August 2009
In this issue

> Make Social Networking
    Work
> 3.0 Software Upgrade
> Successful IT Projects
> Printing Tips to Save
    Money
> Boost Your Creativity
    At Work
> Just for Laughs
 

 

How to Boost your Creativity
at Work
reprinted with permission from HP Small Business Center

When you think of "creativity", you might immediately think of artists, musicians or designers. But the fact is that creativity is a useful tool in all sorts of occupations, from accounting to engineering to teaching. Creativity is the fuel for new products, systems, and better ways of getting work done.

According to Dr. Warren Bennis, a respected American scholar, organizational consultant and an expert in the field of leadership studies, "The organizations of the future will increasingly depend on the creativity of their members to survive. And the leaders of those organizations will be those who find ways both to retain their talented and independent-minded staffs and to set them free to do their best, most imaginative work . . . In a truly creative collaboration, work is pleasure, and the only rules and procedures are those that advance the common cause."

The value of developing and encouraging creativity in the workplace is clear. But how can you boost your creative contributions?

Here are a few techniques you may want to try.

 

 

 

Please forward this newsletter to anyone else in your organization who might be interested!

Make Social Networking Work:  7 Tips
by Christopher Elliott
reprinted with permission from the Microsoft Small Business Center

Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter connect millions of like-minded people every day through the Web. But did you know they also can help your small business connect with customers?

"Social networking can help promote a small business in two ways," says Susan Barnes, a professor and associate director for at Rochester Institute of Technology's Lab for Social Computing. "Loyal customers can create small networks and provide testimonials for the business and employees can share information with each other through social networks."

More than half of all small-business owners believe social networking sites have a place
in the business world, according to a 2008 survey by SurePayroll. And one in five companies has generated business from a social media site.

What's the appeal of social networking?
Apple iPhone users - Get the 3.0 Software Upgrade

Apple released software version 3.0 for the iPhone in June. Along with it comes the 3Gs model iPhone with faster processor, more memory, voice commands, and video recording capabilities.

If you are a current iPhone user you will certainly want to update to the 3.0 code. There are several new features that have been a long time in coming. . .

  • Landscape view for Mail
  • Copy and Paste
  • Spotlight for searching the iPhone content
  • Voice recording
  • Faster Safari web browser

See http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupdate  for more details.

5 Essential Keys to Successful IT Projects
reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

Despite being a hot topic in business for many years, the truth is that project management still isn't well understood among many businesses. And the success rate of projects appears to be lower than ever. According to The Standish Group's April report, "CHAOS Summary 2009," 44 percent of all projects are late, over budget, and/or have less than the required features and functions. Even worse, 24 percent fail altogether - either cancelled prior to completion, or delivered and never used.

"These numbers represent a downtick in the success rates from the previous study, as well as a significant increase in the number of failures," says Jim Crear, Standish Group CIO. "They are a low point in the last five study periods. This year's results represent the highest failure rate in over a decade."

Some experts and analysts have disputed the accuracy of these statistics, but there are few who would argue that the use of basic project management best practices can help ensure that IT projects don't end up in the bin. Here, some simple points to keep in mind.

Top Printing Tips to Save Money
reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

It's a common sight in many offices: wastebaskets filled to the brim with paper. Look next to any desk or printer, and you're likely to find a stack of misprints, extra copies and other discarded paper waste.

So here are a few things to keep in mind before you send that next job to the printer - and a few tips to keep costs down when you do need to print.

Just for Laughs


 

Quote of the Month

"Social Notworking" -
The art of using Facebook, MySpace and Twitter during work hours.

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