Going Social

Tony Valle

If ever there was a buzz term in the web world this year, “Social Networking” would have to take the cake. When your neighborhood garage sale has its own Twitter account, you know it’s time to catch up to speed.

What does social networking have to do with selling your old Die-Hard Trilogy VHS paper weight? Well, everything, if you know how to use the technology.

I have a friend who has been using Facebook to sell his old, very cool, Seagull 4B-1 TLR Camera. Over time he has posted several clever “ads” including pictures of the camera and pictures the camera has taken. He has 160 Facebook friends. Could you get 160 trusting people to come to a garage sale of 1 item?

I have another friend who has landed his last three jobs exclusively through social networking. His special blend of Twitter, Smaller Indiana and his own blog combine to create a very active and compelling message about who he is and what he does for a living. What’s most amazing is that these three employers found him, not the other way around.

While these are compelling stories of the power of Social Networking, we must also admit that the technology is confusing at best. None of us were raised to know how to do this stuff. It’s clear, though, that we must learn it to stay competitive.

Please consider attending our beginner Social Networking class, entitled “Social Networking 101,” this October 15th. You’ll walk away with a much better understanding of how Social Networking can help your business and what steps you can take to get started.

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Customized Network Training

Denver Abernathy

Over the years you (or your company) have spent a large part of your annual budget on building and maintaining a computer/communications network. So, are your employees using that investment efficiently? Are files being saved in the proper places so that they are backed up properly? Are e-mails being sent using the proper format? Are confidential documents properly protected? These are questions that all managers should be concerned about. Some protections can be centrally-administered, but ignorance can find a way to beat the technology almost every time. Continued training should always be a part of your security plan.

Unfortunately, there is no one “Network 101” course that would fit the needs of all Windows-network users. Consider building a training course or single session to meet your specific needs. You may feel that your entire staff needs a refresher or you may just want to give your new hires some training. Different groups within your office might need refreshers on different topics. Below are a few ideas to consider:

1. Document Management
   a. Where should documents be saved on the network?
   b. What properties should be included to make the document appear in a search?
   c. How do I determine if a document should be public or private?
    
2. How to manage computer usage
   a. Internet usage pitfalls
   b. Options for controlling web surfing, IM, personal e-mail usage, etc.
   c. Best practices for spam and virus control
    
3. Effective Use of Microsoft Office Tools
    
4. Effective Use of Windows File Permissions
    
5. PCI/HIPPA Compliance on Your Network
    
6. Offering Remote Connectivity to the Office
   a. Best Practices
   b. Security Concerns
   c. Hidden Costs

On-going employee training is often neglected. This neglect can be a costly mistake. Call Promethius today at 317-733-2388 so we can begin designing a training course for your employees.

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