THE 3 LINKEDIN ETIQUETTE RULES YOU SHOULD NEVER BREAK BY AMBER MAC

LINKEDIN IS ONE SOCIAL NETWORK WHERE LITTLE MISTAKES CAN DIRECTLY IMPACT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE. AVOID THESE LINKEDIN NO-NOS THAT COULD WORK AGAINST YOU WHEN BUILDING YOUR NETWORKING OR LOOKING FOR A JOB.

1. Stop using LinkedIn's auto-generated templates. 

Whether it's congratulating someone on a new role or requesting a connection with someone, avoid generic messages. While LinkedIn does often pre-populate message fields, you will get a whole lot further with your networking efforts if you take some time to personalize your correspondence. Within a few seconds you can include a custom note to a contact (instead of "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn) and add a little context. For example, if you're connecting with someone you just met at a conference, remind her about this meeting by including some details about your chat (including the date and any other relevant info). Using auto-generated templates time and time again is a sign of laziness, which is probably not the impression you want to leave with potential colleagues on the largest professional online network in the world.

2. Stop pushing your social updates to your LinkedIn status. 

When services such as HootSuite entered the social media space, they answered the prayers of many networkers trying desperately to update multiple online profiles at once. A good social media dashboard can come in handy when you're trying to schedule messages or post a quick update. However, it's an even better idea to tailor an individual post to a specific social network. For example, if you're writing an update about your new job on Facebook, it's probably okay to use more casual and enthusiastic language on that site if most of your connections there are friends and family. If you're looking to share similar news with the LinkedIn community, go for something a little more polished. In terms of sending Twitter tweets to LinkedIn, it's okay once in a while, but don't make a habit of it (especially if you use a lot of Twitter terminology, such as @, RT, or MT).

3. Stop asking for LinkedIn endorsements from people you don't know. 

In real life, it would be a strange networking move to request a testimonial from someone you don't know. However, in my own experience, it occurs on a regular basis on LinkedIn, despite the company's mandate since its launch in 2003. LinkedIn is very clear that their network allows you to connect with people you know. In fact, if you dig deep into the company's user agreement, you will discover that you are in fact bound to specific rules building on this belief: "Don't undertake the following: Invite people you do not know to join your network." In short, requesting an endorsement from a stranger is a definite no-no and can only hinder your LinkedIn experience because it comes across as a naive and amateur move.

When it comes to LinkedIn etiquette, this is one social network where little mistakes can affect your financial future. To avoid mishaps, tailor your messages, customize your posts, and nurture relationships with people you know.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1841374/3-linkedin-etiquette-rules-you-should-never-break

The Best of Customer Service - A Positive Attitude Counts by EABarnes

As a professional customer service representative, you always want to put your best foot forward. When communicating with customers, your attitude shows. With a warm and friendly smile, good eye contact and a willingness to be of service, you look and act the part of quality in control.

A positive attitude affects the work environment. The energy of a positive attitude produces the spirit of cooperation and helps the work team reach customer satisfaction goals when team members strive to be at their best performance. So a positive attitude enhances communication between customer service representatives and the customers being served.

People remember being treated well. They recognize and appreciate courtesy and kindness. How does your attitude create an effective customer experience? Here are a few pointers to help you step up your positive personality:

Be resourceful: Being able to think on your feet is a gift and a blessing.

Have accountability: Stand by your actions and gain the trust of others.

Perform follow-up: Ensuring a happy result shows that you care about the welfare of your customers.

Get a conscious for quality :Believe in fairness and strive for excellence

Manners please: Practice the golden rule: Do unto to others, as you would have them do unto you.

A considerate persona: Be positively genuine. People love to be around other people who think of them without personal motives

We all win in the service arena when you are the shining example of a great attitude. Your customers will be happier; so keep up the good work!

Want to buy Google Glass? Here's your chance (US only) by NDTV Gadgets

Google has started selling the "Explorer" version of Glass to any US resident who places an online order for the device beginning at 9 a.m. PDT (1800 GMT) Tuesday. The product costs $1,500, the same price that Google Inc. has charged for Glass since sales of the device began last year, the company said Thursday.

The sale is taking place at Google's website. Google isn't saying how many sets of Glass are available during the limited-time offer.

It marks the first time that Google has made Glass available to consumers without providing them special access. More than 10,000 sets of Glass have been sold to a select group of developers, contest winners and other invitees.

This version of Glass, though, still isn't the polished product that Google hopes to release in stores later this year. Although it hasn't provided specifics, Google has indicated that the mass-market version of Glass will sell for less than $1,500. Google is expected to provide more details about its Glass plans at its annual developers' conference in late June.

( Also see: Google Glass review: Uneasy first steps )

For now, Google is still trying to recruit more people willing to serve as guinea pigs for its attempt build a wearable device that features some of the same features as a smartphone. The Explorer program for Glass has been serving as Google's test lab.

"Our Explorers are moms, bakers, surgeons, rockers, and each new Explorer has brought a new perspective that is making Glass better," Google said in a Thursday post on its Plus social networking service.

Glass looks like a pair of spectacles except the Explorer edition doesn't contain any actual glass in the frame. Instead, the device has a thumbnail-sized screen attached above the right eye so a user can check email, see Twitter posts or get directions without having to grope for a phone.

It can also take hands-free photos and video through voice-activated commands. The ability to record images so easily - and perhaps secretly - has raised privacy and piracy concerns and has prompted some casinos, theaters and bars to ban the use of Glass on their property. Safety concerns have also been raised about drivers wearing Glass, prodding lawmakers to draw up new rules forbidding use of the device in moving vehicles.

Google and other technology enthusiasts are hailing Glass as a breakthrough that will make it easier for people to access the Internet while on the go and cause fewer disruptions to social discourse because people won't be fumbling around with their smartphones as frequently. The device is also being touted as a potentially valuable business tool that could help police officers, fire fighters, doctors and reporters do their jobs better.

Glass is the most prominent example of wearable technology, devices that are expected to become more widespread over the next few years. There are already several smart watches on the market, and Google is working with accessory makers to release even more of those devices later this year. Apple Inc., the maker of the iPhone and iPad, is expected to unveil an "iWatch" later this year.

About 19 million pieces of wearable technology will be sold this year, more than tripling from last year, according to study released Thursday by International Data Corp. The research firm predicts the annual sales volume for wearable technology will swell to 112 million devices in 2018.

IrfanView 4.37

IrfanView is a favorite Freeware Program of countless users. As the name indicates, it is an image viewer, not a photo-editor (the IrfanPaint plugin can do basic editing), but it can do most common tasks, and many things that you might not expect, like batch-renaming of any files. See the History of Changes for a complete list of the latest new features. I describe a few of them below.

For those new to IrfanView, this page gives an overview of the menu options. Please take a look at the Tutorials for help on common tasks.

If you are an experienced user, I hope you will discover some new features that you overlooked.

here is the link

http://www.softerviews.org/IrfanView.html

How Can a Virtual Assistant Help Me with Social Media? by Leslie Rivera

As a business owner or professional, you understand how crucial it is to have a presence on social media platforms. Perhaps you’ve tried having your daughter, cousin, or intern volunteer their time to post a couple of comments every few weeks. Surprise, it’s not getting you the results that you desire. It’s a given that you are too busy working on your business—you know it’s time to outsource. Whether you already have a Virtual Assistant or recognize that you need to hire one, social media is a great service that many of us provide.

How do you set a Virtual Assistant up for success? Keep in mind that relationships take time to develop, so communication is key to setting up the right foundation. Here are a few tips to get your social media up and buzzing:

1.    Find someone with social media training and/or equivalent experience. Ideally, the Virtual Assistant you decide to work with has both training and experience in Social Media. Take time to understand their level of expertise. Are they a Social Media Manager (creates daily content) or Social Media Strategist (oversees global strategy)? Which one do you need? Choose someone who will complement your own skills. Virtual Assistants are varied in expertise and can provide strategy, editorial calendar, regular content, increased following, etc.

2.    Download your current and ongoing social needs. Be clear about the kind of assistance you need and how much time you’re willing to outsource for it. Do you need social profiles created or updated? Do you already have a strong online presence and need someone who will consistently engage with your fans and followers? Do you want to build your following? Do you need help with strategy and already have someone else who can implement it? Then, let your Virtual Assistant go to work.

3.    Communicate your vision, voice, and goals. In order to effectively represent your company online, your Virtual Assistant needs to have a deep understanding of who you are as a business and individual. They are the front lines who will be engaging with your followers, and it’s in your best interest for them to be aligned with you. Equipped with that information, they can be your eyes and ears promoting your business and passing along any must-have comments.

4.    Share important events and launches well in advance. Your Virtual Assistant can be your greatest promoter if you can get important details to them ahead of time. They can schedule teasers for important events or product launches and build up anticipation for your fans. They can make your followers feel like insiders by given them the inside scoop before offering them to the greater public. By sending your Virtual Assistant key dates, they can plug them into their editorial calendars and publicize publicize publicize.

5.    Express expectations and provide early feedback. Great, say you’ve completed the first 4 steps successfully – but you’re not off the hook yet! I know, it takes time getting your social media set up correctly, but it will be worth it to spend the time upfront. Make sure that you express your expectations ahead of time e.g. specific posts to include, number of daily posts, etc. Check in on your social profiles and provide feedback early on. This allows you to understand if your Virtual Assistant is on the right track or needs some course correction. Remember that they represent you, and it’s in your best interest to see that they are doing it superbly.

Don't forget, you only pay for the hours worked!

What is the Cost or Salary of Hiring an Office Assistant
vs
the Average Salary or Cost of Partnering with a VA?

Hiring an Assistant for your office - full time:

• Base Salary: $14.75/hr
• Benefits: 15% of salary
• Vacation, holiday, sick time: 13%
• Payroll Taxes: 12%*
• Administrative Costs: 7%** (recruiting, hiring, training, record maintenance etc.
• Space & Equipment for in-house employee: estimated at $2,000

Annual Total: $50,250

Partnering with a Virtual Assistant:

(Don't forget, you only pay for the hours worked!)

• Base retainer of 20 hours a month @ $45.00/hr
• Occasional overage of hours agreed on between partners  @ $45.00/hr.

Annual Total: $12,960

Wouldn't you like to save nearly $20,000 each year to invest in your business?

VA's are independent entrepreneurs and each sets an hourly rate based on her experience. You can expect an hourly rate starting at about $30/hr and up.

* Figures are estimates from the US Chamber of Commerce

http://www.yourvirtualresource.com/articles/cost_comparison.htm

Responsibilities of a Virtual Office Assistant by Diane Dannenfeldt

By the simplest definition, a virtual office assistant is an independent contract worker who provides administrative, creative or technical services. Often that means handling the same types of tasks as an office secretary or manager, but doing them from a home office, using the virtual assistant's own computer equipment, software, phone and Internet connection 

Here are some of the general tasks that an office assistant may do in a virtual office:

• Manage contact lists and customer spreadsheets
• Maintain a calendar and set up meetings
• Take transcription and handle correspondence
• Make travel arrangements
• Handle billing and accounting
• Prepare and send out e-mail newsletters
• Prepare, collate and ship proposals and meeting materials
• Send out requested information to customers
• Handle client inquiries by phone or e-mail

[sources: Entrepreneur and ABC News]

For this type of work, you can expect to be paid $20 to $45 per hour. Businesses may commit to paying a monthly retainer for 10 or 20 hours of the virtual assistant's time, or they may buy hourly blocks of time, leaving the assistant free to work for more than one client at a time. The virtual assistant generally sets the fee, based on the complexity of the work and the turnaround time on specific projects. Rush jobs cost more than those with regular turnaround [source: PR Log].

Depending on the industry, payment may be set up differently. One real estate agent, for instance, pays his virtual office assistant a commission based on the number of closings each month rather than a salary. His assistant, who lives several states away, handles advertising, design and Web site management for him while he focuses on selling and listing houses [source: Realty Times].

By specializing in services they offer or the businesses they support, experienced virtual office assistants can often demand higher fees of up to $100 an hour. You can charge more for these and other areas of specialized expertise:

• Translation and preparation of bilingual written or online materials
• Medical transcription
• Market research
• Specialized Internet research
• Industry knowledge in technology, financial services, law or health care
• Development and maintenance of Web sites

Succeeding as a virtual assistant takes skill, contacts and personal organization. You have to be able to set your own work schedule, based on client needs and stick to it. And you need to be able to produce high-quality work on your own.

Here are the core competencies that the Alliance for Virtual Business recommends that you have:

• Drive and determination to see clients succeed
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Basic understanding of business operation, including budgeting, creating business and marketing plans, contracts and agreements and time management
• Willingness to admit and correct mistakes
• Respect for others' intellectual property (no plagiarism or software piracy)
• Good organizational skills
• Good spelling, grammar and punctuation skills

You'll also need current technology, including a reliable computer, Internet connection, phone with voice mail or answering machine, fax machine or computer faxing capabilities, business and communications software and antivirus software. You'll need to be proficient at using this software, along with e-mail, the Internet and instant messaging.

How Can A Virtual Assistant Help You Succeed? BY JENNIFER RAI

Most successful people need a right arm…a helper, a key support person! This is usually a creative person who has strengths where they may have weaknesses. Many small business owners attempt to “do it all” and handle all of the tasks associated with running a business. However, there inevitably comes a time when they can no longer do it all themselves. This is when a virtual assistant can dramatically increase their productivity.

Working with a virtual assistant allows business owners to hand off many of the daily tasks that are piling up on their plate (i.e. social media marketing, contact management, bookkeeping, website & blog support, etc.) and enable them to focus on the tasks that only they can do.

Aligning yourself with a creative and hard working assistant will…

• Increase productivity and sales
• Reduce stress
• Help you find and take advantage of new markets
• Work with greater efficiency
• Improve development and innovation in attracting clients and growing your business or organization

If you’re a business owner...

Today I came across this website https://basecamp.com , Which helps the time you spend on your projects and keep your clients updated.

Basecamp has unique benefits for different people in your organization.

See how??

If you’re a business owner...

Basecamp helps you stay on top of every project in your business. You’ll always see the big picture, what’s in progress, what’s coming up next, and who’s in charge of what.

Plus, every morning you’ll automatically get an executive summary email from Basecamp telling you exactly what happened yesterday.

If you’re a project manager...

Basecamp helps you define and delegate work, establish deadlines, review work in progress, evaluate what’s left to do.

You can also schedule meetings, keep stakeholders up to date, know who’s working on what, give feedback, and keep a dozen plates in the air without them crashing down all around you.

If you’re working on a project...

Basecamp lets you keep track of your assignments and check things off when they’re done.

Basecamp is also a great place to post work for review, brainstorm ideas with co-workers, store important project assets (logos, documents, etc.), and present work to your boss or manager too.

Check this link too - https://basecamp.com/tour

Posted by Dharani, virtual Assistant.http://about.me/vinothdharani