10 REASONS TO LOVE NETFLIX!
Do You like Movies?
1. One monthly fee ($7.99) lets you watch as many movies as you want.
2. Movies on Demand – You can watch a movie anytime you want either on your TV, computer, or smartphone (iphone, android, etc.)
3. No need to leave home.
4. No late fees
5. Large selection of movies in multiple categories Including classics that you may have missed or want to see again
6. A large library of past TV shows. You can watch multiple episodes of a series in a row
7. Cheaper than subscribing to all the premium movie channels from your cable provider
8. Can’t sleep, watch a movie.
9. You can search for a movie or TV show by category, title, or actor/actress.
10. No Commercials
If you have any questions about how to set up a Netflix account, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (917) 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
In addition, click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
ARE YOU USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS?
7 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself
1. Are you using social media for both personal and business purposes?
2. Do you have a social media strategy for your business?
2. Have you integrated social media into your marketing plan?
3. If you are one of the 700 million plus Facebook users, have you set up a separate business page?
4. What sites are you using: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Foursqure, etc.?
5. Are you interacting with your contacts and groups on a regular basis?
6. Are you using sites such as Google Analytics to evaluate your social media strategy?
7. Are you able to manage your social media program or do you need to hire a “cyber ghost assistant” in order to devote time to running your business?
Remember, a successful social media program is one that has been customized to fit your specific needs. Make sure your goals are clear before jumping into the social media waters.
If you would like to discuss how to set up a social media plan, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (917) 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
In addition, click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHY YOU NEED MORE THAN ONE E-MAIL ADDRESS
Finding it hard to sort through all the Junk?
Do you have only one e-mail address? Chances are, that if you do, you are having a difficult time sorting through it all to find that one important message you have been waiting for. Whether you are using gmail, yahoo, one of the services provided by your cable or DSL provider, or even AOL, your inbox is flooded with ads, jokes and other useless pieces of mail. By most accounts, 90% of all e-mails sent are spam!!
Advertisers love to send notices of sales since it is basically a postage free way of reaching millions of potential customers. Ever notice that a single order from any major retailer that manages to obtain your e-mail address will produce a flood of e-mails, daily or weekly? While most e-mail providers claim to have spam control, only the most obvious spam gets caught. Most retail promotions are not blocked unless you set up blockers manually.
What’s the solution? Well, having at least 2 separate e-mail accounts is a start. If you are running a business, you should have separate accounts for your business and personal lives. Even without a business, you should consider 2 personal accounts.
Why? Consider the number of online sites that you have registered with. Whether it be sites like Amazon, Ebay, The Food Network, Bloomingdales, the New York Times, Fandango (movies), etc., you have open the flood gates. Registering requires an e-mail address which often automatically adds you to their mailing list (unless you opt-out).
I have a separate e-mail address for all sites that I purchase from and/or require an e-mail for registration. My main e-mail address is used for business purposes only, and although I still receive a fair amount of junk, it is much more manageable since I never use this account to register for anything unless it is business related.
While you will never be able to eliminate all the junk and spam, it will at least be much more manageable with separate accounts.
If you have any questions about how to set up secondary e-mail accounts, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (917) 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
In addition, click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
CONFUSED BY YOUR CELL PHONE BILL?
What is a Tiered Data Plan?
Recently released statistics (as reported by CNN.com) indicate that more than a third of U.S. adults now own smartphones. The Nielsen Company reports that smartphones represent over 50% of all new cell phone purchases.
By definition, a smartphone is any mobile device that combines functions such as telephone, e-mail, Internet access, contact information, and calendar. The three major suppliers of smartphones are Apple’s I-Phone, RIM’s Blackberry, and Google’s Android.
Cell phone providers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) offer a variety of telephone plans based on your usage. While the telephone plans are the same for smartphones, there is an additional charge for “data,” meaning e-mail and Internet access. These charges add an additional $30 and up to your bill.
Several weeks ago, following the lead of its competitors, Verizon ended its “unlimited” data plan and introduced “tiered” pricing. The end of the unlimited era has confused many consumers who do not understand the new pricing structure which is based on the amount of data usage. Verizon now offers monthly plans of $30 for 2GB of data, $50 for 5GB of data and $80 for 10GB of data. Additional fees will apply if you exceed the limits of your plan.
In order to determine what plan is best for you, below is a list of functions that will impact your data usage.
1. Streaming video – Watching video on programs such as YouTube or full length movies on services like Netflix and Hulu on your smartphone or I-Pad.
2. Streaming Audio – While it is OK to play music from your I-Tunes library, using Internet Radio programs such as Pandora eats into your usage (although not as much as video).
3. Navigation systems – Using your smartphone on the road as opposed to an in-car navigation system.
4. Internet Use – Sites with significant amounts of data.
Accessing social media sites such as Facebook will not consume a lot of megabytes. However uploading photos will. Twitter is fine since it deals mainly with small amounts of text. No need to worry about e-mail, since it is basically plain text. However, if you receive attachments with high resolution pictures, your usage will increase.
An alternative to using your cell phone provider’s data service is using Wi-fi wherever it is available, whether that be at home, in your office or a “hotspot.” There are no data limitations with a wi-fi connection.
As for me, I am on the road quite a bit and use my smartphone all day. An analysis of my usage indicates that I am well under 2GB per month, which should be more than sufficient for the average mobile warrior. I suggest you check with your service provider who is able to provide you with an analysis of your usage prior to selecting a pricing package.
If you have any questions about your cell phone situation, want to discuss a possible upgrade, or any other technology issues, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or send an email to jblue@bluetutor.com.
Click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A MAGICJACK ON THE ROAD WITH YOU
Traveling overseas? Concerned about keeping in touch? Using your cell phone will be expensive. If you bring your laptop and have Internet access, you should have a MagicJack as a companion.
Pictured on the left, a MagicJack is a tiny device that is plugged into one of the USB slots in your computer. The device costs $39.99 with an annual fee of $19.99. Not only that, but when you purchase a MagicJack, you get the first year for free. No monthly charges. You can purchase one at places like Best Buy or online at magicjack.com.
How does it work? When you sign up, you select a phone number with your local area code (in New York, either 917,646, or 347). What this means is when you plug your MagicJack into your computer, you are calling through the Internet and you can call anywhere in the US for free.
This works also in the US. So if you don’t want to use your cell phone from a hotel room or borrow someone’s phone, stick the MagicJack into your computer and make your call. If you want privacy, you can use a headset.
Free caller ID, free voice mail, free directory assistance……. Free …. Free …. Free!!
If you have any questions regarding MagicJack or any other technology issues, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING??
Whether or not you realize it, you have been using a cloud based service since you first started using a computer. These services include AOL, Hotmail, and G-Mail accounts. Chances are they you are one of the half billion plus members of Facebook.
Well, welcome to “the cloud!” Simply defined, cloud computing means having every piece of data you need at your fingertips and ready for use, being able to access all of your personal data at any given moment, having the ability to organize and store data from any computer, and on any model device. Using the cloud permits you to share that data (proposals, photos, movies, contacts, e-mail, documents, etc.) with your friends, family, clients and coworkers.
There are many excellent free cloud based programs that are extremely useful for your business. My favorite is Dropbox. I store all data in Dropbox that I would like to access from another computer or my mobile devices while on the road. You can store up to 2 GIGs for free. For $9.99/mo., you can store 50GIGs. I find the free version is plenty for carrying around what I need. As I write this blog, it is stored at Dropbox in order for me to able to work on it from wherever I am located. Another favorite of mine is Evernote. Instead of carrying around little scraps of paper with reminders scribbled on them, I enter them from any computer or mobile device into Evernote. Both sites are password protected. There are a host of other cloud based services and programs available ranging from news services, financial market reports, video conferencing, movie listings, flight information, hotel reservations, weather, etc.
No need to be afraid. Accessing the cloud is safe and secured as long as you know the site. You do it on your personal computer every time you use the computer.
With the world becoming more mobile and the fact that, in just a few years, more people will be accessing the Internet through one of the handheld devices (Blackberries, I-Phones, I-Pads, and Androids), cloud computing will continue to gain in popularity.
So, get with it! Join the cloud group. If you have any questions regarding cloud computing or any other technology issue, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
WANT TO ACCESS THE INTERNET ON THE ROAD?
While many of us now own a “smartphone,” I-Pad or other small tablet size device with Internet access, a full size laptop is often necessary to work on documents and other projects that are not easily managed on handheld devices. It is now possible to buy a laptop with wireless access using the cellular networks. However using your provider’s (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) cellular network to access the Internet can be slow and spotty.
My solution is a credit card size device from Verizon called Mi-fi. This mobile device permits me faster access to the Internet using wireless technology (which is faster than the cellular network) for as many as 5 wireless products at a time.
With my Mi-fi card, I no longer need to look for a hot spot for Internet access. I can work in the park, in my car or commuter bus or train. Not only am I free to work anywhere there is service, the connection is secure since the device requires a password, which means that no one is able to join my network, much like being at home with a secured router. I am able to access sites requiring passwords and bank accounts without worrying about my neighbor sitting in a coffee shop next to me accessing the same unsecured network.
Yesterday, the Internet in my home was down. No problem. I simply turned on my Mi-fi device and the three of us were all able to use the Internet simultaneously until the situation was resolved.
The Mi-fi is not for everyone and it costs a minimum of $50/month based on your usage. In addition, while you are able to get a global model, the costs of using it abroad will be exorbitant, similar to using your phone overseas. Better to use a wireless hotspot (although not secured). However for those of you that require secure Internet access on the road, it is an excellent accessory.
If you have any questions about the M-fi, or other technology issues, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
10 REASONS WHY COMPANIES SHOULD TARGET BABY BOOMERS
Baby Boomers are not Luddites!
1. Baby Boomers number 77 million, over 25% of the US population.
2. Baby Boomers are the wealthiest, best educated and most sophisticated purchasers of services and products.
3. By 2030, there will be twice as many people over age 65 as now. Companies that don’t make their products and services relevant to older consumers will have a difficult time.
4. The latest research indicates that Boomers and Seniors are expected to outspend younger adults by $1 trillion this year.
5. The latest statistics indicate that 41% of Boomers regularly visit social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and 61% visit websites that offer streaming or downloadable videos.
5. A recent article in the NY Times reported that Boomers show a great deal of interest in purchasing consumer electronics – more than any other age group.
6. There is a surging number of people starting businesses later in life (baby boomers and seniors). They will rely heavily on technology and will need to brush up on their basic computer skills.
7. Boomers embrace technology when researching travel, products and services.
8. With families spread out all over the world, they will rely heavily on e-mail, social media and video conference to keep in touch.
9. Boomers don’t want technology products that are complicated and cluttered with excessive features.
10. Remember, Boomers are not just interested in issues such as health care and senior living facilities. They spend more on traveling, new cars and computers than any other generation.
READY FOR A CELL PHONE UPGRADE?
Why you should consider a “Smart Phone”
7 REASONS FOR A BABY BOOMER TO GET AN I-PAD
Baby boomers are the wealthiest, best educated and most sophisticated purchasers of services and products. This generation has substantial disposable resources to spend and invest. Boomers don’t want technology products that are complicated. The I-Pad is the perfect answer to the 50+ age group whose primary interest is in obtaining information, reading books and keeping in touch (e-mail).
The following are the top reasons for this age group to purchase an I-Pad.
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 – Made by Apple! Little or no technical issues