Quickly and easily create tables in Microsoft Word 2007 by typing a plus (+) to start the table and tab until you want the table cell or table to end and then press the enter key.
It's great way to really customize the column widths instead of using the insert table function.
Try it!
May 25, 2010
Microsoft PowerPoint – Slide Master
Are you taking advantage of the Slide Master?
The best tip I can give you about PowerPoint is to use the "Slide Master" page to design the style of your pages BEFORE you start designing your presentation.
This is the place to put your company logo, instead of placing it on every single slide put it on the slide master. This is also the place to set up all your fonts, size, and "slide color scheme". This will save you hours of extra work formatting every single slide
To access the Slide Master in 2007:
1. Click on View.
2. Click on Slide Master
The best tip I can give you about PowerPoint is to use the "Slide Master" page to design the style of your pages BEFORE you start designing your presentation.
This is the place to put your company logo, instead of placing it on every single slide put it on the slide master. This is also the place to set up all your fonts, size, and "slide color scheme". This will save you hours of extra work formatting every single slide
To access the Slide Master in 2007:
1. Click on View.
2. Click on Slide Master
May 20, 2010
Microsoft Excel - Navigate Quickly Using the Name Box
The Name Box in Excel can be used to quickly navigate to different cells in a spreadsheet. Although not necessary for worksheets that use only a few columns and rows, but for larger worksheets, it can be useful to have an easy ways of jumping from one area to the next.
Follow these steps:
1. Click on cell you would like to “name”. In Name Box which is located above Column A type in the “name” you want to call that cell. For example, Total Sum, because in your large spreadsheet you want to be able to go back to Total Sum frequently to see that number.
2. Press the ENTER key on the keyboard.
3. That cell is now “named” Total Sum. To navigate to that cell, use the drop down menu in the Name Box (above Column A); you will see all the cells that you have named.
It’s always great to find new ways to work as efficiently as possible.
Follow these steps:
1. Click on cell you would like to “name”. In Name Box which is located above Column A type in the “name” you want to call that cell. For example, Total Sum, because in your large spreadsheet you want to be able to go back to Total Sum frequently to see that number.
2. Press the ENTER key on the keyboard.
3. That cell is now “named” Total Sum. To navigate to that cell, use the drop down menu in the Name Box (above Column A); you will see all the cells that you have named.
It’s always great to find new ways to work as efficiently as possible.
May 19, 2010
YouTube Celebrated Its 5th Birthday
There wasn't a lot of fanfare but YouTube turned 5 this week. Definitely a prodigy! YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine. Yes, search engine. They're behind Google which, of course, is their parent company. They have over 2 billion views every day. Their videos cover everything from the mundane and silly to the profound and educational. With a $200 flip camera, everyone can be a film maker.
There are plenty of studies showing the value of video for small business. A short video can distinguish your web site from your competitors. An instructional video can establish you as the expert in your field. Testimonials can sway a prospect into deciding on your company.
There are plenty of studies showing the value of video for small business. A short video can distinguish your web site from your competitors. An instructional video can establish you as the expert in your field. Testimonials can sway a prospect into deciding on your company.
May 18, 2010
Microsoft Word “doc vs. docx”
When you open a document in Microsoft Office Word 2007 that was created in Microsoft Office Word 2003, Word 2002, or Word 2000, Compatibility Mode is turned on, and you see Compatibility Mode in the title bar of the document window. Compatibility Mode ensures that no new or enhanced features in Office Word 2007 are available while you are working with a document, so that people who are using previous versions of Word will have full editing capabilities.
You can work in Compatibility Mode or you can convert your document to the Office Word 2007 file format. The Word Convert command clears the compatibility options so that the document layout appears as it would if it had been created in Word 2007. If the file is in .doc format (Word 2003, 2002 & 2000), the Convert command also upgrades the file to the .docx (Word 2007) format.
Converting your document allows you to access the new and enhanced features in Office Word 2007. However, people who are using previous versions of Word may be prevented from or have difficulty editing certain portions of the document that were created by using new or enhanced features in Office Word 2007.
Microsoft 2007 users have the option to create and save files in either “doc” or “docx” format.
You can work in Compatibility Mode or you can convert your document to the Office Word 2007 file format. The Word Convert command clears the compatibility options so that the document layout appears as it would if it had been created in Word 2007. If the file is in .doc format (Word 2003, 2002 & 2000), the Convert command also upgrades the file to the .docx (Word 2007) format.
Converting your document allows you to access the new and enhanced features in Office Word 2007. However, people who are using previous versions of Word may be prevented from or have difficulty editing certain portions of the document that were created by using new or enhanced features in Office Word 2007.
Microsoft 2007 users have the option to create and save files in either “doc” or “docx” format.
May 16, 2010
"Got Your Back"
Over the past 14 years, Your Computer Lady has developed a system for working with clients that we call the “Got Your Back” process. Our goal has always been long term clients who come back to YCL over and over with a variety of projects. We want to reduce your frustration and headaches by stepping in to do projects so you are able to focus on what you do best – your real business. How do we do this?
- One point of contact – Though YCL has a network of experts for graphic design, web site programming, database creation, etc. you only deal with one person. This allows us to learn your business. We can pick up faster on a project. We learn details, special industry terms and personal preferences.
- Wide range of services – Our network gives us the means to have an amazing range of services to offer you. If we don’t do a particular job, we know who does!
- Online support – Within 15 seconds, we can set up an online meeting to look right at your computer. We can teach you how to use a software feature. We can fix a problem for you.
- Back ups – Your Computer Lady keeps extensive back up files. If you can’t find that brochure file from two years ago so it can be updated, we can!
- Large or small projects – We don’t care if it’s a big project with lots of hours or a small question that can be handled with an online training session.
We estimate that the “Got Your Back” process can save you on average 20% over doing a project yourself. Not sure? Give Pamela a call today and discuss the project you need finished.
May 14, 2010
10 Tips on Becoming a Better Presenter
Here is a link to a great article about “10 Tips to Becoming a Better Presenter”.
Your Computer Lady can put together your PowerPoint presentation to use as a marketing tool, but you need to sell yourself during the presentation.
Your audience should focus on you, and what you are saying, not your presentation. PowerPoint is just the tool. Take a look at this article to see how you can improve your presentation skills, and don’t forget Your Computer Lady can help you put together that great PowerPoint presentation.
Your Computer Lady can put together your PowerPoint presentation to use as a marketing tool, but you need to sell yourself during the presentation.
Your audience should focus on you, and what you are saying, not your presentation. PowerPoint is just the tool. Take a look at this article to see how you can improve your presentation skills, and don’t forget Your Computer Lady can help you put together that great PowerPoint presentation.
May 11, 2010
Microsoft Excel - Text Wrap
You can make text wrap to multiple lines in a cell rather than appearing as one long line of text. To set text wrapping, follow these easy steps:
1. Right Click a cell you want to use for text.
2. Choose Format Cells and click the Alignment Tab.
3. Under Text Control, select the Wrap Text check box, and then click OK.
Text entered into the selected cell automatically wraps to fit the cell. If you need to force a wrap at any given point, press Alt-Enter.
1. Right Click a cell you want to use for text.
2. Choose Format Cells and click the Alignment Tab.
3. Under Text Control, select the Wrap Text check box, and then click OK.
Text entered into the selected cell automatically wraps to fit the cell. If you need to force a wrap at any given point, press Alt-Enter.
May 6, 2010
Microsoft Word 2007 - Prevent Automatic Bulleted and Numbered Lists
Microsoft Word 2007 automatically creates bulleted and numbered lists as you type. While many people appreciate this feature, others would rather take more control over their document editing. Maybe you do not want the automatic formatting that comes with list creation, or maybe you prefer creating a list with actual asterisks.
To disable this automatic feature:
1. Access the Microsoft Word 2007 Options menu by clicking the “Office" button at the top-left of Microsoft Word.
2. Select "Proofing" in the left pane.
3. Underneath the "AutoCorrect options" section, click the "AutoCorrect Options" button.
4. When the "AutoCorrect" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab.
5. Underneath "Apply as you type", uncheck "Automatic bulleted lists" and "Automatic numbered lists".
6. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to save your settings.
You can always follow these steps if you decide to turn the automatic bullets and number lists “back on”.
To disable this automatic feature:
1. Access the Microsoft Word 2007 Options menu by clicking the “Office" button at the top-left of Microsoft Word.
2. Select "Proofing" in the left pane.
3. Underneath the "AutoCorrect options" section, click the "AutoCorrect Options" button.
4. When the "AutoCorrect" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab.
5. Underneath "Apply as you type", uncheck "Automatic bulleted lists" and "Automatic numbered lists".
6. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to save your settings.
You can always follow these steps if you decide to turn the automatic bullets and number lists “back on”.
Why a Business Should Buy Business-class Computers Not the Weekend Special
There are some great deals out there on PCs, laptops, printers and the other electronics we depend on. Really inexpensive hardware that can temp the business owner. But Digital Bridge Business Solutions urges you to use caution when hardware shopping. There are distinct differences in consumer electronics compared to business-class hardware. Making the right purchase can you save you big dollars in the long run.
Reputable manufacturers and retailers make clear distinctions between “home” or “business” products. Look for descriptors such as “student,” “home office,” or “small –medium business.” Compare carefully when you shop or ask Digital Bridge Business Solutions for assistance.
Obsolescence
All hardware is built with an obsolescence plan. The manufacturers know you will have to come back for new equipment. The timeframe is shorter on consumer electronics. When production stops, the manufacturer stops adding drivers for newer software or operating systems. So you have a computer that won’t run Windows 7 or a printer that won’t scan to Adobe Reader 10. Business-class hardware has an obsolescence plan but it is for a longer time frame. Manufacturers know they have to continue supporting the hardware after production because businesses keep their hardware longer and upgrade more often.
Consistency in components
Business-class hardware is built with more consistency. If you buy 5 or 50 PCs, all of their components will be the same. This is a huge advantage for your IT staff as they set up and maintain the equipment. They only need to know one set up, not 50 different configurations. Upgrades and repairs become much easier.
Expandability
Business-class hardware comes with room to grow and to upgrade. Since the PC will be used for a longer period of time, the manufacturer has to allow for the possibility of upgrading components (CD burner upgraded to DVD burner) or improving the capabilities (50GB hard drive replaced with a 500GB hard drive). Consumer electronics allow little or no expansion. What you see is what you get.
Durability
Business-class electronics are also built to withstand heavier use. It’s likely that they will be moved around in the office or carried frequently on business travel. Their longer lifespan is built in.
Security
While most of us think of security being managed by software programs, there are hardware enhancements that give business-class equipment extra protection. This protection is not included in consumer hardware.
Warranties
Every manufacturer’s warranties vary. But typically consumer electronics come with only a 1 year warranty as the manufacturer knows they are not going to be supporting the equipment long term. The warranty protects the manufacturer as much or more than it does the consumer. Business-class hardware, on the other hand, usually has a 3 year warranty. The warranties often cover more for business equipment.
Thinking long term will help you spend your hardware dollars wisely. Digital Bridge Business Solutions is always available to assist you with advice and recommendations.
from the May issue of the Digital Bridge Business Solutions newsletter
Reputable manufacturers and retailers make clear distinctions between “home” or “business” products. Look for descriptors such as “student,” “home office,” or “small –medium business.” Compare carefully when you shop or ask Digital Bridge Business Solutions for assistance.
Obsolescence
All hardware is built with an obsolescence plan. The manufacturers know you will have to come back for new equipment. The timeframe is shorter on consumer electronics. When production stops, the manufacturer stops adding drivers for newer software or operating systems. So you have a computer that won’t run Windows 7 or a printer that won’t scan to Adobe Reader 10. Business-class hardware has an obsolescence plan but it is for a longer time frame. Manufacturers know they have to continue supporting the hardware after production because businesses keep their hardware longer and upgrade more often.
Consistency in components
Business-class hardware is built with more consistency. If you buy 5 or 50 PCs, all of their components will be the same. This is a huge advantage for your IT staff as they set up and maintain the equipment. They only need to know one set up, not 50 different configurations. Upgrades and repairs become much easier.
Expandability
Business-class hardware comes with room to grow and to upgrade. Since the PC will be used for a longer period of time, the manufacturer has to allow for the possibility of upgrading components (CD burner upgraded to DVD burner) or improving the capabilities (50GB hard drive replaced with a 500GB hard drive). Consumer electronics allow little or no expansion. What you see is what you get.
Durability
Business-class electronics are also built to withstand heavier use. It’s likely that they will be moved around in the office or carried frequently on business travel. Their longer lifespan is built in.
Security
While most of us think of security being managed by software programs, there are hardware enhancements that give business-class equipment extra protection. This protection is not included in consumer hardware.
Warranties
Every manufacturer’s warranties vary. But typically consumer electronics come with only a 1 year warranty as the manufacturer knows they are not going to be supporting the equipment long term. The warranty protects the manufacturer as much or more than it does the consumer. Business-class hardware, on the other hand, usually has a 3 year warranty. The warranties often cover more for business equipment.
Thinking long term will help you spend your hardware dollars wisely. Digital Bridge Business Solutions is always available to assist you with advice and recommendations.
from the May issue of the Digital Bridge Business Solutions newsletter
May 5, 2010
Email Marketing and Your Web Site
Your web site should be the hub of all of your marketing efforts.
First step is to make sure your email template reflects your corporate branding and coordinates with your web site. Your Computer Lady created a template for MFS Event Technology that draws on elements of the web site to clearly link the monthly newsletter and the web site. Every marketing step you take needs to build on the previous step and prepare for the next step!
Template for the Newsletter
MFS Event web site
PS - MFS is one of the premiere audio visual providers in the Valley! Call Michael for assistance with your next event.
First step is to make sure your email template reflects your corporate branding and coordinates with your web site. Your Computer Lady created a template for MFS Event Technology that draws on elements of the web site to clearly link the monthly newsletter and the web site. Every marketing step you take needs to build on the previous step and prepare for the next step!
Template for the Newsletter
MFS Event web site
PS - MFS is one of the premiere audio visual providers in the Valley! Call Michael for assistance with your next event.
May 4, 2010
PowerPoint – No More than 5 Words Per Line
You should limit yourself to five lines of text per slide and no more than 5 words per line. Following this rule is a common practice among professional presenters. Most beginners like to fill their slides with text. In general, doing so is a BIG mistake.
Another rule is that the slides should be able to be read in less than 7 seconds. The bottom line is that the material that you put on your slides should only be your main points and not everything that you want to say.
When you put a lot of text on a slide, people will be reading what’s on the slide rather than hearing what you are saying. You should only put a lot of text on the screen when you want the people to read the slide and NOT listen to you.
In general "less is more" when deciding what text to put on your slides.
Another rule is that the slides should be able to be read in less than 7 seconds. The bottom line is that the material that you put on your slides should only be your main points and not everything that you want to say.
When you put a lot of text on a slide, people will be reading what’s on the slide rather than hearing what you are saying. You should only put a lot of text on the screen when you want the people to read the slide and NOT listen to you.
In general "less is more" when deciding what text to put on your slides.
Does Email Marketing Really Work?
Yes. Every time I send out a YCL newsletter I get responses. Not a lot. Not a million dollar project yet. But always a response. Someone will call, "I've been meaning to call you..." or "I didn't realize you did ___ until I saw it in the newsletter." Your Computer Lady's average Open Rate for the past 12 months is almost 27% which is well above the national average. We work hard to keep the quality of the newsletters high so people want to open them. The Office Tips and web site reviews are popular and encourage people to read the newsletter even if they don't have a project for YCL at the moment. When they open the newsletter, I have an opportunity.
Yes, it works. It requires thought and preparation but it works!
Yes, it works. It requires thought and preparation but it works!
Buscaglia Foundation Email Campaign & Focus Changes
A couple of small additions to the Leo Buscaglia Foundation newsletter were made to change the emphasis of the newsletter. The bi-monthly newsletter - which YCL has been creating for 2+ years - has been an education tool to help the readers/donors learn about the organizations the Foundation makes grants to. While this is a worthwhile purpose, the Foundation wanted to accomplish more with the newsletters.
First a section was added to encourage readers to share the newsletter with their friends and family. This is a great way to grow the email list. Most Email Service Providers automatically add a link to each newsletter to let readers forward the message. But YCL adds a link when possible near the top of the newsletter to make it easier to see.
Your Email Service Provider should include a list of Forwards in your traffic reports. PLEASE follow up with every person who forwards your emails. Thank them for taking the extra step. If at all possible, reward them in some way. It can be as simple as a thank you in the next newsletter, a personal call or a small gift.
CAUTION! You can not pay readers to forward your emails. I know that popped into your head! That is prohibited by the CAN-SPAM Act. But you can reward someone who forwards your messages.
Forwarding can be do in two ways. The preferable method is via your email service and the Forward link in your message. This allows the forward to be tracked. The other method is via your email client such as Outlook. You can always forward a newsletter as you would forward any other email. Forwards via a email client can't be tracked however.
The second change to the Buscaglia newsletter was a clear request for a donation. This follows the thinking of the oldest sales advice "Ask for the order!" So the Foundation added a section to the newsletter requesting a donation to help assist more organizations. It is definitely a soft sell but the logic does apply that if you never ask, you never receive. Same goes for all of our businesses!!
Here's a sample of the newsletter. What do you think?
The Leo Buscaglia Foundation web site
First a section was added to encourage readers to share the newsletter with their friends and family. This is a great way to grow the email list. Most Email Service Providers automatically add a link to each newsletter to let readers forward the message. But YCL adds a link when possible near the top of the newsletter to make it easier to see.
Your Email Service Provider should include a list of Forwards in your traffic reports. PLEASE follow up with every person who forwards your emails. Thank them for taking the extra step. If at all possible, reward them in some way. It can be as simple as a thank you in the next newsletter, a personal call or a small gift.
CAUTION! You can not pay readers to forward your emails. I know that popped into your head! That is prohibited by the CAN-SPAM Act. But you can reward someone who forwards your messages.
Forwarding can be do in two ways. The preferable method is via your email service and the Forward link in your message. This allows the forward to be tracked. The other method is via your email client such as Outlook. You can always forward a newsletter as you would forward any other email. Forwards via a email client can't be tracked however.
The second change to the Buscaglia newsletter was a clear request for a donation. This follows the thinking of the oldest sales advice "Ask for the order!" So the Foundation added a section to the newsletter requesting a donation to help assist more organizations. It is definitely a soft sell but the logic does apply that if you never ask, you never receive. Same goes for all of our businesses!!
Here's a sample of the newsletter. What do you think?
The Leo Buscaglia Foundation web site
The HouseTalk Show - Weekly Email Message
To increase listener retention, The HouseTalk Show sends a short weekly message each Friday morning promoting the Saturday show. Your Computer Lady coordinates with the host, Warren Raisanen, and the guests. Often the guest wants YCL to write the email message for them. We review their web site and any marketing literature they send us then create a message geared to radio listeners.
Your Computer Lady recommended the addition of the Famous House articles about a year ago. The "just for fun" articles have descriptions and details about houses in the US. Some are owned by famous people. Want to see George Clooney's bedroom? Some were designed by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Some are just unusual like the shoe house in Pennsylvania. The Famous House articles have helped build reader retention and increase open rates.
It's important to be sure your newsletters offer something to all of your readers. Maybe the day your newsletter lands in their Inbox, they don't have a need for your product or service. But if you have built a reputation for a worthwhile newsletter, they'll open up the newsletter anyway to see what you're talking about. That habit will serve you well when they are ready to buy.
Sample Email
The HouseTalk Show web site
Your Computer Lady recommended the addition of the Famous House articles about a year ago. The "just for fun" articles have descriptions and details about houses in the US. Some are owned by famous people. Want to see George Clooney's bedroom? Some were designed by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Some are just unusual like the shoe house in Pennsylvania. The Famous House articles have helped build reader retention and increase open rates.
It's important to be sure your newsletters offer something to all of your readers. Maybe the day your newsletter lands in their Inbox, they don't have a need for your product or service. But if you have built a reputation for a worthwhile newsletter, they'll open up the newsletter anyway to see what you're talking about. That habit will serve you well when they are ready to buy.
Sample Email
The HouseTalk Show web site
Free Microsoft Office – Sort of
Microsoft will be using a new marketing and distribution technique with the advent of Office 2010. The latest projection for the new software release is sometime near the end of the third quarter. They will be installing “Microsoft Office Starter Edition” on all PCs. It will replace the never popular Works program. The Starter Edition will be basic versions of the programs. To get the full versions with all of the features, users will have to buy a Product Key.
We have found that a large number of our clients only need the basic features of Office. So there is a good chance that you can use the free version and never miss a thing. Try out the Starter Edition to see if it does what you need to do with word processing and a spreadsheet.
Depending on your technology level, you may want to delay upgrading to Office 2010 for six months or so. Let someone else test it and find all the bugs. Then after the first service patch is issued, you can be confident upgrading. When you upgrade to Office 2010, you will want to upgrade to the same version of Office that you have – Student, Small Business or Professional. Or you can move up to an edition which includes more software modules.
The second new piece of Office 2010 is the Product Key Card. As mentioned earlier, you will need to purchase a Product Key to unlock the Starter Edition to access the full featured version. It’s already going to be on your PC, you just won’t have access until you register the Product Key. The Product Key will be sold on a Card very similar to a gift card. This will make it possible for retailers to sell the Product Key Card without having to inventory the actual software. Once you pay for the Card, it will be activated so you can use the Product Key to register/unlock the full Office program.
We have found that a large number of our clients only need the basic features of Office. So there is a good chance that you can use the free version and never miss a thing. Try out the Starter Edition to see if it does what you need to do with word processing and a spreadsheet.
Depending on your technology level, you may want to delay upgrading to Office 2010 for six months or so. Let someone else test it and find all the bugs. Then after the first service patch is issued, you can be confident upgrading. When you upgrade to Office 2010, you will want to upgrade to the same version of Office that you have – Student, Small Business or Professional. Or you can move up to an edition which includes more software modules.
The second new piece of Office 2010 is the Product Key Card. As mentioned earlier, you will need to purchase a Product Key to unlock the Starter Edition to access the full featured version. It’s already going to be on your PC, you just won’t have access until you register the Product Key. The Product Key will be sold on a Card very similar to a gift card. This will make it possible for retailers to sell the Product Key Card without having to inventory the actual software. Once you pay for the Card, it will be activated so you can use the Product Key to register/unlock the full Office program.
from the May newsletter of Digital Bridge Business Solutions
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
