Daily Tips: 5 Minute Lessons

Getting the Most Out of Social & Business Networking

Here's some tips on getting started for beginners and advanced.

GETTING STARTED & SET-UP

1. PC Versus Macintosh (051109)
   o The Ashland Resource Center is platform neutral so it doesn't matter if you're using a PC or a Macintosh.
   o Your keyboard and mouse may vary though in function from PC to Macintosh
   o For example you can take a cropped "screen shot" of any photo or graphic on a Macintosh keyboard with the "Apple+Shift+4" keys combined. Then select the area to crop and hit "Return."
2. Web 1.0 Versus Web 2.0 (051209)
   o Learn about evolving website requirements and the distinction between Web 1.0 Versus Web 2.0 platforms BEFORE you build a website or ENGAGE in social or business networking
   o Web 1.0 = Static content, limited functionality, no outreach capacity, an expense
   o Web 2.0 = Dynamic content, robust features, continuously updated, communications and networking ability, income capability
   o The Ashland Resource Center is a dynamic, Web 2.0 platform with a powerful, back-end content management system to coordinate all member activities
3. Upgrading Your Browser (051309)
   o A browser is a program to access the Internet from your computer (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Flock).
   o A modern browser is essential for good performance. Use the most current version and keep them updated regularly. Older versions of Internet Explorer are buggy and don't work very well.
   o Migrate from Microsoft software and platforms whenever possible as they're not compliant with Web 2.0 standards
   o If you're having problems whatsoever upgrade to the most current version of Internet Explorer, or download another browser like Safari, Opera, Firefox or Flock. These are all free downloads.
   o Flock is my preferred browser as it's designed for social networking and has a sophisticated sidebar for tracking friends, accounts and rss feeds.
4. Beyond Email & Eliminating Spam (051409)
   o Email dependency is very limiting. Email was designed for one-to-one communications not collaboration. If you have a team larger than one person, then email alone is inadequate to manage your time, communications and efficiencies
   o Utilize project management and other systems for messaging beyond email such as BaseCamp
   o Most free, web-based email systems like Yahoo/MSN/Gmail are very limited in function. Manage your email with powerful spam filters from a your desktop with a free program like Thunderbird
   o Desktop systems like Thunderbird function compatibly with contact management systems such as HighRise as well
   o At GBDS.us we can migrate your personal or company email to an enterprise-grade, spam-free platform

BEGINNERS TIPS #1

1. Basics for Configuring "MyPage" (051809)
   o Once you've "SignUp" or "SignIn" you're ready to begin building your "MyPage." Remember to write down the email address and password you're using for each account in a secure location so you don't lose or forget them. This is a common mistake.
   o You may "Sign Up" for multiple accounts providing you have a unique email address for each. You can have one for yourself personally and another for your business.
   o If you haven't completed or updated your "Profile Questions" you can do this under "Settings" or in the box on your "MyPage." This is how others can learn a little bit about you. So if you intend to network and make friends leave enough information to "get acquainted" with others.
   o Find a good photo of yourself, or a company logo, size it to a minumum of 250 pixels by 250 pixels square and upload it under "Settings." Look for the photo icon. Follow instructions carefully. It's sure great to see photos of people with whom you desire to network and connect.
2. Forgot Which Email or Password You Used? (051909)
   o If you forgot which email you used, send one of the CO-ORGANIZERS a message and we can tell you which one you used.
   o If you forgot your password, go to "Sign In" at: http://www.ashlandresourcecenter.com/main/authorization/signIn?target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashlandresourcecenter.com%2F
   o Select "Forgot your password," enter your account email address: xxxx@xxxx/com and "Reset Password."
   o You will get an email with a link to reset your password.
3. Changing your URL (052009)
   o A URL is the address of any web destination you enter into your browser bar, then hit "Return"
   o Your "MyPage" URL is the web address for your "MyPage." You can change this under "Settings."
   o For example: www.ashlandresourcecenter.com/GlobalBusinessDevelopmentServices
4. Changing Email Notifcations and Privacy Settings (052109)
   o You can change which emails you receive from the Ashland Resource Center under "Settings/Emails."
   o You can change your privacy settings under "Settings/Privacy."

BEGINNERS TIPS #2

1. Getting Acquainted with your "MyPage" (052509)
   o This is your home page for social networking from the local geographical area in which you live on out to the larger networks such as Facebook and MySpace.
   o You can begin by double-clicking on the text of the "Title" box and change the text if you want.
   o You can move the "containers" or boxes around your "MyPage" by pointing your mouse on the title bar, holding and dragging the container elsewhere on the page.
   o You can begin arranging your "MyPage" by moving the "Activity" box from the top of the page to the top of the right column. Then open "Edit" and reduce the items from 16 to 4 (or none if you prefer).
2. Uploading photos and creating albums
   o
3. Embedding a video from YouTube or Google Video
   o
4. Authoring a blog
   o

ADVANCED TIPS #1

1. Design your "MyPage" by container
   o Web page, profile questions, photos, albums, videos, blogs, rss feed
2. Build a simple, yet powreful website on your "MyPage" in the "Text" box
   o What do you want to say about yourself?
   o How many hats are you wearing? Divide the web page into sections with <hr /> tags
   o Participate in "Building Your MyPage on ARC" class ($25) or private session ($45/hour)
3. Connecting your "MyPage" with your website and other social networks
   o Include links to your primary website, social network or blog under "Profile Questions"
   o Include other links to your website and e-commerce from your "Text" box
4. Configure Bookmarklet on Browser Toolbar
   o Open these links and drag these four bookmarklets to your Browser Toolbar from www.delicious.com/icresource/GBDS-bookmarklet

YOUR WEB TOOLBOX

1. Ashland Resource Center
2. Facebook
3. Delicious
4. BaseCamp
5. HighRise
6. CampFire

FORUM

• Testimonials in writing and by phone. Call (800) 640-5947
• Feedback and suggestions for improving our services
  o Donation or fee-based service

CONTESTS & PRIZES

• Best of Awards (photo. album, video, blog, flyer, ad)
• Special Offer: Every $25 donation this week includes a free ticket to Mirabai Ceiba and entry into our quarterly raffle with the 1st prize being an enterprise-grade website valued at $3,000