New Office, New Network

My sister's in the transportation business.  She's been trucking freight now for quite some time and had the opportunity recently to start her own Intermodal & Freight operation just north of Jacksonville Florida. Opening up her own operation gave her a refresher course on all the necessities of a fully-functioning office environment.  Although her task list is much greater opening a business, here's a list of her considerations from the networking perspective.

The first and foremost thing to consider is what software will you be running in your office environment.  Everything is designed around your applications and I mean everything.  Too many start-ups buy the computers first and end up with slow running applications because they didn't get enough memory or enough storage space for all their data.  Don't confuse the two; memory is where your applications and the operating system are executed or their required data is waiting to be executed (cache). Storage space also know as your Hard Drive is where everything resides before hand; applications, data and the operating system (Windows or Apple IOS).  The best advice here is to read all the requirements listed with your operating system and the applications you intend to run.  Simple rule: you can never have too much memory.

So, you've purchased sufficient Desktop and Laptop computers to run the application your business requires, they have enough memory and large enough hard drives.  Next, you'll need to interconnect them all into a LAN (Local Area Network).  This requires two hardware devices and a cable to connect them; one is an Ethernet port in each computer or device and the second is a switch port for each device's connection. The Ethernet cable has a RJ-45 connector on each end to make that connection.

Note: Laptops can usually connect via Ethernet like the desktops and/or via wireless.  Most of the additional devices like printers and the Fax machine can be connected to your LAN with either an Ethernet or wireless connection.


Now if you were self-contained and didn't have to go to the Internet for anything you'd be about done, but let's face it; we all go to the Internet now a days.  My sister has VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phones, so she can't even make a phone call without the Internet. So now it gets a little tricky.  In order to go to the Internet or do wireless, you need a Router.  A Router is a device that routes protocols between two or more networks.  Sounds complicated, but it's not.  Let me explain; your Internet Provider (ISP) has a network, the device they install in your office is a node or end-point on this big network, and it has an address so they can see it and talk to it for troubleshooting and setup, things like that.  The IP address will look something like this 168.150.0.20 and it also has something called a Subnet mask and it looks like this 255.255.255.0.  This is the same thing the cable company does to your cable box at home, but you may not know it because they set everything up and you never see it.  It allows them to know which box ordered the movie and where to send it.

This Router allows the Internet Service Provider to have its network address on one port and your office network address on the other side of the port; routing IP via NAT (Network Address Translation) between the two sides of the port.  The Internet Service Provider has a big network, but it doesn't have enough address for everyone of it's subscribers devices to have one of its addresses.  So you have to use your own addressing scheme.  That's it in a nutshell.  If your office is part of corporate, they will usually give you the addressing scheme to put on your side of the Router.  If you're standalone like my sister, you can use whichever scheme you want (within reason).  The great and powerful OZ of the Internet has set aside the 192.168.xxx.xxx (where xxx represents any number from 1 to 254) for private networks (if your not getting an address from corp. that's what you are).  So I would use the 192.168.2.xxx as my scheme to be safe.

Now, if you didn't fall asleep from the previous paragraph, you're ready to connect everything and test your new network.  The Cable Company or Internet Service Provider will be out to put in the line, so it's best to have all the computers, switches and router connected before hand because you'll want to test them while he/she's there.  It's usually an additional charge if they have to come back.

I always make a drawing of the network by placing each device on paper and its connection type and address.  Start with the Router port (your side).  I would give it 192.168.2.10, then the switches; 192.168.2.20, .30, .40, .50 and so on.  If possible don't use any number under .100 for a computer, laptop, fax, printer or any other device.  That way you'll know everything under .100 is an interconnection device.  Next, start with your most important computers and laptops; .100, .110, .120, .130 and so on.  And lastly, all printers, faxes and additional devices like phones; .200, .205, .210, .215 up to .250.  Remember, you can't use anything over .254 so adjust the numbers accordingly.

OK, now for the Subnet mask; when you're entering the IP address (192.168.2.whatever), it will want a Subnet mask.  Enter 255.255.255.0 for a Class C address (I won't bore you with what that is here).  And that's it!  You can now test your side of the network by loading MS-Word and printing a doc. or if you know how to ping, ping the address of any one of your devices.

When the Internet guy comes, fire up the software for the Router and add the address he gives you for the Internet port and you are ready to test the internet connection from each PC & Laptop.  You can Download a program called SpeedTest from the internet and by running it, you'll know your true Internet connection speed.

Google is at it again!

Have you had a chance to see the new Google Search Page look?  They've changed the Logo (Flattened it) and added an Apps Toolbar & Quick Links in the top right corner.  Also, shortened the Login Name to first name only (at least mine is).

If it hasn't shown up on your search page yet, add the following code by going to your Google Search Page, entering Ctrl+Shift+J to take you to the Chrome Developers Console, Click Console and Enter the Code (Copy/Paste):

document.cookie="PREF=ID=e66a207a51ceefd8:U=936bafc98b2a9121:FF=0:LD=en:NR=10:CR=2:TM=1378808351:LM=1379592992:SG=1:S=OXyq0fqClYB66VuV ; path=/; domain=google.com";window.location.reload();

Then Hit Enter to Execute.

Here's a direct link to the Google+ Blog for more information:

Google Plus Daily Blog

Enjoy!

Blue Marlin Welcomes New Client!

Blue Marlin Computer Services has the opportunity to provide its Social Media Management professional services to Canine Life Skills.  One of the top canine training facilities in the area, Canine Life Skills provides the Jefferson County and Greater St. Louis Metro area with their proven training methods for owners and their dogs.  Canine Life Skills owner Angela Bentley wants to broaden her business's social media presence, enhanced her business services by providing online tips & tutorials and be more engaging in the community with educational events to help your dog become a well balanced member of your family.

Whether your dogs require extensive personal training or just a quick refresher course, give Angela Bentley a call today at 636 789-4335.

Live Question and Answer for Hangouts On Air

Google's HD Hangouts On Air

Get your business noticed with Google's Hangouts On Air now in High Definition.

Google Hangouts On Air is a live video conference event saved as a YouTube video.  If you know Google, you know they are a leader, innovator and the number one search engine in the world. Google has had a free product called Hangouts out for awhile now; it gives you the ability to video conference with up to 9 more people in a "Hangout".  This product works on desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones, all you need is the ability to connect to your Google account on the internet, a video camera and mic.

Ever the innovator, Google has taken this product to the next level.  Now you can; schedule your video event as a Hangout On Air (allows you to save to a YouTube video), invite your participants (your board members, club members, hobby, sales or professional groups), have your video conference event and then save the video to YouTube.  This will allow others, that could not attend your event live, to watch it at their leisure or for multiple times (this is a great tool for How To events).  Oh, and did I mention the participants can share things from their computers with each other or the audience; things like slide presentations, videos, music you're collaborating on and any How To presentations.  The event will also allow up to 300 or more to attend via chat and ask question and watch all participants.

Let me give you an example: a Realtor's wants to push information to his/her group of agents.  The Broker sets up a time, invites the agents to attend and prepares his/her informative presentation complete with new home videos.  At the appointed time, the agents (all scattered throughout the county) connect to the event and the Broker gives the presentation and does screen share of his/her computer.  The Broker can see which agents are struggling with the information or have questions because he/she can see each member of the event (remember up to 9 participants and up to 300 more can use Chat to chime in). Any question and answer session can happen in real time and the Broker can remote to the video participant agents computer (with their permission) to fix any glitches with software delivery.  The Broker may even share videos of new homes with the group. At the end of the event, the video is saved to YouTube (publicly or privately) and any agent that missed it can review it later.

This works just as well for sales presentations and school work.  Board or Civic Clubs can do meetings without leaving home.  For attorney's working from home on the weekend or traveling, collaborating this way may save multiple trips to the office and you don't have to save the video if you are discussing sensitive information.  Remember, this is a free service from Google.  Anything your business does with Google help's your business move up in the Google Search Rankings.  The only equipment you need, you probably already have; a computer or mobile device connected to the internet, a camera and a mic.

So where does Blue Marlin Computer Services come in?  Well, we do Hangouts!  This may seem intimidating to some the first few times, so we offer production help.  We show you the ropes on how to put these events together, show you all the nice tools you can use during the Hangout, help you through the Hangout event and show you how to save the event as a YouTube video afterwards.  We offer this production service for individuals and businesses getting started in Hangouts On Air or professional that don't have the time.  In most cases we do a practice session to show you the entire process from start to finish, this usually last 2 hours and will require a couple of participants. Next, we are there with you through your first Live event.  You Can Do This!  After that you can be Hanging Out on your own or with our help, you decide how much help you require and when.  If you want, we can handle everything for your club, organization or business.

This is where business connectivity is going, it saves money on travel, allows everyone to get a consistent messages, and you can insure any deliverable's make it onto your participants computer as intended.  The practical use for this technology is endless, so give Blue Marlin Computer Services a call at 636 208-4683 and let's get together and Hangout!

Your Business Branding and Social Media

As more and more businesses make the jump into the Social Media Universe, there's a lot to consider. Everything from your design and logo to your colors and fonts.  Your Branding ties all of these elements together across all your social media platforms, and should always be in the back of your mind when making these types of decisions.

This is a article I wrote for a new client who was starting a new transportation company.  My goal was to make her aware of her design decisions, and how they will fit into her Branding later.

Basic Steps to Success in Social Media

Branding Opportunities - Branding is the consistent look and feel of your business over all things you publish. This encompasses your Social Media sites (Facebook, Twitter & Google+), your Websites, Blogs, Business Cards, Letter Head, Advertising and PR campaigns; basically all the things you put your name on.  There are three main elements to your Branding and some lesser ones; your logo will be the number one thing people will remember about your business presence.  Your Tag Line or catch phrase reinforces your logo and your colors and design pull it all together.

The Logo – make it high quality and simple.  It will represent your business for a long time.  The logo will also appear as your profile pictures on your social media sites, so don’t make it long and drawn-out.  AT&T has a simple blue and white globe.  I use a Blue Marlin.

Your Tag Line or Catch Phrase – This is your chance to tell the world about your business in a few succinct words.  Make them count!  They will appear on all your social media sites, your website and probably should be on your business cards, right under your business name.

I use:     Computer & Web Solutions

Michelle’s Salon uses:    All Things Hair and Nails

Redbird Carriers: The Midwest’s Premier Intermodal Carrier

For you something like: How the South Moves Freight                   

You’ll think of something.

Your Design and Colors – Try two or three colors at the most.  Psychologist say people won’t spend a lot of time looking at nor remember something busy.  A clean, crisp design is preferred and can be recognized over a longer distance; great for a transportation company.  If you look at my website, Blue Marlin Computer Services Blog and business cards; I use two shades of blue and white.  The white background allows the blues to pop and grab your attention.  Redbird Carriers uses black and red on white, here the red cardinal surrounded by the black tire stands out against the white background.  On their website, it’s the first thing my eyes are drawn to.  Also, think about the Font your business name, tag line and name & number will use.  Try to pick something professional and has the look & feel of your industry; something easy to find in MS-Word and other applications (Veranda, Georgia, something like that) curly letters are not preferred for transportation companies.

Additional Things – Some additional things I’ll need for the website and social media pages are the About and History information.  The About is usually a paragraph or two at the most.  This is where you expound on your companies services, values, goals and the things that set you apart from your competition.  For your History; I would do like I did, put down my personal work history as it pertains to your industry.  You've been doing this a long time and you have been very successful; they need to know that.

Well, this will get you started.  There’s more to come, but a little bit at a time.  When you get your business cards made, have them give you the design in digital form, hopefully a .jpg file (they can email it to you, then send it to me), I’ll need that for your website, and everything else.  You are in the unique position of being able to select all of these different design elements with an eye towards your website and social media.  Some businesses aren't so lucky and the transition doesn't look so good.  Take your time and enjoy this part, whatever decisions you make will be with you for a long-time.

Twitter Gives Customer Service a Wake Up Call

Things might be changing for airline customer service, thanks to Twitter.  British Airways learns a lesson in customer service from an angry customer and his targeting of their Twitter Followers.  This is an article from Alyson Shontell of Business Insider that maybe showing flyers the future of unresolved issues with airline customer service.

Angry Customer Buys Promoted Tweets to Bash British Airways for Losing His Luggage

By Alyson Shontell | Business Insider – 6 hours ago

• Email

Business Insider / Henry Blodget

British Airways allegedly lost a man's luggage then wouldn't return his emails. The man turned to Twitter to vent. But he didn't just vent to his 500+ followers.

Instead, he purchased promoted tweets, Twitter's form of advertising, to spread his message far and wide:

"Don't fly @BritishAirways," the man with the handle @HVSVN wrote on Sunday evening. "Their customer service is horrendous."

His tirade continued: "BritishAirways is the worst airline ever. Lost my luggage & can't even track it down. Absolutely pathetic." He also wrote, "Thanks for ruining my EU business trip #britishairways. I shouldn't have flown @BritishAirways. Never flying with you again."

He targeted his ads to all British Airways 302,000 followers and vowed to continue running the ads until "BA fixes this mess." He told followers he doesn't care about money, just about getting his precious cargo back.

Mashable picked up the man's disgruntled tweets. Other unhappy customers chimed in, patting the man on the back for speaking out against British Airways on Twitter.

Yesterday, British Airways finally responded to the angry customer. They blamed the delay on its Twitter feed only being open "0900-1700 GMT," not 24 hours, and asked the customer to send over his luggage information in a direct message.

In the meantime, other airlines are joining the conversation. JetBlue's SVP of marketing Marty St. George tweeted, "Interesting; a disgruntled customer is buying a promoted tweet slamming a brand where they had a bad experience. That's a new trend itself!"

Twitter Do's & Don'ts for Small Business

One of the things we do at Blue Marlin Computer Services is manage your personal or business social media presence.  For many, Twitter has become a key method to publishing their presence in the social media sphere of influence, and figuring out the do's and don'ts can be confusing at times.
This article in Brazen Life, a lifestyle and career Blog for ambitious young professionals was written by Grace Barkley, a freelance writer living in Savannah, GA.  Grace specializes in social media branding, something the Blue Marlin preaches all the time.  It takes us through 5 ways used to boost your small business Twitter feeds without losing your Followers.

5 Ways to Boost Your Small Business Twitter Account

Managing your social media presence is tricky enough when you're simultaneously keeping up with the challenges of starting your own business or freelance operation.  These user-friendly tips will take the confusion out of Twitter, so you can make your Tweets more attractive to your followers.

1. Have (Real) Conversations

The Twitterverse (which, incidentally, is apparently the fifth most annoying word of 2012) offers lots of opportunities to make great connections. If you admire a fellow entrepreneur, designer or writer, don't be afraid to give them a shout -- and make sure it's a worthwhile shout.

Ask a question or start a conversation instead of simply saying "Cool pic!" or "Nice post!" If your cyber friend (well, maybe we aren't to the "friend" stage yet) posts her new graphic design project, tell her you like the use of color or ask where she found her inspiration. These higher-quality threads can draw attention from her followers as well as yours.

2. Don't Be Afraid of the Retweet

In lieu of services like delicious.com and Evernote, I use Twitter as a means of storing links I'm interested in coming back to read later in the day when things slow down. Most of the time, these links relate to my industry, and thus the interests of my followers, so I know that retweeting them will be valuable to my readers.

Don't worry about having original content 100 percent of the time, but don't lean too heavily on the RT (Re-Tweet), either. Make sure you're also generating plenty of your own unique information to keep your followers following.

3. Add Small Personal Touches

No fail, Twitter followers seem to be interested in the personal details of the people they follow -- even (or sometimes especially) the minutia. This could mean sharing a picture of your (organized) desk or latest lunch choice every once and awhile.

Yes, it may seem silly, but these little touches make you feel real and relate-able and help your readers connect with you as a person.

4. Don't Overdo the "!" and the "#"

Too many Twitter accounts (and Facebook accounts, for that matter) are littered with exclamation marks and #hashtags. Your user would much rather like to see this...

Jolly Jam pairs great with cream cheese and crackers. Try the #recipe! bit.ly/23jf98

...than this:

#JollyJam pairs #great with #creamcheese and #crackers! Try the #recipe!!! bit.ly/23jf98

Remember: you are promoting your product, service or self because you are inherently enthusiastic about it -- and readers approach business-based Twitter handles with that in mind. There is no need to go over the top with the hard sale. Use Twitter as a way to simply (and professionally) engage your customers in what you would consider like interests -- without all the overzealous punctuation.

5. Don't be Afraid to Plan Ahead

Lastly, services like HootSuite and TweetDeck allow you to schedule your updates ahead of time, which can do wonders for the small business owner who doesn't think he has the time to regularly update his social media accounts.

Also consider creating an editorial calendar. By planning your subject matter ahead of time, you won't have to enter panic mode every morning when you turn on the computer.

You may even want to consider whether it's time to add a Social Media Manager to your team. This can be as low- or as high-commitment as you'd like. Some freelancers will manage your entire social media presence for you, preempting the need to hire another full-time staff member.

Regardless of which steps you take on Twitter this year, keep tweeting! If you're going to have a social media presence, it's best to actively participate, rather than have accounts simply for the sake of having them. Just like your product, you surely have some superb nuggets of information to share with (yes) the Twitterverse, so start sharing!

Learn Social Media with Google Webinars

Google has these great Webinars on Social Media.  A Webinar is a seminar on the web. Each one will help you learn one of the many aspects of doing social media for personal or business use.

Google Webinar Site


Give them a try to learn more about what Google products can do for you.

Designing Your Social Media Presence.

Two of my favorite Social Media Influencer's  Martin Shervington and Dustin Stout have this excellent video on Design Plus.  This is what you should be thinking about before and during the design phase of your website, blog or your social media posts.

This video will teach you more in 35 min. than spending 3 months on social media sites.

Do You Hangout ? How To Use Google's Hangouts.

I like Google Plus.  There, I said it.  I like Google Plus better than Facebook, better than Twitter and better than all the also ran's.  I use it everyday, it has become the connectivity for all the different interactions I have on social media networks.  One of the best things Google has endowed Google+ with is the Hangout (Hangout is the evolution of Google Talk).  Google Hangouts allows you to video conference up to 10 people in a single call with each party able to see and hear the others.  How cool is that.  Family get together can include folks not able to attend, businesses can have joint meetings without the travel and time costs and worker/colleagues can collaborate on projects.

When you are in a Hangout, one person acts as a moderator and drives the event.  This person can do a variety of different functions while the event takes place.  There is a large main video of the person speaking and what looks like a filmstrip across the bottom of the others participating in the event.  The moderator can let the main video change automatically with whomever is speaking, or select the person to be in the main screen.  Additionally, there are some great tools that can add to the experience.  The moderator can share his/her computer screen; great for new program roll-outs and presentations, and there is an ability to do remote control of a persons computer.  This feature might be used in a new software installation or tech support call (the receiving remote control user must permit this action for security reasons).

All in all, I love this product from Google.  The future is now, and people will be video calling instead of just audio calling.  There is a newer version of this product called Hangouts On Air that allows for 10 video callers and over 200 chat connects, were each person can see the chats sent by others and the event is a Live broadcast over YouTube.  Then afterwards, YouTube saves the event so you or others can view it later or send the video to others.  Great for question and answer sessions for businesses or schools.  Oh, did I say this product was FREE!  All you need is a Google Account (get a Gmail account, even if you have another email service).  Here are some links to get you started.  The first is for you computer or laptop, the second is for your Android phone.  Let me know what you think.

For your computer or laptop:

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Google%2B-Hangouts


For your Android phone:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-use-google-hangouts-on-your-android/

Hometown Blog taking off!

I didn't know at the time I started the "Hillsboro Today" Blog that it would do as well as it's doing.

We had over 100 hits on the blog in the last three days, and the word is getting out. In a town of only 2600+ people that's very good.  Word of mouth is the best form of advertising and with 100 hits in a couple of days we're doing something right.  We will continue to put up interesting content and information the people of Hillsboro would like to know on a daily basis. Thanks to everyone that helped Hillsboro Today grow so fast, so quickly.

New Blog for Hillsboro, MO. called Hillsboro Today

Blue Marlin Computer Services started a new Blog today called Hillsboro Today.

Hillsboro Today Blog

This blog will be dedicated to all things Hillsboro, MO.  We'll be posting articles about Hillsboro, it's businesses and prominent citizens.  The blog will keep followers updated on local construction projects, events and all the other things going on in our town.  Check it out!

Good Ideas - Snowball

I was checking my Google Plus stream this morning when one of the people I follow Christine DeGraff had a post regarding Following Google-Plussers on Twitter.  Well, needless to say everyone jumped in and all of a sudden everyone's Twitter Followings jumped this morning.  This is an example of a smart person realizing she wasn't using her Twitter feed enough and coming up with a great way to not only increase her Followers, but get back to using Twitter again.  The effect of everyone else jumping in was tremendous, within minutes my other Twitter feeds were drowned out by all the new feed from Google-Plussers.  Thank You Christine DeGraff (Follow her @ChrisDegraff) for a wonderful idea to increase everyone's exposure on social media.  You really should be on Google+; there are many more like Chris on this network with great ideas.

Social Media Cover Photos

One of the things we all struggle with is the Cover Photo on our social media page.  I have found many great tools out there in social-medialand to help with the creation and editing of the Cover Photo.  Here is one I like from a company called Raidious.

http://www.raidious.com/uncategorized/support-your-owned-media-strategy-by-creating-graphics/

Try it out next time you change the Cover Photo and let me know what you think.

Raidious Social Media Cover Photo Tool

Day One

Blue Marlin Computer Services started this Blog to pass along helpful articles, informative tips, websites and web posts to help you and your business get more out of the web.