Procrastination, Again

Getting Over the Procrastination Hump

A while ago I realized most of the tasks I procrastinate on will only  take me 5 to 45 minutes to complete. Not very long at all but yet I would still procrastinate and the task remains incomplete. So I took a moment to think about why I actually don't want to do the task and why I don't want to get it done right now. More procrastination but hey, that's the point.  One thought came to mind is the task is something I didn't want to do. Go figure. But alas, the task needs to get done, also, go figure. But how could I get myself to do the task? Eventually I would grudgingly call upon my will power and do the task that I had to do. Not the best way of doing things if you ask me. My laziness can be mighty powerful sometimes or I have what I consider "better things to do". After countless times of doing this, I had an epiphany.  Once I actually start the task, about 5 to 10 minutes in, I get into a groove and get the task done. In that groove my willingness to complete the task goes up tenfold. I'm already doing it, why not complete it and in the end I feel great about completing the task. On top of that, during the task I usually start to do things faster and what I thought would take me 45 minutes actually only takes me 30 minutes to complete. Woohoo!  I applied my new thought process to a few tasks. If I can get over the initial hump and get into my groove, I'll get the task done in no time. In the end those tasks didn't seem so bad. I felt rewarded knowing that I got the task done and can move on to something else such as relaxing because no TV and no beer make Jeff something... Crazy? Don't mind if I do!  Any way, knowing that I have a groove doesn't necessarily help me do the tasks but knowing that I just have to get over the hump to get into my groove to complete the task helps be start the task. And knowing that there is some sort of reward in the end really helps too.  The next time you are procrastinating on a task, once you actually start it, see if you notice the hump and see if once you get over the hump if the task you are doing really is that bad. Jeff Mendelsohn Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC  www.liquidmechanix.com 419.297.3364

Killing Procrastination in Your Office

Procrastinators are everywhere, and like the common cold, procrastination can be contagious and is more prevalent during holidays and stressful times. One procrastinating employee can set off another and another. Before you know it, many hours are spent checking personal emails, chatting at the water cooler and surfing the web. But is it really their fault, or did they just lose focus? Here are some ideas to get your employees motivated again. Start a team:  Take a day to start a team that works well together. Team building exercises are a great way to start. Uniting employees in a common goal makes them feel that they are part of the solution and keeps focus on the bigger picture. Make sure you use team building events that create a common goal so your employees work with each other, not against one another.  Teams also give opportunities for support without drama. Gain Employee Insight:  Take some time for an all inclusive meeting. Getting everybody together and sharing ideas on how to gain more business or solve complaints from customers will show employees that you care about and respect their opinions. Remember, you hired these people because they were qualified and met your standards, use their potential. Make it rewarding:  Offer incentives for your employees. If sales are high and mistakes are low, share the wealth. Rewards like buying everyone lunch or a small gift card shows that you appreciate what they have done for you. To make it even more rewarding include a personal note of appreciation to each employee. Employees that feel appreciated and respected are less likely to waste your time procrastinating. Tiffiny Fayerweather tiffiny.fayerwather@gmail.com

Hope! Get a Vision

If you recoginize when you are procrasting, get your team on board and even recognize the "hump and the groove" and maybe you still feel you are procrastinging, there is hope.  Well actually, Vision!  Often when I talk with procrastinators, one of the problems is they just don't know where they want to be or what they want to achieve. I've seen many different ways to create a vision and authors from Steven Covey, Robert Kiyosaki, Brian Tracy, Michael Gerber and Lewis Carroll who would agree that "if you don't know where you are going than any road will work". Not having a vision can lead to procrastination because the mind and heart really don't know where you are taking them so distractions are just more places to go. Or, if you don't know where you are going, than why do anything. For businesses and business owners, I use Jim Horan's (One Page Business Plan) method of fill-in-the-blank visioneering. By ______ (year you will achieve this vision) grow_____________ (name of your business or department) into a successful $______________________ (gross revenue) ___________________________________ (local, regional, national international or other) _____________________________________ (type of company) providing or specializing in ___________________________ (describe products or services) for__________________________________ (target market description and customer description). Once you have filled in the blanks, you can refine this draft to create a statement that you can believe and follow. This alone may help with some of the distractions, shiny objects and squirrels along the road to your vision. A vision also makes it easier to get your team on board with the work necessary to acheive the vision.  Think of the vision as your shiny object and follow it. Linda Fayerweather MBA EA Linda@ChangingLanes.biz 419.897.0528 Like us on Facebook   Tweet us at Twitter      Changing Lanes LLC

January Workshops!

One Year Action Plan for Success Date: January 11, 2012 Details: One Year Action Plan for Success - Planning that works for you and your team On Location: Bowling Green State University at Levis Commons Day One - January 11 8:30-4:30 Day Two - January 25 8:30 - Noon Cost: $249 with online registration ($299 at the door) - Bring your partner for an extra $90. Registration Here Building a Thriving Business for Your Future Date: January 25, 2012 Details: Building a Thriving Business for Your Future - Learn the 7 Tips to build a business that will Thrive with or without you. On Location: Bowling Green State University Perrysburg Campus at Levis Commons Cost $69 (additional partners $20 each) January 25, Wednesday 1:30 - 5PM Registration Here

Procrastination

Fighting Procrastination

Are you procrastinating or are you trying to do too much? Or is it both? I am pretty good about not procrastinating. I do what I need to do sooner rather than later. I get it done so I can move on to other things. But I am terrible at limiting the things that I want to get done and I have little control of the important Have To Do's such as updating a client's site. Which always leads to a lot of things not getting done. To the outsider looking in, it looks like I'm procrastinating. Then it hit me, if I had less to do, I could get more done.  So about a month ago, I looked at my goals for my business. I looked at what I was currently doing and asked myself "Is what I'm doing actually helping me achieve my goals?" For most of what I was doing the answer was a big huge "No". But my business couldn't stop doing most of what it was doing, on the contrary it needed to do more.  I was spending a lot of time doing work that I could have someone else do for me and still achieve the same results. So I hired someone to help me out. I also cut one client down to consulting only and let go another. They required more of my time personally with little return.  The work was something I couldn't farm out, be able to manage, and still make money. It was a tough decision and a risk. A risk that I wasn't totally prepared to take but a necessary risk that I had to take to grow my business.  These changes have freed me up to do the more important things that would help my business reach the next level. Yes, I have less money in my pocket now, but I also have more time to concentrate on taking my business to the next level which will lead to higher profits in the months to come.  So how does this tie into procrastination? Because I was taking on so much, I couldn't get everything done. I was procrastinating on things because something would always come up that seemed more important. It was a never ending cycle. There is always going to be something that is important that has to get done "Now".  By hiring help, I don't have to do all the little things that take up all of my time. A lot of the important Have-To-Do's were passed off to my help. The important things still get done and the results are the same. I do have to still manage the work load but instead of spending 10-20 hours a week doing the immediate important things. I spend 3 hours a week managing and delegating what has to get done. It has freed up time for myself to get the other equally important things done.  To help free up your time and kill your procrastination. Ask yourself these questions --Am I doing things that keep me from doing more important things that will help my business? --Can some of the things I'm doing be delegated to someone else and still achieve the same results? --After freeing up my workload, what can I work on to create more profits?"  To help with the process, start small. I hired help on an "as needed basis". Some weeks I have 30 hours of work to pass off to my help. Other weeks I have 2 hours. But with passing my workload to my help, in 6 months I will have built my business up to the point where I can hire part time or full time help. -- Copyright 2011 Jeff Mendelsohn Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC  www.liquidmechanix.com 419.297.3364

Planning beyond Procrastination

Getting a plan on paper is a big challenge. Yes, you heard me, paper. I use the computer to craft, create and refine my plan, but in the end, my plan for the year is on a single piece of paper that is with me all the time. This allows me to jot down changes and corrections to update later no matter where I am; doesn't require electricity, or a connection. In Brian Tracy's "Eat the Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating", the beginning of getting a plan in order is "Setting the Table". If you have ever had a dinner party and you are running behind, a set table will let the guests know "Yup, the plan for a dinner party is in place." In the business world, I call "Setting the Table", getting a plan. Although this step may seem easy, here is a process that will help you build the plan. Know where you want to be (Vision) Write down one thing that needs to be done to reach that goal Set a deadline for the this goal Break this goal into doable parts each with a due date. These are small bites that can be handled in the short run. Now schedule the tasks in your calendar. Repeat 2 thru 5 to develop a plan of 7 goals. (plus or minus 2) For example, if your vision is: "Publish a book by end of year".  Then you might think writing the book is the first step. Are you sitting at your desk writing right now? If not, you may need to back up just a little. Your list might look like this: --Create outline --Do research --Write chapters --Contact editor --Get edited copy to publisher Each of these can be further broken down like this: --Write Chapters --Write each day from 7AM to 9AM --Complete Chapter One by February 1 2012 This start does several things; it identifies that you will schedule two hours every day to write. These two hours a day will lead to a chapter by February first ready to go on to chapter 2. By doing this planning, you have gotten into your schedule, made a time commitment and now have something to hold yourself accountable. The failure of most plans are two fold: No deadline To big of projects. Back to "How to Eat a Frog". This book has a great humor elements and the term comes from Mark Twain saying "If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day." Frog Rules: First: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first. Interpretation: Do the biggest, hardest task first. Second: If you have to eat a live frog at all, it doesn't pay to sit and look at it for very long. Interpretation: Develop a habit to work on that project first, take action immediately. Challenge yourself to "Set your 2012 Table" with two major goals on paper this week that will make 2012 great, break them into their appropriate tasks and schedule them on your calendar. 　 If all else fails, buy yourself the Do it Later 2012 Non-Planner to help you NOT get your work done! Linda Fayerweather MBA EA Linda@ChangingLanes.biz 419.897.0528 Like us on Facebook   Tweet us at Twitter      Changing Lanes LLC

Planning & New Computer Part 4

Planning and Procrastination
Let's face it - it is December, we have lots of family stuff to do, lots of end of the year stuff and I'm suggesting you should get your 2012 planning done now.  Yeah, what planet did I just drop off of???

Well, these two, planning and procrastination, go hand-in-hand and part of the reason is that planning usually requires knowing where you have been and if you don't know the answer, sometimes reviewing the past year in your business can lead to disappointment, anger and frustration at a time of the year were are supposed to be jolly, happy and giving.   Take heart, the past is done, so "get over it" and build your plan for 2012 that will make your business thrive.

Now, slow down. . .jumping into planning is not the best - planning to plan is usually better. If you are struggling with moving forward, here are some simple tips:

1.  Do the toss and pitch - get rid of the stuff that is in your way.  Sometimes it is walking into your own office from the eyes of your customers.  Be critical, be honest, and recycle, repurpose and pitch the trash. 

2.  Clean your desk - physically, get it in ship-shape.  Both David Allen of Getting Things Done and Ellen Rohr advocate "cleaning out the office" when you want to be more productive.  Getting everything in its place and put away really will help you get your head around the next year.  

3. Setting the stage for success: 

• Don't worry about imperfection
• Minimize distractions so you can focus
• Think healthy, get some good sleep, eat right and maybe exercise some
• Know the time of day you are best for thinking and working
• Schedule when you will do the planning

Now, while you are doing these tasks above, let your mind wander and think about where your business has been.  When you have completed these projects, often people tell me that they feel a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.  That feeling is where you want to be as you start the planning process, not being dragged down by the past.

Your challenge this week is to get ready for planning your 2012!  Take the time to get ready

Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
Linda@ChangingLanes.biz
419.897.0528
Like us on Facebook  
Tweet us at Twitter     
Changing Lanes LLC  

______________________

The Right Computer for the Job - Part 4

Over the past few weeks I've been sharing a story about a client of mine who's outdated and slow computers for his front office staff were actually costing him over 25 hours a month of lost work time. Last week we spec'd out the computers based on our wish list. For the three data entry computers we need to find an i5 with 4 gigs or ram, Windows 7, 21" monitor (can buy separately). Pretty straight forward. For the marketing computer we need an i7 with 8 gigs of ram, Windows 7 64 bit, 1 gig video card with dual DVI outputs or a single DVI and a DVI splitter, dual 21" monitors (can buy separately)  and a second hard drive or an eSata port for an external hard drive.   These specs give us a pretty wide range to work with. We could have a computer built for us or find a pre-built system from a major computer manufacturer. Let's explore these options.   Custom built computers can offer several advantages, such as, the hardware can be better and you can customize the computer even more. The down side is it can cost more and you can end up creating a computer beyond your needs. For the average person a custom built computer is overkill. But it is an excellent option when you need a solution beyond what a normal work computer would be able to do. Pre-built systems will be a great solution for most computer users. The cost is lower compared to a custom built computer because they are mass produced. In general they will satisfy the needs of a general computer user but yet can still be upgradable. So getting back to my client, since we know what type of computer we want, the first thing we need to do is find out what is out there and to do some research. Check out stores online such as Amazon, Dell, NewEgg, TigerDirect, MWave, Lenovo, HP, GateWay, Asus, etc. If you don't feel comfortable shopping online, check out stores like Best Buy, Walmart, Dell, Fry's, etc but don't be surprised if you end up paying more.   Find the computers that are the type of computer you are looking for. You will notice several things.   There are several different types of CPU versions. An i5 just isn't an i5. There are i5's with 2 or 4 cores. i5's clocked at 2.8ghz, 2.66ghz, 2.4ghz, etc. All with different cache sizes. To know the differences, the higher the number of cores, ghz, and cache, the better. The price median should be in the range of $200-300. You will find computers that cost for example $600 but also a similar computer that will cost $900. The next thing to do, especially if you are shopping online, is to read the reviews. Take in consideration the difference between user ignorance and actual issues. User ignorance issues are problems or issues that could be solved by learning. Other ignorance issues might be the reviewer complaining that the color is black, not slate black or the case doesn't fit in the same spot as their old computer. Actually issues could be, the power button sticks, the case fan is cheap and died in two weeks, the case isn't big enough for a certain brand of video card.   Once you have compiled a list of computers with all the different specs, create a price median, For the best deal you will want to find a computer that has the better specs but is at the lower end of your price median. For example, if you are finding i5 computers for $600-900. You will want to find a computer that has better specs than most, should cost $900, with good reviews, for $750.   But you might not find that deal the first time you search. Don't get discouraged, keep looking you will find it. It might take a few weeks but you will find your perfect computer. To speed up the process of finding a deal check out sites such as DealNews.com, Woot.com, slickdeals.net, etc.   After going through this process with my client we found about 15 computers that would work for the data entry staff and about the same amount for the marketing person. Five of the fifteen computers were better than the rest but non were a deal. After watching the prices for about two weeks we got the deal we were looking for, for the data entry computers. It took another two weeks to find a deal on a computer for the marketing manager.   Once the we got all the computers setup and the office staff properly trained/accustom to their new computers and software, we ran the same time waiting test. The time spent waiting was cut down to about 5 hours a week between all four of them. On top of the gained time, obviously productivity is up, but so is office morale. The owner has also scheduled bi-weekly training sessions to keep up on the new software installed on the computers and has committed to yearly technology reviews.   Think of your computer as a tool (which it is). Like any tool you should have the right one for the job. Even though you can get the job done with another tool, it might not be done properly or as efficiently.   If you are still not sure what kind of computer to buy or where to start, ask a friend who is tech savvy to help (but if you do, don't take their help for grant it, buy them lunch!) or head over to your local computer store.   Copyright 2011 Jeff Mendelsohn Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC  www.liquidmechanix.com 419.297.3364

Cyber Monday & New Computer 3

Cyber Monday - Pictures say . . .

Today is Cyber Monday which immediately followings Black Friday, the ceremonial kick-off of the holiday online shopping season in the United States between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While visiting a friend recently, in her living room she pointed out a coffee table book of Paris. She said "Here is my trip to Paris". In my naiveté, I just assumed it was the standard Paris-Coffee-Table- Book. It wasn't.   It was one she created with her photos from her own trip that spring and I was reminded how pictures say a thousand words as I harkened back to my own trip.  Two days later, I saw a hardbound book of a young women's wedding that was wonderful and far superior to the wedding books where the pictures are slide in the top (like mine of years gone by). This, too was created by online software but with the full support and assistance of the photographer. These were both hardbound books with full color pages of pictures, text, and comments. The creativity reminded me of some of the scrapbooking projects I've seen, but again, these were books - not scrapbooks or photo albums - library quality books. Now, I'm thinking about all the photos I have on Flickr (500+) and my IPhone (3,000+) and who knows how many are in boxes under the stairs! WOW, I could create my own books to have around without having to leave my desk and have them delivered to me in archival quality books - how things have changed, a technology has made it happen! Next, I envisioned business applications. The obvious are the photographers of the world, but what about this as a unique way to present your designs, or a thank you from a landscaper with before, during and after pictures, restoration of a home or historic vehicle, or maybe a way to document a project at a non-profit.   The affordability is there - all the sites I looked at had hardbound products starting at around $12 USD. This is a thank you that is affordable! Where to start? I started first at Flickr where I've had an account for 5 years. Their system sends you to Snapfish, one of the top 10 producers of photo books. Next, I asked around and several suggested Shutterfly. Janelle Marzullo of Greentree Loan said, "I've used Shutterfly and the books turned out great." Cheryl Hardy of the Hardy Group has made over 30 books from Shutterfly and says the turnaround is very fast. I also found both Shutterfly and Snapfish allow uploads from your computer, Facebook and your own online sources. As I searched, I found more and more including tutorials and videos to help get that photo book complete. I also found Smilebooks, Indubook, Picaboo to name just a few. Then I found Jason Dunn at Digital Home Printing who has done an exceptional job of reviewing the top 12 that were available a year ago! Jason has done a superb job of reviewing these. As you are thinking about Cyber Monday, realize that technology is always changing and what can often set you apart from your competition are the very small differences.  Those pictures not only speak but they also trigger the memories you want to keep vivid in the minds of your prospects and customers. Linda Fayerweather MBA EA 419.897.0528 Linda@ChangingLanes.biz  Like us on Facebook   Tweet us at Twitter      Changing Lanes LLC

The Right Computer for the Job - Part 3

Over the past few weeks I've been sharing a story about a client of mine who's outdated and slow computers for his front office staff were actually costing him over 25 hours a month of lost work time. Last week we created a wish list for the two types of computers my client will need. This week we will do a little research and design a computer for the office staff.  Now before we proceed, I want to say a little disclaimer about the computer industry and this article. Technology is forever changing. What you buy today, there will be something better tomorrow. There are a ton of different options and specs for each and every piece of hardware inside a computer, it is beyond the scope of this article. If you want to know the finer details, do your research or ask a professional.  In my opinion, you never want to buy the best of the current technology. You will be paying a premium for little return over the long run. On the flip side you don't want to buy on the low end either because it will become obsolete faster. With that in mind, its time to do some research and break down our wish lists.  Lets break down the three data entry computers. We don't need power house computers but we want something that will last for a few years. Something that will be able to handle the latest software for a few years to come. In this case, something mid grade. Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7: Easy, any new computer will have this. A good CPU: Right now there are several processor types available, starting from best to worst. i7, i5, i3. There are also two generations of these processors available. Taking my advice from above, we don't want any i3's or a second generation i7. We want a mid grade, so an i5 (first or second generation). If the i5 is a 64 bit Windows 7 will have to be the 64 bit version. Enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest data entry/office software for at least the next three years. From our research Windows 7 needs minimum 1 gig or ram. Heed advice, at least 2 gigs for Windows 7 and another two for software for a total of 4gigs minimum, preferably upgradable to 8gigs, just in case. 19" monitor but preferably 21" or 22". From our research we have found that the difference between a 19" and a 21" or 22" monitor is $30-40. Since we won't be doing anything but data entry we don't need a fancy video card. In fact an on-board video card will work just fine. Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive OR an eSata port. This shouldn't be a problem, most new computers come with 2 USB ports on the front and 4 to 6 on the back but still something we should be aware of.  Now let's look at the wish list for the marketing computer. Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7. Easy, any new computer will have this. Dual Monitors to increase work space and productivity: To have dual monitors we will need a graphics card with dual DVI outputs or get a DVI splitter. We don't need a gaming graphics card but we need something that can handle dual monitors and give us a good picture for video and graphic design. The standard today is PCI Express 2.0 x16, preferably 2.1 x16. A good middle of the road card would have 1gig or memory. Working with large file graphic design, needs to store and open large files: We could get away with a terabyte hard drive or better but if possible a second hard drive or at least enough space in the computer case for a second hard drive. A good CPU that can process graphics and video editing efficiently for at least the next three years: From above we know there are i7's, i5's, and i3's. Since we do need a computer that can handle video and graphic work, we will want a better processor. The better the processor and more ram, the faster the computer can process the data. An i5 will be able to handle the video work but not as efficiently as an i7. We don't want to spend all day waiting for video to encode. So a decent mid level i7 (first or second generation) would work. Going with an i7 will also require Windows 7 to be 64 bit. Enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest Graphic and Video Software with the ability to upgrade to more Ram. From above we know that we need a minimum of 4 gigs. Since video and graphic work will be more intense on the computer, the more ram the better. A good start would be 8 gigs. The difference between 4 gigs and 8 gigs of ram is a minimal cost to boost productivity. Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive. This shouldn't be a problem, most new computers come with 2 USB ports on the front and 4 to 6 on the back but still something we should be aware of. eStata port for external hard drive to store video: this is a must especially if we don't go with a second internal hard drive. Wow, what a list. So for the three data entry computers we need to find an i5 with 4 gigs or ram, Windows 7, 21" monitor (can buy separately). Pretty straight forward. For the marketing computer we need an i7 with 8 gigs of ram, Windows 7 64 bit, 1 gig video card with dual DVI outputs or a single DVI and a DVI splitter, dual 21" monitors (can buy separately)  and a second hard drive or an eSata port for an external hard drive.  These specs give us a pretty wide range to work with. We could have a computer built for us or find a pre-built system from a major computer manufacturer. Next week lets explore our options.  Copyright 2011 Jeff Mendelsohn Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC  www.liquidmechanix.com 419.297.3364

Backup and New Computer - Part 2

November is Technology Month at Changing Lanes

Back Up Options

Imagine you just had a wonderful weekend and sneak into the office to finish a project early Monday morning. You open the door and surprise, mayhem has beat you to work:

            a) Your office has burned to the ground; or

            b) Your office has been broken into and your computer work station is missing; or

            c) Your computer is dead, just won't come to life; or

            d) Your hard drive is missing or destroyed.  

While all of these are sound fictional, somewhere these happen to companies every day. Getting back to work will take time; keeping your data safe is one you can manage. 

When I talk about taxing issues, the IRS uses the words "exclusively and regularly" to allow business use of the home. The word regularly refers to more frequently than occasionally and that is what I often see people do - backup occasionally.  

Here are some ideas to keep your data safe and secure regularly:

1. CVD/CD/Blu-ray are a static method of storage and each DVD can hold about 8.5GB. This requires someone to sit and manage this by putting the discs in and out of the machine. Very good option for media (music, audible books) that doesn't change but you want to save. Just make sure you take the time to label the discs as this will save you time in the future.
2. Flash Drives have been available for a long time and both Sandisk and CES have ones that actually have a button and software that will allow you to auto back up. The 32GB is now averaging $50. Easy to configure and slips in your pocket for offsite storage. How to back up to a flash drive
3. Online file storage solutions are becoming more popular. Mozy and Dropbox are two places for individuals and small businesses. Dropbox starts with a 2-GB storage, free. To store up to 50GB, will cost you $9.99/month. Many ways to tweak this will help keep your data safe, offsite and up to date. Some restrictions on files and file size but very useful for most office files and a couple hundred photos. Others include Carbonite, Crashplan and Jungle disk. Online tools
4. External hard drives with backup software. LaCie and Seagate are popular external drives and supporting software like Acronis True Image, Time Machine or the Windows backup tool available on Windows machines are all affordable. On the External Drive, don't skimp on space - think lots of gigabytes (GB).
5. Network Attached Storage (NAS device) is a freestanding device separate from your computer and can be accessed by other computers in your office.  You will most likely want to have a professional set this up for your office.

If you have mission critical data, you would be best to talk to a professional to help you set up the system; monitor the system, and keep your data safe. Having a plan that fits your lifestyle is the key to regularly keeping mayhem out of your office.  

Linda Fayerweather MBA EA

419.897.0528

Linda@ChangingLanes.biz 

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Changing Lanes LLC 

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Right Computer for the Right Job - Part 2

Last week I shared a story about a client of mine who's outdated and slow computers for his front office staff were actually costing him over 25 hours a month of lost work time. But would upgrading to new computers actually cut down on lost time?
  

Yes, but only if you buy the right computer for the job. The problem with my client is that he bought very basic business computers. He didn't think about what those computers would be used for and at the time, it was all he could afford. Unfortunately the computers became obsolete faster than his growing business and ever since have been costing him money in the way of lost time.

 So how do you pick out the right computer? Before even looking at computers the first step is to write down exactly what you out of a computer. Let's use my client for example. He needs two types of computers. 1) One type for his data entry employees and 2) One type for his marketing employee.

 For the data entry computers, those are pretty straight forward. 

• Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7.
• A good CPU and enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest data entry/office software for at least the next three years.
• 19" monitor but preferably 21" or 22".
• Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive OR an eSata port.

Now lets look at the wish list for the marketing computer.Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7.

• Dual Monitors to increase work space and productivity.
• Working with large file graphic design, needs to store and open large files.
• Will do some light video editing.
• A good CPU that can process graphics and video editing efficiently for at least the next three years.
• Enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest Graphic and Video Software with the ability to upgrade to more Ram.
• Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive.
• eStata port for external hard drive to store video.

As you can see the marketing computer has a few more requirements than the data entry computers. But how can we translate those requirements to an actual computer? Next week from these wish lists we will design a computer for a the data entry computers and the marketing computers.
 

Copyright 2011 Jeff Mendelsohn
Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC
 www.liquidmechanix.com
419.297.3364