#1: Reliable software
Backup firms, like any other service provider, will promise the world. But actually delivering on all the promises (simple backup configuration, HIPAA-compliant security, easy recovery, seamless integration in Windows, etc.) is another matter altogether.

I’ve sampled and deployed automated backup services from a number of providers. Some that propose to provide easy 1-2-3 backup operations fail to run, prove incompatible on server platforms, or generate cryptic errors.

Backups are too important to trust to chance. Make sure that the backup software you deploy works well on the OS platforms you require. Many automated offsite backup services run best on Windows XP, while others perform well on Windows Vista and Windows server OSes. The only way to really know is to test a service’s application before rolling it out on production systems. That’s why item #8 (free trials) is so important, but more on that in a moment.

#2: Storage plans that meet your needs
Some offsite backup services bill by the gigabyte. That’s fine. There’s no trouble there, other than the fact that the fee structure makes budgeting backup costs more difficult.

Other service providers, though, sell accounts with specific storage limits (100MB, 4GB, 10GB, etc.) and flat fees. Those plans work well and simplify budgeting, at least until organizations unexpectedly exceed their storage limits.

Look for service providers with storage limits or pricing plans that meet your organization’s needs while also proving flexible. Remote Data Backups, for example, makes it easy (just a few clicks) to upgrade from a 4GB account to a 10GB plan (or from a 10GB to a 30GB account). Clients need only pay the difference between the two storage plans (not start from scratch).

#3: Stellar reporting tools
A leading benefit of automated backup services is peace of mind. Knowing critical data is automatically being backed up offsite is more than just a relief. With critical data safely secured, you can move on to addressing other tasks.

IT professionals, though, are typically (and rightfully so) a skeptical crowd. So they want, or require, more than just a promise that critical data is being backed up; they need confirmation.

Only with detailed and accurate backup reporting (Figure A) can you be sure that systems and data are being properly backed up. Insist on file-level reporting with any backup service provider. In addition to a daily list of every file that’s backed up, look for reporting tools that list file sizes, time of transfer, and any error details.

Figure A

Remote Data Backups creates log files that track numerous details about each file that’s backed up.
#4: An approachable backup application
The backup application itself must be easy to use and as close to foolproof as possible. Many leverage Windows Explorer-like interfaces (Figure B), where you just need to check boxes for those files and folders that require backing up.

Take advantage of a trial period. Work first hand with the software. Confirm the service’s backup application and interface are sufficiently simple to avoid confusion but flexible enough to meet the organization’s needs.

Figure B

The Mozy Backup tool features a simple Explorer-like interface for specifying which files/folders should be backed up.
In most cases, backup software isn’t Microsoft Exchange aware (or can’t properly back up active databases). In such circumstances, confirm that you can automate an Exchange or database backup (using Windows’ built-in or another locally installed backup program) and have the alternative backup program park copies of the backups it creates in folders the backup provider’s software can accommodate. Better yet, seek backup applications that can manage active database and e-mail systems’ data (but be prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege — I’ve yet to find one that justifies the cost).

#5: Simple recovery
When hard disks fail, users accidentally delete files, or other systems errors occur, IT professionals need to be able to recover files quickly. Conduct tests of backup providers’ recovery functions to confirm that file recovery is simple, fast, and secure.

In other words, make sure it’s easy for you to recover data that’s been backed up offsite but that unauthorized parties won’t be able to do the same.

#6: Secure file transfer
Security has always been an issue with backups. Whether strategies involved giving one set of IT pros backup rights and another set restoration privileges, organizations have always struggled for a reasonable balance between security and operational efficiency when addressing backup issues.

Security remains a concern when selecting an automated offsite backup provider. Insist on deploying a service that meets HIPAA and SOX/Accounting security requirements. Most backup providers support at least 128-bit AES encryption and SSL security. Don’t work with a provider offering anything less.

Further, when creating automated offsite backup accounts, protect the account information (and recovery hashes or passwords) carefully. Distribute such keys sparingly and change them whenever technology employees leave the organization.

#7: 24/7 support
Disk failures and other data loss episodes don’t always occur during office hours, and they almost always require repair and recovery operations after hours (to minimize disruption to other users). Thus, you should confirm that your backup service provider’s technicians will be available when you need them most. Many backup providers boast 24/7 support. Before signing any contracts or purchasing service, make sure you’ll be able to reach its support personnel during odd hours should troubleshooting assistance ever be required.

#8: Free trials
The best way to determine whether an offsite backup provider works well for your organization is to sample its wares. Not only should you test the backup software application, support procedures, and reporting tools, but you should conduct a test recovery as well.

Only by walking through the process (creating an account, installing the backup client application, running backup operations, contacting technical support, reviewing report files, and performing a data restore) can you accurately determine whether a backup service provider offers an approachable backup program, quality support, and reliable reporting and recovery processes. Also, potential incompatibilities (between data files, databases, Windows, and the actual backup software itself) are too numerous to ever reasonably forecast, so the process of testing online backup tools on systems with similar configurations to those running in production environments will help eliminate any surprises and potential downtime when the time for real-world deployment arrives.

#9: Version tracking
Several backup providers support the ability to maintain multiple file versions. The ability to go back and reference several versions of a particular file can prove quite valuable.

When simple backup operations run, files from the previous backup (such as those backed up the night before) are written over. Most organizations back up data daily (at night). With such backup schedules, little time exists to discover errors (such as an accountant realizing he or she entered incorrect data in a budget file). If such errors aren’t caught within a day, of course, the budget file with the correct data will be written over by the file containing errors that night. With versioning file systems, several versions (or historical copies) of the same file can be maintained to recover from just such mistakes.

Look for this feature. It can bail out harried users who mistakenly corrupt good data.

#10: E-mail alerts
Numerous distractions demand IT professionals’ attention. Whether failed routers, nonfunctioning remote connections, new user accounts, or other common break/fix issues arrest your workday, backup operations must still be monitored. Unfortunately, in the heat of putting out fires and attending other crises, it’s easy to overlook backup issues until it’s too late.

Some offsite backup providers support sending alerts, bringing your attention to problems via e-mail. Without this feature, you might remain unaware that backups are failing or larger issues exist. By insisting on selecting a backup provider that supports forwarding e-mail alerts when backups fail or encounter errors, organizations can ensure their IT staff stays on top of backup operations and receive SOS messages when troubles do arise.

As the saying goes you only get one chance to make a good first impression and in today’s crowded marketplace, first impressions are as important as ever. Gone are the days when a logo on headed paper equalled good branding. A brand is not just a logo; more importantly it is a representation of your company ethos and personality. This includes your style of design, your execution of that design, your attitude, your marketing and your internal policies.

Branding is a complex subject and getting your corporate or product identity, look and feel consistent from the beginning puts you on a good foundation for the future. Simplicity is the key, even if your messages are complex, the way you communicate them can still be simple. This guide outlines stages of the design process to ensure that you get the most from a branding exercise.

The process…

The Strategic Decision

An important step when considering a re-brand is to consider who your key audience is and what you wish to communicate to them. What are your messages and why do customers need to know them? Once these questions are answered the re-branding process becomes easier and far more effective.

The Design Selection Process

The selection process can be a daunting task and some people shy away at this point. However, with careful planning and helpful advice, selecting the right design agency can be straightforward and hassle-free. There are numerous design agencies offering a variety of services and it is important to decide on a dedicated design business in addition to who you also feel offers the best working partnership. Professional agencies should all have a website, which provides an introductory insight into the style and culture of the agency and a gallery of previous design work. This said, nothing beats face to face contact. Once you have researched agencies, arrange a meeting and request a presentation of portfolio and past work. This gives you the opportunity to see and touch previous design projects and also get a feel for the personalities involved. During this meeting you will also provide the agency with a brief of the project and outline what aims and objectives you are trying to achieve. This brief will form the foundation of written proposals and costings.

Implementation

Once you have selected an agency that you believe understands your requirements and can complete the project on budget, the design process will begin. A reputable agency will provide more than one visual solution for you to choose from presented through a range of devices (e.g. stationery set, signage, website etc) and this option when chosen is not set in stone – options can be adapted and amended where possible. Open communication between designer and client is essential at this point, as any misunderstandings will prolong and complicate what can be a simple process. Once your creative solution has been agreed and art-worked, the device will then come back to you for final sign-off. It is vital to proof read your material in detail as any mistakes missed at sign-off stage are the clients’ responsibility and could lead to further costs.

Finally…

Remember that your brand needs to be consistent across all corporate marketing and advertising materials; not only on your letterheads, compliment slips and business cards but also on signage, leaflets, brochures, email signatures, PowerPoint presentations and crucially your website. A different logo, font or colour across the business causes confusion amongst your target audience and gives out the impression of disorganisation.

So to summarise:

• Identify your key brand values and messages

• Ensure consistency across the brand

• Take ownership of the brand

• Involve all staff members in the process

• Communicate your brand wherever possible

• Always meet and exceed brand promises

• Don’t be afraid to make changes to move with the market

The process will take time, money and attention to detail – but the impact on your business will reach much further than you think.

Panel participants that sign-up for the Synovate Global Information Panel can influence manufacturer’s efforts to improve existing offerings. Panelists actively test consumer goods and help design new products, while getting the chance to win huge rewards each month including cash prizes…up to £2500

Visit Synovate and become a panel member now!

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Free Classifieds with VivaStreet

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Since my last mention, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s book has reached new heights of recognition within the social networking and blogging community. Personally, I think anyone looking to do business online, or work with anyone online, this is a must read. It’s great from start to finish and you will keep coming back to it.

Guaranteed.

Here’s what the Amazon.com editorial had to say about it:

How to tap the power of social software and networks to build your business

In Trust Agents, two social media veterans show you how to tap into the power of social networks to build your brand’s influence, reputation, and, of course, profits. Today’s online influencers are web natives who trade in trust, reputation, and relationships, using social media to accrue the influence that builds up or brings down businesses online.

The book shows how people use online social tools to build networks of influence and how you can use those networks to positively impact your business. Because trust is key to building online reputations,, those who traffic in it are “trust agents,” the key people your business needs on its side.

• Delivers actionable steps and case studies that show how social media can positively impact your business
• Written by authors with over ten years of online media experience
• Shows you how to build and wield influence online to benefit your brand
• Combines high-level theory with practical step-by-step guidance

If you want your business to succeed, don’t sit on the sidelines. Instead, use the Web to build trust with your consumers using Trust Agents.

From the Inside Flap

There’s no question that the Internet has changed the way we do business—especially when it comes to marketing. Consumer environments are short on trust and populated by consumers who are cynical, savvy, and informed. Though it’s easier than ever to reach your customers, it’s less likely that they’ll listen. Today, the most valuable online currency isn’t the dollar, but trust itself.

At the same time, social networks and personal connections have far more influence on consumers than your marketing messages ever will—unless your business knows how to harness them. In Trust Agents, two social media veterans show you how to tap into the power of these networks to build your brand’s influence, reputation, and profits.

Trust agents aren’t necessarily marketers or salespeople; they’re the digitally savvy people who use the Web to humanize businesses using transparency, honesty, and genuine relationships. As a result, they wield enough online influence to build up or bring down a business’s reputation. This book will show you how to build profitable relationships with trust agents, or become one yourself.

In an online world defined by its transparency, becoming a trust agent is no easy task, but once you’ve established your reputation, you can build influence, share it, and reap the benefits of it for your business. When you’ve learned a trust agent’s secrets, your words can carry more power and more weight than any PR firm or big corporate marketing department.

Learn to use the power of the Web and social networks for your business now. Trust Agents gives you all the tools and strategies you need to do it the right way—honestly, effectively, and profitably.

Here’s what Seth Godin (best selling author and marketing extraordinaire) thought:

“Wow! Every once in a while you find a book that is asit up in your chair, take notes, tell your friends, change your lifebreakthrough. This is that book. No kidding, you can trust me”

“This one’s a keeper. If you do business online (or do business with people who have ever been online) or know someone who once used a computer, I strongly suggest you get smart about the ideas in this book”~ Seth Godin, author of Tribes

Get Your Copy Now!

• Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
• I also recommend ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darren Rowse

If anyone has read either of these books, let me know what you think. Always good to hear from you!

Technorati Tags: chris brogan, julien smith, trust agent, trust agents

I invite EVERYONE to share their #1 Rule In Business.

Please leave a comment. If I get enough I may even get a poll going.

I believe that you should only choose a business that you believe in. Even more-so if it’s something that you enjoy. The reason I separated those two points is that it’s very easy to back a product that you know works, and has worked for you. It can also be easy to back a product that pays you the highest royalties. But as we aren’t all sporting celebrities I’ll concentrate on the products that work. But to increase the longevity of your business, you need to enjoy what your doing also. Be honest with yourself, brutally in fact. Think about your strengths and weaknesses as this type of analysis is crucial in building strong foundations for your business. Neglecting  them could be your downfall.

The same goes for blogging!

All the top bloggers will agree that blogging with the sole purpose of making money is ridiculously hard becuase your content (WHICH RULES ALL) should stem from an interest that you have some knowledge about. A topic that you can enthusiastically discuss with likeminded individuals, some of which will be new to the theme, others maybe professionals in the field.

I wanted to have as many open discussions with as many people as possible, always willing to learn.

You don’t have to be a pro (I’m not), but it’s important to be able to immerse yourself in a topic. Your content will flow more clearly and consistently and the interaction with your readers will build on your willingness to share, listen and learn.

At the outset of any business venture, a hands-on approach is advised. Making sure you have a handle on every facet of the business as you nurture it is important not only to gauge the growth of the business, but of your experience in dealing with scenarios. Be prepared to sacrifice a large amount of time to see your vision through. Web-based business can be less time consuming, but not always so don’t think that online business is the easier option. These sacrifices will be worth it if you enjoy what you’re doing. 

It’s like working on an old car. There are so many things that need to be maintained and loads can go wrong (usually at the same time), but if you’re a petrol head, it’s great! Troubleshooting the problems and fixing the bugs give you that rush of accomplishment. All crowned when you polish the last bit of paintwork and step back and admire your hard work.

[And then one of the wing mirrors or hubcaps falls off and you're back to work]

But you love it. So hey!

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Many marketing departments are making a similar mistake with corporate blogs. They perceive them as a way to generate new traffic, when that is not their primary role. Admittedly, the keyword-heavy nature of a blog will help your organic rankings, but that is a secondary benefit.

To generate traffic, you need to sincerely commit to your blog, establish a relationship with your readers and engage them in conversations.

More soon!

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Social networking websites have lost some of their “cool” factor with younger users and are on their way to becoming the preserve of the middle-aged, according to figures published by Ofcom.

The proportion of British 15- to 24-year-olds with a profile on a social networking site such as Facebook or MySpace fell for the first time last year from 55 per cent to 50 per cent, according to the communications regulator.

(Source) FT.com - You will have to register/log in to read the rest of the FT article.

• Facebook and Bebo risk ‘infantilising’ the human mind - The Guardian
• Middle-aged learning to love social networking site - The Telegraph
• Losing Their Cool: The Downside of Expanding Hot Social Networking Sites - Knowledge @ Wharton

Technorati Tags: facebook, MySpace, Ofcom, social networking

Rupert Murdoch has vowed to charge for all the online content of his newspapers and television news channels, going well beyond his prediction in May that the company would test pay models on one of its stronger papers within the year.

The comments by News Corp’s chairman came as he predicted a “high single digit” rebound in the group’s operating profits next year. The worst of the media sector slump might be behind the company, he said, as he reported “some good signs of life” in advertising.

(Source) FT.com - You will have to register/log in to read the rest of the FT article.

Newspaper and television revenues would be down “very low double digits” next year, but growth in cable properties such as Fox News would leave advertising revenues flat and total revenue up 4 per cent.

“We intend to charge for all our news websites,” Mr Murdoch said.

Declines in revenue and profit across television and newspaper assets offset strong gains from cable networks businesses in the quarter, in which News Corp’s cash pile grew to $6.5bn.

90% of small and medium-sized businesses use QuickBooks.

Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 offers improved online banking tools; Live Community user-assisted help; Company Snapshot screen for quick business overview; a free Web site for one year; support for international payments and most world currencies; better client data-review tools for accountants.

Personally I think every freelancer or entrepreneur should be tracking their finances and company growth accurately. With the Enertia blog, we are able to offer a discount to all readers, registered or otherwise.

Over 4.4 million freelancers, consultants, accountants and small businesses worldwide use QuickBooks finance software, payroll solutions and additional small business finance services to help track money going in & out of their businesses. That leads to increased profitability – which is exactly what we’re all looking for in this economy, isn’t it?

So be your own boss. Do what you love. And keep your books neat, tidy & helpful along the way – with QuickBooks financial management software.

• Limited Offer – 10% OFF all QuickBooks Accounting Software

Alternatively,

• Download & use this FREE version for as long as it fits your business’s needs. It’s not a trial, so you can use it for a month, six months, a year…

Technorati Tags: invoicing, Quickbooks