Tour de Cure: Take the Ride of Your Life!

Tour de Cure: Take the Ride of Your Life!

published my monthly email newsletter earlier this week. You can view the archive of past newsletters at http://ping.fm/xsDHK

I am bicycling 60 miles on June 5th to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association. You can donate at http://ping.fm/wsKkl

Another Way Social Media Can Be Your Friend

I often think that it will be difficult to find good material to write about in my monthly email newsletter, but it never comes to that. I somehow find divine inspiration the day or two prior to publishing each month.

I was discussing the role of social media with search engines with my search engine expert earlier today and realized many folks out there aren't aware of the impact social media can have on search engine rankings. It's just one more way for you to stand out from the crowd online.

If you're posting to FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. attempt to use keyword phrases in your postings that are descriptive of your organization. It is yet another way for search engines to index information that links back to you and your company.

It is not the only thing to get you noticed on Google and other engines, but it is another tool in your tool kit to help you achieve higher rankings. Also please understand it does not take the place of going through SEO (search engine optimization). It complements it.

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Brand Yourself Using Your Email Address

If you happen to use an email address that uses hotmail, aol, earthlink, yahoo, gmail, etc. in the email address you're hurting your corporate brand. These complimentary (no charge) email addresses also convey the message that your company may or may not be legitimate. Because the emails have no cost associated to them, it's easy for people to question your company's credibility.

Register a company domain name and have your email address hosted by a reputable hosting provider. Excelleweb can help you with this if you need assistance. Both with registering a domain name and hosting email. It's not expensive and will brand you and your company properly.

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One Last Tip Regarding Email

For anyone sending sensitive personal information to clients (especially insurance and medical industries) there are new federal guidelines that must be followed (HIPAA HITECH Compliance). Without listing all the details, if any emails are compromised by third parties (hackers) you could be liable for fines $25,000 and up. You can learn more at http://www.hipaa.com.

You need to secure your web site if you have any online forms being submitted that list sensitive information and your emails should have a digital ID and digital signature if appropriate. This will protect you and your clients.

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence."--George Washington

don't be fooled by an email from facebook supposedly telling you your password has changed. It is a virus waiting to be launched. http://ping.fm/yFGy7

Apologizing doesn't always mean that you're wrong and they're right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.

finished up a few loose ends on client projects and now can enjoy the rest of Sunday! It'll make Monday go much smoother now.