Category Archives: Business

20 Things Every Parent Should Know to Keep your Children Safe with Technology

Online Child Saftey TipsWe cherish our children! Any parent knows that having a child is a blessing and no matter if they are 2 or 40 we will always protect them! Sometimes we get too comfortable and think that all of the people are good outside our front door. Sadly, this is just a dream. The reality is, you’re not safe anywhere but you can still live a happy life as long as you follow some safety rules.

Think of the worst possible thing that could happen to your child. Have that image? It’s not pretty is it? It wasn’t pretty for Jessica Ridgeway’s mother when she realized her 10 year old daughter didn’t make it to school one morning either.  Jessica was a 5th Grader in Westminster, CO. She was walking to school one Friday morning and never arrived. She was kidnapped and murdered because a predator was stalking her route to school.

A parent’s biggest fear is going through what Jessica’s family is currently facing. Balloon releases to heaven, students going to counseling to deal with the events of their lost friend, neighbors locking their doors and checking them twice for fear of someone taking their own children. The guilt of being thankful it is not your child that was kidnapped…it doesn’t end. We need to educate ourselves on safety; not only on street safety but especially in today’s world, technology safety!

 Internet Technology

95% of teens are online from the age of 12-17.

Online Child Saftey TipsThe world of technology is rapidly growing especially on the internet! 95% of teens are online! What are they doing? They are probably loading the newest pictures onto their facebook page, watching videos with friends on youtube, playing an online game and chatting with new friends. Maybe they are taking advantage of their technology and researching a topic for a History paper. No matter what they are doing, kids love technology but they need to know that just because no one is physically watching them, they can still be harmed through technology.  Sadly, there are a lot of parents who know very little about technology.

1. Monitor use of technology. Keep the computer in a high traffic area of your home.

2. Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.

3. Surf the internet with your child and let them show you what they like to do online.

4. Never give out personal information on any piece of technology! No one should be asking you for it! If they are, this is a RED FLAG!  Personal information includes, your name, address, phone number, e mail address, what school you go to and even photos!

5. Never agree to meet someone you met online! Remember that people may be pretending to be someone they are not!

6. Talk to your child about “grooming”.  Use examples and show real stories like “Amy”, 15 who traveled out of state to meet the “Love of her life” or “Justin” 13 who set up his web cam to meet friends only to meet a man telling him he’d pay him $50 to take off his shirt and sit bare chested for three minutes! (He even helped him set up a paypal account), reported by the New York Times.

7. Know who is connecting with your child through technology and set rules for social networking, emailing, chatting, web cams, etc.

8. Continually dialogue with your child about technology safety!

9. Be up to date with the new technology out there, if it’s in the schools know your kids will more than likely want one i.e. ipod touch, nook, kindle fire, smart phone. If you get one for your child, know how to use it yourself.

10. Never get involved in cyberbullying or let anyone cyberbully you!  Amanda Todd let it get the best of her and sadly she committed suicide.

Cell Phone Technology

 75% of teenagers and 58% of 12 year olds have a cell phone

Online Child Saftey TipsHow many times have you seen a child on their cell phone texting? It seems to be the new way of communication. A teenager would rather break up with someone through a text than in person or by actually dialing a phone number. Thankfully cell phone carriers offer unlimited texting or else parents would be looking for a second job to pay for texting bills.

The technology available today is overwhelming for parents especially when they can put it in their backpacks and carry it with them. This mobile technology makes it harder for parents to monitor what their children are doing since they can access it at anytime away from home. You can still educate your child and yourself to ensure your children are using technology for a positive outcome instead of getting themselves into trouble. What makes this challenging is that a cell phone is so much more with the internet access, gaming ability and cameras.

1. Talk about cell phone bullying.

2. Be a role model with your own technology. Don’t text and drive!

3. Remind your child that anything they send on their cell phone or any piece of technology can be easily forwarded and shared.

4. Research the security settings when shopping for a new phone for your child.

5. Establish rules for when they are allowed to use their cell phone.

6. Review your child’s cell phone records every month. Look out for late night texts and calls and unknown numbers.

7. Talk to your child about sexting. Sending inappropriate photos to one another can be very harmful.

8. Role play with your child. “Have you ever gotten a text from someone you didn’t know? What did you do?”

9. Put a parental tracker on your child’s phone so you can see where they are at all times. Verizon has an app called “Family Locator” for $9.99 a month you can add it to your plan! Ask your cell phone company if they have an app like this for your technology.

10. Make sure your child has a back up battery if ever they are in a bad situation and need their phone.

Helpful Websites

Online Child Saftey Tips* You can buy software from sources such as SpectorSoft to monitor your child’s technology use. Of course you want to give your children privacy but at anytime if your gut tells you something may be up this is a great piece of technology for a parent to have.

* No one wants to know the harsh truth of others but it’s important to be aware of your environment! To see a list of sex offenders in your area a helpful site for families is: www.familywatchdog.us. Here you can actually register and receive updates from the latest registered offenders!

* Sadly there are sex offenders around you. If you are concerned and worried for your child’s safety you can find support and tips and Take Action!

* Technology is growing everyday! Parents need to keep up to date of the latest gadgets and gizmos all of the kids are wanting so they learn how to control them and keep their child safe! Websites like www.coolest-gadgets.com can help you see the newest technology devices and you can read reviews. They will even show you what the hot new technology gift is!

* There are also apps for nearly every phone if your child wants to play with it you can set a parental control app on it so kids have limited access. If you have a blackberry you can download a parental app restricting use on your browser and text messaging. For your Droid you can download a parental app to restrict access to certain apps! Cell phones are almost a necessity in today’s world of technology and parents needs to keep up to date with the newest parental apps!

Parents have to do their homework on technology but once you keep on top of it and talk with other parents you can establish a safe technology environment for your child to enjoy the internet, cell phones, cameras, gaming gadgets, and whatever knew technology device may be on their Christmas list!  Using our safety rules we can still experience the world of technology in a healthy fashion!

Top 10 Things You Should Do to Ensure you are Appreciated Work

 

Did you ever have a time in your career where you were unhappy? Maybe you are unhappy now and are looking for a positive shift. Close your eyes, and think back to your past work experiences and think about what made you miserable. What were the reasons that you threw your hands up and said I quit and you left?

 

Did you not feel welcome?

Did you feel underpaid?

Maybe you felt unappreciated for all you did for your boss?

Now,  I am a firm believer in communication and showing your appreciation, but unfortunately in today’s busy society we don’t say, “Thank You” or “I value you” enough to one another.  We have forgotten to focus on what is going great and instead have turned our attention to the things that aren’t.  The good news is that there are many ways you can get rid of your, “Don’t want to work today blues!”  If you want to feel important at work and be noticed here are 10 key elements to consider:

 

1.  Be punctual!

– More than likely your work place has an attendance policy which includes tardiness! Being even just 2 or 3 minutes late to work isn’t cool! Be 5 to 10 minutes early everyday! This ensures you are not feeling rushed which causes you added stress and gives you time to get settled in! Your boss will appreciate that you care enough to be on time!

 

2.  Be organized!

– Don’t keep a filing stack; put things away in their proper places so you can find them when you need them. Label and highlight important items so you can find them quickly if your boss asks for something.  If you have meetings keep a schedule near so you don’t forget and so you can be on time!

 

3. Be Positive!

– It’s easy to get caught up in the negative complaining session going on in the break room or around the water cooler during the work day. It’s ok to listen but don’t get caught in this negative trap! You will be respected by others who notice you don’t gossip and gripe! Keep yourself in an optimistic healthy state of mind and try to turn the negativity around! It will surely rub off on others!

 

4. Be Reliable!

– Occasionally you are going to be asked to stay late or cover an extra task for someone who might have an overload of work already. Just do it! Do you think your boss wants to work late? Turn your projects in on time and take ownership of your mistakes should you make one!

 

5.  Be Professional!

– Professionalism sells! Don’t slouch if you are standing! Remember good posture! Smile and say hello to someone you pass in the hallway. If dealing with customers use their last name. Don’t use fowl language! Make eye contact. Speak clearly.

Remember the old adage, treat others as you would like to be treated?  Treat your clients, customers and coworkers with kindness and professionalism. You will be noticed and praised for your mannerisms.

 

6. Be a Role Model!

– Have you ever needed help with a project or needed to talk to someone about something that bothered you at work? Don’t go bragging to your boss about helping out Shannon with her conclusion to her sales pitch! Listen to a co-worker who’s having a problem and needs someone to talk to and don’t go spreading gossip! Keep it to yourself! Others will appreciate this quality in you and you will feel good about yourself for helping others!

 

7. Be Efficient

– Manage your time accordingly. If you are having trouble on a project and it’s taking longer than you think it should or know it should ask someone at work for help! Don’t try to be a hero and get it all done yourself!  In the end you could waste valuable time and your boss would respect you that you were big enough to ask for help!

 

8.  Be a Participant!

– Volunteer for the Company Relay for Life event! You don’t have to sign up for everything your work does in the community but it would certainly be nice to represent your company in something! Choose an event you have a passion for! Participant in group activities in meetings and answer questions if you know the answers!

 

9.  Be Healthy

– This may seem like a strange element but by you being happy and healthy you will rub off on your output of your work and your co-workers. Exercise to relieve stress, eat the right foods to keep your immune system up so you don’t have to call in sick as often! Have good hygiene!

 

10. Be Passionate

– If you give 100% to your tasks at work without expecting anything in return your hard work will pay off. Do your best and put your heart into your work as though it is your family!  Know your works values and what is expected of you and follow them!

 

Remember everyone gets into a funk at work but you can get yourself out!  Do you want that raise? Do you feel you deserve a promotion? Do you want to work up to that big corner office with the gigantic windows? Don’t loose sight of your goals and your future. What you do today will make an impact on your tomorrow and the years to come in your professional journey.

 

How Long Should A Blog Be?

How Long Should A Blog BeIn this big world of content management, social media and blogging, it is easy to get lost in all the details that are available. The beauty of the web is that it is never constant and is an ever changing environment. That means if you are a business or entrepreneur you need to be sure that you have flowing and updated information on your own website.  This ensures optimal Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ranking on such sites as Goggle, Bing and Yahoo.  One way to ensure that you have fresh content on your websites is to be consistent in blog writing.

What is a blog, you might ask, well a blog is essentially a journal or diary that is on your website.  It is a place you share information pertaining to you and/or your business. A blog can provide up-to-date news, technical information, political topics, business support, health, wellness, sports and other topics that burn passion in your heart.  One of the most common question asked by businesses and new writers wanting to join the online social blogging community is, “How long should a blog be?”

Many professional bloggers have a different answer for this. The best way to put it is that there is no right or wrong answer! Some may say a blog should be 250-500 words while others say 500-750 words and there are even those who swear by 700-1,000 words! Then you have those that will not give a number and just say however short or long you need the blog to be in order to get your message across!

It’s actually quite natural to have blogs with different lengths. A blog post should be as long as you need it to be to make your point across to your reader. You want to keep your audience engaged. Your topic will determine the length of your blog. If you are blogging about where the best place is to buy eggs vs. who should one vote for, the length can vary greatly!  You will also want to reflect on your blog once finished. Is it too wordy or is it too concise? If you don’t feel good about it you should change it!

You would not want to write 750 words on where to buy eggs. This will bore your reader and you will lose their interest!  However, if you want to write that much when it comes to the heart of politics, especially if it is something you are passionate about, go for it! If you feel that a blog is getting too long and is becoming a book I strongly suggest breaking it down and creating a series of blogs. This will help with your SEO and will keep readers coming back for more.

How Long Should a Blog BeThere are advantages in both short and long blogs. Short blogs take a shorter amount of time to write so if you want to write everyday then a shorter blog would be the way to go. If you expect 800 words or more every day, you may lose interest in blogging soon after starting. However, as easy as short blogs are they will not implement On-Page SEO techniques, which are ultimately, what attracts attention to your page. While lengthier blogs do take longer to write, readers who appreciate the content will value the information and will draw attention to your site. Readers also enjoy images within blogs which allows them to connect more with the topic being blogged about.

Many bloggers like to change it up and have a short blog and later that week they may have a longer blog.  I personally think a variety of blogging is good. You don’t want to be predictable. Readers often enjoy reading short blogs more often because their attention span does not stay on the subject, therefore when writing both short and long, you give the reader reason to check back frequently and even subscribe to your blogs. Keep your readers coming back for the variety you may offer them. As long as your keyword density is intact and you are getting your point across you should be set.

The more the blog is to the point, the easier it is for the reader to extract the information you are relaying. Readers tend to scan not read long blogs, keep the content compelling and strong. The first paragraph of any blog should grab the readers’ attention so they want to keep going. You could create a series of blogs to make your blog grow quicker.  By doing this your readers will be looking forward to reading about what you have to say next. Don’t be afraid to use the thesaurus to find new vocabulary and be ready for the replies you may receive. Keep your own interests in mind; do you like long or shorter blogs? Remember to keep an optimistic mind and you will be a successful blogger! Most of all…Happy Blogging!!!!

 

What is Blog Bookmarking & the 20 Sites You Should Be Posting Your Blog to…for Free

In most cases the whole reason you have gotten into blogging is to share information about your dog, your business, your mandolin picking progression, your health and weight loss or the experiences that have shaped and shifted your life.  You have also likely learned that blogging will help you gain visibility and traffic to your website and is a necessary step in increasing your SEO. That is all well and fine, but how are you going to achieve the traffic and visibility to your content.  Unless you are a SEO ninja or have a super sweet SEO team backing you, you likely have to take things into your own hands and learn the ropes. The question most people want to know is HOW? 

The answer is easy! Harness the power of Social Media & Social Bookmarking.  With a few strokes of the keys and clicks of the mouse YOU, my friend, can make some serious magic happen! Within minutes of submitting your blog to various social media outlets, social bookmarking and directory sites you are instantaneously and automatically connected to thousands of other like minded folks all over the world. Which means that traffic and visibility to your blog and website is happening all the time even when you are sleeping, showering or shaving! How flipping cool is that, right?

If you want to brush up and learn more about social bookmarking check out the wiki page.

There are hundreds of social media and social bookmarking sites out there.  Some fail, some suck, but the bottom line is that there are way too many for me to list here.  I have been doing this for a long time and with endless hours of trial and error, I have finally come up with a dream list of 20 Social sites that you SHOULD be posting all your blogs to.  The best part is they are all FREE to submit to.

If you have a site that you post to and love and don’t see it in my list below, feel free to hook me up with the details. Post in the comment string below or send me an email. I would love to check it out.

Don’t have time? Does all this info makes you dizzy?  No problem, we got ya covered.  Contact us, today and let Alpine Small Business Solutions take care of all your social media and social blog bookmarking for you.

Public Service Announcement:  Hey you, sit up straight, shoulders back, your posture is important.

Click the icon to be taken directly to their website for more information and register for your own account.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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No Brainer Places to Post

 

Bored with the Same Old Skype Emoticons? Check this out!

Do you use Skype for business and pleasure?  If you are like me, I am on Skype all the time. Chit chatting with my clients, my team and my family.

It is such a great tool for business professionals and is totally free. It includes screen sharing, video calling, file sharing, Facebook integration and other really nifty add ons.  Because I have unique needs I opted for the upgraded version and in my opinion totally worth the affordable yearly fee.

Now, if you use Skype you know that they are pretty limited on the amount of emoticons they have to offer…It can totally get boring .  So I decided to head out on a search to try and spice it up a bit.  After a few google searches I found these and since I am all about spreading the wealth, I just had to share.

Check out all the hidden and the secret smileys I found!

Use them often and have some fun with sharing your emotions!

Finger (finger)
Bandit (bandit)
Drunk (drunk)
Smoking (smoking)(smoke)(ci)
Toivo (toivo)
Rock (rock)
Headbang (headbang)(banghead)
Bug (bug)
Fubar (fubar)
Poolparty (poolparty)
Swearing (swear)
TMI (tmi)
Heidy (heidy)
Mooning (mooning)
High Five (highfive) (hifive) (h5)
Face Palm (Facepalm) (fail)
Fingers Crossed (fingers) (fingerscrossed) (yn)
Lalala (lalala) (lala) (notlistening)
Waiting (waiting) (forever) (impatience)
Tumbleweed (tumbleweed)
Working From Home (wfh)

 Check out this list of Skype Emoticons and Smileys – Enjoy! 

Smile 🙂 :=) 🙂
Skype Emoticons Sad Smile 🙁 :=( 🙁
Big Smile :D:=D:-D:d:=d:-d
Cool 8)8=)8-)B)B=)B-)(cool)
Wink :o:=o:-o:O:=O:-O
Crying ;(;-(;=(
Sweating (sweat)(:|
Speechless :|:=|:-|
Kiss :*:=*:-*
Tongue Out :P:=P:-P:p:=p:-p
Blush (blush):$:-$:=$:”>
Wondering :^)
Sleepy |-)I-)I=)(snooze)
Dull |(|-(|=(
In love (inlove)
Evil grin ]:)>:)(grin)
Talking (talk)
Yawn (yawn)|-()
Puke (puke):&:-&:=&
Doh! (doh)
Angry :@:-@:=@x(x-(x=(X(X-(X=(
It wasn’t me (wasntme)
Party!!! (party)
Worried :S:-S:=S:s:-s:=s
Mmm… (mm)
Nerd 8-|B-|8|B|8=|B=|(nerd)
Lips Sealed :x:-x:X:-X:#:-#:=x:=X:=#
Hi (hi)
Call (call)
Devil (devil)
Angel (angel)
Envy (envy)
Wait (wait)
Bear (bear)(hug)
Make-up (makeup)(kate)
Covered Laugh (giggle)(chuckle)
Clapping Hands (clap)
Thinking (think):?:-?:=?
Bow (bow)
Rolling on the floor laughing (rofl)
Whew (whew)
Happy (happy)
Smirking (smirk)
Nodding (nod)
Shaking (shake)
Punch (punch)
Emo (emo)
Yes (y)(Y)(ok)
No (n)(N)
Shaking Hands (handshake)

 Skype Emoticons and Smileys, like all other Emoticons and Smileys, have evolved 
over recent years. Initially they were simple graphics and about the same size as
the font text in the messaging service or website where they were being used.

Skype (skype)(ss)
Heart (h)(H)(l)(L)
Broken heart (u)(U)
Mail (e)(m)
Flower (f)(F)
Rain (rain)(london)(st)
Sun (sun)
Time (o)(O)(time)
Music (music)
Movie (~)(film)(movie)
Phone (mp)(ph)
Coffee (coffee)
Pizza (pizza)(pi)
Cash (cash)(mo)($)
Muscle (muscle)(flex)
Cake (^)(cake)
Beer (beer)
Drink (d)(D)
Dance (dance)\o/\:D/\:d/
Ninja (ninja)
Star (*)

 Check out cool country flags Skype icons 

How a Virtual Assistant can Help you Achieve Life Balance

Once upon a time….You know the story, right? The complicated story of your life. You are juggling too many things and finding time for yourself is next to impossible, with work, kids, friends and family. You go to bed after a long day of working on your life, that you only find yourself waking up to conquer the new day and the laundry list of things to complete and start all over again and again and again. Oh and don’t get me started on fitting in some exercise time so your love handles don’t turn into something not to love. Not to mention finding the time to eat healthy so you still feel attractive when you put on your favorite pair of jeans. No thank you, I will not take a side of muffin top with my jeans!

Is this you? You’re a professional who is building a business. You’re a parent trying to juggle everyone’s schedule. You’re a partner who is trying to keep things happy and loving by being attentive and passionate. You’re trying to keep friends and family happy by being “available” to EVERYONE to offer support, some good ol’ fashion gossip time or that friendly happy hour you keep promising people you’ll show up at. BIG SIGH, who in the world with your life has time to relax, rejuvenate or just screw off and play for the day? To take a few hours for you and go for a walk on your favorite hiking trail, play a round of golf, take a hula hooping fitness class, schedule a body love massage and spa day, or how about that much needed weekend of fun and adventure you keep talking with your lover about? Ha!

Does any part of this scenario resonates with you?

Have you ever hit that rut in your life that you feel you have to let go of one thing to be able to achieve and meet other goals you have in your life?

All too often as working professionals we have a hard time finding balance in our lives. We seek that perfect balance of;
Success. Family. Love. Health. and FUN.

It is shown that we often let two or three of these slide in conquest of perfecting and achieving the others. I mean, look at people who are focused on their career, they may neglect their partner and/or children, but find time to work out all the time.  Look at people that are seeking love so badly that they get in a new relationship and completely lose themselves in their new found love, that they neglect work and their fitness goals. How about that professional that is so busy building their business, that they can’t justify taking off enough time to go on that fun and exciting adventure they keep talking about with their friends and family.

We can play with any of these scenarios and make it match our life. So let me ask you,  What is your life balance challenge?

So, why am I writing this, I am reaching out to those that seek life balance, especially those small business owners facing the never ending battle of finding time to fit balance in their life. I know it is a lot of work to build a business; it takes time, passion, time, passion, time, time, time… This is time that is taken away from your family, your friends, your lover and your body! You are so mentally focused and  invested that you forget there is a big world that still needs you to be present. You need to find that perfect balance of success, family, love, health and fun, so you can enjoy everything else in your life that is beautiful and positive.

I am sure you are thinking, “where in the heck do I even start to try and find this balance”. Well, start small, move forward with your end goal in sight. It won’t happen over night, it takes effort and time. One of the best ways to get you there is to start with just one simple thing,  and that thing is DELEGATION. Delegate to someone like Alpine Small Business Solutions, a Virtual Assistant solution, that understands your struggles and that is always eagerly standing by to help you. To take that laundry list of to-do’s surrounding your business and tackle them and help give you more time to focus on your life balance. To help get you back to all the other super important life enhancing things that make YOU, a happier YOU!

I know it is hard to hand over anything with your business, as you know it best, but take baby steps, back away slowly from certain parts of your business, delegate those tasks that you feel comfortable with, build a trust with your Virtual Assistant. Start with some marketing help, or social media help, or maybe it is as simple as your website updates, or some data entry. Maybe you are ready to hand over the tasks that are associated with the next big event you are putting on, or maybe it is getting your Quickbooks set up and functional. No matter, what it is, you just have to be open to allowing yourself to delegate and not feel guilty or be a worry wart. Just think how happy your lover, your family, your friends and your body will be that you have freed up that extra time to focus on them.

Take time back for YOU, you work hard, you deserve it, you deserve to find that perfect balance of success, family, love, health and fun.

What is your life balance challenge? Share with me me at jessica@alpinesbsolutions.com or on facebook.

Alpine Small Business Solutions

Where do you want to go with your business? Do you have stacks and stacks of things you need to accomplish and time doesn’t seem to be on your side? If only there were more hours in a day to allow you to accomplish all the tasks you have been putting to the side for the last few weeks, or dare I say the tasks that you have been putting to the side for the last few months!

Let Alpine Small Business Solutions clean out your “in box” and help you build your business and grow in the right direction.

You’ve come to the place Where Your Success Matters.

Alpine Small Business Solutions has over 17 years experience. We offer a myriad of different services from administrative, to bookkeeping, to event management, to real estate assisting, and so much more. Every Alpine Small Business Solutions team member focuses on adding value to your business by listening to your needs, striving to meet and exceed expectations, achieving excellence and providing the highest level of service to keep your business on track. With Alpine Small Business Solutions you can rest assured that your projects will be handled and completed in a quick and professional manner. We listens to your needs and we get the job done right and to your satisfaction. We know that your time should be centered on promoting and creating revenue for your business and with our assistance, you can.