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.

Going to Your First Storage Auction

After seeing storage auctions on reality shows, it can seem fairly easy to go to storage auctions and get the same types of deals and income that the stars of the shows are receiving. However, while it is possible to make a good income from storage auctions, it may not be cost effective to jump right in and expect it to make as much income as a full-time job. These guidelines are important for those considering getting into the storage auction business.

1. Have significant start-up cash. And just like gambling, only take cash that you are prepared to lose. Do not take out any loans to have enough cash to buy a storage unit or locker. Starting in the red is a not a good way to be successful.
2. Keep emotions in check. If a lockers looks good or you spot a treasure, keep calm. Getting excited will alert others and they will bid on the unit, thus causing you more money.
3. Understand the rules. Pay attention to the auctioneer (and other bidders) during the auction. Each self storage property may have a different way of completing an auction or sale, and not following the rules may lead in fees or the loss of a won storage unit.

These are just some of the rules that come with being successful and earning a good side income with storage unit auctions.

This post is sponsored by Auction Hunters, an online program to find and make money with storage auctions.

Carpet Cleaning

When we bought our house, in Kansas City, not San Antonio, carpet cleaning is almost a necessity. The house was built in 1998 and I believe that the carpets upstairs are original to the house.

Because of this, the carpet is very matted down and gets (and shows!) dirty very easily. I have been trying to find a good carpet cleaning service to clean the carpets until we are able to replace them. While this main seem like a lost cause, I know that using a carpet cleaner would at least make the carpets look a lot better than they would if we just didn't do it.

Because I notice the carpets regularly, I know it will give me some peace of mind and make it much easier to live with until I can find carpet that I really enjoy and we have enough money to purchase.

This post brought to you by San Antonio Carpet Cleaning

Buying a Self Storage Facility

Whether it is your first or your fifth self storage facility, it can always be beneficial to learn more about the self storage investing industry by reading new material and learning from experts. There are several instances where a real estate investor can learn more about the self storage facility industry.

Seminars

There are several seminars around the country hosted by self storage experts like Scott Meyers from Self Storage Investing, which teaches both basic classes and advanced seminar class for beginners and people already in the industry.

Webinars

If you don't want to travel to a seminar or conference, webinars can be a good alternative or addition to self storage seminars. In addition, webinars can usually be accessed on demand (at anytime) after being shown live, which makes them a great resource to come back to. It's also easier to take notes while watching and participating in a webinar.

Guidebooks and E-books

Many people learn by reading, so self storage guidebooks and e-books can be a great resource. They are easy to refer back to at anytime and significant passages can be highlighted to be referenced back to at any time.

Have you used any self storage seminars, webinars, or guidebooks to learn more about the self storage industry?