Annie's Biztalk posts

Who killed Google Maps ~ and what have you found to replace it?

In our biz we have used Google Maps as lifeline, basically. Did we fully realize and appreciate how much this tool supported our work before some mastermind decide to completely TANK this great tool....nope.

What have you found to replace the now-basically-useless changes to Google Maps? What we utilized were:

1) adaptable maps per destination....not absurd turn-by-turn maps only.

2) great access to multiple stops ~ the trip planner feature.

3) drag-a-route adjustments for us to personalize or adapt for known construction, better flow roads, etc.

4) oh SO MANY other details that we now bump into at each attempt to use Google Maps that we don't even know exactly what the change was ~ yet simply know it is clumsy. This was a no-need-for-improvement tool that has now become a waste of time. Can Yahoo Maps REALLY now be a better tool than Google Maps...that's nuts.

We'll love to hear what you Bizniks have found that works as a mapping system ought to in this stage of their evolution!

FTP reccommendation?

I need to send some files that are too large to email and an FTP site was suggested. Starting at Google, I found dozens of options.

Since any savvy techie can design something that looks trustworthy ~ I'm hoping some Biznik friends can guide me to some truly secure, reliable and easy-to-use options.

Thanks!

But I don't fit the BizEvent mold!?!?

I have enjoyed the range of events always available via Biznik and the wide range of members hosting these. And I've loved the couple events I have hosted ~ all Happy Hour/Meet-and-Greet events. And where I wholeheartedly believe in getting indies together to chat, support, get to know one another ~ I WANT MORE!

As our business continues to grow, we see the immense value of the service we provide to busy professionals and families. Yet, we don't really fit the "host an event" mold that Biznik events other than a simply social gathering.

My question is ~ how do we non-consultants or financial advisers provide meaningful informative events without simply fudging the rules? I love happy hour as much as the next person, yet I want to share the wisdom from our business expertise, as well.

I am trying to present this topic without a shameless plug for what our sessions would cover ~ yet if someone asks, I'll be happy to offer some examples of what we teach/present at other groups (Retirement Homes, Real Estate Offices, Community centers, etc.).

MYOB or Quickbooks for Mac business owners?

Is anyone out there using MYOB for their business bookkeeping? We are Mac-based and have a day-labor type of workforce. Our fabulous bookkeeper is not a Mac fan, and we'd hate to lose her. However, we are bumping into the well-known frustrations of QB being adapted to, not designed for, Mac.

My brain has spent an afternoon with the frustration, so I'm not expressing this very clearly. So - ask me questions if you have insight but need more info. Or ~ simply share your pros-cons from your experience.

Thanks!

Anyone have CitySearch advertising success?

We canceled our CitySearch advertising in February due to lack of results - even though we were emphatically told "Movers is one of the 3 most common requests searched on CitySearch!".

This was EXPENSIVE advertising and I am shocked how little we got out of it (read "zilch!") for the number of times it comes up when I am service-searching.

In addition, I had an awful time getting tech support when I couldn't log in to read our stats. And, when I finally did, the site was "temporarily unavailable" many times I tried to log in.

I'd like to hear other people's success or lack of with CitySearch advertising and service.

And . . . I'd like all that money back we wasted!

Moving from sole Prop LLC to a Partnership LLC

As of early December, Assisted Transitions has taken on a (fabulous!) partner. We are finalizing the Partnership agreement and looking for any input, warnings, heads-up specifically regarding the MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE of the business.

Ideas...???? Warnings...???

Considering a back-up laptop purchase?

This opportunity might be just the right time to buy that spare laptop - the one for those dusty days, dirty workshops, nervous-to-bring-your-expensive laptop times.

One learning child. One connected child. One laptop at a time.

The mission of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child. In order to accomplish our goal, we need people who believe in what we’re doing and want to help make education for the world’s children a priority, not a privilege. Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. During this time, you can donate the revolutionary XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, and also receive one for the child in your life in recognition of your contribution.

http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/index.php

Voice transcription for Mac

I've been looking for a digital voice recorder that works with a Mac so that I can "talk" into it and it will then transcribe it as text on to my Mac - but it would be oodles of text as I'm intending to write a book and think more creatively when I'm talking versus typing at the keyboard.

Anyone know of a reasonably priced tool that can do this??

Thanks much!

Double-up on network

As much as I love Mona Sterling the Rock Goddess, she shows up twice in my network on the new site.

Friend looking for help starting company....

A friend sent this email. Anyone out there have good ideas of where to direct her?

*Do you know of any volunteer places that would like to help people start companies or small businesses and if yes, please send me the web-site? *

Power and Joy of Manifesting

I have long wanted a partner in my business. From the earliest ideas ~ I never felt the need or desire to do this 100% on my own. Biznik and my accountability group (8 indie women that meet monthly) have kept me sane and alive at times I would have otherwise collapsed, given up or said "F it, I'm moving to Mexico".

Still, I have longed for someone to team with who really gets my business intentions and ethics, and wants to dive in and grow this thing with me.

Well ~ as of this morning, I have a partner. She is more than I could have hoped for and a better fit than I cold have designed.

For those of you beating your head on some aspect of your business, I have found the power of manifesting to be true ~ and WOW am I thrilled! No huge wisdoms to share - simply passing along that I was so ready to give up recently - yet talked with people about my desires and explored options and re-defined goals and POOF - here the perfect person approaches me and my whole energy is rejuvenated and I am, once again, thrilled to be doing this business!

"you've got mail" icon won't go away

Hiya ~

I've cleared all my new messages and tasks, and for several days the envelope icon won't go away as it normally does.

Small Business Owners who gross 50K-80K

I just received this email ~ may pertain to MANY of you! ~ Annie

Dear Small Business Owner in Seattle - Folks who gross 50K-80Kplease read and reply

Dear Small Business Owner, There is new proposed legislation in the 2008 City of Seattle Budget that will reduce the taxes paid for businesses grossing between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Currently, only businesses with revenues above $50,000 are required to pay business license tax. This new legislation will allow businesses with revenues of up to $80,000 to be exempt from this tax. This change has the potential to save business owners grossing between $50,000 and $79,999 between $174 - $332 per year, depending on the nature of their business. We are currently looking to talk with business owners who would benefit from this change and who might be interested in testifying at a public hearing on October 10th at 5:30 pm in support of it. Please contact me at tina.vlasaty@seattle.gov or (206)684-3348 to discuss your availability and interest in helping to support this proposal. Sincerely, Tina Vlasaty ---------------------------------------------------------- Tina Vlasaty Senior Community Development Specialist Office of Economic Development 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5752 PO Box 94708 Seattle, WA 98124-4708 Direct: 206-684-3348 Fax: 206-684-0379 Warmly, Bettina Carey, Speaker & Founder & Executive Producer Women In Small Biz & Bettina Carey Productions Women's Empowerment Summit, June 8, 2008 - Seattle, WA Women In Small Biz Women's Business Matchmaking Expo, August 26-27, 2008 - Seattle, WA Phone: 206-349-4297 Email: Bettina@WomenInSmallBiz.com

Rethinking Housing Lecture Series

Lisa Cohen & I are teaming for the 3rd session of a 4-part series on Senior Housing Options hosted by Greenwood Senior Center.

If you have aging parents and you are not sure about the best next-steps, this can be a very useful seminar series!

For full information on the series, please go to: www.greenwoodseniorcenter.org

October 11 How to Transition Effectively Annie Jacobsen, MA Assisted Transitions, Personalized Move Management

and

Lisa Cohen Archivist and Records Manager

Through years of experience, training and research, Annie and Lisa have compiled many tips and techniques to simplify the process of transitioning to a new living environment. They will share ways to work with family dynamic issues both emotionally and financially, time and stress saving techniques, how to maximize estate value, how to simplify paper-work by determining which files need to be kept, and more.

Greenwood Senior Center is located: 525 N. 85th St, Seattle For more information call 206-297-0875 and ask for Molly.

New feaures for Fall

Once again Dan, Lara and John ~ I am awed by and love the masterpiece you've created!

And you just keep making it better ~ great new features for Fall! I was about to log out for the night and saw Dan's email....and I just had to test the new signature with all Biznik posts.

The partner businesses are solid choices, too. Such good fits for Biznik!

Declining a "join my network"

Is there an option to decline a "join my network" invite without blocking the member? I have been asked to join several networks - but from people I have no experience with, and I don't want to "vouch" for without knowing.....seems to defeat the purpose!

Thanks much.

Bay Area Bizniks ~ Let's have a Happy Hour!

Hey Bay Area ~

Having lived in the Bay Area for 8 years, I returned to my Seattle roots in 1993. I often come visit, and thought I'd check out the Biznik scene while I'm there.

I had the GREAT fortune of meeting Biznik early 2006, and it has been, hands down, the most educational, enjoyable and profitable venture in the 3 years of my business! If some of you want to get together and talk about the great potential Biznik holds for the Bay Area, let me know. I'd be glad to share all I've experienced and learned as Biznik Seattle has taken over this city's indie population.

I will be in town the 14th - 21st of September, staying in the Oakland area mostly. Maybe there is a good Berkeley spot someone would suggest...and co-host with me?

Hope to stir some interest!

Annie

Mac-users and Entourage

I hear Entourage is no longer being supported, and slowly dying away. The few bugs that have begun popping up seem to prove this true.

Besides the dreadful (at least it was for years) iCal, what email and contact systems are you other Mac people using? Preferably not windows-based, but that's not completely ruled out, either.

Thanks much!

Mac useres ~ do you prefer a Blackberry or Palm Treo?

As I bitch and moan through "user rating" sites on the web, I realize I've got a group right here I can ask directly.

I hate my stupid Motorola/Verizon phone. I like my Verizon service.

For work I always have my digital camera, my Palm for contacts and calendar, and of course my phone. So I'm thinking of stepping up to an all-in-one. Geez, how behind the curve am I? At least I know it...

So, I have been trying to decide between a Blackberry and a Treo. Any Mac users have pros/cons to share?

One more thing ~ I've been using Entourage, but am moving to basic Mail and iCal since Entourage for Mac isn't being support any longer.

THANKS!

I've become a JOTT addict

Have you met JOTT, yet? I was surprised to find no Biz Talk on this great FREE beta web/cell/email tool.

Basically, (using my techo-dunce level of knowledge) this system turns a voice mail you leave into a transcribed message in your email. I'm an addict.

I've been using this about 3 months and LOVE IT! If you talk too fast, it's too noisy, etc. - there is a "listen" option where you can try and figure out what the hell you said, cause the software didn't quite figure out your mutterings. I have signed my assistant up, and can leave her on-the-fly requests as I'm driving, which she then has all the details about in her email.

No more note-taking while I'm driving. Reminders are a breeze. And, the transcriptions are a good chuckle sometimes.

This beta site was started by 4 guys here in Seattle late 2006.

http://jott.com/

Hope this is as great for you as I've found it!