell your product/service to. But assuming that you have done all of your market research, now you have a problem. You’re unknown and it will be hard to get others to spend their money on what you’re offering simply because you think you will be good at persuading them to. You’re going to need some “fire power.” That’s where testimonials come in.

People won’t always believe the promoter no matter how likeable or charismatic he or she may be. It’s all about testimonials! As an example, take your job search. An applicant may have one heck of a resume and may be very impressive during the interview process. But one of the most important aspects of the job hiring process is the references that others give interviewers on behalf of the applicant.

Testimonials can be placed on their own web page, scattered throughout the site, or put anywhere that will have a strong impact. You are always judged by what others think of you and your product/service. Testimonials are a powerful key to your success!


Amy Derr has been a website designer for nine years and has designed over 200 websites, including corporate, small business, entrepreneur and non-profit organization sites. What started out as an interest in the internet and wanting to have her own personal site expanded into a passion for designing graphics and websites professionally. She has designed sites for Fortune 500 companies (including Mutual of Omaha and Kodak) as well as other large companies such as AMCON Distributing and Home Instead Senior Care.

For more information, check out the list of services to see how your company can benefit from Insiteful Web Design. Feel free to contact Amy to ask any questions or request a free quote.

Happy Halloween!

Until next month...

Warmly,

Donna Toothaker