Ever since meeting him, and using his tool, I could see that I had crossed paths with quality. Not only is this outreach tool a quality application, but the team behind the tool is quality, as well.

What am I talking about here?

I am referring to David Schneider, one of the co-founders of the tool, Ninja Outreach. He was our guest on the #SocialCafe event, along with me and with Con Sweeney. Watch the panel discussion, below, and see for yourself.

It makes sense that such a quality guy and quality team would create such a quality tool. Are you catching a theme here? Let’s talk a little bit about the importance of quality. We have certainly used the word enough, so far, in this article.

Engaging with the Customer and Customer Service

In this case, we are talking about quality customer service, as well as a continuous process of improving consumer engagement. Fortunately, a tool like Ninja Outreach helps to make that possible.

Let’s step back and ask ourselves why it is so important to have quality customer service. Does it really matter? I mean, shouldn’t we just try our best and then let the chips fall where they fall (hoping for the best)?

No, not according to the study and statistics put together by KissMetrics, in the following infographic.

What Do the Statistics Say?

++ Click Image to Enlarge ++

Source: Why do Companies with Great Customer Service Succeed?

Some interesting statistics emerge from this study/infographic. For example, 50% of the consumers surveyed expect that a company can respond to them within a day. About a quarter of the people who have complaints post their complaints about the company on social media sites. Unfortunately, 79% of the complaints go unheeded by the “offending” company.

So, we have some disgruntled clients and consumers. They are definitely engaging (if only in the form of complaints), but they are not getting the satisfaction that they desire. Based on the 79% of unheeded complaints, it appears as if the companies are generally moving on and letting the complaint and complainer fall by the wayside as a lost cause. That may be their prerogative, but look at the stats on retention costs versus new clients. It takes 6-7 times the financial burden to get that new client, then retaining the one who is complaining. The total cost, in the U.S., for “bad customer service,” was $238 billion.

What are all of the numbers telling us? It appears that we, as companies (big or small), are not paying enough attention to our existing clients and that there appears to be a thought that we can just go out and get another client to replace the complaining one, even though it costs 6-7 times more. How about this for a novel idea… What if we put some effort into improving our customer engagement, our outreach efforts, so that we build the right foundation from the start and prepare ourselves for retention?

Ninja Outreach

Ok, Ninja Outreach is definitely a helpful tool for outreach, for finding the new clients, but it also helps us to build a framework. By “doing it right” the first time, we build the structure that is needed to have the customer retention process built-into the overall structure of the company.

Let’s take a moment and dive in and look at what David Schneider says about the tool. David is an excellent author, himself, and provides some tutorials on various topics. Quite frankly, David knows how to create those attention-grabbing headlines, but more than that, he delivers! Here are a couple of those articles:

And, continuing the discussion with another article about Ninja Outreach:

It is pretty clear to see that we are talking about content marketing and outreach efforts. The Ninja Outreach tool is built for that, helping you to do the research (who to contact), make the connection (what to say), and follow-up, creating a complete cycle of process for your influencer marketing.

The Flip-Side of Ninja Outreach: Practicing Successful Skills

So, what does this have to do with customer service? It has to do with consumer engagement. Let’s step back a moment and talk about mastery.

A man by the name of Malcolm Gladwell, author of “Outliers,” said that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. It is called the “10,000 hour rule.” Let’s think about that in the context of the statistics, above, about 79% of the people being ignored when they have a complaint. If it is truly a case of the individuals being ignored, is it safe to say that no one is practicing any sort of 10,000 hours of customer service? Is there a likelihood that 0 hours are being spent in the cases where the customers were 100% ignored?

Let’s flip this one over and pretend that we want to master the skill of obtaining new clients (i.e. via outreach). Let’s say that we use a tool like Ninja Outreach to practice the process of 1) identifying; 2) contacting; 3) following-up/closing. The more that we go through this process (involving actual skill and the use of the tool), the more hours we contribute to the “10,000 hours,” whether we are counting them or not.

The numbers support the idea that we will successfully close the deal on some of the people and they will become advocates, reviewers, testimonials, or even paying clients. What else are we learning at the same time? We are learning how to work with people, using a tool successfully, and, uh, success!

That means that the next time you have a client who may be complaining, you have the skill set, through the time that you have spent in this process, to actually address the client’s needs. You can be a part of that 21% (resolution) instead of a part of the 79% (ignored).

Pulling It Together

Ok, I admit. We went in a couple of different directions here. So, let’s simplify it. As a business owner, or as a person working for a business, you want to grow the company, right? Let’s look at processes that help to propel you forward. That includes helpful tools. Ninja Outreach is not necessarily the only tool out there, but we have used it as an example for these purposes. The key is that you are building the skills necessary to 1) attract new clients; and 2) retain new clients. You are using the tools available to you (like Ninja Outreach) and you are developing the skills and headed toward that 10,000-hour mark where you are a master at attracting and retaining. Are you ready to master that skill set and succeed in life?

In 2015, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society examined the use of mobile technology in the health care industry. It is clear that the industry is integrated with mobile technology, as shown in the infographic, below.

While the numbers, such as usage, still have room for increased growth, we can also see that the numbers have generally tipped the halfway point. It is encouraging to see that there is an adoption of the use of technology, even if there is still quite a ways to go in areas like electronic health records (EHR).

Presumably, there would be people who are concerned about security and privacy and any HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance issues. The fact that these numbers are as high as they are indicates that there is forward momentum, especially since any technology advances that violated HIPAA would be shut down and would not be reflected in these numbers at all.

It is clear that a society focused on technology that is specific to the health care industry is the right group of people to be looking at these statistics and reporting back to us where we are in the look toward the future.

Some Mobile Technology Highlights Leading Up To Where We Are Now

Back at the turn of the 21^st century, we were excited to have a cellular/mobile phone that would allow us to text each other. Hey, the idea of having a cellular phone at all was exciting. No longer were we constrained by a car phone or a bulky satellite phone. Or, at least, we were moving toward the freedoms that were presented with these new devices.

At the same time, there was a boom in the usage of PDAs (personal digital assistant) and companies like Nokia became popular with their PDA devices. Even the health care industry got into the process of using PDAs for databases and anything that could be adaptable to the medical industry at the time. Primarily, it was determined that the use of PDAs helped patients to record their medical issues, making it easier to relay it to their doctor, later.

These PDAs had their own mobile operating system and were a perfect example of handheld computerization. The concept actually started almost a century before and there had been great strides made throughout the 20^th century, leading up to what was about to emerge in the 21^st century.

As we were underway into the new decade, we saw the introduction of the touchscreen mobile operating systems within the cellular/mobile phone. In 2007, Apple announced their iPhone and the following year (2008), the Android device became a popular addition to the smartphone family. The term ‘smartphone’ was actually coined for an AT&T device, but by definition it is a device that has its own mobile operating system.

During that time, with the PDAs giving way to their more sophisticated cousins, a new factor was added to the mix. That was the telephone carrier. In the case of the iPhone, consumers were limited to using AT&T as their service provider. There have been many changes since then, including the process of unlocking an iPhone 6. This is quite different from how the unlocking first began in 2006, resulting in bricked phones and challenging methods of unlocking. Some industries, like the unlocking service providers, have been affected by these recent changes. However, many consumers are happy to be able to unlock their devices and use whatever cellular service provider they choose to use.

The Future of Health Care and Mobility

Technology is changing fast. The health industry is changing fast. There are also some misunderstandings and disconnects between the two.

Recently, in a journal article by Punjani, Bhanji, and Meghani, called “Implications of Social Media in Health Care Practice” and appearing in the “International Journal of Nursing Education,” there was a reference to how all hospitals block Google. While this is not a discussion about Google or even whether Google should or should not be blocked, the interesting point is that the use of the word, “all,” should not be used.

Before I lose you entirely, the point here is the disconnect that occurs between the health industry and the technology industry, including mobile technology. In this case, the hospital administrators were having trouble managing malware and blamed all malware on the existence of Google. In reality, the malware was coming through the sites that the nurses clicked on and it was not coming from Google directly. The article continued by indicating how unfair it was that the nurses did not have access to information because Google has malware.

Speaking from my own background in technology, there are at least seven to eight holes in that theory. It really doesn’t merit the title of theory because of the missing information. However, we are not here to pick on someone’s misunderstanding of technology. Their expertise lies in the health care industry and they should solicit the assistance of information technology experts to understand the blending of the two.

In the case of this article, the nurses realized the value of having access to information and they desired to have access to information that would help them to help their patients. This trend is not going to stop. Even if medical professionals do not have access to the information in their place of employment, they are not unaware of the existence of the information when they have access to it from their homes, their laptops at Starbucks, and now their smartphones in their cars (not while driving, of course!).

So, this (and other studies), while possibly stunted in some cases, demonstrate that our future includes a continued marriage of the healthcare industry and the technology industry and has high hopes of a smooth transition as information and training is shared with those who need it most.

It’s easy to do. We’ve all done it. We write up a web page at the last minute. We even use our handy dandy WordPress installation to do it. At the time you are thinking, “Hey, I have to get this page up and running because I’ve linked to it from my most recent article. I’ll come back to it this afternoon and add images, video, and make this page pop!”

What happens? After the launch, the article, the podcast.. whatever it is that was linking to that page.. you sit back and relax and, well, never get back to update that page.

Ok, so maybe you are hyper-organized (to an OCD level). Maybe you are the type that tracks what you do and mark off your checklist and task lists. Even with that level of impressive organization, I still have to ask you, as this article suggests: “How Is Your Copy Working For You?”

The scenario above is about “getting it done.” There is so much more to web life than just getting it done. There is also the aspect of getting it done right and ensuring that it is working for you.

Your Copy. Your Message.

Generally, when we think “copy,” we are thinking ad copy and your ability to attract your audience. However, if we broaden this to your message and the content of your message no matter what venue or social media platform, then there is more that we need to discuss!

It is important to figure out your message. Figure out your 15-second elevator pitch. You don’t want to sound “canned,” but also, you need to have something other than “um” to say when someone asks what you do.

The following is an example of my 15-second elevator pitch for me, as a musician (Deborah E). I have to give credit where credit is due. It wasn’t written by me, per se, but by a group of helpful musician friends. Here it is:

Deborah E is a smooth and sultry summer night on Bourbon Street… Classy with a dash of sass… Proof that the jazz greats have not been sacrificed to processed pop.

See how that gives you info, as well as a feeling, as well as a sense of what is represented when you think, “Deborah E?” In the same way, you need to figure out how to describe yourself, your brand, your company. You want to have it be about the length of a tweet.

On to the Page Messaging

You will want to have your messaging down (defined and practiced) for your brand, but also you need to develop a messaging for each page. In other words, the description. This will be the content that displays in the search engines (and social media sites).

You don’t want all of your pages to have the same description. Come up with something creative that lets the visitor know what it is that that page is all about and how the content will benefit him or her.Click To Tweet

If you need to break up the project, write a few descriptions (i.e. ten pages) and then take a break. Come back to the project fresh and pick up ten more pages. Continue doing that until you have finished your site. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you have finished your site. You could also hire someone to do it for you. Fiverr is a place where you may find some copywriters. It is best if you find someone based on a referral from one of their past clients.

Many times it is easy for us to remember to write a description (i.e. excerpt) for a blog post, but we forget to cover our blog pages. Those content pieces need our attention as well! That is why we keep emphasizing the pages of your site, in this article.

Check Your Copy

Remember that social sharing sites and search engines will grab whatever they want to grab if you don’t designate the proper preview information for them. The preview information includes elements like the title, description, and image. We have already talked about page descriptions, but your preview also includes the title and image.

Let’s use Facebook as an example. You can run the test right now, for yourself:

1. Pick an article that you want to test (it doesn’t have to be your own article). Copy the link/URL.
2. Visit the Facebook Debugger.
3. Enter/paste the URL that you copied in step 1 when asked for that URL. Then, click “Debug.”

After you click the debug button, you will be presented with a Facebook report, letting you know what it is that Facebook sees, at that link. The critical part, as it relates to Facebook, is near the bottom of the report and shows the ‘og’ (stands for open graph) tags. If there are any errors, you will see it in that spot, where error messages like “image not found” will display.

Fortunately, if you find that there is a problem with your article or page, you can ask Facebook to perform a new “scrape.” What does that mean? Facebook will remove what it has on record for that URL (er, the cache) and it will be replaced with a fresh “scrape” of that URL. Obviously, you would want to correct any errors and then come back to the debugger and follow the steps above to ask it to re-scrape (“fetch a new scrape”).

If you are still on the debugging page, you can click the button (as shown above) while you are on the page.

Test, Test, Test Again

I know, we said that already, right? Use tools like the Facebook Debugger, but don’t let that replace an actual real test. Test the process of sharing the page (or blog post) to social media sites. You don’t have to click the “submit” button to actually share. The test will still work because it allows you to preview what would be shared. This process allows you to see if there is anything that is awry with a) content on your site; b) tags on your site; c) sharing functionality (i.e. plugins).

Sidebar: There is an interesting WordPress plugin called “G+ Interactive Posts Plugin.” This shouldn’t be used in place of the advice above or in place of a properly configured sharing system, but for those who want to be able to create interactive alternative G+ posts from within the WordPress post listing, it is a fun little plugin. You will want to follow the instructions for installation and setup very carefully (or have someone set it up for you).

Before we close, just a couple bonus tips for you. We talked about Facebook and how to reset the Facebook cache (on the debugging tool page). However, what do you do about Google+ and LinkedIn? There are tricky solutions.

Google+ relies on the caching directives of your page. Many themes allow you to set that cache limit within the WordPress dashboard, even on the post or page, in some cases. You want to set it for a short time period so that Google+ will re-fetch new information.

For LinkedIn, change the URL. I don’t mean actually change it, I mean add some benign code at the end of the link. For example, add a “?1” at the very end of the URL. The question mark tells LinkedIn that there is a variable. In this case the variable is “1.” However, it is harmless because you are not telling LinkedIn to do anything with it. Instead, it forces LinkedIn to re-fetch the URL that precedes that “?1” and now you have fetched new information and updated the title, description, image that is cached.

There you have it. Develop your brand messaging and your individual page descriptions. Then, ensure that this information is properly relaying to the social sharing sites, as well as search engines. After all, you want to put your best foot forward, right?

After graduating from college, many things come to mind. One of the questions that may come to mind is where you will go with your career or even a basic job to pay off college loans.

Hopefully this is something you are thinking about before graduation, but it is easy to put that aside while finishing up your final papers, exams, and graduation parties.

If you are fortunate enough to have a company that has agreed to hire you after graduation, you are ahead of the game. That was common practice years (decades) ago, but statistics and research do not support the idea that this is still common practice.

Two paths (and a discussion of “job” versus “career”)

There are several options, and they can be condensed into two paths. One is the “traditional” path. The traditional path would be the strategy of going out and “getting a job.”

Before we continue with the discussion of the traditional job, let’s discuss the difference between a “job” and a “career.” A career path may (and does) include a job, but it is much more than just that one job. Instead, it is a path and overall plan that is meant to move you from “point A” (i.e. your degree) to “point B” (where you eventually want to be in life. On the other hand, a job that is “just a job” (and may not fit into the overall life plan) is usually acquired for the purpose of making ends meet and not necessarily any other long-term purpose.

Let’s use the job of an entry-level position at the local grocery store as an example. First, if that is your passion and what excites you more than anything, then it is not “just a job.” However, if it is a position to make ends meet, then it may be “just a job.” An example of a case where the job at the local grocery store is not “just a job” is if you are going into retail management or something similar. At that point, it has become a part of your career path.

Any job (even if classified as “just a job”) is meaningful and a part of your path in life. It can be used as a step in the right direction, even on your career path. It looks good on your resume, CV, and LinkedIn Profile, demonstrating that you have experience and can commit to a job and perform well.

Either way, the key thing here is finding a job, whether it is “just a job” (not to minimize it) or a career. It is a stepping-stone on the overall path of life. It is important that you pay bills, even if you are looking for something that is more ideal. That is okay.

The other path is that of the freelancer, assuming you have a skill you can perform for other companies or individual clients. Similar to finding an entry-level job that fills a need while you are looking for something else, there is also an option to go down the freelance path. When a company contracts you to perform a task or project, and they pay you directly (as opposed to getting a paycheck from a company), you are a freelancer.

The traditional career path

I have been in my career for a while now and have gained quite a bit of experience. There are places and times for sage advice from those of us who have been there and done that. However, for this exercise, I wanted to find someone with less experience but who could relate and share her success tips, as they relate to the traditional career path.

I found such a person in the lovely and talented Alicia Lawrence. She has gone through the steps of a traditional career path and has found the job of her dreams. I asked Ms. Lawrence to join us and share some insights specifically for the College Recruiter audience. She has several talents and some advice (especially advice for content marketers like herself). She has agreed to join us to share those insights with the College Recruiter audience. You can watch the video here:

Alicia Lawrence’s advice to college students is also briefly discussed below for those who would like to read the text version.

Gain experience and/or education during college

Gain as much experience as possible. If there is a way to be involved in activities or internships while in school, go for it. Some advice Alicia mentioned includes the caution not to specialize so much that it limits your options when you graduate. The best way to understand what she is saying is to hear her story, above, as she describes it and puts it into context with her real-life example.

If you are still in school, look for ways to diversify. In Alicia’s case, she added classes (by way of her elective courses) so she could obtain three different degrees. By doing this, she opened up the options available to her. This allowed some flexibility when presenting her skill set to future employers.

Gain experience after college

If you have already graduated and cannot implement the suggestions above, that is okay. You can still gain experience after college as well. If you can afford it, look for an internship, a position related to your career choice. Some internships may pay a small salary, but don’t count on the internship paying you a large salary. This may be a good time to stay with Mom and Dad or other friends or family members to cut down on your expenses while you gain experience. The internship looks good on your resume and also offers invaluable networking opportunities (as Alicia shares).

Blogging and networking online

Even if your final destination is corporate America, blogging and getting connected is important. While we all hope your first job is very successful and leads to the right path for you, you never know when there is a kink in the path. Whether you are looking for that first ideal position, or you have a job, and you are keeping your options open, consider blogging and social media marketing.

Even if your area of expertise is not writing, blogging, or social media, this option still helps you to build credibility online. There are many success stories where this type of credibility (no matter what your field of expertise) has allowed people to move up in the career, even into a “regular job.” This is an opportunity to rework your college papers into online articles and blog posts.

Expect the struggle

Expect struggle. That is normal. It isn’t the end of the world. It was refreshing to hear Alicia say this in the interview.

If you can anticipate that there may be a level of struggle in finding that ideal position, it will help you to be able to navigate your way through it. There is that possibility that you will have zero struggle, and everything will just fall into place like the “Midas Touch,” but anticipate that struggle just in case. By anticipating it, you are ready for the worst case scenario. If, by chance, you have more struggles than the next person, realize that it is not you, and that it is just how “the cookie crumbles,” as they say. Hang in there!

Find your passion

Don’t look for answers as much as opportunities. This might be tricky. As Alicia states, in college we are taught to look for the answers. However, when it comes to our career path, we are looking for the opportunities. We are not looking for the answers.

Most importantly, ask yourself what your passion is. It is possible that your first job (or subsequent job) is not what would fit into the category of passion. Regardless of the “day job,” keep in mind what it is that you are passionate about doing. Eventually, with due diligence, you will find that path to the passion that you feel.

Keep a swipe file

Another thing Alicia recommends is a “swipe file.” According to Wikipedia, a swipe file is a collection of templates and proven advertising copy. The swipe file advice is essential for anyone going into a similar career as Alicia.

Related to that, for other careers, is an “idea file.” I use Trello to keep notes and ideas for future projects. It can even be used for proposal ideas to present to your boss or track your performance throughout the year so that you can present it during your employee performance review.

The freelancer path

I’ve been a freelancer all of my life, having started when I was 12 years old. I even freelance when I am in working in corporate America (with a “day job”).

If you are considering freelancing, it is best if you do enough research to understand what is involved. If you already have a day job, it would be helpful to start the freelancing on the side, in addition to your day job, to be sure that it is something sustainable for you. Don’t give up the day job prematurely. You may find that you enjoy it so much that you want to create a combination, with a regular day job and some freelancing on the side.

To help you in your research, I suggest a guide that a couple of friends of mine put together. It is “The Ultimate Guide to Freelancing” provided by John Rampton and Murray Newlands. This guide is a part of the new domain that they acquired, Due.com, and the subsequent web-based financial management tool that they set up specifically for freelancers.

I was so curious about what was going on with Due.com that I interviewed John and asked him about it. Here is that interview:

If you are reading sections like “Marketing and Promotion” and you say to yourself, “Yuck, I just can’t do that!” then maybe freelancing is not something that appeals to you even if you could do the work. However, you may read a section like “Branding Yourself” and think, “Not only was I made to do the work, but I love what this is saying about branding myself, and I want to do it right away!” If that is the case, then you may be a freelancer.

If you do move forward, there are some sections that are critical. Of course, “Where to Find Work” is critical to get gigs, but you also need to pay particular attention to “How to Get Paid” and ensure that you set up a framework that is conducive to you getting the money that you have earned. This may be something like ensuring that you charge up front (or at least a portion up front) so that you have some living money while you are working on the project. Of course, the guide goes into more detail on that discussion.

In some cases, people were just made for freelancing and have a better life balance doing freelancing work than they do in a regular day job. Is that you? Don’t worry if you don’t know that answer. There are countless people who entered life after college doing what they felt they were supposed to do only to discover freelancing and find out that they had a successful freelancer personality inside of them all along!

There is no judgment either way, and it is a matter of finding the right path for you. Whether that is a path that Alicia describes above or the path of the freelancer, what is important is finding what it is that pleases you. It is about finding YOUR passion. Of course, keep in mind that sometimes we do have to do things we may not like, to ensure that the bills get paid, but that doesn’t mean that you are not making plans toward that path that answers the question of what it is that creates the passion inside you.

By Deborah Anderson

http://www.Tech-Audit.com

@techauditcom and @socialwebcafe

About the author:

Deborah Anderson is on her way to finishing her doctorate in I/O Psychology. Along the way, she has served as Chief Technology Officer in the financial industry (in Beverly Hills), Director of Marketing in the health industry, Host of an iHeart Radio marketing talk show, and even a #1 Jazz Singer (Deborah E). From this background, she shares insights to help others overcome their challenges and succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Those of us who spend much of our time in the Internet marketing world, realize the importance of an email list. We also realize the challenges that that can sometimes present. Whether we are full-time Internet marketers who work on behalf of our clients, with their lists, or we are using email marketing for ourselves, the challenges exist. This is why it is so important to find the right fit when it comes to a selection of an email marketing solution.

A few months ago, I reviewed GetResponse, right here on dragonblogger.com. At the time, I had been using MailChimp, and I was just making that move to GetResponse as a result of the review. You can read that article here on dragonblogger.com. Now, I’m not here to say one is better than the other. That is a personal choice. Whatever solution you choose, it is helpful if you understand why it is that that choice is the right choice for you. That goes beyond the selection of an email marketing solution and is just a general life tip.

For example, I liked MailChimp because of the fun templates. I mean, the templates were cute. That was the reason that I switched to MailChimp in the first place. And, if I am only evaluating the templates, that was the right decision for me, at the time. I had also tried Aweber, and while I don’t have any complaints, it just didn’t “click” for me. However, I have friends who successfully use Aweber, like my friend Ileane Smith. As I understand, Justin (owner of dragonblogger) uses SendinBlue.com, according to his articles on this blog. You need to check out his extremely well-written review of SendinBlue in Part 1 and Part 2. You should also read Justin’s earlier review of SimplyCast (what he used before SendinBlue) if you are interested in that service.

Fortunately, there is no requirement that we “marry” any one particular email marketing solution for life and with most companies offering a monthly option, you can switch at any time. The only real obstacle to that is the possibility of losing subscribers during that switch. However, as someone once reminded me, if you lose them, they were not really your subscriber in the first place. The true subscribers will come find you if they have lost their way.

As you can see, there are a lot of good companies out there, with similar features. There are also differences. You have some links to some providers, above, as some great reviews, to help you make your decision. Here is a basic infographic that I put together listing a few features to consider when making your choice. (Feel free to use it, if you like, on your own site/article. A link is always appreciated, but not required.)

There were a couple of reasons that I chose to go with GetResponse. One of them was the customer support, and specifically the helpfulness of Abby Hartz. I believe I have done three interviews with her now, and she never wavers in that kindness. The interview, below, is one of the most recent (even since the previous article on dragonblogger). Hey, anyone that puts up with my request for another interview deserves extra points! Because of the fact that I tend to feature tools, GetResponse comes up in the cycle of features, and she is always generous with her availability to be featured.

GetResponse Step-by-Step for Success (aka GR University)

The other reason that I chose GetResponse was because of their step-by-step help to reach and maintain success in your business. There are many sites out there, including email marketing service providers, which give you access to tutorials and helpful guides. I cannot speak to what all of them provide, but for GetResponse, they provide helpful blog posts, guides, support, and a university. But, the key thing is that they are continuously creating new content! I would have thought that a company would create the ultimate guide, be it modular or all-in-one and then stop at that, but GetResponse keeps creating new content to help their clients to be more successful. I know this because when I was attempting to schedule Abby for the interviews, I got a glimpse into her busy schedule with filming and the production of these videos.

While the easiest thing to do, if you want to get a glimpse into that GetResponse University, is to start with your own free trial, I’m going to share some of the highlights. That way, if you don’t want to do it at this moment, you have a feel for what to expect.

First, before the university, there is the “3 Steps to Success” pop-up that greets you after logging into your account, even for the free trial. I mentioned it in the GR Review, here on dragonblogger and it looks like this:

I would feel like I was sharing proprietary information, but all of these how-to videos are also available on youtube, without having an account with GetResponse, so here they are:

Build Your Email List

Create Newsletter

GetResponse Autoresponders 2.0

On to the University…

Ok, I’ve been naughty. First, I haven’t kept up with my university classes. Fortunately, that is forgivable and GetResponse just simply keeps that reminder in the upper right corner of my dashboard letting me know that I am xxx lessons behind. When I looked at it, I was thinking, “Oh, it is probably 30 basic lessons that are really helpful.” No, this university is 180 days! Granted, some of those are “leisure days,” which I imagine are days off to catch up on your studies.

The second area where I am about to be naughty is showing you a glimpse. I want to respect any proprietary aspect of GetResponse, but I was so impressed by the topics that are shared that I had to give you a screenshot. By the way, I have obtained permission to share what is shared in this article. Please help me respect GetResponse by not including these resources in any other article(s), without express permission from them to do so.

Do you see that? Public speaking, Facebook contests. This isn’t just a list building 30-day basic course; this is a full fledged six-month marketing course! And, there is no extra charge for this training. It is included in your monthly fee.

And, speaking of pricing, here is a snapshot of that pricing:

Back to the University, here are some additional highlights. I wouldn’t have permission to give you everything, but I can point you to some of the youtubes that are included in the course:

How to create an irresistible lead magnet

Create Your First Video

How to Optimize Your About Page for Sign-Ups

How to Develop a List of Major Content Themes

Ok, that is all I can share, as these are special videos only linked through the university. So, to get all 180, you will want to consider GetResponse and signing up for the free university that comes with the GetResponse subscription. See you there 😉

Truly, this Walknbook is a really cool device! It is easy to lose oneself in the device for hours, if not days!

There are some concerns (discussed below), but for the most part it is a great tablet. If you are familiar with Windows (specifically Windows 8), you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it set up and personalizing it the way you want it. If you are not familiar with Windows 8 and have never used a touch tablet before, please allow yourself a little time to get used to it. Realize that a tiny bit of frustration is normal while you are learning. Then, when you get the hang of it, you will really enjoy the tablet.

This article covers a basic walk-through of the set-up process along with some suggested applications to get you going. Obviously we don’t cover every application available, but it should point you in the right direction to more applications. Once you find those settings that fit like a glove and the applications that you want, you will have the ultimate personalized iRulu tablet experience.

At First Glance – Unboxing and Starting the iRulu WalknBook

The Entertaining iRulu

There are many different ways to entertain yourself with the iRulu. A couple of obvious ones are the built-in (pre-installed) Xbox Video and Xbox Music. With these two applications, you can access almost anything you would want to watch or listen to, while using your iRulu tablet.

Also, another advantage is the ability to connect with your friends through Xbox, making this a truly engaging experience.

Gaming with the iRulu

I am not a gamer, exactly, though I have a lot of respect for the benefits (and fun!) of gaming. One of the advantages for gamers is the level of engagement that it offers, when ones to participate with others. I even wrote an article on that, at SocialNomics.net. Since I am an admitted non-gamer (but may decide to become one!) I used helpful sites like PlayerX.co.uk, and of course, Dragon Blogger to help understand the process. That said, iRulu is a great size and fit for any games that I may want to try on my Windows 8.

Fortunately for you, you can find all sorts of gaming reviews here, on Dragon Blogger! For the list of current reviews, visit this page on dragonblogger.com. If it is a game that works on Windows 8, you may be able to install in on your iRulu tablet. Don’t forget to visit the DragonBlogger YouTube channel to watch great review videos and how-to tips for your favorite games, or your future favorite games for your iRulu tablet. Also, when it comes to installation, be sure to listen to the part about the Microsoft Store and local installations on your iRulu tablet, in case it applies to your situation and table (video on this page).

Using Your iRulu for YouTube Fun

I am really into YouTube. Yeah, that is no secret. As you can imagine, one of the first apps that I went to install was a YouTube viewer. I installed and reviewed three different apps (two free and one for $2.49). While they are all adequate, the one that I found to be the best was one called myTube. However, something changed since my review (more details, below).

myTube (Deborah’s review is included in the video, above)

Before I start, let me explain something about myTube. First of all there are TWO apps called myTube. If you search for it on Google, you are likely to find the wrong one. Also, when I first wrote this article, I found myTube via the Microsoft store, on my iRulu. However, when I received the replacement iRulu (more on that at the end of this review), I went to install my favorite app and it was not there! It was difficult to obtain, but I am providing you with the instructions on how I found it again. But, first, a little more explanation…

The “wrong” myTube: Ok, you may like this one better, but I downloaded it and, sorry programmers, it didn’t impress me that much. It is published by Ryken Studio and it costs around 99 cents. Go ahead and get that one, if you prefer it (there is a trial version available so you can decide before you buy). However, I am really in love with the other one, the “right” myTube.

The “right” myTube (covered in this review): It is published by One Tap Mania and it is actually free. The cost is not the sole reason why I love it. I would pay $5 for this one because I like it that much! And no, no one paid me to say that. If they had, I would already know where to find it instead of researching how to get it back on my new iRulu.

Some of the benefits of this application:

• Lightweight – it loads faster than the other YouTube applications that I tried.
• Background playing – myTube plays the video in the background so you can keep on working or playing and view the vid in the upper corner.
• Pretty much anything that I wanted to do, I could do with this application. In fact, I dare say I actually preferred this particular interface over the web version! (Sorry, Google.)
• Free!

As we mentioned, this app is no longer available on the Microsoft store. I spent about five hours researching this topic. That is how much I love this app and wanted to install it on my replacement iRulu. However, my particular iRulu with the Windows 8.1 does not allow what is called “local installs.” From the research I did, it appears that it is possible on the version Windows 8.0. Also, I’m curious if this unavailability is a temporary thing and also whether local install will be available when I upgrade to Windows 10. In the meantime, if your tablet allows local install and if you want this app, you can download it here at the bottom left of the page. Right below that, there is a link to “Learn more” which provides instructions on how to manually install on the Microsoft phone. These instructions can be adapted for the iRulu WalknBook if the version of your OS allows “local installs.” It is very likely that your WalknBook does not allow for these installs, but you may want these instructions if you upgrade and/or the functionality becomes available again.

If you are a risk-taker and a little bit geeky and technological, here are some articles that you may want to read to try performing a local install with your iRulu WalknBook. Use at your own risk! Dragonblogger.com doesn’t take any responsibility if you “brick” or “break” your tablet

The other apps that I checked out are listed below, complete with links to those who have used these apps more extensively.

PrimeTube (Reviews)

MetroTube (Reviews)

Even More Social Media Fun on Your iRulu Tablet

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest Explorer 2015 (Review)

Streaming Television and Movies

Obviously, viewing anything streaming is dependent on your Internet connection – specifically your speed. That said, iRulu has the capability of streaming, using some great applications to do your watching, available via the Microsoft Store.

Netflix and Hulu Plus

I combined these (Netflix and Hulu Plus) together in this section, because really, the applications worked well on iRulu. No complaints. Since the iRulu is pretty lightweight, it is enjoyable to watch movies in your favorite chair, or even in bed, right before an afternoon nap. Believe me, if you are going to have something fall over on you, this tablet would be more desireable than a large, heavy laptop!

The choice of whether to install Netflix, Hulu Plus, or both onto the iRulu device has more to do with the available shows and what you like, or would like to, watch. The best way to decide is to visit the web sites and decide on which service. It doesn’t hurt to install both of them on your iRulu so that you are ready.

Vudu

I sometimes like to watch series and purchase them through Vudu. I was a little disappointed that there was not an app in the Microsoft Store (that I could find) for watching Vudu movies and TV shows on the iRulu. Obviously, that is not iRulu’s fault, by any means. Then again, since you can purchase them, maybe it makes more sense to worry less about the app. After all, you could just watch them with XBox Video, on your iRulu. Fortunately, too, the web version did work. So, you can still watch Vudu, but you need to login to your account via the web, on your iRulu tablet, instead of an application. Or, login and download them so you may watch offline.

There is a “Vudu To Go” available for Windows 8. Here is a review on that app. It is an old review, but may give some insight on whether you want to try the Vudu TO Go or watch the shows/movies on the web or offline.

Note: I haven’t personally done the Vudu download/offline method as I use Netflix and Hulu instead.

CBS All Access

The CBS All Access app was suitable. It worked as well as could be expected. The only reason that I discontinued using it is because of the cost. It is very inexpensive at about $5 per month, but most of the shows that I really like are available on Netflix or Hulu Plus. Another thing is that CBS All Access sometimes only shows a few episodes, whereas Netflix, especially, is more likely to give you the entire show (all seasons). So, for the ROI (return on investment) I found that having Netflix and Hulu Plus (and even Vudu) was a wiser choice for me.

Dependability

While it is true that previous experience with iRulu products does not factor into the review of this particular product, the interaction and experience with the company does impact the success (and longevity) of this particular product and its overall rating.

First, as a bit of history, I purchased 4 iRulu devices in December 2014. Fortunately, 3 of those devices still work. The more expensive of the four, (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MUNTYHU?tag=deborahdb-20) ceased to work on the last day of the 30-day warranty). There were no error messages, just stopped working). The initial thought was that “life happens” and there are sometimes defective items. Fortunately, Amazon came to the rescue with rectifying the situation of loss and refunding 75% of what we paid. Had we followed the advice I provide to you, below, this may have been a case of a 100% refund and nothing lost.

The WalknBook that I reviewed for this article also had issues. First, it had a defective power adapter. iRulu was kind enough to send out a replacement power adapter. Then, after two days of fussing with the WalknBook, it was determined that it was not behaving properly and returned to iRulu.

Now, let’s pull this in with the history, for the dependability rating. While I have nothing bad to say about the customer service, what is bothersome is that out of 6 devices (four purchased; two provided by iRulu), two of them were defective. That is a 33% defective rating. That defect rating does not include the defective power adapter, just the overall devices.

What does that say to you? That says that out of every 3 purchases with iRulu, there is a chance that one of them will be a glorified paperweight. My advice to you is to ensure that you keep receipts, original shipping material, box, shipping box, printing labels, packing slips, and everything you can so that you are prepared for a return and request for replacement or refund. This is a good practice with any purchase, but especially essential for iRulu products (based on this 33% calculation, in our experience).

A couple of additional notes on the subject: First, six experiences is not enough to come up with the 33%. However, it cannot be denied, either. This is why it is a cautionary suggestion. It is not necessarily a reason NOT to buy an iRulu (They really are cool!), but it is a little too common for me, as a buyer, to have a level of confidence that an issue will not occur. Even as I used the second iRulu, I kept wondering when it was going to fail on me. That uneasiness, no matter how much I try to psych myself into saying everything is fine, detracts from the positive user experience. Fortunately, as time passes and there are no significant issues with the tablet, that uneasiness begins to fade.

Use the iRulu “hard” for the first few weeks. If it survives, you probably have a good device and can continue to use it indefinitely (however long tablets last).

All in all, I’m looking forward to using the iRulu more and more. I am actually a Mac user, but I sometimes miss having a Windows machine around, so this iRulu really hits the spot. It is perfect for all of you Windows users and even for us Mac users who like to have our hands on a little bit of everything. For the price, it is exceptional and I would be tempted to give it a 5+ rating. For the dependability issue, it should be a 3, but because of that 5+ I split the difference at a rating of 4. What does that say for you? You should be able to have a 5+ experience as long as you save all that receipt and packing stuff in the back of your favorite storage closet.

Oh, and stay tuned. I had so much fun that you can expect a follow-up or two (or three or four) on other tips on how to use this fun tablet!

You may be wondering what you can (and should) do with all of those comments that you are getting on your Google Hangout event page. We are going to discuss exactly that in this article. You may not realize that you have a wealth of information that you have not even tapped into yet and that information can be extremely lucrative for you.

The Google Event Page

There are many different ways in which you can handle comments on your Google Hangout event page. It will probably be the most effective for you if you go step by step, in an order that seems most logical for you and for your business.

Identifying the places where it is most appropriate to find, allow, and respond to comments

This tip teaches  you to actually understand how to access comments in more than one place, as well as the usual place that you expect to access comments (discussed below), which is on your Google Event page. The Google Event Page is probably the easiest place for people to leave comments.

If you have scheduled your hangout ahead of time, which is definitely recommended whenever possible, or if you have created a separate event page, you can check that page on a daily basis. You can check that page every day until the time when your event is scheduled to take place. With that sort of meticulous, consistent planning in advance, it will allow you to have the opportunity to engage and encourage people to participate in your upcoming hangout.

The many positive features of Google Hangouts Event Pages

Your business can benefit from Google Hangout Events (and subsequently, Google Hangout Event pages) in so many different ways. It is an excellent tool and if you embrace it and leverage it for all that it is worth, you can get a great deal out of it. 

• Offer wonderful customer service: As you are conducting your event, you will be letting your audience know about your product, service, or both. You will probably be contacted by prospective and existing clients who have some issue or question to discuss what you are selling. There are many people who probably want to speak with you directly (whether that means on the phone or in person) as opposed to sending you and Email or a chat message. Hearing your voice is bound to make them feel better.

• Gather your team for meetings: You can conduct very effective meetings to discuss the comments that you need to deal with as often as you would like. When it comes to meetings, being able to see each other is very important and often adds a level of productivity and effectiveness to the entire experience. 

• Give a demonstration of your products and/or services: When it comes to the item that a person is considering buying (and that applies to services as well as products), it is a really good idea to show them how it works. It is sort of the “Teach a man to fish” concept. In other words, if you can teach the person how to use it, they can be independent. That person will appreciate you a great deal for allowing them to stand on their own. That can easily be incorporated into your events and you may be surprised at how great the comments that you receive are.

• Show off your new offerings: A Google Hangouts Event page is a wonderful place to launch a new product and/or service. People may have a lot to say.

  With Google Hangouts you can demonstrate your offerings and speak about all of their advantages.

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  By allowing them to be the first to be privy to your new stuff, they will feel special and it will strengthen the relationship that you are already building.

Conclusion

The comments that you receive as a result of your Google Hangout Event can mean a great deal for your business. It is another effective way to promote valuable, compelling discussions that can bring your business to the next level.

It is tricky finding a job anytime, but especially in this economy (which goes back to the crash in 2008). Fortunately, straight out of college, with no experience, graduates will find that the going is a bit easier than those with experience.

Why is that? As you gain experience, it sometimes becomes trickier because companies prefer the lower salaries (easier on their budgets) of educated, but inexperienced employees. Understanding that, as you start on your career path, helps you in the long run.

Technology Jobs, especially, have their exciting aspects and their challenging aspects. Coming from a background in information technology, I’m going to share some insights that I have learned, through my experience.

First of all, as with any industry, let’s look at three areas: 1) definitions; 2) requirements and availability; 3) understanding what employers want.

Definitions and IT Industry Breakdown

It is always interesting to me when someone outside the computer industry hears that someone inside the computer industry is looking for a job. When I was in that position I would often have well-meaning friends who would say something like, “I saw a billboard advertising that such-and-such a company was hiring and they had 30 jobs.” That is fine and dandy but if it is not the type of job that you are qualified to do, then it doesn’t really apply to you. Trying to explain that to someone who doesn’t understand the breakdown of jobs within the generality of “computer industry” is really futile. To them, and to much of society, anything that involves a computer is the same as anything else that involves a computer. They do not understand the difference between a software programmer, mobile app developer, and a network administrator, to name a few.

Fortunately, for most of you reading this, to whom “computer industry” applies, you already know what you are qualified to do and what you may not be qualified to do, so no further explanation would be needed. But, it is helpful to understand, if you are requesting friends and family to help you by letting you know if they see any advertisements for job openings, that they may not understand exactly what you do. This is even helpful to understand when soliciting help from recruiters and even hiring managers. I can’t tell you how many times I have read a job advertisement that is expecting a “jack of all trades” and no clue where one specialty starts and the other ends.

Requirements and Availability

The next piece of the puzzle is the availability of those jobs that suit you and the requirements (technical skill set) that those jobs require.

When examining this, be sure to keep your career path in mind. Let me explain…

As an example, I am versatile within the computer industry, because of my education and my experience. I am qualified to be a entry level support engineer (many of us are, eh?), but that would not look quite right on a resume right after the position of Chief Technology Officer. The question that my future employer would ask would be, “Why did you go from being ‘at the top’ to an entry level position?” Again, this is something that may not be understood by friends and family who say, “But, you can do that job, can’t you?”

Two thoughts on this subject: First, if you can, gain experience in related areas of the industry. So, if you are a programmer, see if you can also gain experience in hardware and networking so that you are more well rounded. If nothing else, as you gain skills in other computer industry related areas, you can become a one-stop-shop for contract work. Also, many times clients expect you to be knowledgeable in all areas that have the word “computer” in them, so this would help you if you want to be a contractor, consultant, or even fill that role while you are looking for what our parents may call a “real job.”

Secondly, referring back to the scenario of being an entry level support desk “engineer.” You do not have to turn down a job that is “beneath you.” When it comes to your career path and in particular, your resume, it is all about presentation.

Here is an example as it relates to presentation of your resume and experience. First, if it is really good money to be a help desk technician, then by all means, take the job! Also, if you are desperate for the income, consider taking the job. You can present it on your resume as a self-employment period (make sure you are actually offering services, as a contractor, to qualify that statement). It is ok to reference that you are a contractor and be providing help desk support for a well-paying job. This is especially true if it is a client-contract type position.

In other words, look at your resume as a complete story and ensure that the story presents itself in the most favorable presentation for you. Obviously, don’t be dishonest, but there is nothing wrong with highlighting that during one particular period you were gaining additional education and working a side job in a position that may look like it is a step down from the previous position you held.

There is also the concern about locality. You need to understand the jobs that are available in other regions or countries to find out if relocation is something that may interest you. Obviously there are several factors, like demand, cost of relocation, and how well you fit what is available. For example, reading an article about what is going on in another country, with a field that applies to you (in this case app development), is a great place to start to ensure that you understand what is available and how that may (or may not) fit into your future plans.

What Employers Want (Virtualized Human Resources)

This topic relates to many fields and not just the computer industry. That is, what is it that the employer wants? Many times what the employer wants relates to soft skills. Soft skills include your ability to get along with others and your ability to communicate. The technical skills (non soft skills) are easier to identify. You either have them or you don’t and proving it can be as easy as referencing your portfolio of computer projects. Soft skills are best demonstrated in your interview and in references from others whom you have worked with in the past.

Soft skills are even more essential in online and virtual environments. More and more companies are hiring what they call teleworkers or virtual employees. According to a Forbes article written 18 months ago, the rate of work-from-home employees was 30-45% back then and it has risen and continues to rise. This gives a clue to what employers are looking for, whether for convenience or their bottom line (profit).

These soft skills are of particular interest because they are skills that become even more essential with the increase of virtual teams and remote staffing that has become more and more prevalent. Now, more than ever, it is important to understand how to work with others and how to do that well. Part of that importance is the existence of the technical skill set and the soft skills.

Fortunately, acquiring these soft skills does not need to be an impossible task. Checking out some examples in this article about soft skill improvement may give you an idea of what we are talking about with soft skills. The panelists identified three areas of focus: Communications, Trust, and Team Work.

To recap, focus on understanding the limitations of the definitions within the computer industry. In addition to that, understand the requirements of the particular “job of your choice.” Where there is room to enhance your skills set, do so. Also, understand how to present your skill set and particularly your job history in a way that most accurately represents how talented you are. Finally, understand what the employers want and aim to fulfill those desires, especially in the area of soft skills.

By Deborah Anderson

http://www.Tech-Audit.com

@techauditcom and @socialwebcafe

About the author:

Deborah Anderson is on her way to finishing her doctorate in I/O Psychology. Along the way, she has served as Chief Technology Officer in the financial industry (in Beverly Hills), Director of Marketing in the health industry, Host of an iHeart Radio marketing talk show, and even a #1 Jazz Singer (Deborah E). From this background, she shares insights to help others overcome their challenges and succeed in their personal and professional lives.