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What tabs do you open first when launching your browser?

For many years it was just one tab for me: www.google.com. I can’t remember what it was before then, but it was probably some portal site like www.msn.com or www.yahoo.com. But since the introduction of tabbed browsing, we are no longer constrained with just having a single home page open up when we launch our browsers. Here I share what’s on my auto-launch list, what is on yours?

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Are Social Media Networks Right for Your Business?

This was the question explored by David Coleman during a fantastic Webinar yesterday. Enjoy the slides and join in on the conversation.

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10 Ideas for More Powerful Negotiations

I often tell entrepreneurs that the ability to sell is the most important skill you can learn. Be it in relationships, trying to get a job, seeking funding or selling a product, the skill of selling is key. Very close to this skill is the art of negotiation. Most times you will not sell your idea, product or service right away, instead there will be a period of back and forth negotiation. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the journey of life that I think will help you become a more powerful negotiator.

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Turn Your Windows Mobile Phone into a WiFi Router

This software allows you to transform the data plan on your Windows Mobile based smart phone (here is a list of compatible phones) into a WiFi router for less than a one time $30 fee.

I find this solution most useful for when you have an unlimited data plan and you have several devices such as a iPod Touch and a NetBook that only have WiFi access.

Be sure to check with your cell phone provider to make sure you are not violating any terms of use.

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Mobile Productivity with the iPhone or Touch

There are many moments where computing is available in the palm of your hand, but using a NetBook is not. For example: waiting in line anywhere, executing tedious chores or performing any type of repetitive task. In these cases, you can maintain your quest for ultimate productivity with your trusty iPhone or iPod Touch. Following are some ideas you may find useful during those times when the only computing device you can use, fits in the palm of your hand.

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What Ideas Have Increased Your Productivity the Most?

More deadlines and more responsibilities combined with less time has driven us all to look for more ways to increase our productivity and efficiency. In short, every second counts. In this post I share the top ideas that have increased my productivity dramatically.

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Top Online Backup Solutions

My wife asked me the other day if it was possible to lose all our family photos and videos (this happened before on a small scale). My eyes glazed over and I began to experience high blood pressure.

Currently, I backup to a Western Digital MyBook and a second internal hard drive. That’s all fine and dandy until the house burns down (knock on wood). I definitely don’t feel like making backup DVD’s and putting them in a lock box somewhere. That would be so Web 1.0.

So thus, my search for an online  backup solution begins. Here I share my findings for your pleasure.

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Advice for a Beginning Web Designer

I received a request to answer 10 questions about the web design field by a student considering a career change. This exercise is part of a school project and I was given permission to share my responses publicly on this blog. Feel free to add your own wisdom in the comments section.  This is your chance to influence a new web 3.0 designer and contribute to a better web.

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Dealing with Customer Complaints 101

I believe that one key ingredient to business success is happy customers. Keeping happy customers means, at the minimum, you are satisfying their needs. Once way to raise the bar is through powerful customer service. I ran across the following 5 step “Recipe for Recovery” by Ron Zemke, author of “The Service Edge” designed to provide a framework when dealing with customer complaints. I think he provides an excellent framework that will help you achieve the ultimate goal of continued and repeat business.

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Rules, Method and Framework

Before continuing with The System, I find it necessary to take a step back and define the overarching Rules, Methods and Framework.

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