business

  1. How Important is Social Networking in Business?

    In a word, extraordinarily. But if you are reading a blog like this, you probably already know that. Social networking has become a critical part of the business landscape and it is only going to get bigger. The more technology we get it, only makes sense that what we used to do at old fashion cocktail parties and discuss on the golf course, will migrate online. It used to be places like MySpace were for teens to hang out at, that idea evolved into facebook where an older group hangs out. Now with sites like Biznik and LinkedIn, social networking for business has exploded. As it has always been, it’s all about leverage. On Wall Street leverage means borrowing money to invest in something that will have a good profit to risk ratio. In social networking for business it means gathering groups of people together with similar interests but possibly vastly different skill sets to provide a better product. This is not a new idea, just a little different spin on it. From the moment

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  2. H1N1 vs. Y2K

    Remember all the hysteria about Y2K? As business owners we had to have documented plans as how to house and feed employees if there was a Y2K disaster. Well the media is stirring up similar hysteria about H1N1 also known as swine flu, well at least that is my opinion. Matt Drudge is leading his web page with “Prepare to get sick”. Homeland Security advisor Janet Napolitano is predicting “a big influx” of swine flu and telling us all to be prepared.  It seems a bit mysterious to me why Homeland Security is talking about the flu-shouldn’t it be the CDC or the acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H.? I am of the opinion that since we aren’t under terrorist attack-this is the most current, splashiest topic the media could come up with to increase ratings. First off, be educated

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  3. Geeks Are Sexy

    And I have proof. I ran across a blog the other day entitled “Geeks are Sexy”. I ran across this blog a few days ago and it has topics ranging from scientists writing about a cure for cancer to book reviews. Several of the books on their “10 must read books for Geeks” sound very interesting so I thought I would also share them with my readers. So here we go: iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It Authors: Steve Wozniak, Gina Smith Publisher: W. W. Norton 288 pages Book

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  4. Employee Reviews

    We love all our employees at Connectzone.com. Each one plays an integral part in our business and we simply couldn’t survive without them. Employee reviews are a little bit like getting your report card and can create anxiety for both the reviewer and the reviewee. Connectzone.com uses a common tool in reviews where not only does the supervisor review the employee but they also must review themselves and describe how they have increased their value to the company over the time period under review. Here are some helpful tips and ideas to keep in mind during a review: Negotiating Salary: From most employers’ standpoint, if an employee is deserving of a salary increase it is because they have added value to the company, not because a calendar page has turned. There are many ways an employee can add value:

    1. Consistently increase your skill set with independent continuing education.
    2. Seek out certifications
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  5. Connectzone goes to Vegas! (for the Interop trade show)

    Guest Blogger, Cable Geek

    When ConnectZone decided to exhibit at the 2009 Interop show this year, we knew it was going to be a big deal. How big, we had no idea. One thing you can say about things in Las Vegas: they will never leave you disappointed. It may leave you broke, or feeling like your soul needs a shower, but there is no such thing in Vegas as “going halfway”. The 2009 Interop show was no exception. This is one of the bigger shows of its type. From their website:Interop is the leading global technology event, with the most comprehensive IT Conference and Exhibition available. Business and technology leaders attend Interop to get the most up to date information available on key technologies, learn about the latest trends and meet with leading vendors.” Like ConnectZone, for instance.  :)
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  6. 7 Easy Things Every Business Can Do to Go Green

    There are so many things to worry about owning a business: inventory, accounting, human resources-the list goes on and on. Being stewards not just of our businesses but our planet too-the responsible and ethical thing to do is do everything we can to “Go Green.” In our industry it may seem like there isn’t much we can do. We don’t use much in the way of chemicals; in fact our local waste service doesn’t even offer business service recycling. Then there is always the question of cost-even if it’s the right thing to do-there can be a substantial cost to recycle batteries and printer cartridges. Well here are some ideas that will cost you little or nothing to help stop global warming. Email. Go as paper free as you can. Connectzone.com emails invoices, purchase orders and even     credit card receipts. This saves paper, postage and human resources to stuff envelopes. Set up

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  7. USA Needs a Pride Stimulus not an economic stimulus, Some things money can’t buy

    By Guest Blogger, Dann the Cable Man

    In 1980 I was 16 years old, driving a ’67 Camaro (weren’t we all?), Inflation was high and unemployment was even higher. Interest rates were hovering around 20%. The previous year Iranians kidnapped US Embassy staff and were holding them hostage (remember Nightline “day 287 of the Iranian Hostage Crisis”). The 2nd Oil embargo was in effect, Gas stations had to switch from selling by the gallon to the liter just so they could charge above $1.00 per gallon. The Cold war was still very hot, the soviets had just invaded Afghanistan and we all know what that gave birth too-yeah, a tall guy in a turban who lives in a cave somewhere. In Washington State we had the WHOOPS Fiasco. It was a bad time, a really really bad time. Any student of history knows that when a country is downtrodden and has lost faith with itself it is also very vulnerable, recall Germany post

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  8. Follow Your Heart And The (fill in the blank) Will Follow

    For some the “blank” is money, other’s it is love, for many it is success in whatever they are pursuing. While I will always consider conventional wisdom-I won’t blindly follow it-personally or in business. Anything else is just crazy talk, foolish to me.

    Next time someone tells you something is impossible, remember this. That is the short story of Christian the lion. Christian was purchased from Harrods department store in London by 2 guys. Christian had been part of a store display and got too big for the window display. When he outgrew his owners, they released him in Africa. The owners wanted to visit him 2 years later and were told Christian was forming his own lion pride and not only would he not recognize them it would be dangerous. Christian did recognize them and in fact brought his wife and children to meet with them. True story.

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  9. Cisco WebEx on 24

    I admit it-I am a 24 junkie and I voted for Jack Bauer for President last November. 24 is fast paced, patriotic and uses a lot of really cool technology that the average Joe doesn’t know exists let alone understands. To check out a scene from last night’s 24 click here. Last night the plugs for Cisco were kind of obscene-but it did get me interested in the technology. WebExprovides technology for everything from electronic signatures to web meeting and video conferencing capabilities; Cisco calls them virtual collaboration tools. BTW Connectzone.com sells Cisco cables if you are in need of one.

    Product Placement 101

    Am I the only person

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  10. IT Pros: Stop by our Booth at Interop Las Vegas ‘09

    Are you heading to Las Vegas for the big Interop Conference and Expo in May? If so, stop by Booth 2636 May 19-21 and meet some of the Connectzone team. We’d love to share some of the exciting ways IT organizations are using our products and services. Plus we’ll give you a chance to see our recent additions of data racks and cabinets that will make your life easier. Interop is always a great show with over 400 exhibitors showing off all kinds of IT solutions. If you’re going and looking for a free Expo Pass, here’s a priority code you can use: CMXXNL03 Be sure to stop by Booth 2636. We’re looking forward to meeting you! Connectzone Marketing Team

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