WHY YOU NEED TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal http://on.wsj.com/Aqb8dW envisions “The Coming Tech-led Boom.” If the past century produced the Industrial Revolution, this century clearly will be the age of Technology.
Why? Information is no more than a click away and virtually free. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with someone anywhere in the world instantaneously. Technology has already impacted manufacturing through the introduction of automated systems.
The job market has changed radically. Companies are looking to hire innovators who are able to utilize their knowledge of technology to develop new products and services which will increase productivity. Without basic computer skills, people in career transition, either because of corporate downsizing, looking to start their own business, or re-entering the job market, will find it extremely difficult to be competitive. Skills acquired in the past century alone puts you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.
Does your technology support your efforts, either on a personal or professional level? How good are your basic computer skills? Do you know how to determine what you need to be an effective Road Warrior?
If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
LOOKING FOR A SIMPLE CELL PHONE?
For those of you who are not interested in a fancy smartphone, but a simple cell phone for telephone use only, check out the jitterbug phone at http://www.jitterbugdirect.com/.
Well over 90% of Americans own a cell phone. While the Jitterbug is advertised as the “Cellphone for Seniors,” its attractiveness is to any age group that is looking for a phone that is easy to see, hear, and simple to use.
In this mobile world, being able to reach out to someone in an emergency, regardless of age, makes having a cell phone a necessity. If you or someone else in your family has resisted having a cell phone because of the complexity of the most popular models on the market, consider the advantages of investing in a Jitterbug.
1. No contract required.
2. Larger screen, easy to see, even in the daylight.
3. Larger keyboard, making dialing easy.
4. Live, 24-hour support operators.
5. Affordable pricing starting at $14.99 per month.
If you or someone you know needs assistance selecting a cell phone, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR FIRST TABLET YET?
Why tablets are in your future
Tablet shipments totaled 26.8 million units in the 4th Quarter of 2011, an increase of 150% over Q4 2010 according to researcher Strategy Analytics. Worldwide tablet shipments topped 66.9 million units in 2011 against 18.6 million in 2010. With 15.4 million iPads sold for Q4 2011, Apple accounted for the lion’s share of tablet sales. Hot in pursuit are Android based tablets.
Many of my clients who refused to embrace technology because they found computers intimidating have managed to bridge the digital divide by embracing the iPad, Kindle, or Nook. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t hear from a client wanting to learn how to use their new iPad. The majority of my new cliens have never used a computer and will probably rely only on their tablets for their communication and information needs.
Below are some of the major reasons for their popularity.
1. Portability – Smaller and lighter than a computer, it can easily be carried in a briefcase or pocketbook.
2. Larger Screen – Much easier to read.
3. Ease of Use – One touch away from your favorite news services, stock reports, restaurant reviews, movie schedule, etc.
4. Long battery life – Significantly longer than a computer
5. Mobile Internet Access – Ability to browse the Internet from the car, train, beach, etc.
6. Immediate Start-up – Slide the button on top to turn it on for instant access.
7. Maintenance Free – Little or no technical issues
If you or someone you know needs assistance with any of their new tablets or gadgets, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WANT TO EXTEND THE BATTERY LIFE OF YOUR iPHONE?
Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays? So many features to learn!! Not only can you listen to your music, but how about the videos that you can watch with either your wi-fi connection or from your cell phone carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint)?
Most likely, you are finding that the battery life of your new smartphone is much shorter than on a standard cell phone. The reason for this is with a smartphone (iPhone, Android, blackberry), the amount of data (e-mail, Internet access, media) consumes significantly more energy than a conventional cell phone that only is used for telephone purposes.
Streaming music or videos from the Internet are the major source of decreased battery life. Applications of any type that are running in the background such as Facebook, news and weather updates, etc, also impact the life of your battery.
Below is a link that has some useful tips about extending the life of your smartphone battery:
If you or someone you know needs to brush up on basic computer skills, requires help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
PLANNING A NEW CAREER IN THE NEW YEAR?
How long have you been thinking about a career change? Is 2012 the year you will finally act and follow your gut? Whether you are stuck in an unrewarding job or just burned out, you are not alone.
Below is a link to an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal containing portraits of several people who found a “second act” rewarding.
Do you need to brush up on your basic computer skills, require help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
PLANNING TO RE-ENTER THE JOB MARKET?
According to a recent article in US News and World Report, http://bit.ly/v0IlW6, about 9 percent of all people ages 44 to 70, are already in encore careers, up from 8.4 million in 2008.
The majority of Baby Boomers did not start their professional careers in the digital world. The way we communicate and acquire information has changed dramatically. Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are now part of our personal and business lives. Cell phones have made us more mobile and reachable everywhere. Everyone uses Google to find people, places and things.
A deep Digital Divide exists with regard to the understanding of technology. On one side is an older generation that built their businesses before the advent of the Internet, Social Media, and New Marketing. On the other side is a younger generation that has grown up with the new technology. Whether you are in the job market or involved in an entrepreneurial venture, your ability to bridge this gap will determine your success in competing against a younger generation that has built networks and customers using the new tools technology offers.
If you or someone you know is looking to re-enter the job market, chances are they will need to brush up on basic computer skills or require help in selecting the right equipment and services to support your needs.
If you or someone you know needs to brush up on basic computer skills, requires help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW COMPUTER?
In his weekly WSJ column today, Walter Mossberg offers his annual Guide for PC Buyers.
The underlying message in his column is that although there are some new innovations to consider, such as the growing importance of ultrabooks and tablets, waiting until 2012 makes the most sense unless you absolutely need to make a purchase. There will be a new version of the Windows operating system, Windows 8, as well as some rumored changes at Apple as well.
Selecting the right computer can be a very daunting experience but there are a number of specifications that are important. Take a look at Mossberg’s Guide and check out his recommendations.
If you have any questions about choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
A TRUE PORTABLE EMERGENCY DEVICE FOR EVERYONE
Several weeks ago, a new product was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal that should be a staple for those of us that have become more mobile, whether it be the frequent business traveler, senior citizen out for a stroll, or anyone, at any age, that spends time out of the home or office.
As quoted in the WSJ, “GreatCall’s 5Star Responder is one of the first truly portable emergency-call devices. It runs on Verizon’s network, giving it coverage anywhere a Verizon phone works. Other emergency-call devices like Medical Alert by LifeStation, work in the home and are geared toward seniors who rarely go out.”
Some of the features of GreatCall’s 5Star Responder include:
– Nationwide coverage that provides you with access to live help 24/7, anywhere wireless coverage is available.
– Agents who, based on GPS technology, identify and locate you, assess your situation and then either contact appropriate personnel or dispatch someone for help.
– In addition to dispatching 9-1-1 emergency services, agents can conference in family and friends, and will stay on the line with you until your situation is resolved.
At this time, you can either purchase the unit through their website, where you can review all its features and pricing, or download an app to your iPhone. The company indicates that an Android app is in the works.
If you don’t have a smartphone where you will be able to download an app, you should consider the stand-alone unit for all family members, parents, children, etc. The monthly service charge is $15 and $9 for each additional members of your family.
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
HOW GOOD ARE YOUR TECHNOLOGY SKILLS?
Looking to start a new business? Are you in the job market?
Chances are that if you previously worked for a company and had an assistant, many tasks were delegated and support was just a phone call away. Whether you are starting a new venture or looking for employment, your success will depend on your basic computer skills and having a technology plan that supports your efforts.
The majority of Baby Boomers did not start their professional careers in the digital world. The way we communicate and acquire information has changed dramatically. Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are now part of our personal and business lives. Cell phones have made us more mobile and reachable everywhere. Everyone uses Google to find people, places and things.
Set some time aside and take an inventory of your basic technology skills. Are you able to retrieve and save e-mail attachments, search through past e-mails? Are you able to type and format documents? Are you able to locate your documents? Are you able to make educated decisions about your equipment? Do you know how to use a smartphone? The list is endless.
Individuals and companies that have not embraced technology will find it very difficult to compete in today’s global and wired world.
If you feel you need to brush up on your basic computer skills or want to understand more about the world of technology, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
ARE YOU AN ACTIVE LINKEDIN USER?
LinkedIn has become the number one tool for business people looking to expand their network. Executive recruiters and employment agencies rely heavily on LinkedIn to find job candidates and perform background checks.
Whether you are in career transition as a result of corporate downsizing, starting a new business, searching for a job, looking to re-enter the job market, or just wanting to expand your company’s market penetration, understanding how to effectively use LinkedIn and being proactive is a critical tool in achieving your goals.
“Outbound” marketing, such as mailing resumes and fliers as well as e-blasts have become less effective, since the pure volume of material received is overwhelming and people are getting better at blocking unsolicited e-mails.
By contrast, “Inbound” marketing is based on relationship building which is the core of LinkedIn’s business. This is the power of LinkedIn. Being proactive means you can expand your network of business professionals and learn a lot about a company by reviewing their profile and a list of their employees that have LinkedIn profiles. This allows you to identify employees that you can connect with in order to network within the company to gain access to decision makers.
Using social media, whether it be LinkedIn or any of the other major players, does not take the place of personal contact. However, from a business prospective, I suggest you take a hard look at LinkedIn, whether as a new or current subscriber.
If you, or someone you know, is looking for a job and would like some advice, including some tips on how to use LinkedIn, click HERE to listen to a rebroadcast of my radio program with a leading Executive Recruiter.
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.