Category Archives: Business

How to fix your wireless network problems

Some of the most common (and easily fixed) problems many people experience involve their wireless network. Maybe you’d like to set up better security, perhaps the network keeps disappearing on you, or maybe you’d just like to know how to set the whole thing up in the first place. Fortunately, Lifehacker has great tutorials on all kinds of technological problems and projects, including Know Your Network: The Complete Guide. Check it out and if you still have questions, let us know and we’ll help you out!

 

How to scan the Internet for unhappy customers and turn that frown upside down

Unfortunately, customers don’t always give direct feedback to businesses they’re unhappy with. Instead, they’ll go online and tweet, blog, and otherwise broadcast to their friends that they don’t like you – even if it’s just a misunderstanding.

Fortunately, Mashable has a great article with 4 Ways to Protect the Reputation of Your Small Business Online. They’ll show you how to find out who’s talking about you and join the conversation, showing you really care. Check it out!

The perils of cloud computing and how to avoid them

Cloud computing is a big buzz word these days. More than ever, businesses and individuals are moving their data and operations online, with the nitty gritty handled by tech companies like Google or Amazon. But what are the dangers of doing everything in the cloud? And more importantly, what can you do to keep yourself and your work safe?

These are the questions that a recent article from The Atlantic, Hacked!, tries to answer. Check it out, then let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below.

Will Windows 8 make you more or less productive?

Windows 8, in case you didn’t know, is the upcoming version of Microsoft’s operating system. It’s still in development, but Kevin Purdy is taking an early look at how its new features might help you get stuff done in the workplace.

Check out the article at Fast Company, then let us know what your thoughts are. Are you excited or nervous for Windows 8?

How to set up your own website, for free, in 1 hour

Ever wanted to set up your own website? Whether you’re an individual, small business, or non-profit, it’s easier than you probably think – and just because it’s free, doesn’t mean it has to look janky (*cough*, Google Sites) or crash all the time (*cough*, Tumblr).

If you really want to create a good-looking, flexible website, the best free option I know of is WordPress.com. You don’t need to know any HTML or CSS, but already being comfortable creating documents in a text editor will help.

For an easy, 3-step tutorial to help you plan, create, and customize your website, check out One-Hour Websites. I built it with my wife, to help non-profits create their own websites, but it’s just as useful for small businesses and individuals. Check it out and comment there or here if you have any questions!

How to soup up your phone number with Google Voice

Google Voice is one of my favorite tech tools at Power On. Thanks to this free service, calling us at 517-798-6098 will ring up the phone in our building and my cell phone – but only during business hours. I can set personalized greetings for each customer and also forward different customers to different phones. I can have voice messages transcribed to text, then sent to my email, or even to my cell via text message.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

To find out more about Google Voice and how to use it for your own business (or for personal use), I recommend 5 Ways to Use Google Voice for Your Business at Mashable.

Of course, you can also ask questions, share your own experiences, and offer more techy phone tricks below in the comments!