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Using Twitter to Connect With Your Target Audience

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For those of you not using some form of social media to network with client and colleagues, be prepared to be left behind. Especially if you’re a company or organization who is still fighting the Twitter frenzy, it’s time to throw in the towel, because Twitter is becoming one of the fastest growing online outlets to connect with the right people. You can find clients to do business with infinitely faster than it would take in face-to-face situations via Twitter. Maybe you’re confused about the best way to Tweet and use a hashtag, so let us give you a few examples of how you can use Twitter as a great tool to connect with your target audience.

 

Know your Audience

Before you start Tweeting away, make sure you know who you want to be following your Twitter account. This is important because you have to make sure you’re putting out the correct content for who you want to reach. If you put out content that is attracting personal trainers when you’re trying to reach lawyers, you know you have to modify your Tweets so you don’t lose your intended audience.

 

Keep it Short and Sweet

By “sweet,” we mean nice. No one respects a business or organization that isn’t professional and airs dirty laundry on the Web. Businesses can tend to be a bit rigid and dry as well. Add some lightheartedness to your Tweets. You catch more flies with honey, so people will be more apt to follow you this way. Be sure not to be too long-winded either. Even though you can Tweet 140 characters, get to the point in well under that number. Less characters makes it easier for people to Re-Tweet your posts, which is what you want. Plus, followers are less inclined to read items that are too long.

 

Tweet Useful Content

You have to do more than Tweet spam links to your web site. Make sure what your saying is useful, like posting DIY tips from your home repair store. Otherwise you’ll likely be ignored.

 

Follow Others

It is good business sense to follow and Re-Tweet from others. This shows you’re really out to help your followers and not just out for yourself. It is easy to search for people to follow who are Tweeting about your topics, by simply typing in keywords. You’ll be able to reach out to people worldwide, 24 hours a day.

 

Create a Hashtag

Hashtags (#) are everywhere from print to TV ads. They are used to group Tweets into categories based on phrases or keywords. For example, #BobsBrickBuilding could be your business’s hashtag that can be used for people to leave reviews of your work. Hashtags can be a tool to share helpful content and display your expertise on a subject. You can use other popular hashtags related to your industry like #bricks, #masons and put them in your Tweets, helping you to reach out to new followers.

 

Set Up a Twitter Party

Many Twitter users set up events or “Twitter parties” where they are available live to answer your questions and chat. This is another place to use your hashtag to brand yourself. You’ll likely have followers Re-Tweet your content and gain more followers. Plus, it will prove how dedicated you are by taking the time to host the event. Before you know it, your Twitter community will expand and so will your business.

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How Cloud Computing Helps Accounting Firms

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The term “cloud” in the IT world is becoming as common as “Google”. We hear it thrown around a lot, but many still don’t understand it. Simply put, cloud computing is accessing and storing data via the Internet, as opposed to your hard drive. All you need is to have your data synchronized with other information over the Web for easy access. Businesses can subscribe to a cloud application over the Net, “rent” out services from major companies such as Amazon and Google, or even create their own personalized applications for the whole company to use. When it comes to accounting, cloud computing can be extremely beneficial to your firm. Let us give you a few examples at to why you should consider the cloud for your firm if you haven’t already.

 

Save Money With The Cloud

When you invest in cloud computing products, it’s going to cut your hardware and software costs. You no longer have bills associated with software products and the licensing attached. A yearly subscription to a cloud computing supplier is more cost efficient than hefty startup fees associated with initial software and licensing startup.

Document storage on your PC or Mac takes up hard drive space, so that is another expense you won’t have to worry about with the cloud. Any system maintenance will now be the responsibility of the cloud supplier, so there is no need to pay to have software monitored.

You won’t have to pay for updates to your system constantly by an IT expert, since the cloud will be kept up-to-date as part of the service.

 

Secure Data Storage

There is nothing worse than losing all your clients’ financial data. With cloud storage, you won’t have to worry about the possible risk of data loss. In the event that your computer crashes, a hard drive has a meltdown, or a natural disaster occurs like a flood, your data is going to be safe.

 

Increased Growth Potential

If you stay in the dark ages, you cannot grow as a business. By keeping up with the times and showing that you’re following the latest technology, you’re more likely to attract new business and keep old clients. As you grow, the cloud helps you expand, instead of being slowed down by antiquated technology. More storage space also frees your accounting firm up for new clients, as the cloud basically allows for unlimited development.

 

More Flexibility and Mobility

With the cloud, your business’s information can be accessed from any desktop or mobile device, which allows employees to access what they need from any place at any time. You can have more than one person working on a project at one time, from different locations.

 

Increased Accessibility

Cloud computing can also make you more accessible to clients by using portals to share data with them, or offer remote consulting services. Clients can easily pay bills using web based payment systems, and your accounting firm can help clients leverage online invoicing and payment systems.

If you have questions about how the cloud can help your business, feel free to contact us or start a chat in the comment section below!

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How to Use Instagram to Get More Customers For Your Business

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If you’re not using Instagram to keep your business relevant and attract more customers, you
better get with the program. Instagram has evolved beyond a place to share pictures of your
cats and vacation dinners. With more than 300 million users, what better way to attract
followers to your brand? Here a few suggestions on how the fast growing site can be used to
attract potential customers.

Showcase Your Product

Since it is a photo sharing site, it only makes sense to showcase whatever your product is.
However, you can go beyond simply posting a picture. Instagram offers lots of neat filters and
special effects, so you can flaunt the best parts of your shots. Show examples of people using
your product, or unveil new items this way, and get customers engaged by asking them to
guess what they’re viewing.

Businesses who offer a service can still make good use of Instagram. Before and after pics
can be used for tons of services from hair salons, to home restoration, to personal trainers
helping clients lose weight. Take the time to highlight equipment your business uses like DJ
turn tables or the latest in mechanical tools.

Promote Product Sharing

Encourage followers to post pictures of your product in action, and a hashtag to be included
with it. User generated content is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s fun. You want to see
customers wearing your sneakers, or painting with your nail polish. Ask them to post their
personal before and after pics, or even a video of them using your product. Businesses have
been known to randomly reward posters with prizes to boost their participation.

Share the Creative Process

Let your customers into a rare glimpse of your company behind the scenes. Show how your
stuff gets made, or the team in the conference room, coming up with the next big thing from
your business. By inviting your followers into the world they don’t usually get to see, you will
gain trust and respect, and they can appreciate you on a more personal level.

Show Coming Attractions

Nothing makes a person feel more special than being let in on a secret before everyone else.
You can make this happen by giving sneak previews exclusively to your Instagram followers
of new items to come. This can include posting pictures of a new service about to be offered,
or a new product in your line before it is released to the public. You can go beyond products
and use video to give a virtual tour of a new store before it opens, or a manufacturing facility
under construction in a new location.

Has your business had success using Instagram? Share your experience in the comments
below!

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3 Business Benefits Of Cloud Computing

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Cloud computing has dramatically changed the way companies operate and connect. From the office desk to the mobile meeting and travels abroad, as long as a company can remain connected, it will be more productive and respected in the market. The same cloud technology you use at home is available for your business, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to initiate. Business owners who call for a free consultation will quickly learn the multitude of benefits the cloud offers.

The cloud is a traveler

Not too long ago, business data and programs were held exclusively on onedevice; this made it difficult to work remotely, and sharing was impossible without a surge of emails flooding the company. With cloud technology, all of the extra, tedious, and time-consuming tasks are eliminated, as users can access company data, calendars, presentations, etc. with the click of a button and from any device, anywhere in the world.  The cloud permits business owners and employees to expand their reach in the market by giving them all of the critical tools they need, without having to go back to the office. Deals, sales, business relationships and networking can all be achieved face-to-face.  Cloud computing accommodates your business’s needs and schedules.

Costs are low

Here at Nerds Support, we can design a a cloud strategy that accommodates your business’ unique needs, capacity and, growth potential. A plan is carefully crafted in a way that the best services and features are available for an affordable price.

Cloud computing is the ideal way for a business to update its infrastructure and work with the latest technology without forking over loads of cash. It does not require special equipment, software or user devices, and business owners don’t have to hire new employees to service, monitor and maintain office technology.

 

It maximizes your company’s potential

When business owners, vendors, consumers and employees can remain connected, growth, efficiency and productivity are inevitable. Companies that utilize cloud services don’t have to worry about regular system maintenance, downtime, or a client-business disconnect. Showing your employees and potential business partners that you are always prepared, up to date on the latest technology, and protected from outside threats imparts confidence in the company.

 

Interested in learning more about the benefits of cloud computing? Thinking about adopting a cloud computing solution for YOUR company?

Let’s talk about it! We’d love to chat and explain how the cloud can help you succeed. Contact us today.

facebook page

How To Create A Facebook Page For Your Business

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In the time it takes you to read this, you can be well on your way to creating a successful business page. In less than 5 minutes, your business’s brand can be on the internet and in front of hundreds of people in your area. If you want to connect with your consumers, create a Facebook page. Let’s create a Facebook page for your business with 3 simple steps.

 

Create a page from your FB account

Login to Facebook with your personal account. After you do so, the rest is easy:

  • Click on ‘pages’ on the left-hand side. If you manage other pages, they will display on a list. If not, you can create one. You will see a ‘+ Create a Page’ link. After you click on the link, you will see a series of six boxes: local business or place; company, organization or institution; band or product; artist, band or public figure; entertainment; and cause or community. Click on the type of page you would like to start. You will be asked to select the type of business you own, and to input the business name, street address and phone number. You will need to agree to the Facebook Pages Terms before you can proceed with creating the page.

 

Talk about your page

You will be taken to the ‘Setup’ page. You will be promoted to complete the following four steps:

  • About- Use keywords to create your description. Put your website address in the page and then provide users with a brief description of your business. Add the website again below the ‘About’ box. Next, choose a quick and easy Facebook web address. Make sure the link is exactly what you want it to say.
  • Profile Picture- Choose a profile picture for your Facebook page. You can choose your own picture, or you can select a profile picture that is your company’s logo.
  • Add to Favorites- Add your company’s page to the favorites bar on your homepage. This feature allows you to select the page easily and update it while you are on your personal Facebook page. When you are posting to your business page, you can post either as your business or as yourself.
  • Reach More People- Facebook allows you to target your audience with its marketing tools. As the business administrator, you can choose the demographic you want to target. If you use paid advertising, you should use Facebooks services.

 

If you are unsure of some of the information, you can go back to the Admin          Settings page to update, change or input additional information. You do not     have to complete the four steps right away, but you should get it done as soon as         you can so that you don’t have an incomplete page hanging around.

 

Start posting

You can get started posting and reaching out to your consumers. From the admin page, you can advertise, evaluate your Facebook insights, invite your current Facebook friends to like your page, and add a cover photo. Say ‘hello’ to the word and encourage others to like your page. To maintain a personal approach to your marketing, try to reach out to your new users and thank them for liking your page.

mobile device management

3 Benefits Of Mobile Device Management

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Just 10 years ago, we weren’t spending so much time on our mobile devices. Banking, games, meetings, schooling, and listening to music were all done in the office or at home. Now, our mobile devices have assumed the roles of critical work, entertainment and personal companions. Mobile devices have made employees and better consumers, so it is important to make sure company mobile devices are safe and secure. With so much information flowing in and out of mobile devices, business owners need to ensure they are not exposed. Business of all sizes will benefit from mobile device management.

 

What is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management gives business owners and employees mobility without the threat of intrusions, exclusion from tech support, and inaccessibility to the company’s network. Mobile device management is a service that travels with devices inside and outside of the office; it is like packing a tech team inside of every device, but without the expensive tech-team price. Mobile devices are laptops, tablets, net books and smartphones.

 

What are the Benefits of Mobile Device Management?

Every business sector can benefit from a mobile device management service, regardless of the size or operations.

  1. Compliance and security

Certain files and data is encrypted and access is granted only to those who have the proper credentials. If an employee leaves or is terminated, the users device can be wiped clean, without affecting the system or other devices. If your company is required to abide by industry-specific security protocols, a mobile device management ensures the company remains compliant. Mobile devices that are used to access patient and customer information must be equipped with the most effective and up-to-date security standards. If a device is lost or stolen, companies should not have to worry about the sensitive information collected and stored on a mobile device being leaked. It is critical that businesses have the ability to lock or erase sensitive data. Companies that fail to comply with industry security requirements can face state and local fines, lawsuits, termination of business relationships, and worst of all, lack of confidence from its clients, patients, and customers.

  1. Easy monitoring

Administrators have the ability to control content, monitor activity, and prevent malicious activity. The system permits multiple administrators to increase productivity by blocking certain sites, apps, and content. Administrators will also benefit from monitoring services, within the company and from outside threats. Companies can access real-time device location services and send messages to specific users, regardless of where either person is located. Auditing is easier with mobile device management services, as administrators can access mobile device activity, phone call, emails, sent and received messages, apps, and deleted information.

  1. No changes to infrastructure

Companies are not required to change the existing infrastructure to accommodate mobile device management services, and businesses can use their same devices and varying software applications. Mobile device management accommodates the business; the company does not have to accommodate the system. Device registration is easy and users do not have to wait to access a single key that permits access and configuration. As soon as the service is downloaded, the device is ready to go.

 

 

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Benefits and Features of the iPhone 6

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Now that the iPhone has been in the hands of its loyal users for a couple weeks, it is time to get a good look at the benefits and features of the new device. We can listen to the company all day long, but it is the users who essentially give us the most information about a product. By now, people have decided if they like the new iPhone 6. With 4.5-star and 9 out of 10 ratings on many tech sites, it is safe to say that users are in love again.

 

Favorite iPhone Features

We are not sure what took Apple so long to come out with a larger screen, but we are happy they finally did. The new iPhone 6 has a larger screen, but it is still easy to hold and not at all bulky because of the larger dimensions. The screen on the iPhone 6 is 4.7 inches and the iPhone 6 Plus is 5.5 inches. The iPhone screen may be larger, but the phone is finally not as thick or heavy. The iPhone 6 is only 6.9 mm thick, and the iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1 mm. Apple unveiled the new Retina HD display, which provides 1334 x 750 iPhone 6 screen resolution and 1920 x 1080 iPhone 6 Plus screen resolution. Apple’s design team incorporated 64-bit architecture, an A8 chip, and M8 motion coprocessor for better sensing, speed, and enhanced battery performance. The new iSight camera features a new Focus Pixels sensor and 1080p HD display. Autofocusing is quicker and the camera has a timer function. Oh yeah, did we mention the crazy amount of storage options? The iPhone 6 starts at $199 for 16GB, $299 for 64GB, and $399 for 128 GB. Of course you will be put on a contract with a service provider to get the phone for kind of price.

 

Benefits of Owning the new iPhone 6

The benefits of owning the new iPhone 6 are limitless. The new device is getting closer and closer to allowing users to leave their tablets, cameras and wallets at home. Everyone is talking about the new Apply Pay, which allows users to pay for goods and services with their phones instead of having to carry plastic. Three card issuers are already onboard with the new technology. The design and display make it a lot easier to transport the device, take amazing pictures, watch videos in 1080P, and Face Time with friends and family. The iPhone 6 is also more secure than ever before. You won’t have to remember a password to gain access; your fingerprint is the only thing that you will need to open the phone, and that is something no one else can replicate. Faster LTE download speeds make browsing and connectivity effortless, and Wi-Fi speeds are now 3x faster. The phone is just as tough on the concrete as it is functionally. Remember the poor person who dropped the phone as soon as he bought it? Lucky for Apple the phone survived unscathed. The iPhone 6 is more efficient, the battery life is finally worth noting, the call quality has improved, and vibrate indicator is quite impressive.

 

What’s your favorite thing about the new iPhone? Let us know in the comments below!

cloud computing

How Cloud Computing Can Increase Your Mobility at Work

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If you have not yet embraced the cloud computing services, you are missing something that is truly amazing and has tremendous staying power. It is not a fad; cloud computing is becoming an integral part of digital life. For the last ten years, the transition from software-based operations cloud computing has been quickly picking up speed.

 

What is Cloud Computing?

As we just mentioned, cloud computing is the shift away from software. The term can vary from professional to professional and between different providers, but it is the use of virtual servers. Cloud computing eliminates the need for in-house IT management and frustration. Businesses store data over the internet instead of on devices. Companies pay for the services they need and employ a reliable third party to handle the hardware and software for the company. Many cloud-computing services include data storage and recovery, internet security, app accessibility, and data synchronization over the net.

 

How Cloud Computing Increases Your Mobility at Work

If you are still afraid of completely relinquishing control to a cloud computing service, consider the many ways the service can increase your mobility at work. Mobility results in increased productivity.

  • Flexibility

A comprehensive cloud computing service will accommodate your business’s various devices and operating systems. Instead of having to completely undergo software overhauls, cloud computing is done over internet and it is designed to accommodate all of the various devices used. The gadgets and technologies are not changed to accommodate the service. Business can begin with the work computer, travel to the coffee shop to meet with a client, and pick back up on another continent.

  • Ease of use

Access is as easy as turning on any device and authenticating your identity. Users will not have to worry about learning new software and operating systems. Team members within the company can focus on working instead of taking time out of their days to worry about learning new methods and software. Now your Apple docs and software will get along with your Windows products. Integration to a cloud computing service is seamless transition. The company will not have to pay for multiple software systems upfront. Instead, a monthly service subscription is in place to keep the costs low, productivity thriving, and company technology up to date.

  • Work can be completed remotely

From where do you want to work? You do not have to be in the office to be productive, to meet with clients, or to collaborate with your team members. If you have a laptop, your colleagues have a tablet, and your client is connecting with a smart phone, you can all come together with the cloud computing service and have access to the very same information instantaneously. Now work can be completed outside of the office and with the very same devices that you use on a daily business.

  • Quick recovery

Cloud computing is a great addition to a disaster recovery plan because it enables users to resume business if business is disrupted. Instead of having to close its doors because of a security breach, data loss, or human error, business can resume as usual in a different location.

 

Clearly, cloud computing can offer your several benefits. Here at Nerds Support, we specialize in helping people like you increase their mobility with the cloud.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

 

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Top 7 Reasons You Need A Disaster Recovery Solution

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When it comes to disaster preparedness, how prepared are you? Over 80% of companies, large and small, report that they have experienced a financial loss due to a technological crisis. Here are 7 reasons why you having a backup and disaster recovery solution is absolutely necessary.

There are no Guarantees When it Comes to IT Hardware and Software

  1. Customers expectations are high! When systems go down it can be devastating to your reputation. Once your customers are made aware of internal IT issues, their trust will begin to decline and they may not hesitate to give their business elsewhere.
  2. IT hardware starts depreciating the minute you take it out of the box. Even when it’s top of the line, your IT infrastructure is never perfect. Don’t over estimate the quality of your hardware. False security can leave you in a bind when something goes wrong.
  3. Software is fickle and needs constant attention. Even when you stay on top of updates, software is constantly troublesome for business owners. Backup plans give peace of mind when it comes to software hiccups.

Disaster Recovery Protects Your Reputation

  1. When you throw human error in to the mix, it’s no surprise that the majority of companies will report that they have lost valuable data by being ill prepared. One small mistake could cost you dearly and fill you with regret.
  2. Even the best hardware and software available will not keep your documents safe in the event that there is a natural disaster. This is a prime example of why backup and disaster recovery is absolutely necessary. Natural disasters can’t be controlled, but the damage can be minimized.
  3. Viruses can plague an entire office at the drop of a dime. All it takes is one employee clicking a bad link and every computer on the network is effected. These are things that, try as you might, you can’t guarantee immunity against malicious computer infections.
  4. When staff is able to trust in their employer they are more likely to give 100%. On the other hand, when your office experiences continued IT problems morale can plummet. Employees appreciate the security they feel when they know that their employer is prepared for the worst case scenario.

Don’t trick yourself in to thinking that backup is optional. Disaster recovery solutions are the only way to protect your data, your reputation and your livelihood.

 

 

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How Managed Services Can Make Your Life Easier

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Managed services were previously only something that large companies could access. Thankfully, businesses of any size can now take advantage of what these providers have to offer. Managed services refers to the outsourcing of business components such as IT management, phone services, cloud computing, or even HR services.


Managed Services Are Affordable for Companies of Any Size

At first glance, company owners may think that they can not afford to use managed services. It’s a common misconception that outsourcing office responsibilities is too costly for smaller businesses. Manages service providers (MSP) have made it easy to accommodate the needs of a business regardless of size without being costly. In fact, most companies experience a cost savings benefit by using managed services.

Most business owners pride themselves at being experts in their profession. You call your plumber because he is great at fixing leaks, but you probably wouldn’t call him to back up your computer or process your payroll. This is an example of how many hats a business owner has to wear. By utilizing managed services, company owners are able to focus their attention on what is most important to them.


Managed Services Are Made To Fit Your Unique Needs

Another added bonus is that managed service providers assume the responsibilities that you hired them for. If you have outsourced your IT management, when something goes wrong it is no longer your problem. Not only that, but you have a highly trained professional taking care of the issues. Your managed service provider also assumes all of the risk. When you hire an MSP to do a job and something doesn’t go right, it’s not on your dime. Therefore, it’s likely that they have worked hard to perfect their process.

As mentioned earlier, companies typically experience a cost savings associated with switching to a managed service provider. One reason for this is because systems that were previously maintained in house are now being purchased, updated and maintained by someone else. Once a company outsources it frees up time for employees to focus on being productive. Company owners are able to be consistent without being sidetracked and derailed.

Your managed service provider will partner with your company and identify your individual and unique needs. As a partner, they will align their services with your goals to help you expand and grow your business. When you hire and MSP you integrate highly trained professionals in to your business, bringing peace of mind and confidence.