I love strong women!

I am all about women that are at the top of male-dominated fields. Once such field is racing and automotive. I'm sure men outnumber women in the auto industry 5 to 1 or more, so it's always great to hear about the top women in the automotive industry.

Of course, the most well-known woman in the automotive racing industry is probably Danica Patrick, who is now racing in NASCAR.

However, there are so many more women in the automotive industry than Danica Patrick. After growing up with a dad that went to mechanic school, I understand just how hard it can be to be a car enthusiast in a world filled with men. I can tell you every make and model of most cars that drive by, but many men don't take me seriously because I'm a woman.

Even though I'm not directly involved in the automotive industry, that doesn't mean I'm not completely in awe of the strong women that represent and bring it in the auto industry every day!

The Benefits of Enterprise Instant Messenger Programs

When it comes to communication inside of a business, there are many different options available, but not all of these options are all that useful when it comes to productivity and other services. Productivity is essential, and as soon as it begins to drop the business is going to find it needs to look for ways to increase it back up to a sustainable level, otherwise the company simply looses out on business and the bottom line begins to drop out. Walking to and from other desks inside the office is just going to slow down productivity, which is exactly why an enterprise instant messenger service is so important. The enterprise instant messenger is going to help as it works in a similar manor to traditional instant messengers, although this is designed simply for the business itself, and outside users are not able to utilize the equipment. 

The enterprise instant messenger software is going to install over a network inside the business. Each individual and employee is going to have their own account, username and password. When logged on they are able to see when other individuals are logged onto the account, just as you would should you use a traditional instant messenger. The individuals inside the office are able to directly communicate with one another and receive real time responses and answers. This way, the person can work on their own task while still talking with others in the building and in the office. This is going to allow the person to stay in their seat and work, instead of having to go to another location in the building, just to address the given location. With the enterprise instant messenger, the software is only accessible on computers inside the network. This way, outside users are not able to access the information or what is talked about. The network administrator is also able to monitor what individuals talk about with the service, so should something inappropriate come up, they are able to flag this information and go back in records and see what exactly took place. it is possible to look at just about anything with the instant messenger service.

When it comes to business, it is important to always keep the highest amount of productivity possible. This is exactly why a service, such as an enterprise instant messenger, is so important, as it is going to help the business stay productive and increase the amount of work every employee is able to accomplish while on their own during work.

 

This post was sponsored by Brosix Instant Messenger.

What is the Difference Between Text Messaging and Instant Messaging?

Text messaging on a cell phone and instant messaging on a computer are two totally different ways of communication that have some similarities. Their main similarity, however, is the fact that they are both easy ways to reach out to another person when talking on the phone just isn't possible. The following are some of the other similarities and differences between text messaging and instant messaging.

Typing Styles

Typing in an instant message versus in a text message may be different. People use shorthand abbreviations, like 'U' for 'you' and '2' for 'too', mostly because there is a message limit on how many characters a text message can be- 160 for most phone models.  Once a text message reaches a certain number of characters, it will then become a 2-part message, which will be sent as 2 texts, one immediately after the other. In instant messaging, abbreviations can sometimes be used in order to save time, but usually average to better typists tend to completely spell out their conversations messages, especially when talking to a co-worker or client.

Response Time & Delivery Delays

There is sometimes a significant difference in response time between text messaging and instant messaging. This is mostly because many people are not constantly on their or next to their phone at all times as they usually are when they are 'online' when using an instant messenger. In some cases, if a person needs to get a hold of someone for a pressing matter, than using instant messaging or the phone may be the best choice. In addition, delivery may be delayed more often when using text messaging as opposed to instant messaging. This is dependent on the type of phone carrier, distance between the two people texting, and the distance to a local cell phone tower.

No Away Messages

One of the biggest differences between instant messaging and text messaging is the ability to set an away message when you are not at your computer. This allows people who wish to contact you to see if you are busy or unavailable, as opposed to them sending a text message, waiting for your reply, and not knowing when you will be able to respond.

Instant Messaging on the Go

Instant messaging while away from your own computer used to be a pipe dream, but more widespread smartphone use and more development for mobile applications have paved the way for instant messaging programs to become more versatile. These programs can now be used via the web (using a web client that just requires internet access to go to the website) or via a mobile version of the regular software that is downloaded onto a user's computer.

This type of mobility and easy access has made it simpler than ever to use instant messaging while on commuting, away from the computer, or even during a conference or meeting when an urgent IM is received. 

In order to use a mobile instant messaging application, all users need to do is download and install the application, and then sign in using their regular login information that is used on the computer program. Many applications allow users to save their login information so they don't have to re-enter it each time they re-open the program. Once they are logged in, they are able to use the text chat instant messaging function, and can have instant messaging conversations with users that are online and on their contact lists.

Better communication can allow for increased productivity and better time management.

How to Use Business Instant Messaging Effectively

 In order to bring business instant messaging into a company's workplace, there are many steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that the IM client is used to its full potential. Before having the program installed on all employee's computers, be sure to set-up some guidelines and rules to make sure that employees do not abuse the privilege of IM during the workday.

In addition, it is also important that everyone is educated on the benefits and uses of business instant messaging and how it can be used in the workplace. Some employers prefer to have an instructional meeting about how IM can be used specifically in their company, whereas others use online tutorials or let employees learn how to fully use the program and its capabilities.

Guidelines

Some guidelines that companies establish for the use of business instant messaging include whether or not conversations will be monitored, file transfer procedures, and which employees can be converse with one another. Creating a company IM guideline sheet and distributing it to all employees is best way to ensure that no one is confused about the policies. In addition, creating a reprimand policy in case the business instant messaging program is abused is crucial to ensure that employees know their boundaries and know the consequences of abusing the privilege of using IM at work.

Use

There are many uses for business instant messaging in the workplace. File transfers and other collaborative tools like co-browsing can increase efficiency and allow employees to work together while remaining at their desks. In addition, employees can also ask questions of other employees while continuing to work on other tasks while waiting for an answer, which is usually instant if the co-worker is available. This is is one of the true highlights of IM – employees can work and communicate together instantly , whether they are in the same office or across the world on different continents.

Using Brosix as an Alternative to Meebo

Brosix Instant Messenger can be a great option for those that are looking for a new instant messenger after Meebo closes on July 1, 2012. Even though Brosix doesn't allow users to connect to popular instant messaging services like AOL Instant Messenger or Yahoo! Instant Messenger, many users end up liking Brosix more, for a variety of reasons.

One such reason is the fact that the free version of Brosix doesn't contain any advertisements, like many "free" instant messaging services have. While many IM users think that they can overlook advertisements, instant messaging programs have gotten more and more persistent and the ads become much harder to ignore.

Another reason why a user may like Brosix over other traditional instant messaging programs is its security. Because Brosix runs on secure, encrypted servers, any company files or information that is transmitted over Brosix chat is confidential and secure. This is why many Brosix customers prefer the Enterprise Instant Messaging option for their business. Besides running on an encrypted server, the company also gets thier own private instant messaging network. This is a great idea for managers that want a private messaging network that can be monitored and customized.

Finally, Brosix has many features that other instant messaging services just don't have. This includes video chat, screen sharing, co-browsing, and Brosix whiteboard, which is an award-winning brainstorming feature.

To find out if Brosix is a Meebo replacement for you or your company, check it out at http://www.brosix.com

Tips for Staying Cool During a Self Storage Auction

Self storage auctions continue to grow in occurrence and popularity as the weather gets nicer-- usually in the spring, summer, and early fall months.  However, nicer weather not only brings more storage auctions, but also hotter weather, leading to dehydration and overheating if bidders aren't careful.

When going to storage auction, it's important to take the proper precautions. Follow these tips to make sure that you are on your A-Game and ready to bid on storage lockers to make some money!

• Wear a hat to cover your face and head
• Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn
• Sunglasses can help protect your eyes and also help prevent squinting during the auction.
• Bring water to stay hydrated throughout the auction.
• Don't leave pets or valuable items in your vehicle-- they may overheat.
• Use a windshield sun reflector to keep your vehicle cooler.
•  Wearing tennis shoes instead of flip-flops or sandals can help prevent feet from getting tired and will also give you surer footing then moving storage locker contents.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to help your body cool down properly.
• Bring a towel, which can help wipe off sweat throughout the auction.

Do you have any other tips for staying cool in the warm weather during a storage auction? Let me know in the comments.