tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78582851728309554272024-02-19T16:00:31.481-06:00The Monday Morning Memo & BlogThe Monday Morning Memo (and Blog) by The Computer Guy of Hampton, IowaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-77953251282858404152014-10-12T17:58:00.003-05:002014-10-12T17:58:58.028-05:00Boy Scout Camp Staff Reunion - Goin' WAY Back<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love reunions. Class reunions, Radio Station reunions and now I was recently invited back to a Camp Staff reunion this past Saturday at Camp Ingawanis in Waverly. I looked forward to it, but didn't know what to expect as I was only on camp staff for 1 year in 1986. I was on Cub Scout Day Camp staff for many years and enjoyed that, but felt I wanted to try camp staff at least one time before I started full time in radio, so I was a "Camp Commissioner" at both Marble Rock and Wavery.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepGuTq8D529jSdCMUWqVjT-ysXNlfM5GaDR33pyS2eMzn8115EoesbPzOZEfR6rT9JTysXS91yHi04LtHzZetKI0cJ_B4hMYfWigc3WWXu3cxAczHueyTDOGAuVVLMVKiyL2dZccTdnHk/s1600/campstaff-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepGuTq8D529jSdCMUWqVjT-ysXNlfM5GaDR33pyS2eMzn8115EoesbPzOZEfR6rT9JTysXS91yHi04LtHzZetKI0cJ_B4hMYfWigc3WWXu3cxAczHueyTDOGAuVVLMVKiyL2dZccTdnHk/s1600/campstaff-86.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Camp Staff - 1986<br />(I'm the 3rd one in from the left)</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reunion was set for 4pm at the Council Ring (main campfire site) at Camp Ingawanis and I arrived about 4:15pm. When I walked in, I was saddened to see that there had been a Jamboree reunion at 1pm which would have been neat to go to as I was at the 1981 National Jamboree in Fort AP Hill Virginia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, I strolled in.....and I knew 6 people, 5 of which I liked....if you know what I mean. There were probably 40 of us there, all broken into groups of people who knew each other. I stayed in a group that knew me and here's how the conversation went...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. I see you on Facebook a lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. I see you still like the Yankees</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. How's business?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Who are you again?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like I said, it was neat going back, but wish I would have known more people. Since serving on staff in 1986, that was a few years ago and as I told Gary Stattler, "Wow....everyone looks old." A few more grey hairs, a few more tall tails and those damn hills got higher for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1986 I was a camp commissioner, which I enjoyed. Here's a photo of me entertaining some kids from Hampton when they came out to see me on visitor's night.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqw0GNFZuLZqSBlhX4qBRHSrxP2VITlXEM4kccFm7_M2NQ6AcXyWG8TaMylMoGmWCDieFNJERxpdSjtW6Rktae_YzEd7a-CvmXIjVflhMWgB9qhxaXG8CDTm1JiwFJG1wHJTAmuYznFaa/s1600/Staff-1986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqw0GNFZuLZqSBlhX4qBRHSrxP2VITlXEM4kccFm7_M2NQ6AcXyWG8TaMylMoGmWCDieFNJERxpdSjtW6Rktae_YzEd7a-CvmXIjVflhMWgB9qhxaXG8CDTm1JiwFJG1wHJTAmuYznFaa/s1600/Staff-1986.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Camp Commissioner - Visitor's Night 1986</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jennifer & Travis Peters</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If they have another one, I will more than likely attend. It was good to see Eric Branson, Gary Stattler, Robert Hagerty, Chad Hagerty and Bill Winder -- even though Bill really had no idea who I was. I'd certainly like to attend a Woodbadge reunion and Jamboree reunion as well.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-14037257303239192882014-09-27T01:29:00.001-05:002014-09-27T01:29:53.107-05:00Three Weeks - Three Social Media Events<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides being "The Computer Guy," I like to dabble in Social Media. I do this for several reasons, MAINLY to build my own business through Social Media, BUT, to guide others. I've been asked many times, "Pat, why don't you start your own social media business??" My answer has always been similar to the presentation from Jason Falls "There's no fresh broccoli."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every idea that's ever been thought of has been done. Now Facebook is controlling Fan Pages by giving them a massive beat down UNLESS you pay to play. I can only imagine that others will follow suit. Sure, hire me and I'll help you....but I won't do it FOR you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On 9/9/14, 9/17/14 and 9/25-9/26 I have been at three social media events in three weeks. Let me give you a QUICK synopses of each one. My rating scale of 1-10 is my opinion....your mileage may vary.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>9/9/14 -</b> <b>Creating The 'Buzz' In Social Media</b> - Sara Broers at Social Connections, LLC was the organizer of this event in Mason City and it went off well. I happened to be the lead-off speaker, which is fun and enjoyable, as I can sit back and listen to everyone else. There could have been a bigger crowd. Rural Iowa NEEDS these conferences and Sara has a good handle on it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Between the four afternoon speakers, I thought that Katy Flint hit the home run of the day. Armed with 2 phones, she gave a 45 minute presentation (well, 40 minutes, because she spent the first 5 minutes telling people it was hard to follow me) that went VERY well. She presented the iphone and it's features, the Android phone and it's benefits and something that needs to be stressed more, cell phone courtesy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv23uLpzScUf_VrDeD-IPmbQtw5mnBXxmuSRAJZbZefBoLJrbNFJ8vShuJbUgyoJVtt7QZ9q-90WwpA1Qq684olCfi-xU8qP9bqVhYp5A6SMFLA5QQIMEN-KrJPufOcdUvXCPI4gsh2Nr_/s1600/2014-09-09+14.11.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv23uLpzScUf_VrDeD-IPmbQtw5mnBXxmuSRAJZbZefBoLJrbNFJ8vShuJbUgyoJVtt7QZ9q-90WwpA1Qq684olCfi-xU8qP9bqVhYp5A6SMFLA5QQIMEN-KrJPufOcdUvXCPI4gsh2Nr_/s1600/2014-09-09+14.11.53.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Katy Flint</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I appreciate Sara asking me to speak at this event. I think the event was a 7 on the day, as a bigger crowd would have spurred more audience participation and livened up the group. This will happen, just give it time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>9/17/14 - The Social Media Rockstar Event</b> - The event was put on by Sarah Kuglin and her staff at Redwood Valley Tech Solutions in Willmar, MN. This was my second year attending and aside from lunch and a highly technical and slightly un-organized Facebook presentation, I think it was a solid 8 in my ratings. The room was full with a lot of new faces, which is always a good sign, but the energy was a bit lower than the Rock N Roll enthusiasm of last year's event. Yeah, I don't know why?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Several speakers were re-runs which made me nervous about going, however, Jason Falls and Lee Odden hit the mark by providing new and exciting content. Jason Falls, a Bourbon swigging, no bullshit, Kentucky country boy never disappoints with his humor and his down to earth, warm-fuzzy presentations. No one would ever come away from one of his presentations by saying, "I didn't get that." Lee provided new insights on Blogging that made me come away with the "Yeah, I can do that" type of thinking. The rest of the speakers were spot on as well, aside from the two guys talking about Facebook at the end of the day, when people's heads were full anyway. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTfk2Jr9CaLN-xXoPibKyZJU9EjNCahcVgAUdA9sSFD03cS5tFz3A8JY0NtrxZQthLtlyaEiU0r5BbJmSOBYeTdpLF8W_YNaJPQcnOlK9uoj-TQpOE5VpyAFLVRSSQxjjwiZxneA6BQ_r/s1600/2014-09-17+12.09.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTfk2Jr9CaLN-xXoPibKyZJU9EjNCahcVgAUdA9sSFD03cS5tFz3A8JY0NtrxZQthLtlyaEiU0r5BbJmSOBYeTdpLF8W_YNaJPQcnOlK9uoj-TQpOE5VpyAFLVRSSQxjjwiZxneA6BQ_r/s1600/2014-09-17+12.09.38.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rockstars Sarah & Pat</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One thing that stuck with me was that when I was eating some pizza with some of the speakers the night before, one said, "I wonder when she'll (Sarah) will move this to Minneapolis??" I told him, "People in RURAL Minnesota NEED this. If this was in Minneapolis, it would be just something else to go to downtown, parking would be a bitch and no one would really show up. Put this in a rural setting and the people who need this will show up." I feel bad that a speaker was put out by driving 2 hours. I drove 4 hours and I paid for a ticket. He was there last year, so I didn't hear him speak....I heard him last year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With a few new speakers, I will probably go again next year, as it will be back at Jackpot Junction, from what I have heard, but there will have to be a few new speakers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>9/25 - 9/26/14 - Social Brand Forum 2014</b> - This was the biggest risk of the three conferences. The lineup was a powerhouse of Social Media Celebs. Chris Brogan was the keynote of the day on Friday, while Thursday was a great day in itself with a more rehearsed Jason Falls and many others. Nick Westergaard and his staff (and children) of Brand Driven Digital lined this up and it was very good. I had dealings with Nick at another conference once and left early in disgust because I didn't care for the subject matter....to say the least and so I was very critical of anything that he would ever do again. I heard him present at EntreFest and he promoted his event there as well. Like I said, the lineup was stellar, so I knew it wouldn't be one guy talking the whole time for 7 hours straight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Highlights -- Chris Brogan of course, Jason Falls, Kerry Gorgone, Amy Schmittauer and John Jantsch who actually filled my brain with so much info, it nearly shut off. Excellent topics!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxR0E0-ZniqNceFlSNvje_6xi8vAB5y26YIyj1Obc4j11wgsHnp5LZr6fEX17ABsAtQFd2gb43wriwgT-qn0ckaVLIdi3_X8O2cKlztmmLF1vDoSPFKysM67VSuu68nIVAVUPyobg2fgz/s1600/IMG_20140925_151016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxR0E0-ZniqNceFlSNvje_6xi8vAB5y26YIyj1Obc4j11wgsHnp5LZr6fEX17ABsAtQFd2gb43wriwgT-qn0ckaVLIdi3_X8O2cKlztmmLF1vDoSPFKysM67VSuu68nIVAVUPyobg2fgz/s1600/IMG_20140925_151016.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>With Chris Brogan</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Things I didn't understand or really wrap my head around -- The Live podcast, the presentation from Hubspot with bad sound and poor graphics and what I thought was going to be a funny and enlightening presentation from Matt Ridings turned into something else that only participants who were there would understand. I'll leave it at that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also couldn't understand why as many people as I talked to got free tickets. I heard 5 men joking, "I'd like to meet someone here who actually paid for a ticket!" When I pointed out that I did, they laughed and walked away -- so much for earlybird entries. Granted, I got $100 off and 2 free books. The Marriott was nice as it always is, but add on the $10 per day internet charge and $8 a day parking fee, I left with a $340 motel bill, plus meals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As far as the conference, this was a solid 9. I can live with things I don't understand, if it's outweighed by speakers who relate to me, make me feel worth being there and listen to me if I have a question -- and they all did. Unless I get a free ticket next year, I doubt I will go back next year, but who knows -- this could be an every other year thing, depending on the line up. Most everyone there was raving about the content, including me. I met a lot of "Social Media Managers."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I have rambled long enough and I appreciate the time and effort the 3 events put into making theirs great! I am told I'm a tough customer, but I AM the customer. I'm a self employed one man show....there's no one back home to fix computers when I'm at these conferences, so I have to choose wisely and I think I did!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-64955226688732451842014-09-20T14:26:00.000-05:002014-09-20T14:26:55.354-05:00We're Gonna Win Twins -- We're Gonna Score!<div style="text-align: justify;">
As many of you know, I'm a Yankee baseball fan through and through. However, little do people know that since August 15th, 2008, I bet I haven't watched one full baseball game of any team out there. You see, my Dad who was the ultimate Yankee Fan died that day and a lot of that love for baseball died with him. The last game we watched together was the 2008 Yankee Old Timers' Game and he cried through most of it. It broke my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SO, fast forward to about 3 weeks ago when we were hard-pressed to come up with a birthday gift for our nephew Luke. He turned 10 and I suggested to Becky that I just take the kid to a Twins game. Becky, stunned, said, "Oh, ok, but you know he's a child and you really don't care for kids." I told Becky that I thought Luke had matured a bit and he didn't annoy me as much as he used to. For the record, kids who are well behaved don't annoy me that much, but like most things, one bad apple spoils the bunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH8q1S9hGqMkCOGWOaYNqhQLd2zJKmRL9ZPTdri2p0M29eY5nT5qZD0ZM21QhRQTbZRBjUREB44HoN9dp8R0RzS6_zggD6R7DFAqYhodtbt4HCSFxyGag9NkgVNZiRmOoQmy7yyDHU89P/s1600/2014-09-19+17.06.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH8q1S9hGqMkCOGWOaYNqhQLd2zJKmRL9ZPTdri2p0M29eY5nT5qZD0ZM21QhRQTbZRBjUREB44HoN9dp8R0RzS6_zggD6R7DFAqYhodtbt4HCSFxyGag9NkgVNZiRmOoQmy7yyDHU89P/s1600/2014-09-19+17.06.15.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Not bad seats!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Naturally, I think Luke's mom & dad were a bit stunned on the $50 per seat tickets I got, but if I'm going to invest time in going, I want to see, hear and feel what is going on. Upper deck to me is a waste of money if you want to see a game. SO, if he never gets this close again, he can say he was right near the action for this game (Sept 19, 2014) in Minnesota.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I miscalculated the drive, so we got to the night game (7:10pm) at 4:30pm, so we were pretty much first in line at our gate. The Twins' staff were VERY helpful on telling where to go and giving us direction, even with my Yankee hat on. Looking back, I can't remember wearing a baseball cap since working weekend shifts at KLMJ, so it had been 14 years. (More stats in a bit) Luke is just so excited and I'm even smiling a bit about it. The drive wasn't bad and the parking was a snap.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We get our good seats and I tell Luke to go behind the Indians' dugout, say HI to everyone and they would give him a ball. I don't think he believed me, but on the 2nd attempt, he came back with a ball and he was VERY excited. I put the ball in my back pocket after Luke dropped it and it rolled down 6 rows. We ate and it sprinkled a bit, but it wasn't too bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJOMqTcoQkQ3LyitmEyefCEvtc100FHIXEl1jtUVU9g3C-UGV8YUlmIGdqtWd55TEQR8Nt49XNMRUWL988nXyU2PuzfjDTnQE3laJ1V_MJiUXyhEdS_GnRVJh1cYNAwT8t1z5VS7FAcPl/s1600/2014-09-19+17.09.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJOMqTcoQkQ3LyitmEyefCEvtc100FHIXEl1jtUVU9g3C-UGV8YUlmIGdqtWd55TEQR8Nt49XNMRUWL988nXyU2PuzfjDTnQE3laJ1V_MJiUXyhEdS_GnRVJh1cYNAwT8t1z5VS7FAcPl/s1600/2014-09-19+17.09.17.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Luke and his glove waiting for a ball.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My heart swelled with pride and I got tears in my eyes as the Twins honored an 86 year old POW who got to raise the flag during the National Anthem. His hands trembling, he saluted the flag just like he would have done in his 20s. What an emotional time. The Twins did a great thing. (More about that later.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDJJ2yQmJn09-qVuckY9E5GZGzXsbeo9FWke2lHW8-pldJZz-IEGd2YWS9-_05skv2E9-nu7PMH3tUxmUNykoLKQ-dNF6fNw2CQOynGhQN9e1bjKMvTyupV-9Hs2BjGzr97epZQaJydm8/s1600/2014-09-19+18.56.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDJJ2yQmJn09-qVuckY9E5GZGzXsbeo9FWke2lHW8-pldJZz-IEGd2YWS9-_05skv2E9-nu7PMH3tUxmUNykoLKQ-dNF6fNw2CQOynGhQN9e1bjKMvTyupV-9Hs2BjGzr97epZQaJydm8/s1600/2014-09-19+18.56.35.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Top Notch Tribute!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Luke watched the game, asked a few questions, and it went into extra innings. He was very excited when the Twins won the game with a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 10th.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now for some statistics:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Twins:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Excellent experience, excellent staff, great section manager who took pride in his work, excellent facilities, and fan engagement with Twitter, Instagram and the MLB App.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My stats:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am hard pressed to remember the last ballgame I went to, but I think it was taking my Dad to the Royals game in KC and we had press passes in 1996. I also went to a Cubs game and had press passes to a game at the Metrodome in the late 80's and met Billy Martin and the "good" Yankees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Grandpa was a Twins fan and a Harmon Killebrew fan. If the Twins won, it was because of Harmon. If the Twins lost, it was because the "sonsabitches" wouldn't take Harmon's advice on this or that or the other team pitched him outside so he couldn't hit the "goddamned" ball. Yeah, dyed in the wool Killebrew fan.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first game I ever went to was when I was 9 and Dad took me to a Twins/A's Double Header at the Old Met. Great time. Luke was 10 and this was his 2nd game ever.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, hats off to the Twins for the nice time. I think I will have to contact their Social Media Manager to do an interview with them sometime and post it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8VzKXkGn-QzHSBxb5kJAD6mVGnEVk_xrI2B-LG1i3HqnvnPnc5LumIvXm0aO7cP7zk-DnQKEo8uaPUx9lq7lbpi1aIFI_NOQW2RX1uudGFstvxlQEwpHr8UTZvUHrfi7F77412l74sDV/s1600/2014-09-19+17.22.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8VzKXkGn-QzHSBxb5kJAD6mVGnEVk_xrI2B-LG1i3HqnvnPnc5LumIvXm0aO7cP7zk-DnQKEo8uaPUx9lq7lbpi1aIFI_NOQW2RX1uudGFstvxlQEwpHr8UTZvUHrfi7F77412l74sDV/s1600/2014-09-19+17.22.30.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I'll be back.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-25272392799786386102014-08-29T21:17:00.001-05:002014-08-29T21:17:29.936-05:00Dan -- Had You Met Him, You Would Have Liked Him<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMap_r6gfk4KVyb-sYp68CdMM4FOPGlYQSVYfjYVga0GxN_YenPm0aitScKOx-JgL4nU41GJQF3XrYMTJoCHU7FEKIVglN6OM0QeYM4gL688vJb6KZcyenOx7Ph6reo9FLO5h6lKlsHrs/s1600/Dan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMap_r6gfk4KVyb-sYp68CdMM4FOPGlYQSVYfjYVga0GxN_YenPm0aitScKOx-JgL4nU41GJQF3XrYMTJoCHU7FEKIVglN6OM0QeYM4gL688vJb6KZcyenOx7Ph6reo9FLO5h6lKlsHrs/s1600/Dan.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">Meet Dan.... I met Dan once, but I felt like I'd known him for years because he was Kerry's boyfriend and she talked about Dan all the time!! Kerry runs Afford A Geek Computer Repair and Solutions in Humboldt. One night about a year and a half ago, Kerry, Dan & I met for supper in Humboldt at Pasquale's Pizza and we talked about computer repair. Dan was just getting into helping Kerry and I was explaining the finer points of working with home customers. I was going to take Dan under my wing and help him out on some calls and then I was going to take everything up to Goldfield and Dan & Kerry would do everything from Goldfield back to Humboldt. That was the plan. It was a good plan and a fun plan -- as they were fun people. Dan seemed tired that night and drank coffee with his pizza to stay awake. That was the last time I saw Dan.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">A month or so later, I got a call from Kerry that Dan was sick and had Leukemia. He was in bad shape in Ames. I drove down, met with Kerry and gave her my prayers to Dan. They transferred him to Iowa City....did all sorts of things and they got him to be CANCER FREE through a bone marrow transplant!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">Then about 3 weeks ago, Dan was tired -- probably was having coffee with his pizza again and they went back to Iowa City and their worst nightmares had been realized, the cancer had come back....with a vengeance. Dan was in trouble, Kerry had been by his side and her computer business had taken a backseat to his health issues.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">I got the word today from Kerry that Dan passed away this afternoon.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">What I wouldn't give to have a cup of coffee and a slice of pizza with him and talk about the finer points of dealing with home customers. My heart hurts for Kerry and their families. They truly lost a gem in Dan.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-72783112565758753492014-05-17T23:48:00.000-05:002014-05-18T00:26:55.268-05:00EntreFEST 2014 - A Wrap Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once again, for the 7th straight year, I attended EntreFEST. This conference is a valuable tool for people who are both new and established entrepreneurs and I have always supported their efforts. Yes, last year was a bit shaky for me. I wasn't thrilled with a couple of things and I was hoping they would work themselves out this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I arrived at around 6:30pm on Wednesday and needed no introduction as I think my reputation got there ahead of me. I needed no "sign in ticket" as I was recognized when I walked in the door. This is a nice feeling and no matter if you've been there 7 years or 2 years, it's nice to be called by name. One thing that I wasn't thrilled about was that this event was held in 4 different buildings. The Sheraton, The Hotel Vetro, The Iowa City Public Library and the Englert Theater. They were actually closer than they looked on the map, but if a person had mobility issues, the theater might as well have been on the moon. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I checked in to the Sheraton and was told my room was poolside. UGH, a fate worse than death. I told them that I'd really wish they could switch rooms and they did. This hotel was fantastic...and I let them know that MULTIPLE TIMES! More on that later.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I then switched things over from Facebook to Twitter...as that's where all the cool kids play. ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after arrival, they had a reception and drinks and a DJ. (An improvement from Tech Brew the year before.) I was approached by a gal (I think her name was Rachel) who evidentially was in charge of monitoring my good (or bad) mood and told me that she read every Tweet I had from 2013. Wow. She wanted to know how I was doing at that time. I told her that my ears were bleeding from that "Gawd Awful" music that the DJ was playing. I'm sure he thought he was good, but as you could see by the disbursement of people in the room, no one was standing near him because you couldn't talk over the music very well. She then brought over another guy from Decorah and we went back and forth about why EntreFEST always needed to be in Iowa City. He hung his hat on the fact that they had 500 people signed up. I never saw 500 people, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. Sure, it's hard to argue with numbers, but I met a number of "students" who got in for half price and very few who had been there for more than 3 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I remember a famous quote by a famous Iowa businessman, Bill Krause of Hampton. "I'd rather serve 1 customer a 1000 times than a 1000 customers once." Remember, it costs more to get a new customer than to keep a current one....yeah, they forgot that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The keynote speakers were all fantastic, from the first to the last. Lydia Brown says that we need more women entrepreneurs in the state. We rank 51st...and they are counting Washington DC. We also learned how whiskey is now a go to when it comes for new business. It was great to hear from both Scott Bush from Templeton Rye and Nate Kaeding formerly of the San Diego Chargers who are whiskey guys and great entrepreneurs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The breakout classes were also good. Last year I was pretty tough on Josh from a Social Media Company called Sculpt regarding his presentation. I have to admit, he hit a homerun this year. As a matter of fact, he featured my business, The Computer Guy, on his slides and I was humbled and grateful. He didn't have to do that, and as much of a jerk as I was, he shouldn't have even given me the time of day. I think I was a squeaky wheel...but I appreciated the grease.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One nice thing that was a topic this year was the amount of legal advice/help that was offered. From what I could tell, there were 4 different breakout sessions with lawyers, PLUS there was an exhibit booth with a lawyer in it. We overlook this as small business people, until it's too late. I'm glad they had this as a resource.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I went to a nice presentation about Co-Working spaces. Former Sheffield native Mark Nolte was one of the presenters. A LONG time ago, Mark and I worked at KWGG radio together. Now he does work for the Iowa City Economic Development and I'm very proud to have known his family. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another session I went to was from Nick Westergaard. Nick had a conference in Des Moines once that I was less than thrilled with. In fact, I walked out about 3/4 of the way through it. However, being the nice guy that I am, I wanted to give Nick another shot. Anyone can have a bad day and I'll take the heat and blame myself for that bad day. He did a great job on the topic of being a Scrappy Marketer. I learned a few tips and think that I will go to his 2 day conference in Coralville later this year....as he won't be the only one speaking for 8 hours straight. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The conference was broken down into 5 areas or "tracks" depending on your need and stage of business. 70 classes, over 100 speakers and it was very polished. It was a good comeback from last year in Cedar Rapids, but I will doubt it will beat the conferences in Des Moines or Dubuque -- those were my favorites. I guess I met so many more "life long" friends. I met people here this year, but doubt they will be back again, as from what I can tell it will be in Iowa City again and it will be about getting new people, not retaining the people who'd been there before. There were 2 of us from Hampton there, Brook Boehmler, the mayor of Hampton and also the JPEC director at NIACC. This is a sad reflection, because I know so many more people who NEEDED to be here...and it wasn't about the cost. I think I only collected 4 or 5 business cards and those were from people who I honestly wanted to connect with down the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't go to the Dream Big, Grow Here event as I still have a bad taste in my mouth about it and decided to meet a friend for supper downtown instead. I was pulling for Tony Halsted from Rudd, but he finished in 2nd place. The winner of it has a daycare and she will put the money to good use. I heard everyone did a fine job.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friday morning the conference breakfast was at 7am and speaker at 8am....yeah, that's what I thought too. So I checked out and ran my bags down to the car. The hotel "comped" my parking pass, a savings of $23 and when I went to pay for my breakfast at the hotel restaurant, that was also free, a savings of $13. Like I said, a great place! I was a bit late for the morning keynote, but from what I could tell, I wasn't the only one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I realize that maybe I can be an ass. I use the work "maybe" loosely, but I want this conference to be the best it can be for all of us who attend. We are ALL in this together as entrepreneurs. I want us all to take what we learn here and be able to use it, not just say, "Oh, well, the theory was great, now what?" I want Chamber Directors and other businesses in our communities to scratch their heads going, "OH, what did we miss out on?" A powerful conference can do that. This one did that for a lot of people! I came back with several good ideas, that's for sure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All in all, I'd give it an 8 out of 10. The emcee wasn't as annoying, however lunch on Friday failed miserably as we had to scavenge for our own lunch with "like minded" businesses. That could have been done in the hotel with assigned tables as they were all numbered anyway. I actually connect better when I'm at a table and we are eating and sharing ideas. I like sitting with strangers as it gives me a chance to make new friends. I do feel bad the events on the Ped Mall got rained out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Top 5 things that I would fix....and this will seem like a broken record from last year:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Change the Date to not conflict with GRADUATION WEEKEND in Iowa City. This created a room shortage and a lot of other issues. April seems to be a good month, just after the 15tth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Give a discount to Chamber Directors, Development Directors and Main Street Directors. The numbers seem artificially boosted by a college student discount and those kids won't be there next year anyway. At least when I get back to town, my Chamber Director won't think I'm completely nuts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Please, move it out of Iowa City. Rotate the thing back to Des Moines, Waterloo or Decorah -- cough, cough, cough. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Solicit to PAST EntreFEST attendees. I got a nice discount (thanks!) because I had attended for the 7th time but there are only 2 of us left. I think there was 1 person there with 6 years, and it isn't much better for 4 or 5 years either. Again, it costs more to get a new customer than it does an existing one. Use that logic instead of the "cell phone company logic" I told them they were using.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Bring back the live interviews and video and make part of it "real time." I miss that. I miss "The Brand Chef" and others who made this conference pop in real time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, a LOT was done right this year and I tip my hat to the people who put this on, it's no easy feat. There aren't a lot of conferences lately of this magnitude and it's not priced out of anyone's budget. I look forward to EntreFest 2015.....and don't change it to "Fest 2015" -- It's still about the Entrepreneur! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-63602747473512236082013-11-19T01:11:00.001-06:002013-11-19T01:11:07.506-06:00Black Friday -- Buyer Beware!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want to give you
some tips for Black Friday. A day where low prices trump quality. On Saturday,
I went to a home to fix an Element TV purchased on Black Friday - 2012. This
reminded me of several other issues I have with Black Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several years ago, in
an effort to boost sales of Windows Vista, Staples had a $250 laptop. It ran
terrible with only 1GB of RAM in it for Windows Vista. Good news for me, I did
a ton of memory upgrades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Target had a
"deal" on Polaroid TVs. They were stacked on pallets. I watched the
news as early morning shoppers fought over these TV as they hit the ground.
When they broke, they had one unit inside to fix, BUT the warehouse got all of
the parts messed up. I went to one business 3 times where the wrong part was
there every time. I watched has he ripped the TV from the wall and threw it
into the dumpster out in back of his bar. Yup, another Black Friday deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Samsung sold TVs that
required the tech to re-solder capacitors to the TV. Unacceptable. I refused to
do those.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be aware that some
models are "experiments" and really just not ready for prime time.
Several years ago they had a TV that wasn't really ready to be released and it
only came with a 90 day warranty. You guessed it....on day 91, that's when the
problems started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last year, HyVee sold
Toshiba TVs. They gave them away or sold them through a payroll deduction to
their employees. I fixed a lot of those in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area.
Another Black Friday episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SO, what do you do????
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Get the TV home and
open it up and use it. Be sure you are clear on the return policy as most are
30 days. NOW, the last several years, Black Friday was on the 26th or
27th...... Christmas Eve/Day is the 24th and 25th. This would be MORE than 30
days. There's nothing more disappointing than a present that doesn't work on
Christmas morning AND you can't return it because the 30 days has elapsed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
2. Find out how long the warranty is and buy more. If you pay by credit card,
your card company MAY have an extended warranty provision. Get it.<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Register your TV online right away as they all have websites.<br />
<br />
<br />
4. IF you have problems, call in right away and get it logged and find out when
the the repair will happen. If this is your 2nd or 3rd repair, CALMLY tell them
you have had enough and want a new TV.<br />
<br />
<br />
5. SAVE THE BOX!!! If a TV will be replaced, a common loophole is "oh, we
can't do anything if you don't have the box."<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Be nice to the guy (me) who comes to do the warranty repair. It's not their
fault it broke, they didn't build the TV, they didn't call in the issue, so if
the wrong parts are sent, it's not their fault. Please take the TV off of the
wall if you want it fixed. TV warranty repair people cannot take the TV off of
any wall if it is above 5 feet. Also, have a comforter on a table, so the TV
can be fixed on a flat padded surface. The repair should take no longer than an
hour. If it's longer than an hour, be prepared to have chocolate chip cookies
on hand. (Ha, just kidding!)<br />
<br />
<br />
The choice is yours, but don't just be tempted by price alone. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-78600814701630939002013-09-08T11:10:00.001-05:002013-09-08T11:10:25.464-05:00The "Microsoft" Hoax (With Video)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been doing computer repair work for the better of 17 years as The Computer Guy and nothing upsets me more than people who write viruses and do malicious things to unsuspecting people. Viruses went from being able to just open another person's CD Rom drive from a remote computer to scaring people and demanding ransom money. This latest hoax, telemarketing to people (mostly older folks) telling them that their computer is messed up is beyond low.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's how it starts out. The phone rings with a blocked or spoofed number and a person with a very thick foreign accent proclaims to be from Microsoft or Windows or some other outfit and they tell you that your computer is spewing viruses all over the Internet and they need to "check it out" as this is the only way it can be fixed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have seen what they have done from other techs who have done screenshots of the actions they take. They use some "program" that shows bogus errors on your screen to convince you that they need to fix your computer AND charge you around $199 to do so. They will take this payment as a DEBIT, so you have no recourse to get your money back.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As luck would have it, they called me. This is the 3rd time they have and I happened to have my FlipCam in the car and decided to capture the conversation on that. Naturally, play dumb to get them to give me more info, but after a while I bust them out and get hung up on. The last time, I did this, they lost their foreign accent and really gave me every four-letter word they knew.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Click below to watch what I did -- all from my vehicle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/J_zrMTiYKsY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J_zrMTiYKsY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J_zrMTiYKsY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoy the video! Remember, don't trust the phone scammers. I have the same remote tools as they do and I can FIX your issues, not create more of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more tips, tricks and advice -- please become a FAN on Facebook.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/PatTheComputerGuy" target="_blank">http://www.Facebook.com/PatTheComputerGuy</a><br />
<br />
BE SAFE OUT THERE!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-29032417231392288872013-08-25T00:59:00.001-05:002013-08-25T00:59:59.819-05:00An Email Nightmare -- A Guest Post<div style="text-align: justify;">
The following is a guest post by a friend of The Computer Guy, Pastor <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">David Boogerd. He tells of his issues with his hijacked email accounts. This has been common lately and he tells how he fought back and WON! Thank you for sharing your story with my blog readers!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
Recently
my Google email account (gmailiPad. The
hacker also had changed my settings to forward any incoming email to an account
that was a duplicate of my @<a href="http://gmail.com/"><span style="color: blue;">gmail.com</span></a> account,
but was a @<a href="http://live.com/"><span style="color: blue;">live.com</span></a> account. Because I
received several phone calls within minutes of the changes taking effect I had
the forwarding turned off within 30 minutes of it taking effect. To check
on that, go to settings and choose “forwarding”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
Getting
my contacts and email back took a little longer, but only because it took
longer to find the steps I had to take. It turns out that Google makes it
easy to restore your contacts. On the Contacts page, choose “More” and
then choose “Restore Contacts.” This can be handy if you do something
like messing up your contacts when merging or importing another contact file,
but it works great when all your contacts have been deleted. The “Restore
Contacts” setting will restore your contacts to any time in the last 30
days. In moments all your contacts will be restored. Directions can
be found here: <a href="https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1069522?hl=en&ref_topic=1689180"><span style="color: blue;">https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1069522?hl=en&ref_topic=1689180</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
Restoring
the email took longer. If you do a google search for “restoring email
after it’s deleted” you will find a number of places which will tell you that
once your email is deleted from the trash folder, you are out of luck.
However, mixed in with all of these I found a more hopeful page. <a href="https://support.google.com/mail/answer/78353?hl=en"><span style="color: blue;">https://support.google.com/mail/answer/78353?hl=en</span></a>
This page explains the steps to take. First, it will explain how to
secure your account, then how to make sure your email is actually gone.
It might just have all been sent to the “Trash” folder, which you can easily
rectify. If everything is actually gone, the page contains a link to
“file a report.” (It’s at the end of the second paragraph.) Within
an hour of filing the report my emails were all back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
Hopefully
you will never have to go through this, but if you do, there are helpful steps
to take. To keep it from happening, if you use gmail,com, and have not
already done so, activate the “two-stop verification” process they offer.
It complicates things a little more (which is why I didn’t do it before), but
if anyone tries to access your account from a computer Google does not
recognize (or from any computer if that is how you set it) you will be asked
for a verification code, which is sent as a text or voice message to a phone
number your designate. Without that access code, your account cannot be
accessed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Again, thanks to David for sharing his story -- hopefully, it won't happen to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-56766189357787296012013-06-03T00:09:00.002-05:002013-06-03T00:25:34.452-05:00The 2013 Commencemen Address I Never Gave<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've never been asked to give a commencement speech and quite frankly, I live too close to my former school district to ever be considered to give one. I learned a long time ago, the farther you move away from Hampton, the more of an expert you are. Nevertheless, I have come up with my 2013 Commence Address.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Graduates, students, parents, faculty and guests. I am honored to be here today to speak to the class of 2013. While you may wonder what someone who lives in Hampton is doing giving the address today, rest assured while I haven't traveled to a far away land, I still understand common sense and can relate to people who have watched you grow up in our fine community.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First off, I want to point out how special you are. Just like all of the other graduates of 2013 across the nation. Yes, you are going to be looking for going to college, to the armed services or to the work force like a lot of other graduates. Get the chip off of your shoulder and let's go get busy on getting a head start on your competition, each other. Yes, that's what I said, each other. The sooner you view your classmate as your competitor, the faster you will understand what the real world is like.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Second, there are no ribbons for 10th place. If you are lucky, you will MAYBE get a "thank you" for first place. No one owes you a job, health benefits, a free ride, or the time of day. Those things are earned. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Third, for those of you who have put stupid photos of yourself on Facebook or any other social media site, clean them off of your site. Chances are, Google has already indexed them, but just in case, no potential employer wants to see you making a duck face with a beer in your hand... that you are holding for someone else, of course. What you need to do is to get a professional head shot photo and put it on Linked In and get that page built up with your skill sets and services you can offer people. The old school resume is about to become a thing of the past and if you run into a potential employer like me, I'm going to Google you anyway and look you up on Facebook. If you look like an idiot because of some stupid photos, I'll let another company deal with it. Young ladies, if you wanted to be treated like equals at whatever job you are going to be going to, get all of the "whore-ish" pictures off of there. There are some idiot bosses out there as well, who may think you are less than a young lady and may take advantage of you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fourth, get out and volunteer for something. We have a lot of aimless kids in this community and country who really could use some help. Become a coach, scout leader, helper at the school, service club member or ANYTHING, just help out some kids. They need it now more than ever.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fifth, remember 1 out of 10 young people are denied a job because of something posted on the social networks. If you have a problem with a professor, boss or spouse -- don't whine on Facebook about it. Deal with the issue and move on. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, be proud that you came from the Hampton-Dumont school district and never forget to come back once in a while. In fact, tell your friends that Iowa's a great place to raise a family and that our work ethic is pretty darn good. As an employer, I'd rather hire someone from a small town than a big city, because -- small town people wave at each other all the time. Being friendly is in our DNA. When you come back and you see a former teacher, give them a pat on the back as well. They put up with you all these year, the least you can do is thank them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not everyone can be a rocket scientist, fashion model or famous actor, but be the best you can be. In 1983 when I crossed this stage, I crossed it with 7 other Eagle Scouts. Quite a feat as the national average at that time was 1 of out every 100 Scouts earns the rank of Eagle Scout. The first line of the Boy Scout Oath is "On my honor, I will do my best." If you stick with that, you will go far.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My best to you, the graduates of 2013!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-43286683663520556242013-03-26T12:06:00.001-05:002013-03-26T12:13:49.678-05:00Welcome To FourSquare --- Sort Of<div style="text-align: justify;">
As many of you know, I'm somewhat of a "Social Media" junkie. I Facebook, Tweet, Google, YouTube and all the neat things like that. One of the things I really like to do is FourSquare. Mostly it's to compete with my wife and friends for "Mayorships" of various venues.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzcoR859umgnMy3lmwh-WPGOh14P45sG99DfZYKjVvhTbW4mJuj5GYbq2xDKYfBPIIIHOB0LO3J_XgH7xOwNk_4ta_remNZYMgYd30d8fGVjyfIvalpfo5tXPWIQiNFI1ndoljhQPv95/s1600/kingme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzcoR859umgnMy3lmwh-WPGOh14P45sG99DfZYKjVvhTbW4mJuj5GYbq2xDKYfBPIIIHOB0LO3J_XgH7xOwNk_4ta_remNZYMgYd30d8fGVjyfIvalpfo5tXPWIQiNFI1ndoljhQPv95/s320/kingme.png" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Courtesy of FourSquare</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Becoming a "Mayor" means you simply patronize a business and "check in" more than anyone else who uses FourSquare. In some stores/bars/restaurants you get rewarded for check ins, or become Mayor. When I had my business, every 3 check ins got you $10 off any computer service, while showing me that you just became mayor got your a free pizza or ice cream treat from my good friends at Breadeaux Pizza.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, there are two sides to FourSquare -- The front end and the back end. I've just described the front end. People check in and that's about it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the backend, and where businesses get lost or confused. Many businesses out there did not set up their location and really have no clue what people are doing when they are "checking in." However, if they ever DID take ownership, they could get a demographic of their customers -- age, sex, where they are from, time of day they are checking in, etc. Many don't know how or don't care.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My other big complaint of this is that EMPLOYEES of a business check into their own work locations. Now, for me to become a "Mayor" of an establishment, it means I patronize their business more than any other customer they have that uses FourSquare. 9 times out of 10, when I PATRONIZE a business I spend money there. Many times, if I'm not the mayor, I will get other "badges" that show events of the day or trends in my check-ins.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When an employee checks in and gets the Mayorship, it devalues the location as then no other person can get any rewards for checking in, if they offer rewards, and it skews the demographics that the owner is looking at getting. If Joey the employee is the Mayor and checks in 100 times, the business is not getting any useful data from....it's CUSTOMERS.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I had a storefront, I could control that through the backend of the program. I blocked myself, Becky and my other employees from becoming "Mayor." They could still check in, but they would never become rewarded for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bottom line, if your business is on FourSquare -- USE IT!! Maximize its potential. Here are some stats from FourSquare:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
30 Billion People use it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3 BILLION check ins per day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over 1 MILLION businesses use the business platform part of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
78,500 Mayors are ousted each day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, it's a gripe I have and maybe I should be doing more to work with businesses about it. If your business wants in and really wants to move forward, then I'd appreciate your email or phone call. I won't do it for you, but I will put you on the right track.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Patrick Palmer - Mayor at 27 locations all over Iowa!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
641-420-1234</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="mailto:yankeez@mchsi.com">yankeez</a><a href="mailto:yankeez@mchsi.com">@mchsi.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-34907338913421164182013-03-18T01:17:00.001-05:002013-03-18T01:17:11.212-05:00Do It Yourself Computer Repair -- Not So Fast.<div style="text-align: justify;">
As mentioned in my Monday Morning Memo, I see a lot of folks who want to "Do It Yourself" when it comes to computer repair. Yes, with some of the proper tools, you can, but when it comes to many of the new viruses and malware out there, it's tough to do and do right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are some tools to use for basic maintenance:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
CCleaner -- Use the file cleaning part. (Download from FileHippo)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Defrag -- In many systems this is already preset for a certain time/day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Error Checking or Check Disk -- Under tools in the hard drive area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Updating your virus programs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Updating Flash, Java, Shockwave, Adobe Reader</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reformatting -- usually happens when you make the wrong choices on a DIY project.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, much beyond that you are in a grey area that I don't even give advice to over the phone. You see, when I do, then I feel that I'm liable if you mess it up. Plus, doing a Google Search for some of this may lead you down the wrong path as well. Folks who run virus/spyware sites are usually pretty good at SEO and making their hacker sites bubble up to the top to make you think that you can trust them to remote in and fix the issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Usually, they just get your credit card info and they are gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've used a famous quote a lot, and it fits here as well. "If you think hiring a professional is expensive, hire an amateur once!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, give The Computer Guy a call if you have issues, I can get the problem solved the right way the first time.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-17166229098713660552013-03-09T11:31:00.000-06:002013-03-09T11:38:45.320-06:00EntreFest 2013 - A Wrap Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since 2008, EntreFest has been an annual event I always look forward to. Meeting new people, hearing speakers that I get inspiration from, mini conferences to learn tools and tricks of the trade and the socialization of like-minded people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The event has been held in Cedar Falls, Coralville, Des Moines, Dubuque and Ames. This year it was held in Cedar Rapids. The UNI Business Division (for lack of a better term) has been the backbone of the event, until this year, when they turned some of the event over to a 3rd party. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The event started out Wednesday Night with "Start Up Drinks" in the lounge area. This was hosted by a local Cedar Rapids group, from what I could determine. It was a nice mixer, with a lot of folks who hadn't signed up for the conference. At that point, I would have pushed for a sign up, but it wasn't my dog in the fight. Naturally, they gave everyone a free drink ticket. Being that the ticket was only for stuff I didn't like to drink, I gave mine away. I won't go into the issues I had with the hotel bar and restaurant staff, as they later made amends for that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thursday started out with 2 opening speakers, both fantastic. Christian Renaud whose theme of "Quit apologizing for being from Iowa" was heard loud and clear! People were still talking about it the next day. A great speaker. Mary Quass, owns the 7th largest radio network in the US and talked about dealing with people and banks. Also an interesting "interview style" discussion that was presented.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this point in time, let me say the Kirkwood food was VERY good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The breakout sessions were OK. My favorite was Social Media 101: Followers, Likes, Check-ins and Pins with Macy Koch. It was basic in nature, but she did cover a few things that had changed in Social Media and that was good to catch up on. Her company is hosting an event in Des Moines on April 11th and it will be good to go to get more information.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also went to Tim McDougall's Innovating Inside A Big Company. Tim previously led the marketing divisions of PF Chang’s Restaurants, The New
Orleans Hornets, The Houston Rockets and The Miller Brewing Company, and
recently co-founded FusionFarm, a
groundbreaking digital marketing start up...housed inside a 130-year old media
company! I liked the stories of mistakes that big companies make and how to learn from them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kristen Monroe and I are old pals and usually sit at the same table when we are at events. If the name sounds familiar, she is my web designer. She has a million things going at once and it was good to hear here present Getting Things Done, Time Management In A 24/7 job. She had some technical issues with her computer and clicker. When you aren't used to a certain system, a glitch can really throw you off your game. I think Kristen was thrown off slightly, but the information she presented about dealing with your inbox made up for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then we had a pre-supper mixer. Everyone had a free drink ticket, so I went up to the bar and ordered a mixed drink, then was told the only had beer or wine. UGH. I think we are 2 for 2 now on the drink situation. I think that this should be addressed next year. I gave my ticket to another person and went into supper.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The meal was fantastic and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds was introduced to emcee the pitch off contest where 10 businesses compete to win $10,000. I know that this is a big deal, but since I had been a contestant in one of these before and had a bad experience (that I won't go into) I ate and went back to my room to follow up with some phone calls I had missed. I later went back down to the event where people were just at tables talking about what they had learned and socializing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Friday we started out with the Biz Info Smorgasbord. Very valuable for people who have specific questions for various experts. I had one for an attorney who deals with Copyrights. These bastards who think my logo (that I own and paid for) is clip art is going to come to an end. So, we are going to go to work on sending out letters to the people who are using it illegally. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had been doing videos during the conference in the absence of "The Brand Chef" as he was missed this year as well, so I had to go to my room to upload what I had done. I missed a bit of the round table discussion from Chuck Peters, Innovating Inside A Big Company #1: A CEO's Perspective. I guess I really wasn't in the mood or missed the inside jokes or just didn't care for his "challenges," so I was happy when the phone rang and I could excuse myself from the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mike Draper of RAYGUN T-shirt company made the day a success. What a great speaker!! Humor, participation and a business lesson -- the keys to a good presenter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was pumped up after Mike's speech until I went to the next session. The next session I had really been looking forward to was Social Media 201 and the presenter would want me to mention his name..... This was to talk about monetising Facebook a bit and do some work with advertising. I had done some of this before, but Facebook had changed a few things, so I was looking forward to it. What a letdown. The presenter struggled, but thought he was all that and a bag of chips. He left slides off of his presentation, made constant excuses and let some lady in the back interrupt at least a dozen times. I wasn't kind on his review sheet and left the class early. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a tip... If you are presenting to a crowd who PAID, then dammit, be prepared and get it together. This REALLY put a bad taste in my mouth, when I think that I could have been the one to present this topic and would have done a bang-up job. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I went to the last event, I was still annoyed and found that the emcee just liked to hear his own voice, which was consistent throughout the two days. They had a mini pitch off for people who gave one minute speeches. Yeah, the winner was a gal who would provide a coat check for girls in Iowa City who wander around downtown in the winter not wearing coats so they wouldn't get beer spilled on them. Boy, I really feel sorry for a bunch of drunk girls who don't want that to happen...NOT. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was no prize drawing for attendees and so I left.....a bit down from the last 2 hours of the conference. I had always left on a high note before thinking "GEE, I can't wait for next year." But, I didn't have that feeling this year. Sure, there were good speakers, but something is missing and I've yet to put my finger on it. I've been to worse conferences...but, I've been to BETTER EntreFest events. (Remember Dubuque!?)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, I love the event concept, I just wish it had gone a bit better for me, personally. I did think that a full day on Friday was good for people to get their money's worth. At $119, you can't go wrong. For beginning entrepreneurs, this is great, but as I walked around talking to people, there aren't a lot of repeat customers. I think most of the people I met were first timers, and a few second timers. I had been there six times and that's how much I believe in it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Five tips I would give as solutions to fix attendance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Change the date not to conflict with any high school state tournaments.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Give a discount to chamber directors and development directors -- they need to be here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Require at least ONE PERSON in each pitch off team to be registered for the event.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Bring back someone like "The Brand Chef" who is doing interviews, live streams or something to promote the event as it is happening. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Take it back to Des Moines or Ames every other year. They will kill it if it goes to Council Bluffs, Sioux City or the Quad Cities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, I will plan on EntreFest 2014...and I will promote it, but don't let me down.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-5093521706494248592013-02-23T13:07:00.000-06:002013-02-23T13:07:33.693-06:00That Hotspot Has Become A Hot Spot<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Let's
address an issue that a lot of people are having. I don't want to pick on
Verizon, but since they are the products that I see the most, I guess it's only
right to focus on them. </div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
A
bit of background -- From 2000 - 2006, I worked for Midwest Wireless which was a
cutting edge cellphone service provider. In about 2003, they started
introducing DATA plans to their services. Right now, using that mobile phone as
a PHONE is the 3rd most popular uses for a smart phone. Go figure. Still, I do
know a few things about this sort of stuff, so let me share some observations.
Midwest Wireless sold to Alltel and Alltel sold to Verizon, so in North Iowa, I
do know where their towers are located.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Anyway,
as we have evolved into this information age, the big rage at one time was 3G
coverage. Life was good, but there was the promise of bigger things -- 4G.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
With
4G you could do a lot more in the same amount of time, and the next thing you
knew they were selling mobile "Hotspot" receivers for use in the home and on the
road to connect your devices to. I do see where SOME of the issues are and I
blame the sales people a bit for not understanding the customer's needs.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Here
are some tips for a more enjoyable Internet experience using these hotspots that
are so popular.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
1.
Be clear with the sales person WHERE you live and WHERE you will use this
product. If you don't live where there's 4G service, it will roll back to 3G
service and it won't be that great. "Where's the nearest tower?" would be a
good question.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
2.
Put the hotspot near a window, but not in direct sunlight. It NEEDS to get a
good signal to the cell tower and if it gets too hot in the sun, it won't work
as well either. Basically, it's a radio. You aren't going to get good radio
reception in your steel sided house in the basement and you won't get a good
signal if you have the same situation with a hotspot.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
3.
Don't think you can run your whole computer network from this little box. Sure,
a computer or two and your tablet.... BUT 6 computers, Netflix, Hulu, your
smart TV and your cellphone at the same time won't cut it for this device.
Also, from what I have seen, you can't network your wireless printer with this
either. An example -- take a shower and have someone flush the toilet -- the
water pressure goes down in the shower. Same thing here, the more people on
this, the slower the signal speed.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
4.
Data Usage -- If you have a metered plan, you'll have to either turn off the
hotspot when you aren't using it or turn off the devices. Without trying, a
couple of Windows updates, some Netflix, YouTube or a ton of online gaming will
eat your data, so be clear with the sales person on what you have for that
device. Going over is EXPENSIVE.</div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 10pt;" align="justify" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
I'm
not coming down hard on sales people, but SOMETIMES they are tempted to over
sell. Go over these topics with the sales person. They should be asking these
questions and helping you to have a great experience. Find out what their
return policy is as well, because if it doesn't meet your needs, you will need
to return it ASAP. </div>
<br />
<div _mce_style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-58910062736324143532012-12-18T01:58:00.000-06:002012-12-18T02:00:59.805-06:00Goals For 2013 -- It's That Time Again!Last year around this time, I was on TV with Small Business Television host Susan Solovic talking about goal setting and expectations of 2012. While some goals were met, others weren't. It happens -- it's called Life.<br />
<br />
As I posted in my The Monday Morning Memo of 1/2/2012, here were my goals for 2012. I think it's fun to look back and see what I had planned. I'll put a "Y" or "N" next to each one.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. To be better at returning
phone calls. - N (goal for 2013)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. To get my NEW website up and
running. - Y (looks great Pam/Kristen!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. To reply faster to my
emails! - Y (That's a YES)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4. To shoot more video of what
we do and what we can do for you! - Y (not enough)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5. To be more interactive online
(see #2) - Y (Pinterest!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6. To keep the shop more tidy
(Kirt's goal too)! - N (My wife screams)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7. To take better care of my
personal health and well being. - Y (Do more!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8. To be involved in more
parades and community events. - Y</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
9. To be more active in the
communities I serve. - N (More chamber events)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
10. To exceed expectations of
what customers expect from us! - Y (More Now!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For 2013, some of the same goals, but now that I'm running things at home, a bit of a different perspective.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. Better turnaround time on computers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. Reply to phone calls faster.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. Participate in more chamber events - Hampton, Waverly, Mason City</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4. Get a new video camera and justify it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5. Speak at more events. I've got stories to tell!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6. Organize my shop.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7. Organize my finances.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8. Get healthy personally.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
9. Teach more computer classes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
10. Book more remote repair jobs!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I'm sure you have goals -- if you don't, set some! You may be surprised on how it will change your outlook!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-41957263940746521552012-12-11T23:48:00.000-06:002012-12-12T23:09:42.493-06:00Bottom Line -- 2012 Wasn't That Great<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I have to say that 2012 had it's high points, but a lot of low points. I lost relatives, friends, customers, celebrities, switched gears on my business and our country went through a crippling election cycle that hurt us as a country and put a bigger wedge between us as humans. The events of the past year are ranked more to importance, than chronological. You'll understand why...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First, my mom of 48 years died in October. This was a major blow as up to around Mid August, she was doing so well -- considering her 35 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She had fallen in her apartment and hit her head and sort of "reactivated" the MS symptoms and never really recovered or got her strength back. She was a fighter til the very end, as always. She was 75. Her funeral was one of the best funerals (if you can rate them) that I had ever been to. I'd put it right up there with my Dad's funeral. I have to give props to Pastor Corby Johnson of the Methodist Church. What a great send off, with an emotional message, laced with funny stories and meaningful events of her life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Second, Becky's Grandfather Harvey Krassin passed away in March. I'd only known Harvey for about 8 years or so, but what a guy. Always a smile on his face and I could always get him to laugh, especially if I had some Hostess Snowballs for him. He lived such a full life, he was 91. At 90, he "decided" to quit farming. Also at age 90 we had a huge party for him. I bet he's still smiling, what a tribute. He will be missed at Christmastime this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Third, I lost some good friends. My heart stopped and I was filled with sadness when my karaoke buddy and Kozy Korner friend John Fransen passed away. Not a night goes by when I grab the microphone that I don't think about "John R," as we called him. You really don't know much about a person until you go to their funeral. For me, I always thought John was a bit of a loner, doing things his way, and not much connection with friends or family -- just on the corner bar stool singing with the jukebox. I was mistaken. He had a family that cared deeply for him and I still chat with them now and then and also consider them my friends. Every now and then, when I sing a Neil Diamond song, I reflect back on John and how he helped me during a couple of Main Street events in Hampton. He was the darling of the crowd. I wish more people would have gotten to know him like I ended up knowing him.<br />
<br />
Also, anyone involved in Cub Scouts, Webelos or Boy Scout in the mid 70's or early 80's probably had popcorn at Helmut & Dora Neuhaus' home. If you drank coffee, the pot was always on with some lively conversation in the kitchen. Dora passed away in August and it was like losing my third mom. After my Mom and Step Mom, she was it. Her son Dale was in my class and there's nothing she wouldn't do for him. From 10th grade until my senior year, she would pick me up for school with Dale in the car as well. She'd been in the nursing home for several years and so I lost contact with her. I was saddened when I heard she passed away, yet a smile came to my face when I remembered all those times of eating popcorn at her house. Scouting lost a good friend in Dora.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fourth, I lost some good customer/friends. I think back to the many times I stopped by Judy Winfrey's house to fix this or that on the computer, but ended up staying an extra half hour to listen to HER SIDE of what was going on in Hampton. A one of a kind person who I always wanted make sure I was on the good side of. 2012 started out with her passing away, but I know that she's not forgotten. I sat beside her at many council meetings and always had time to lend an ear.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mary Towne was another great person who we lost in 2012. I was also friends with her late husband Larry, who was quite a guy in his own right. Like Judy, Mary was never shy about where she stood on the issues in Hampton and I found myself staying at her place a little longer because I think she just needed to vent. I was shocked when I heard that she passed away, as I had been to her house the week before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hampton Superintendent James Alexander of Hampton passed away. I wrote a couple of blogs about him. A gentleman's gentleman and the definition of a class act. To the end, always Mr. Alexander to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ray Drew of Hampton passed away as well. A Democrat and proud of it. A fan of the library and a bigger fan of flying. Our community lost a great friend in Ray Drew.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Roger Birdsall of Sheffield was someone who I wasn't as close to as I should have been, but always waved and chatted whenever I saw him. He was my Dad's boss at Weldin's Ready Mix back in the late 70's and 80's. I had a lot of respect for him. Anyone who could corral my father and keep him in line on the job was a person you had to tip your hat to. I saw Rog about 2 weeks before he passed away, and I'm glad I did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fifth, I think that as a society we get attached to some celebrities more than others. Yes, I am sad that Whitney Houston died, but I grew up with Phyliss Diller, was held in suspense of "Who Killed JR?" with Larry Hagman, brought in every New Year with Dick Clark and weren't we all standing a just little taller when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon? We lost the homespun humor of Andy Griffith, the abrasiveness of Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson and who can forget the phrase "Survey Says......" of Richard Dawson?! We lost some biggies in 2012....we really did.<br />
<br />
A lesson I learned... Don't use "I Love You" as a deathbed confession. Say it more often.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next in October, I transitioned my business back to my home. I was wise enough to know that some of the customer base was counting on Home Service and I'm all about customer service. We had a good run downtown, but happier that I can still provide the same service at home than in the downtown environment. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, no matter which way you voted, I think our country didn't come out as well as it could have. I'm not stating that because President Obama won that this occurred, it was just the mudslinging before the election that hurt us as a people. No one respects the office anymore and we all lose.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2013, you HAVE to be better. I have my wife, family and friends. More importantly, I have faith -- and I hope others do as well. I welcome you with open arms 2013.....if we make it past 12/21/2012.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-54309956591797975302012-11-08T10:16:00.000-06:002012-11-12T00:32:56.543-06:00October - It Could Have Been Worse Or Could It?<div style="text-align: justify;">
This posting is a bit overdue, but I had to collect some thoughts and it really has nothing to do with computer repair, but more on a personal level.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I see people comment on Facebook about something, one thing I hate to see is when someone will write, "Well, it could have been worse." Since I'm pretty much a "Glass Half Full" kind of guy, I tend to reply, "It could have been better."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you know me or my family at all, you may have known that my mom, Sandy, took a spill at her apartment in August and We/I had to make a decision that would affect the rest of her life, the nursing home option. Mom was all for it, so we went forward and she resided in the nursing home. She loved the food and the nursing staff. It could have been worse.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day she said, "Pat, I want you to call Hospice." Now, no one calls Hopsice for a common cold, but I told her she didn't need them. The next day, Hospice calls and said that my mom called them herself and told them she was dying. A week later, Mom was on Oxygen and two weeks later, I told her "goodbye." It could have been worse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mom passed away on October 23rd. It, also, could have been worse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mom suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for 36 years and she fought hard til the very end. On October 20th, I felt that I had talked to Mom for the very last time and it was awkward. She was having communication issues and some mental connectivity issues. I was saddened as they also told me she wouldn't make the weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought to myself, "It couldn't be worse" but actually, it got better. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mom being stubborn and a fighter went from Friday until Tuesday with basically no food or water, as her swallowing had shut down and her breathing was rapid. I was going there twice a day to sit with her and there was no response, BUT, the TV was on every time I got there. Mom loved TV. I asked the aide, why the TV was always on after I shut it off and she told me that Mom asked for the TV to be on.... Very strange, as I thought she couldn't talk or communicate.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, on Monday night I was there and they were going to reposition Mom, so I left the room for a bit. When I walked back in they said, "Sandy, Pat's here!" I could tell she was trying to talk and I put my ear down to her mouth and she said, "I love you so very much." I was stunned. She kept trying to talk, but the words wouldn't come out, so it was my turn to talk to her, like I'd never talked to her before. I told HER it was time to quit fighting. I said, "Mom it's time you listen to me, I love you and it's OK to let go. You have fought enough." She shook her head "Yes." It could have been worse. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She passed away the next day just before noon. I wasn't there, as there was no need for me to be. We had said goodbye, we completed our tasks, we had both said what we needed to say. It could have been worse.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's how it could have been worse on all points:<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Mom could have fallen, hit her head worse, died on the spot.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. She could have lingered for years in some sort of coma or vegetative state.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. She could have not spoken to me for the very last time telling me that she loved me.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. She could have not heard the words I said to her.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. She could have died a painful death without the help of Hospice and the great staff at the care center.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it was better. Mom is no longer suffering, our family is no longer worried about that next fall, or next accident, or if Mom is hurting. Am I selfish over this? You damned right I am. Mom wasn't the only one to live with MS for 36 years, we all did, and it was terrible. I thank my wife Becky for hanging in with me our fight as well.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BUT the biggest lesson I learned. Don't let words, "I Love You" be a deathbed confession, whether you are the one who is sick and dying or the one who is the person left behind. Even though we BOTH loved each other very much, I can't remember the time I had heard Mom tell me that OR the last time I said it to her.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, for those of you who read this, sent a card, or sent memorial money -- THANK YOU. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-34299831342175673802012-09-26T23:57:00.003-05:002012-09-26T23:57:58.073-05:00Ch-Ch-Changes<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
I'd like to share a story with you and I'm not looking for
sympathy, but for your understanding and continued support. </div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
I started my business "The Computer Guy" in 1996 with the main
focus on the home computer user. As time went on and our name was given out
here and there, I expanded to take care of some small business clients and
national accounts through contract work. My business model was based on
"Reliable Service / Reasonable Rates." I still strive for that <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT172">today</span>.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Over the past six months, I have continued to be as busy as can be
on the road, servicing computers in homes and in businesses all over North
Central Iowa, however, our business at the shop has slipped. Some would blame
the economy, the election, the nay-sayers, the bad crops, or you name it --
people can blame anything on any situation. </div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Myself, I think people are just used to service when they want it
and where they want it, people have migrated to tablets, some <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT173">may</span> have gone to other systems instead
of getting their computers fixed by us, or in some (hopefully mild) cases have
chosen a competitor over us. Whatever the situation, it has caused me to do
some thinking about my business plan and what is best for the business.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
What I have come up with will shock some people or make people
scratch their heads a bit. However, as of October 20th, I am moving my business
BACK to my home. I want to be as mobile as I can be in serving my customers
with "Reliable Service, with Reasonable Rates." </div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
The decision involved many people and I thank them for all of
their support. I'm NOT going out of business, just refocusing it a bit. Kirt,
Bob and Becky will still be doing some work for me on the road and our phone
number will still ring to my phone.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
I've enjoyed being downtown for the last 3 years, but it's just
time for a change and I think this will be a positive one for my business and my
customers. My customers are the best and I can't wait to continue to serve
them!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-51410257036259704272012-09-03T11:07:00.000-05:002012-09-03T11:10:31.277-05:00It's Labor Day!<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Happy
Labor Day!!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">In our
business, labor is a big deal. I would be ignorant if I didn't recognize
a few people in my life and business who help me out, by laboring over
computers and working for me day in and day out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Kirt
Snook is my right hand and was onboard at the shop from Day 1. He's
someone I had worked with at Midwest Wireless and I told him that if I ever
started out on my own and had a shop, he'd be the one I'd call first, and I'm
glad he answered the call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Bob
Barnes is my part time employee. Bob does a lot of things and is pretty
darn handy at all of them. Computer repairman, limo driver, bus driver,
Advocare Sales Champ and all around good guy. He's as easy going as they
get and I wish that would rub off on me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Becky
Palmer is of course my wife and has more faith in me than any human
should. She works the shop for me when I'm on the road on a Saturday,
does some remote repair work and mainly is my #1 Fan. You need one of
those in your life, I'm glad I have her in mine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Deb
Keller is a free spirit who makes great banana bread and other home made
treats. She works on the rare occasions that the rest of us are
out of the shop. Her phone messages are works of art and epic novels. Details, details, details!!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Mary
Hanson is a school teacher who filled in a lot this summer when I was on the
road and when Kirt was off. If you follow me on Pinterest, you are
pretty much following Mary -- as she is my Pinterest Guru who knows what foods
NOT to pin to my page. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">I owe
these folks a nice round of applause....<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-24896499680622973952012-08-16T00:22:00.000-05:002012-08-16T00:52:02.496-05:00One Weird Day!It was a normal Wednesday...so I thought. It started out early in the wee hours of the morning, as it usually does with me Googling some things. Stupid things, mostly. <br />
<br />
What I was wondering was how do other businesses named "The Computer Guy" market their products or services. SO, I searched the "Images" section of Google. Naturally, my logo came up several times from my website, along with other logos of other businesses named, "The Computer Guy." Until......my eyes caught a logo that I had used on my OLD website and current brochure attached to a bunch of text with a California phone number. SOMEONE had used MY copyrighted logo to promote THEIR business.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I was upset, so I fired off an email to him and posted on that sight that he would need to remove it. THEN upon posting this on Facebook, a friend in Idaho told me that a library in Ohio was promoting some Computer Guy with MY logo. I called the library and in a matter of minutes, it was down. They were truly ashamed of what had happened.<br />
<br />
THEN, reports from Facebook started to roll in. A guy in Utah, a company in Malaysia, Spain, etc were coming to me. A total of 9 in all. I contacted as many as I could and so far 3 of the 9 have done the right thing. I'll give the rest of them a week, then we'll go from there.<br />
<br />
NEXT, I got a strange call at work. "Pat Palmer, this is Tony and I need your email address." I didn't know the phone number, but Googled it and it was from North Carolina. In 10 minutes, I got an email with a video attached that said, "Your Twin." I opened it up and some guy, who looked a LOT like me was telling me that people were mistaking him for me on YouTube doing a Bobby Darin song. Odd, for sure! I emailed the guy back, and it bounced. SO, I texted him and he sent his correct email and I replied back and said that I enjoyed the video and would do one in the next couple of days for him. <br />
<br />
I posted that on Facebook and my friends had a field day. <br />
<br />
Like I said...it was one weird day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-57981819756776651372012-07-08T19:17:00.002-05:002012-07-08T19:17:35.966-05:00Happy Anniversary to The Computer Guy!!<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Well in all of the excitement of the 4th of July last week, I forgot to
mention the 1st of July in my "The Monday Morning Memo"</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
The 1st of July was our 3rd anniversary at our Downtown Hampton
location!!! Many thanks goes out to many people who have been supportive of our
efforts. I am very appreciative to all who have done business with us.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
In this weird economy, up and down gas prices and the age of
"faster and cheaper" computer repairs -- I am grateful for your support. I keep
track of people and companies in a 45 mile radius of Hampton who do computer
repair. Some of these people are in storefronts like mine and some are out of
their homes. Some have the training, background, certifications and insurance
-- and some, well, don't. As a matter of fact, there are roughly 70 places in
and around Hampton in that 45 mile circle that do computer repair. We feel that
we can provide the best solution to your computer issues that's not only fair to
you, but to us as well.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Do we make mistakes? YES. </div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Do we own them and try to do what's right? YES.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
There's no other way to say how much we value you as a customer,
other than, "We value you as our customer."</div>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Stay cool and have a fantastic week!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-52654461344943656452012-06-10T11:58:00.001-05:002012-06-10T11:59:06.666-05:00Facebook & You -- After DeathWhat happens to your Facebook Account when you die?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I've been on Facebook (around 2007) I have had a number of friends pass away. Naturally, it is sad and I read their wall to see what has been posted, but out of respect, I delete their profile as I do not want any of my stuff to show up on their wall like they are still alive or be alerted that they want to be my friend -- after I know they've passed on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SO, I did find an article on the topic, but to summarize it there are several things that can be done.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Nothing. Now, with this being said, it's a poor choice. People who were not friends with them on Facebook who may have friends in common with them will have them constantly showing up in the "Joe wants to be friends" column of your page. Awkward, at best. Creepy, at worst.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Contact Facebook To Have Their Page Removed. You naturally have to provide some documents, but this would be one way to do it so that it is completely removed and has no way to be re-activated....or resurrected, if you will.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Memorialize The Page. I've seen this a lot with young people who have been killed in car accidents or who tragically die way before their time. People can leave tributes on their wall and a lot of nice things are said. This would be nice to read about for a grieving family and DOES give some family members administrative control as to what is posted and can delete posts. It also removes some personal info from the account as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though you may not think you are going to die tomorrow, what would you want your loved ones to do??? Now that we are fully immersed into the digital age, a decision like this may be as valid as what songs are sung at your funeral or what you want on your headstone. Anyway, something to think about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the link, for more information:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.thedigitalbeyond.com/2012/02/what-happens-to-your-facebook-account-when-you-die/" target="_blank">http://www.thedigitalbeyond.com/2012/02/what-happens-to-your-facebook-account-when-you-die/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good luck!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-13600870579215439072012-06-03T11:35:00.001-05:002012-06-03T11:43:03.004-05:00Big vs. Little<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a lot of On-Line companies who will try to lure you into "click here
to fix your computer" or other such gimmicks. Other companies are reputable,
but just charge way too much. I do contract work for some of these companies.
For example, Wednesday, I had to do a virus removal for a gal from Webster
City. She paid some company around $200 to remove a virus and I was the guy
dispatched to do the job. I was there about an hour and a half, did what the
work order said, but that was it. There were no extras. No hardware assessment
or additional checks or cleanup -- just remove the virus and leave. She has
already prepaid the fee, so I wasn't there to collect any money.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Now, had she taken the time to Google a LOCAL computer repair
company, my name would have come up. Maybe I wouldn't have been at the top of
the list, but she wouldn't have had to pay that amount of money and her service
would have been better. As a contracted tech, if you don't follow the work order, or are there longer
than what they want, you get docked in pay. My point is, when I serve a greater
amount of a 9 county area, PLUS I also offer remote repair, The Computer Guy would have been
a better and cheaper alternative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
In addition, we could have offered her our warranty package that would have fixed her bad USB ports and defective DVD-Rom drive.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
It's just another example of how, in some cases, smaller may be better. Think about that the next time you pass up a local business for something you find online.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-82027992721777511032012-05-27T01:56:00.000-05:002012-05-27T01:56:01.323-05:00Dirty Rotten Scoundrels<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week, I got a call on my cellphone from someone with a badly broken Indian accent who claimed he was from Microsoft and could fix the issues I was having with my computer. Funny thing, at the time, I WAS having issues with a computer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, out of the MILLIONS and MILLIONS of customers that Microsoft has, why did they call me? I have no answer, but they've been calling a LOT of people in Northern Iowa lately and tricking them into doing damage to their computers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It starts off with this sympathetic (or pathetic) person concerned about my computer, then they want to install some monitor software like TeamViewer on it, so they can take control of the computer. Then they want to open up the Command Prompt so they can do more damage by "inspecting" the computer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was at this point, I used some very colorful language at this person then hung up. I really should have stayed on the line to hear the whole thing and find out what exactly they were going to do. Some techs have told me they get into the computer registry and start a bunch of RUN commands....Very bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One lady who had this issue is now getting abusive calls at 3am demanding money. Sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, if it's too good to be true, it is...they want your credit card info and PLEASE don't give it to them!! Be safe, call The Computer Guy if you have issues -- we'll solve the problem and we won't call you back at 3am!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-43239694729244130032012-05-20T22:30:00.000-05:002012-05-20T22:43:07.414-05:00Mr. Alexander - A Fine Man Remembered<div style="text-align: justify;">
A while back in February, for those who are regular readers remember, I had a computer repair job at my old school superintendent's home. His name, was Jim Alexander -- Mr. Alexander to a whole lotta folks for a long time, and STILL Mr. Alexander to me. I rang the doorbell and after a bit, a tall, frail man with silver/white hair answered the door. Naturally, I recognized the big smile and he knew mine. His computer had "issues" and he just wanted to get them fixed because he LOVED reading his emails from his kids and former teachers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was slow, but steady -- he took his time getting from place to place in his house. But, when I was done we chatted for a bit and I left. As I stated before in a former post, he had slowed down. Not until last Thursday when he passed away, did I know he was 84. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll share a few stories, but FIRST, I'll tell you I was never on the wrong side of the desk with him, so to speak. While I had a few "chats" with Mr. Nelson, the Middle School Principal and Mr. Johnson, the High School Principal, Mr. Alexander and I were on good terms....well most of the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first time I ever met the man, I was in 5th grade and our bus driver Lucy had some ruffians on the bus to Hansell. It was odd that when Mr. Alexander rode the bus one morning, you could have heard a pin drop...thus we had no more "issues" on the bus. He commanded respect.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Between my 8th and 9th grade, I received my Eagle Scout Award. He was not only at the ceremony, but had sent a very nice card with some thoughtful words in it. He was also invited to and attended my graduation reception in 1983 at the house. Another nice card, with thoughtful words.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From what I could tell after high school, Mr. Alexander had somewhat of a temper if he couldn't watch the Hawkeyes play football. When I was on the Hampton City Council he called the house and told me to "straighten out those morons" who ran our cable system. For some reason, the next week, the Hawkeye games were able to be broadcast on cable and I was happy to call him back with the news. His reply, "I knew you could straighten them out, Palmer."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2003 I had to go to Oelwein for work and ran into some people at the Yankee Scoreboard Hotel/Lounge, as I remember. Naturally small talk occurred and like everywhere I go, I tell them I'm from Hampton. The first thing out of the old timer's mouth who was behind the bar was, "Hey, I remember a Jim Alexander who moved there who was a damn fine ball player." So, we chatted about Mr. Alexander and sort of caught them up on what he was up to and that he had retired. I saw Mr. Alexander in Seven Stars Restaurant after that and told him the story, he just smiled.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the spring of 2010, we both got called for jury duty. Judge Drew, also a former student, asked if anyone had any issues or conflicts and needed to be excused. Judge Drew also referred to him as "Mr. Alexander" when he raised his hand and was promptly excused from jury duty. No explanation needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In December of 2011, we didn't have a bad winter, but it was one of those windy days with just a bit of ice here and there on the pavement. I was at Kum & Go in Hampton and Mr. Alexander was just getting ready to walk out the door. The cashier looked scared as the wind had picked up and it really wasn't nice out. I saw him and asked him how he was doing and then I decided I'd chit chat with him and walk him to his vehicle. We both knew that he was not good on his feet, so I know he appreciated someone strolling to his vehicle that was out at the gas pumps. We took it slow and he went on his way, big smile, big wave.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After posting the notice of his death on Facebook, an outpouring of words came from people around Hampton to describe him -- Gentleman, Classy, Fair, Honest, Role Model, Wonderful, Tremendous -- It doesn't get much better than that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, you've made us all better people for having known you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com/obituary/91872/James-Alexander-of-Hampton-Iowa/" target="_blank">James Alexander Obituary</a></h4>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858285172830955427.post-63675433421828817412012-04-26T15:06:00.000-05:002012-04-26T15:06:05.276-05:00The State Of Now -- Follow Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Monday was the #140 Character Conference, AKA State Of Now AKA #140ConfDM. What a nice day to listen to people come to Des Moines and share their ideas, dreams, stories, fears and triumphs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year, I could tell the conference was off to a good start was the microphones and cameras worked just fine, Deb Brown and Jeff Pulver were on point and the speakers had great content. Several speakers came from out of state, some I didn't understand their points, but mostly I had a nice time listening and participating.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0Q52srpx9MMWAw1yRKK7k6BKL81sYAkEBbmQSPBxP1f_eGmmGPqz5pKCMK2_MUZQARyUDvozETYNzoC2Or_b0zg3OY1L-eAsMiep91EtRnDXpkfz4tW2rXs5ofvXYdcNgx8wNxVjtPlP/s1600/Phil-Pat-Christopher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0Q52srpx9MMWAw1yRKK7k6BKL81sYAkEBbmQSPBxP1f_eGmmGPqz5pKCMK2_MUZQARyUDvozETYNzoC2Or_b0zg3OY1L-eAsMiep91EtRnDXpkfz4tW2rXs5ofvXYdcNgx8wNxVjtPlP/s320/Phil-Pat-Christopher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My segment was a 20 minute panel on the restaurant business and how there are tools out there to actually help your food business. I enlisted the help of Christopher Juhl and Phil James and we filled 19 1/2 out of 20 minutes with stories (mostly mine) and helpful hints and tips plus a challenge to restaurants to get out there and DO SOMETHING!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the video from our segment -- Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rkxpqOkOCS0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Food Panel - State Of Now - 2012</b></span></a></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
I guess that's the point of this conference -- After it is all said and done, DO SOMETHING.<br />
<br />
Overall, I'd give the day a B+. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next year, I'd like to see more media attend the event with THEIR stories and some people from the entertainment world (local or national) to share their stories as well. You can bet, I'll be there as it is worth attending and being a part of the show!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936182892543082790noreply@blogger.com0