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	<title>Inbound Marketing &#38; Social Media Services &#124; Alternative Office Assistance</title>
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		<title>5 Tips to Boost Your Productivity at Work</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/business-strategies/5-tips-to-boost-your-productivity-at-work/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/business-strategies/5-tips-to-boost-your-productivity-at-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:31:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boost Productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prioritizing Work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virtual Assistance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1302</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Guest Post by Della Bercovitch If you are feeling overwhelmed in the office trying to get too many things done at once, then maybe it is time for you to organize your day. Learning to plan ftoday for tomorrow, can &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/business-strategies/5-tips-to-boost-your-productivity-at-work/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Della-Bercovitch.png"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-1303" title="Della Bercovitch" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Della-Bercovitch-150x150.png" alt="" width="135" height="135" /></a></span><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guest Post by Della Bercovitch</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">If you are feeling overwhelmed in the office trying to get too many things done at once, then maybe it is time for you to organize your day. Learning to plan ftoday for tomorrow, can boost your productivity.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">These tips will encourage you to get the most of your day in an organized and productive manner.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of each work day, think about what you have to do tomorrow. Create a list of all the tasks you would like to accomplish in order of importance.  When you start your work day in the morning, you will have a guide listing everything that must be done.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be careful of diversions. Frequently schedules get interrupted by unscheduled phone calls or unexpected visitors. If you want to stay on track, a good method to follow is The Pomodoro Technique.  All you need is a timer to apply this technique. You set the time for twenty-five minutes and work diligently for those twenty-five minutes.  Once the timer rings, take a five minute break.  Do something totally different than what you were doing for the twenty-five minutes.  After the five minute break, set the timer again for another twenty-five minutes and go back to the original task.  Follow this routine four times.  After the fourth twenty-five minute timer rings, take a twenty to thirty minute break, then start again. You will be amazed at how much can be accomplished.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have an appointment outside of the office, it is good practice to call before you leave.  This will guarantee that the person you have the appointment with is in the office and expecting you, as well as ensuring that the person is on time. Knowing in advance that the scheduled appointment is delayed allows you to choose to leave the office later and complete something else on your “to do” list.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Checking a task off of your “to do” list gives you a real sense of accomplishment and provides you with the opportunity to see what is left to do. You can then reprioritize and reorganize your time for the remainder of the day.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of each day, look at your list.  Were you able to accomplish everything on the list? If not, move what is left to tomorrow’s “to do” list. If there were many tasks that still remain on the list, then perhaps you had too many items on the list.  Think about how much you can actually accomplish in a day and plan for that. Perhaps move some of the less urgent items to later in the week. Do not forget about them; just know when you are prioritizing how much you can do in a day. </span></span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Following these few tips will boost your productivity and keep you organized. Remember that it is important to have balance in your life and you cannot accomplish everything in one day.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">As the social media phenomenon continues to grow online, many are spending more time on the computer.  Some are trying to figure out what it all means and how they can benefit from online networking.  We must keep in mind not to get lost in this digital world. It is still important to network in person.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">I would like to invite you stop by my blog.  I would love to have the opportunity to connect with you.  Please be sure to introduce yourself.</span></p>
<address><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Della is a Virtual Assistant who specializes in Book Marketing Online, Online Events as well as administrative services for small businesses. Please visit her website at <a href="http://www.della-gate.com/" target="_blank">http://www.della-gate.com/</a></span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">.</span></address>
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		<title>How Facebook Could Prevent You From Getting a Job</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/how-facebook-could-prevent-you-from-getting-a-job/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/how-facebook-could-prevent-you-from-getting-a-job/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:21:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1281</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’m deviating from my usual subject matter today.  I happened to find an article which caught my interest because the subject matter has actually come up before with a question in a Forum. Someone wanted advice on what the rules &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/how-facebook-could-prevent-you-from-getting-a-job/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Facebook-and-Jobs.png"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1283" title="Facebook and Jobs" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Facebook-and-Jobs-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>I’m deviating from my usual subject matter today.  </span><span style="color: #000000;">I happened to find an article which caught my interest because the subject matter has actually come up before with a question in a Forum.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">Someone wanted advice on what the rules were around insisting job seekers provide their Facebook emails and passwords during interviews to the prospective employer.  </span><span style="color: #000000;">I’ve heard of more and more companies insisting on a Police Check being provided during the interview process before a final decision is made&#8230;.but requiring access to an individual’s Facebook account?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">The person in the Forum was an employer who wanted to check out prospective employee’s to see if they were a good “fit” or so he said&#8230;  </span><span style="color: #000000;">What kind of information was he looking for on these individuals that might sway his hiring decision?</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">And if the applicants refused, were they still considered for the position or were they automatically weeded out as being non-compliant and no longer eligible for the position?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I came across this article today:</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.informationweek.com/thebrainyard/news/social_networking_consumer/232602936/job-seekers-asked-for-facebook-passwords-debate-roars" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial;">Job Seekers Asked For Facebook Passwords: Debate Roars</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">I personally think these companies are going too far because there are no set rules or laws protecting people’s privacy in the Social Media world.  </span><span style="color: #000000;">I know friends, family, acquaintances and alliances who don’t necessarily think before they post personal information – they either don’t care or they are unaware that once something is posted on the internet, it NEVER goes away.</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">Something particularly young teenagers and parents might want to remember.</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">What you say may come back to haunt you at the worst times.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">I feel strongly about this because to date, I have been in the Social Media world for personal and business use for years and on behalf of many of my clients.  </span><span style="color: #000000;">And as this medium gets ever popular, I have issues with companies who feel they have a right to know everything about an individuals’ life just because they may be hiring them to do work&#8230;where does it end?</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">Can I assume that before internet, companies used private investigation to check out their employees or use Search Engines to dig up everything in employee’s lives?</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">Or does Social Media just open up this opportunity to them now?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And unless job seekers protest that they cannot protect their privacy in order to make a living or some internet lawyer or politician decides to take on a crusade to make laws happen, this isn’t going to be governed anytime soon.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would you pass over your Facebook login and password in order to gain employment?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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		<title>6 Reasons to Have a Social Media Strategy for Success</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/6-reasons-to-have-a-social-media-strategy-for-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/6-reasons-to-have-a-social-media-strategy-for-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:24:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success in Social Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although there was a huge influx of businesses recognizing Social Media was no longer an option to include in their marketing efforts in 2011, as many or more businesses will include Social Media as part of their marketing plan for &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/6-reasons-to-have-a-social-media-strategy-for-success/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SMM-27.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1263" title="Social Media Success" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SMM-27.jpg" alt="" width="144" height="87" /></a>Although there was a huge influx of businesses recognizing Social Media was no longer an option to include in their marketing efforts in 2011, as many or more businesses will include Social Media as part of their marketing plan for 2012.</p>
<p>After attending many webinars and participating in Forums in January and February of this year, I noticed many new and existing business owners are at the stage of seeking information about how Social Media works and were actually surprised when many experienced marketers stressed how important it was to develop a strategy &#8220;before&#8221; they start setting up accounts and participating.  I have also gained many new clients recently and encountered the same issue &#8211; they want &#8220;into Social Media&#8221; but haven&#8217;t any idea what they want to accomplish.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">6 Reasons to have success in Social Media with a Strategy:</span></strong></h3>
<ol>
<li>To have a plan with realistic goals and how to reach them.</li>
<li>To use consistent branding.</li>
<li>To know your competition.</li>
<li>To clarify how much time you have to participate.</li>
<li>To set a budget.</li>
<li>To track your Return on Investment.</li>
</ol>
<p>I insist on sending my Social Media Assessment Form to them to be filled out before we begin.  This helps them think through a Plan of Action.  Here are just some of the questions I ask them to complete.</p>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   Who is your target market?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   Clarify whether you are targeting local, national or international market?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What are your products and/or services?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What goals do you want to accomplish in Social Media and in what timeframe?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What forms of Branding do you want to utilize in Social Media?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What are your keywords for your Business?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What is your competition doing in Social Media?</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What amount of time are you scheduling to participate in Social Media and what role do you want your Social Media Specialist to fill &#8211; consultant, trainer and/or implementation?</h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What is your monthly budget?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">•   What is your level of experience with Social Media &#8211; beginner, intermediate or experienced?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">•   How will you track your Return on Investment (both your time and the Social Media Specialists)?</p>
<p>A well thought out Plan of Action will lead to a higher rate of success!  Please feel free to share any other information you think pertinent to add to the above list of questions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>How SOPA/PIPA Would Affect Small Businesses on the Internet</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/news/how-sopapipa-would-affect-small-businesses-on-the-internet/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/news/how-sopapipa-would-affect-small-businesses-on-the-internet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:06:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Content Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Go Daddy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google +]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inbound Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SOPA/PIPA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wikipedia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1231</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week, the SOPA/PITA Acts were bound for approval in the United States.  In the largest online protest in history on January 18th, 2012 many huge websites (i.e. Google, Wikipedia, WordPress.org, etc.) went black and the end result was that &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/news/how-sopapipa-would-affect-small-businesses-on-the-internet/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SOPA-PIPA.png"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-1234" title="SOPA - PIPA" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SOPA-PIPA.png" alt="" width="240" height="240" /></a>Last week, the SOPA/PITA Acts were bound for approval in the United States.  </span><span style="color: #000000;">In the largest online protest in history on January 18</span></span><sup><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">, 2012 many huge websites (i.e. Google, Wikipedia, WordPress.org, etc.) went black and the end result was that these Bills were shelved indefinitely.</span><span style="color: #000000;">  </span><span style="color: #000000;">But, that doesn’t mean they are gone&#8230;.</span></span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is SOPA?</span></span></strong></h3>
<p><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Establishes a system for taking down websites that the Justice Department determines to be &#8220;dedicated to infringing activities.&#8221; The DoJ or the copyright owner would be able to commence a legal action against the alleged infringer and the DoJ would be allowed to demand that search engines, social networking sites and domain name services block access to the targeted site. In some cases, action could be taken to block sites without first allowing the alleged infringer to defend themselves in court.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The link to read more is here:</strong><span style="color: #333333;">  </span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s968/show" target="_blank">http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s968/show</a></span></span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is PIPA?</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>PIPA, if passed, will give U.S. corporations and the government the right to seek affirmative legal action with any website that they see as enabling copyright infringement whether of U.S. origin or not.</em><strong><em></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The link to read more is here:<span style="color: #333333;">     </span></strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/how-sopa-pipa-can-affect-you/" target="_blank">http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/how-sopa-pipa-can-affect-you/</a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These bills were initially created to prevent piracy of content like videos, music and software on the internet that robs the entertainment and computer <span style="color: #333333;"> industry of their royalties but since the criteria for these bills was unfocused and unclear, they “could” be used to pull a website like Google or Wikipedia or WordPress.org off the internet for copywright infringement for their content like articles, blog posts, videos, audios and so on….</span></span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does this mean for Small Business?</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most small businesses nowadays know that if they don’t have an internet presence they are definitely going to lose a huge amount of business.<span style="color: #333333;">  Why?</span><span style="color: #333333;">  Because with the age of computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones about 80% of the population research online to find products and services that they are looking to buy.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  The days of the old Yellow Pages for research is almost gone.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  Most people never think to use that old method of finding businesses.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  And if they research online and a company doesn’t have a website, they will never know about it or worse still, if they want to research a specific company before they buy and a website is not there, they move on to businesses that are on the internet for the information they seek.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small businesses who have a website have to create their own content, and although some take illegal shortcuts by copy and paste from similar sites offering similar products and services, most take the time and money to create their own individual message to their website visitors.<span style="color: #333333;">  But what if the content they create is similar to some other website.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  It is inevitable.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  There are only so many ways you can describe or illustrate your products and services.</span><span style="color: #333333;">  SOPA/PIPA if passed, can pull your website off the internet and you have no recourse to recover from a loss like that.</span></span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And what about Social Media?</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among the thought leaders, Content Marketing is going to be huge in 2012.<span style="color: #333333;">  Everyone can find anything “information” on the internet and individuals automatically do their research there.</span><span style="color: #333333;">   With the prominence of Social Media and content sharing sites, people in my industry – Inbound Marketers, Internet Marketers, Social Media Marketers, Video Marketing Specialists, Article Marketers, Blog Marketers – we all urge our business clients to create lots of fresh content and to proactively share the content of the people we are connected to.</span><span style="color: #333333;">   Is this copywright infringement?</span><span style="color: #333333;">  With the SOPA/PIPA Bills, with it’s “fuzzy” definitions we, as small business owners, could be misconstrued as stealing content.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is why huge sites like Google, Wikipedia and WordPress.org took a stand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, Go Daddy, one of the biggest webhosts and domain sellers, changed their minds about supporting these bills when they lost more than 10,000 customers in a week!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I agree that these Bills may eventually pass, but before they do, the “powers that be” must be educated on how the internet works, how Social Media and all the other online marketing strategies work, and then edit and modify these Bills to much more defined guidelines.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you feel about SOPA/PIPA?</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you want to keep abreast on developments on these bills, you can find updates here:<span style="color: #333333;">  </span><a href="http://sopastrike.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://sopastrike.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OR, in Canada:</span></p>
<p><a href="http://openmedia.ca/SOPA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri;">http://openmedia.ca/SOPA</span></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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		<title>How Foursquare Enhances Local Searches</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/inbound-marketing/how-foursquare-enhances-local-searches/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/inbound-marketing/how-foursquare-enhances-local-searches/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:25:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inbound Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foursquare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Search Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Foursquare entered the Social Media world in 2009 and although it seemed to have a slow start it has now become mainstream for users of smartphones and boosting local traffic in businesses. As of June 2011, the company reported it &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/inbound-marketing/how-foursquare-enhances-local-searches/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Foursquare.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1199" title="Foursquare" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Foursquare-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Foursquare entered the Social Media world in 2009 and although it seemed to have a slow start it has now become mainstream for users of smartphones and boosting local traffic in businesses.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">As of June 2011, the company reported it had 10 million registered users and expected to pass 750 million check-ins before the end of June 2011, with an average of about 3 million check-ins per day. 50 percent of users come from outside US.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #0a28df;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is Foursquare?</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">It is a free application on smartphones.  For instance, perhaps I have just discovered a great establishment in my area, a local office furniture store that offers new and used office furniture which they buy/sell/lease/trade.  I have found they have great customer service following the sale.  And when in the store, I found they also offer services to renovate existing office space and equipment to make it more efficient and look updated and fresh.  Wow!  That is a great place to share with my business associates and friends locally.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"> I use the Foursquare app to “check-in” there – Foursquare actually does a local search for places in the area you are located and this office furniture place may be already listed in which case I just check-in and there is a place I can leave tips like “great customer service”, “huge selection of items”, “having a great 30% sale today”, etc.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">I have already personally registered in Foursquare and I can connect with anybody locally or around the world and when I “check-in”, they all receive notification that I am at that establishment.   As well, I have enabled Foursquare to post my “check-in” on my Facebook page and my Twitter account.  If this great business is not listed, I can automatically “add” them in the Foursquare app.  Now they are listed for anyone else who wants to “check-in” with Foursquare.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">What if someone reads my check-in and wants more information about this business I’ve discovered?  The business can create their own account online when they go to Foursquare.  They add their name, contact information, special deals and discounts and more information on their products or services.</span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #0a28df;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Benefits of Putting Your Business on Foursquare?</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">A place you can list your business and where people locally can find you</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can add specific information you want your potential customers to know</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can offer rewards for visitors who come often</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can post specials and deals</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can not only reach local buyers but anyone who visits your city, town, etc. when they are in the area or travelling and are searching on their smartphones</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">It gives your customers a chance to “spread the word” about you and give you great recommendations.</span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #0a28df;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Benefits of Joining Foursquare yourself?</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You find the specific products/services you need locally or when you are travelling</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can see recommendations about the establishments</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span>        <span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can win “rewards” the business has set up – a free product or service, a discount for being a regular customer, etc.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Foursquare for business just makes sense&#8230;.and it is free!</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.foursquare.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #0000ff;">www.foursquare.com</span></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What success stories can you share about Foursquare?</span></span></p>
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		<title>Scams, Spams, Frauds and Hacks&#8230;.Oh My!</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/internet-security/scams-spams-frauds-and-hacks-oh-my/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/internet-security/scams-spams-frauds-and-hacks-oh-my/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Internet Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frauds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spam]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently there have been more and more alarming stories about scams, spams, frauds and hacks through the internet.  As business owners who do a large part of our marketing through our websites with internet marketing and social media marketing, it is &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/internet-security/scams-spams-frauds-and-hacks-oh-my/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Scams.bmp"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1154" title="Scams, Spams, Phishing and Fraud" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Scams.bmp" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Recently there have been more and more alarming stories about scams, spams, frauds and hacks through the internet.  As business owners who do a large part of our marketing through our websites with internet marketing and social media marketing, it is our responsibility to try to be aware of what is happening on the internet and how to protect ourselves.</p>
<p>This can be overwhelming, daunting and time consuming.  There are multiple sites that list scams and where scams can be reported.  There are also Forums where you can share your experiences.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.hotscams.com/">http://www.hotscams.com/</a></h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.hoax-slayer.com/latest-information.html">http://www.hoax-slayer.com/latest-information.html</a></h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm">http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm</a></h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.scambusters.org/">http://www.scambusters.org/</a></h3>
<p>These are 3 scams I know of that have been circulating around and can cause huge problems for businesses.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>1.   The Microsoft/Windows Scam</strong></span>:</p>
<p>“Someone” from Windows/Microsoft calls to say they have detected suspicious activity and virus’s on your computer.  They provide a URL that you are to type into your browser.  When you do, they remotely access your computer and upload a “virus software” that is actually a spybot that starts busily gathering all your information off your hard drive.  And it arbitrarily removes your own virus software to make your computer vulnerable.  As well, they offer their “repairs” for free until they install the offending software which mucks up your computer so bad that you can’t operate it and then they offer to remove the problem for a fee!</p>
<p>This happened a few months ago to my friend.  Thankfully, I had been doing “remote” stuff with her on her computer and as soon as she saw them take control of her mouse she knew what was happening and quickly shut down her computer until I got there to go into “Safe” mode on her computer and remove the offending upload so they couldn’t grab all her information.</p>
<p>This can have a catastrophic effect on any person who uses their computer for business – not only does all their information get hacked but it makes the computer unuseable until a “techie” can come in to fix it which costs huge or they fall for this whole scheme and have to pay the hacker to fix the problems.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">2.     The Online Product Purchase Scam</span></strong>:</p>
<p>A Virtual Assistant I know who operates out of Australia reported that she was very pleased that one of her information products had sold bulk copies to someone who went to her website for the purchase.  She processed the payment &#8211; it was approved &#8211; and she promptly shipped out the items.  Then the credit card company came back to her with the news that the credit card had been stolen and, therefore, the purchase had been reversed.  She received no money, incurred the cost of shipping the products out (which weren&#8217;t returned) and she had no recourse to recoup her financial loss.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">3.     The Phishing for Cell Numbers Scam:</span></strong></p>
<p>I have a cell phone like most do.  At the time this incident happened my cell only had a number, a 250 minute plan, no texting and no internet.  There are many pop-ups that come to you on the internet where they offer “free” stuff or contests BUT you have to enter your cell number.  I ran into one of these <span style="text-decoration: underline;">several years ago</span> and suddenly started receiving multiple text messages that they charged for and which Rogers (my provider) passed on to me.  I had Rogers reverse all after a long and lengthy fight <span style="text-decoration: underline;">so I never entered my cell number again</span>.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, recently I started receiving all these text messages again when I had entered my cell number in NO WINDOW or POP-UP  I couldn’t figure out how they got my cell number until I thought it through.  There must be “data miners” out there who go to websites where we, as businesses, post all our contact information including cell numbers for our clients.  These “data miners” are going out into the internet and collecting these numbers and SELLING THEM to third party text messaging companies.  I had messages coming from 3 such third party messaging companies.  The cost to me for not even sharing my cell number:  $120 in 2 months.  Rogers must collect those fees and pass them on to those disgusting 3<sup>rd</sup> party companies.  When I called Rogers they tried to block text messages to my phone (I didn’t have texting anyway) but that didn’t work.  They looked in their records on my account and found the names of these 3<sup>rd</sup> Party providers and gave me their phone numbers whereby I contacted them and demanded they remove my number from their records.  It was a very long, time consuming fight and I had to call more than once but eventually when I pushed hard enough and asked to be escalated through many managers, I got a refund mailed to me by cheque.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">What do you do if you have been scammed or &#8220;suspect&#8221; it may be a scam?</span></strong></h3>
<p>Here are a few suggestions offered from some of my alliances:</p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Courtesy of Karen Braschuk of Office Support 911:  </span><a href="http://www.officesupport911.ca/"><span style="color: #ff0000;">www.OfficeSupport911.ca</span></a></strong></h3>
<p>There are  great places to report these calls/scams &#8211; special websites set up for exactly this purpose. If you Google a phone number from an annoying or suspicious caller, it&#8217;s likely there will a ton of others who have reported it as well.My two most trusted websites are:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.800notes.com/">www.800notes.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.800notes.com/">http://www.800notes.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.whocallsme.com/">www.WhoCallsMe.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.whocallsme.com/">http://www.whocallsme.com/</a></p>
<p>Every time I receive a call from an unknown caller, I check that number in<br />
both of these places first. Sure enough, I usually find a slew of<br />
information, in particular, &#8220;This is Microsoft just calling to make sure<br />
your computer is secure&#8221; scam.</p>
<p>Be safe. An unsolicited call from anyone requires great care in how you<br />
respond.</p>
<p><strong>Never:</strong></p>
<p>- Confirm your mailing/physical address</p>
<p>- Confirm your phone number</p>
<p>- Confirm your name</p>
<p>- Confirm your email address</p>
<p>- Confirm your password</p>
<p>- Confirm that you are a user of a particular service</p>
<p><strong>Always:</strong></p>
<p>- Ask them to identify themselves</p>
<p>- Ask why they are calling</p>
<p>- Ask for a call-back number</p>
<p>- Ask how they got your number</p>
<p>- Ask for their website or yellow pages listing</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">From Sandra Fénelon, Project Manager &amp; Consultant at Sole Mia Concepts:  </span><a href="http://www.solemiaconcepts.com/"><span style="color: #ff0000;">www.solemiaconcepts.com</span></a></strong><br />
If you have some facts that you can provide to the Canadian Anti-Fraud<br />
Centre (CAFC), they can investigate the situation. However, I am not sure<br />
what happens to the cases that have been reported. Here¹s their phone number<br />
and email address:</p>
<p>Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)<br />
1 (888) 495-8501<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info%40antifraudcentre.ca">info@antifraudcentre.ca</a></p>
<p>Be alert, be aware and share your experiences with others.</p>
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		<title>Is Facebook the Place to Market B2B?</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/is-facebook-the-place-to-market-b2b/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/is-facebook-the-place-to-market-b2b/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:55:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook Business Pages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook Marketing for Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faceook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In one of the LinkedIn Groups I belong (Inbound Marketers), a question was posted: You&#8217;re a B2B firm, do you use FaceBook? I can hardly believe businesses don&#8217;t get the value of Social Media Marketing  for Business and having a &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/is-facebook-the-place-to-market-b2b/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Facebook.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1144" title="Facebook" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Facebook.jpg" alt="Facebook for Business" width="150" height="56" /></a>In one of the LinkedIn Groups I belong (Inbound Marketers), a question was posted:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/e/-phjxp5-gu5t0m29-3w/vai/21005/60890674/member/eml-anet_dig-b_pd-ttl-cn/?hs=false&amp;tok=2cRfh6e1-UzQY1"><strong>You&#8217;re a B2B firm, do you use FaceBook?</strong></a></p>
<p>I can hardly believe businesses don&#8217;t get the value of Social Media Marketing  for Business and having a Facebook Business Page whether their target market is B2B or B2C, but from the comments under that question, it appears many businesses consider Facebook only for B2C!</p>
<p>If you are a Facebook user, check out the feeds on your wall,  Many of your friends have no doubt &#8220;liked&#8221; business pages that interest them &#8211; I know many of the big corporations my friends have liked such as Dell, Tim Hortons, Best Buy, Staples &#8211; Business Depot, CBC, Presidents Choice, Toyota, Home Depot, Rogers Wireless, Telus and Avon,  to name a very few have recognized the value of Facebook to connect.</p>
<p>As well, industry specific companies like Real Estate Agents (both commercial and residental), Lawyers (both Family and Corporate), Software Companies (for personal or business), IT Companies and also any other companies in different industries have jumped into Facebook.  Did you know that non-Profits include Facebook very highly in their marketing efforts?</p>
<p>I certainly have highly recommended to my local clients, both established and new businesses, that to build their presence in their communities, Facebook is a MUST!  My clients are about a 50/50 split between B2B and B2C.</p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>An example:</strong></span>  a local business who sells Business Furniture.  By joining local people in his community, no doubt many of them are business owners or work in local businesses.  He not only can target local people who live in the community but find other businesses in the community through them and by interacting with both his personal profile and his business page, he will be able to establish a strong presence for himself and his business and reach his target market or ideal clients.</p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>Another example: </strong></span> an account rep for wireless services whose target market is small businesses &#8211; she &#8220;found&#8221; me through Facebook and offered me a great deal for my business &#8211; I was a happy new customer and eagerly referred alliances and clients alike to contact her if they weren&#8217;t happy with their wireless providers, mostly through Facebook as I have many connections with small businesses in my community.</p>
<p>Of course, depending on the size of your Company, what your products or services are  and where your market &#8220;hangs out&#8221; on the internet, I can guarantee that some of your best clients/customers can be found on Social Media sites and Facebook specifically.</p>
<p>Larger corporations just have to define where their target market can be found and create a strategy for their marketing efforts that will effectively build on their connections in order to build their brand, communicate with their customers, share information, make new product or service announcements and create deals to entice their followers.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s face it &#8211; almost everyone is now a Facebook user whether they use it for just connecting with friends and family or whether they are also using it for business purposes, purchasing decisions, information or whatever.  Personally, I have noticed recently that family and friends of mine who shied away from being a Facebook user in the past have finally decided to join and are learning fast that it is a source of all sorts of information beyond just communicating with those people they already know.  They are starting to take part in contests, liking pages of businesses they know and trust, seek information on new ventures and interests, etc.</p>
<p>So far in my experience, there hasn&#8217;t been a business out there that I couldn&#8217;t develop a Facebook marketing strategy for&#8230;can you think of any?</p>
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		<title>Google Places and What It Can Do For You</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/marketing/google-places-and-what-it-can-do-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/marketing/google-places-and-what-it-can-do-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:50:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting Listed in Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Link Building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing Strategy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I recently had a new client come onboard.  He had already been in business for about 5 years and had a &#8220;unit&#8221; or small warehouse where he kept his stock.  Most of his business had come through &#8220;word of mouth&#8221; &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/marketing/google-places-and-what-it-can-do-for-you/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Google-Search.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1118" title="Google Search" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Google-Search-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>I recently had a new client come onboard.  He had already been in business for about 5 years and had a &#8220;unit&#8221; or small warehouse where he kept his stock.  Most of his business had come through &#8220;word of mouth&#8221; but there were peaks and valleys.  He realized he wanted to grow his market from just the Toronto area where his present clients are to establish a presence in the Barrie area, where he is located and now has a StoreFront Unit and wanted to spread the word about his business to all of Ontario.  He wanted to update his website to show his current stock and expand on the services he offered that few knew about.  And he wanted to get his website listed much higher in Google.</p>
<p>One of the first strategies I suggested was to get his business listed in Google Places.  He asked what was the use of getting in Google Places?</p>
<p>So I asked him a series of questions&#8230;</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Where do you go to find businesses &#8211; the Yellow Pages or the internet?</strong></span></p>
<p>His answer:  the internet.  Not surprising because about 90% of people search on the Internet now.  Approximately 1 in 10 people still refer to the Yellow Pages.  Most Yellow Pages books reside in people&#8217;s closets getting dusty with no use.  And even if they do refer to the Yellow Pages, their next step is usually to search the internet for the business&#8217;s site to get more information.  It is ironic that if people can&#8217;t find a website associated with the business, it is perceived that the business is very new, very small, very old or not very successful or professional if they don&#8217;t have a website.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>How many people do you know who use Smartphones?</strong></span></p>
<p>His answer:  almost everyone I know has a smartphone now.  Again, not surprising!</p>
<p><strong>Recent statistics on Smartphones:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>4.1 billion mobile phones worldwide</li>
<li>87% of US Cellphone Users have Smartphones</li>
<li>Smartphones will eclipse PC sales in 2012</li>
</ol>
<h4>And where does Google Places fit in?  Approximately 90% of the population will find you through an internet search (whether it be on a PC or smartphone).  If your site and Google Places listing are search engine optimized correctly, people will find you whether they are looking for your company name or by your keyword terms in Google.</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Google-Places-Marketing-your-Business1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1121" title="Google Places Marketing your Business" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Google-Places-Marketing-your-Business1.jpg" alt="" width="265" height="190" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Some other advantages to your Google Places Listing:</strong></p>
<p>You can customize your listing to not only include your contact information but your hours, the addition of a Google Map to show your location, how you take payment, your hours of operation, highlighting your specialties, you can add videos to your listing or pictures of your products and most importantly it can be optimized for the search engines including location, e.g. cupcakes in Barrie Ontario Canada.  An additional benefit, is that your customers can write reviews of your services and recommend you.  And, you can post updates to your Places page such as specials, new products and services, events, etc.</p>
<p>And my last question to the client:</p>
<p><strong>What is the cost for a Yellow Pages ad you want?</strong>  His answer did not match the cost of a Google Places ad &#8211; <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">IT IS FREE!</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>
<h5><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">754RA7FJGSMP</span></strong></h5>
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		<title>Google + &#8211; Will It Surpass Facebook?</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/google-will-it-surpass-facebook/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/google-will-it-surpass-facebook/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:55:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google +]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mari Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mashable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PC World]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Examiner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=1066</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Google + was launched less than 2 months ago and and took only 16 days to reach 10 million users.  Facebook took 852 days and Twitter took 780 days to reach that figure.  Why should you add Google + to your &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/social-media/google-will-it-surpass-facebook/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Google-+1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1109" title="Google +" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Google-+1.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="60" /></a>Google + was launched less than 2 months ago and and took only 16 days to reach 10 million users.  Facebook took 852 days and Twitter took 780 days to reach that figure. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Why should you add Google + to your social media presence?</span></strong></p>
<p>I think many people who are just entering Social Media or have been there for a few years now and have built up a community are reluctant to jump into yet another new Social Media forum &#8211; after all, it takes time to learn how each works and build your brand and connections.  This would just add more time to your busy schedule &#8211; right?   And many people are sitting on the fence to see if Google + actually is worth the effort.</p>
<p>I joined Google Plus within the first couple of weeks so I could test it out and judge for myself.  There are many knowledgeable thought leaders I am connected to who have spent more time than I have and so far the feedback has been very positive and I have to say that so far, I am impressed with it as well.</p>
<p>I love the &#8220;circles&#8221; feature that allows me to categorize my connections and target messages to specific circles.</p>
<p>I like the &#8220;Sparks&#8221; feature that allows me to indicate my interests and what feeds are going through that are displayed for me without searching for them.</p>
<p>Although, I am not a heavy Googe user, I do use Gmail, Alerts, Reader, Docs, Analytics, etc. and when I log into my Google Gmail I can find my Google + account on the very first tab at the top of the page.  I anticipate and have heard that Google users are finding it much easier to share content in Google + by using all the various Google tools available.</p>
<p>It is easy to search and find other Google Profiles of people I know and those I would like to know.  And an added benefit has been that new connections have found me and added me to their circles, giving me the opportunity to meet and learn to know them.</p>
<p>In the Social Media world I live in, due to the fact that I am, among other things, a Social Media Marketing Specialist, I find all the thought leaders are already in Google +.   One of the  strategies I follow and recommend to my clients, is to spread their social media presence in all the top sites and besides finding new connections, they should strengthen their presence, visibillity and recognition by connecting to the same people in all the forums. For example, I have found that connections I have made in other sites are already familiar with me and what I do and they automatically have been finding me in Google + and connecting with me there too.</p>
<p>And in these early stages of Google +, it is easy to check out new and familiar people I know and trust and I can find who is in their circles very easily connect with them as well.</p>
<p>Recently Google + has added games to their offerings and Google Business Pages will be coming soon.</p>
<p>And Google is &#8220;all about&#8221; SEO.  Think of the possibilities of how important a presence in Google + will mean to building SEO.</p>
<p>Since I have been aggregating content on Google + to keep abreast of all the new and upcoming developments, I have included some top content the thought leaders have provided with the links below.  Have a look to help you form your own opinions.</p>
<p>Do I think Google + will surpass Facebook?  Down the road, they may depending on how many features they add and how many new and innovative ways they improve it.  I agree with one of the articles below where someone mentioned that it will certainly keep Facebook on their toes.  They are certainly well on their way to impressing me and many others with what they have done in a very short period of time.</p>
<p><strong>From Social Media Examiner:  How to Get Started with Google + &#8211; Your Complete Guide:  <a href="http://bit.ly/juQiS8">http://bit.ly/juQiS8</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>From Mari Smith:</strong>  What&#8217;s so Exciting About Google + &#8211; An Overview:  <a href="http://bit.ly/r8bDso">http://bit.ly/r8bDso</a></p>
<p><strong>From Mashable:</strong>  Google + &#8211; the Complete Guide:  <a href="http://bit.ly/qeLHjh">http://bit.ly/qeLHjh</a></p>
<p><strong>From Mashable:</strong>  Google + Tips and Tricks:  10 More Ways to Make the Most of Your Account:  <a href="http://on.mash.to/oJsdop">http://on.mash.to/oJsdop</a></p>
<p><strong>From PC World:</strong>  Google + Posts will appear on Google Social Search Results:  <a href="http://bit.ly/oXeunI">http://bit.ly/oXeunI</a></p>
<p><strong>From Social Media Today:</strong>  Why Goole + Is Great for SEO:  <a href="http://bit.ly/qeLHjh">http://bit.ly/qeLHjh</a></p>
<p><strong>From Social Media Today:  </strong>How Your Business Should be Preparing for Google +:  <a href="http://bit.ly/p30BGw">http://bit.ly/p30BGw</a></p>
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		<title>Powerpoint Presentations and how you can convert them to start Video Marketing</title>
		<link>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/uncategorized/powerpoint-presentations-and-how-you-can-convert-them-to-start-video-marketing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/uncategorized/powerpoint-presentations-and-how-you-can-convert-them-to-start-video-marketing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:26:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Coville</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Content Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Powerpoint Presentations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Powerpoint to Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scribd]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slideshare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Movie Maker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[You Tube]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/?p=338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have all seen many powerpoint presentations throughout our business life.  We see them as handouts at meetings and events.  We see them at webinars and as handouts and at teleseminars we attend.  Powerpoint presentations can also be a very &#8230; <a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/uncategorized/powerpoint-presentations-and-how-you-can-convert-them-to-start-video-marketing/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Powerpoint-to-Video-Marketing.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1091" title="Powerpoint to Video Marketing" src="http://www.alternativeofficeassistance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Powerpoint-to-Video-Marketing-150x118.jpg" alt="Powerpoint Presentations to Video" width="150" height="118" /></a>We have all seen many powerpoint presentations throughout our business life.  We see them as handouts at meetings and events.  We see them at webinars and as handouts and at teleseminars we attend.  Powerpoint presentations can also be a very important inclusion in Content Marketing on the web, along with blog posts, articles, press releases, audios, pdfs and video marketing.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">Slideshare</a> is a great place to upload your powerpoint presentations and Slideshare integrates with Facebook, LinkedIn and on Twitter.  And <a href="http://www.scribd.com/">Scribd</a> is a great place to share your powerpoint content as well.</p>
<p>But did you know that if you have <a></a><a></a>considered <a></a><a></a>adding video content but held back because you think the cost of video is beyond your budget, powerpoints are the perfect solution to get started with video marketing when you are on a tight budget.</p>
<p>Here is how to do it:</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Create a good powerpoint presentation:</strong></span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Choose a template and customize it to reflect your branding.</li>
<li>Condense your content to focus on the points you want to highlight.</li>
<li>Use bullet points where appropriate and 12 pt. minimum for fonts - they make it easier to read.</li>
<li>Add images like pictures and/or graphs to back-up  the information you are providing.</li>
<li>Save your powerpoint as a presentation first and then save as a jpg.  Powerpoint will ask you if you want to save each indiidual page as a jpg and click Yes.</li>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></ul>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Transfer your presentation to video:</span></strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>In Windows 7, Windows Live Moviemaker comes standard with your operating system.  If you have an earlier version, such as XP, the program you use is called just Windows Movie Maker.  There are also other software programs you can obtain.  Some are free downloads, some shareware and some paid.  A quick Google Search will help you choose the best one for you</li>
<li>You will use your Powerpoint JPGs to import into your movie program and you can add an audio music file to play as it moves through the slides or create a voice-over  audio from a free program such as <a href="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/">Audacity</a>.</li>
<li>These movie programs also allow you to time your presentation as it moves through the slides and has features where you can specify individual visual effects on each slide.<span style="color: #ff0000;">﻿</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Now you have your finished video, so how can you distribute it multiple times as a part of Content Marketing?</span></strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Post it on You Tube, Vimeo, Flickr, Photobucket and countless other video sites.</li>
<li>Download it onto your website.</li>
<li>Add your video to your Profiles in Social Media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn and don&#8217;t forget to add it to your Google Places account.</li>
<li>Add videos to your blog posts or do a &#8220;video blog post&#8221; as a change from the standard text or audio blog post.</li>
<li>Create tutorial or learning videos and package them to sell to your clients.</li>
</ul>
<p>Video Marketing is a popular and very successful addition to your Marketing Strategies.</p>
<p>I invite you to add your ideas for video distribution.</p>
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