Instead of panicking I was able to continue working on client projects! I was prepared for this eventuality since nothing lasts for ever least of all computers! I was able to work off an interim computer using my backup system whilst my primary computer was being repaired.
As I think about what a nightmare it could have been for me and my business without a backup system in place, I decided to share with you how I was able to continue to run my business as usual. I hope this month's featured article below will get you thinking about YOUR backup strategy for your business if your computer fails!
Is Your Business Protected From A Computer Glitch?
In today's business world we have come to rely on technology to get things done quickly. The core of any business is a computer. The information on our computers are vital to our business. It contains information about our customers, mailing lists, orders, invoices, accounting documents, bank statements, credit card statements, etc. We are all trying to do our part to save the environment by storing our documents electronically these days. What would happen to your business if suddenly one day your computer fails to work?
As a Virtual Assistant I handle a wide variety of documents and information on behalf of my clients. Data plays a big part of what I do so I made sure I had a back up system in place in the event of a catastrophe and recently that back up system was put to the test!
With my back up system I was able to continue working for my clients off an interim computer whilst my regular computer was being repaired.
Below are some key areas of my business that I included in my back up system. Areas you might like to consider for your business also:
- Back up all your client's files to an external drive for easy retrieval when using an interim computer and then to restore to your regular computer when it has been repaired or replaced. Do the same for all the other important documents for your business that is kept electronically on your computer.
- Create a copy of your calendar online - this will make things easy if you have to work off an interim computer with Internet access.
- Create a copy of your contacts on your cell phone or online - this allows you to easily retrieve information whilst you are on the road or working off an interim computer.
- Use an email service that also provides access to your emails through the web - you will still be able to access archived and recent emails through the web on any computer.
- Use an online service for billing your clients - this will allow you to continue to get paid for your services in the event your computer is down.
- Use free online services to keep track of your To-Do's and projects - you can access your information from your desktop computer/laptop, your cell phone and on the web.
- Extended warranty for your computer - if you are not technically savvy with computer hardware and troubleshooting problems, consider purchasing an extended warranty that also covers parts and labor.
TwitBlock - ridding the Twitterverse of spam
TwitBlock allows you to analyze Twitter usernames to see if they are spammers and allows you to block them from your followers or confirm that they are not a spammer.
The worst spammers get scores into the thousands, so make sure this is spam before you block!
It allows you to also scan all your followers to see who are spammers and then you can block them from following you. You can try them out at TwitBlock it's FREE!
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