Joy Wizard » Business

Business networking – a better way

Alex Webley — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:31:10 +0000

Do you attend business networking events such as Business Breakfasts? So called ‘social networking‘ events?

Do you have trouble keeping up the momentum?

Do you need lots of coffee (read caffeine) to make those 7am starts and keep going?

Perhaps you should consider a different way……

Here’s how you can build better business relationships more easily.

Personally I take the view that it is better to work with ‘natural life flow’, than against it.

Just some examples:

Early morning meetings can go against the body (hence coffee desire) and the mind (think preoccupation with day ahead).

A business meeting? Is that what you really need?

A social meeting (of business people) is perhaps better – get to know people socially – like people – make friends – build rapport – build trust – relaxed atmosphere – enjoy. Results will include long-term trusting business relationships. But hey, we did not have a ‘starched’ business meetup. So what.

Why make life hard?

Next time you decide to do some business networking, consider arranging something which builds on relationships in a relaxed environment.

And remember to look for opportunities to work with ‘natural life flow’ in all aspects of life. Work with the powers/laws of nature, psychology, philosophy, human nature. Study them.

Business networking – a better way is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

The harder you work, the less successful you will be. Here’s why.

Alex Webley — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:25:41 +0000

Dr Bob Parsons, CEO of GoDaddy, is a world class businessman and former US Marine Corps officer.

As such, he is someone who knows about business, hard work and the realities of life.

Today I watched his latest video which is packed with key life and business advice despite being less than 6 minutes long.

I work hard and got a lot out of this video.

I suggest that you spend some time watching Bob’s video and thinking about how you can improve your life and that of your family.

A key ingredient of creating a joyful life is balance.

The harder you work, the less successful you will be. Here’s why. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Is your stapler costing you valuable time? Find out about the easiest staplers you will ever use.

Alex Webley — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:00:10 +0000

PaperPro®1512

Choosing the right office equipment can be an important part of productivity management.

Take staplers for example.

In recent times we have had two staplers, both of which were what we thought was a decent brand. I won’t mention the name here but I will tell you about how I solved the problem.

The staplers we had worked okay to start with but soon deteriorated, despite not having excessive use. A surprising amount of time was lost due to these crappy time stealing staplers.

I made a note never to buy this well-known brand of stapler ever again and determined to buy a stapler that would solve my problem once and for all, and allow me to focus on my work — rather than stapler maintenance.

Frankly, I did not appreciate being forced to become a stapler maintenance technician.

My solution was to purchase a Paper Pro stapler from OfficeWorks in Southport, Queensland.

At AUD $36.39, this non-electric stapler is significantly more expensive than the other staplers I had been buying. But, boy, is it worth it!

The Paper Pro stapler is a dream to use. Easy, reliable and fast.

I purchased the most basic Paper Pro stapler that I could find – the PaperPro®1512 model which drives staples through 15 sheets of paper with the press of a finger. No more grappling with inferior staplers!

In fact, it seems to me that Paper Pro staplers would be ideal for some disabled people, those with arthritis or other difficulties using their hands.

Paper Pro have a good range of staplers, including one which will handle 100 sheets!

Find out more on the Paper Pro website here – get yourself and your staff the easiest staplers you will ever use.

Until today, I never knew there was such a thing as an elite stapler.

Is your stapler costing you valuable time? Find out about the easiest staplers you will ever use. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Slacking Off – Goofing Off – Statistics and a bonus tip about employee sick leave.

Alex Webley — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:22:53 +0000

Slacking off, goofing off by employees is a huge cost to business and government.

That said, a limited amount of slacking on the job can improve output, productivity and quality of work performed. Some cyber slacking can even be helpful.

The essence of/reason for slacking is usually a lack of deep, intense interest in what we are doing.

Think about the last time you were doing something and the time flew so fast you wondered where it had gone. One of the reasons for this is that whatever you were doing held your interest – deeply. In fact, you may have had what is known as an altered state of consciousness (ASC); which is why you didn’t notice the time flying by.

It is important for employees to find out what they love doing work-wise – and to do it. Find your purpose. If need be, change your job; but make sure you find out what you want in your deepest heart.

It is important for employers to make work as interesting and engaging as possible. Some of this can be achieved by empowering employee creativity and responsibility.

PS: here’s a quick tip for employers concerning sick leave. Try looking at which day of the week employees take off sick over the course of a year. Some sneaky employees slip beneath the radar by having occasional days off sick and remain below their sickie allowance for the year (perhaps 8 days). When you analyze which days they took off as sick leave you may notice the days were all, or mostly, one particular day of the week. If so, this can reveal a hidden slacking off problem. (E.g. is someone always sick on a Wednesday and is this normal? Likely not.) Like many things in life, analyzing data/intelligence properly can reveal interesting situations.

Via: Online Schools

Slacking Off – Goofing Off – Statistics and a bonus tip about employee sick leave. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

What you REALLY need to know about Content Management Systems (CMS) for Web Design, Web Developers and Websites

Alex Webley — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 02:51:34 +0000

Ok, I will keep this simple. Read it all though as it might save you money, time, stress and hassle.

Just what you REALLY need to know about Content Management Systems (CMS) for Web Design, Web Developers and Websites.

A Content Management System can be a fancy name for a website (or blog). Content Managed Websites is another name for them.

I say “can be” because a CMS has a number of definitions, not all to do with websites.

Many web designers and developers push the idea.

One reason is that using a CMS for a website is a sound idea.

For you. AND for them.

A CMS is a good idea because non technical users can be easily shown how to create their own web pages using just a web browser – no special software or high technical skills required. It can be like using a word processor in a basic way (Word or similar).

Steps:

Web developer creates website using a CMS. This stage can be tricky and is generally best left to the professionals or technically competent/knowledgeable people.
Web developer shows client how to log in via a browser and add or change pages. Easy.
Client continues to update, change, remove or add web pages and web developer is not required. Cruisey.

Sounds good huh?

Yes, it is. To a degree.

Now we come to what you really need to know.

Would you build your house with bad foundations?

And would you pay much more money than you need to? On an ongoing basis too?

Here’s the catch. Now, it does not apply to every situation or web developer out there; but you want to be sure it is not happening to you – don’t you?

Cost steps and considerations:

You pay the web developer to build your website. Sometimes significant work is involved – in some cases the work is minimal. Situations vary. You simply pay to get your site built.
A website requires hosting. This can be problem area number one. Do you really know what you are getting and what you should be getting? For example; websites directed at a primarily Australian audience should usually be hosted in Australia (except in special circumstances beyond the scope of this article). Your web designer might provide hosting (for a fee), BUT: is it the best for you and your site? And is it too expensive? Perhaps it is ‘included’ in a bundle price such as cost for hosting and use of CMS. These are just SOME of the questions you need to be asking. (Some questions are technical and I have kept this simple).
Use of CMS – some web designers charge you a monthly or yearly fee to use the CMS. This can be bundled with the hosting fee at times. To some extent this can cover ‘maintenance’ of the CMS, however the work involved in maintenance can be minimal and your monthly payment can represent a large amount of wasted money – year after year.
Some CMS are technically difficult and costly to move, should you need to change web host and/or web developer in the future. Some are even proprietary (or bits can be). You can get in a real jam down the track. Difficulties in changing can adversely affect your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). If problems arise you could have huge bills.
Some CMS are technically hard to work with which can create upward pressure on costs and scarcity of competency.
Do you honestly think most web developers are going to genuinely consider your interests; especially your long term ones? You need to find out at the START what is best for YOU. Get your foundations right. Don’t fall for slick marketing spiel, or appeals to take what seems to be ‘the easy road’.

So what should you do?

Be careful when seeking a web developer. (There are loads of other reasons besides the above).
Start with finding out what you really need for YOUR needs. Bear in mind that you cannot really expect the guy with 26 fridge models in stock to try to sell you a model he does not have available, but which is far better for you. Same goes for most web designers.
Split the process and analysis into component elements. 1) Domain name registration 2) Hosting, 3) Website design (CMS or one other excellent solution – will cover that later), 4) Ongoing support needs

More detail on the component elements:

1. Domain name registration.

If you have not already got your domain name and want to buy one, do not assume you have to host with the same company. It may be a good idea, but not always. I recommend registering the domain name yourself. I have heard too many stories about people who thought they owned a domain name (having paid for it) only to find that it was actually registered in the name of a web developer and….you guessed….things went bad and the problems started. Believe me, if you do not have control of a domain name it can cost you HUGELY.

For Australian domain names I recommend VentraIP. Good prices, good value, reliable, slick, organized, quality – all the good stuff. I also recommend them for Australian web hosting.

For non Australian domain names and international web hosting I recommend Go Daddy. Like the previous example – good prices, good value, reliable, slick, organized, quality – all the good stuff. In fact, Go Daddy have even better value and customer focus than NetRegistry. I use GoDaddy for some of my hosting, however my sites are directed at an international audience, as well as Australian. You might notice that Go Daddy web hosting is cheaper than NetRegistry, and the features better; however if you have an Aussie website directed at Australians don’t be a cheapskate – having foreign web hosting will cost you in other ways (remember – I said I would keep this simple).

Remember to ask yourself this:

Do I want my web designer to provide my domain name, my web hosting, my website and the ongoing maintenance. Hey, maybe some SEO as well? Just think of all that control. I know it seems easy – a bit like going to the big supermarkets in a way – but is it sound? In some cases (simple brakes are on) wise people register domains in one place and host in another (but I will keep it simple and won’t go into why).

Before we go on….

Has your web designer told you any of this? Why not?

2. Hosting

See comments under ‘Domain name registration’ above.

3. Website design

Getting this decision right starts with the foundation. Here are my two suggestions:

a) CMS. If you want a CMS, use WordPress (the .org self hosted version – not WordPress.com – there are good reasons for not using the latter; beyond the scope of this article).

Make sure that your web designer uses WordPress. Besides being easy for you to update, remove or add pages/posts here are just some of the other reasons:

WordPress is the ‘gold standard’ CMS.
WordPress is common, popular and extremely well supported. Finding people to help you will not be hard.
WordPress installs are quite easy to move.
WordPress is free.
Excellent themes (ready made designs) are available. The one for this blog for example costs USD $79. Look for WP-MediaMag by Solostream here. Support from my theme developer Solostream is excellent.
WordPress has a huge amount of excellent plugins, most of which are free. Just one example is WordPress Mobile Edition. This free plugin “enhances your site’s interface for visitors using a mobile device. By automatically detecting mobile browsers, this plugin gives your blog a mobile/phone/PDA- friendly interface with progressive enhancement for advanced mobile browsers”. Take a look at my/this blog on your iPhone or similar device. You cannot afford not to have a mobile friendly version of your site today – this will become increasingly important in the future.
WordPress is quite easy to learn.
WordPress is slick and easy to use.
You can use WordPress for a static website or blog. It is not just for blogging. That said, you really should be blogging – either with a separate blog or one combined with a website.

Please note that with a WordPress self hosted website/blog, there will be periodic technical maintenance required. That said, it is not usually a lot.

b) Website building software. If you want a powerful, and I mean powerful, easy to use (Approx 2 hour tutorial will have you building a website) non CMS conventional website builder, then I recommend XSitePro. Either use it yourself, or ensure that your web designer does.

Forget Expression Web, FrontPage, (both Microsoft) or Dreamweaver. Take time to review the XSitePro website and you will start to see why. Frankly, I consider the thinking behind XSitePro to be so good that it bears the marks of genius.

And ask yourself:

Why is XSitePro website building software so popular with Internet Marketers?

What do they know that many of us don’t?

What could I be missing?

One of the big negatives about XSitePro – if you are a web designer – is that it can do you out of a job!

Simply speaking, XSitePro enables you to easily add pages just like using a word processor. Sure, creating a website is more involved (but still easy), however you can always get your web developer to build it for you. The resulting single export file can then be imported easily into your copy of XSitePro, complete with publishing passwords etc and you are good to go for adding pages etc. It is very easy/cruisey.

Free support for the website building software is superb.

And the price? Currently $197 USD! For elite level software!

I built my website (plus many others of my own and belonging to clients) using XSitePro.

Check out my website here: http://www.joywizard.net

Simple ‘prescription’:

Buy your own copy of XSitePro
Either build your own website or get someone to help you.
Once site is built, import into your copy of XSitePro (if someone else built it for you) and start adding your own pages.
Purchase a .mobi domain and point it to the special mobile device website that XSite pro creates. (Optional).

Here’s a cost saving tip: if you use XSitePro and want a site with loads of pages, then you can save money by paying a web designer to build the base website with just a few pages. Then you, or your staff, can add hundreds of pages easily without need of a designer.

PS: Spend the money you save on getting good ongoing search engine optimization (SEO). This is not all done during the site build stage.

Maintaining XSitePro is easy – it has a self updater.

4. Ongoing support needs

Periodic technical maintenance is required for WordPress self hosted websites/blogs. This is not usually significant and can be handled by technically competent non web developers if necessary.

XSitePro has a self updater (via button) and is easy to update. No hosting account access is required so even your grandmother could do it.

Conclusion

If you have ANY questions at all, please do get in touch. There is plenty more that you need to find out about building websites/blogs (and are probably not being told).

If you would like to find out more about how I can help you with building your website or blog please let me know. As you have probably realised by now, my focus is upon genuinely helping customers and focusing on what is best for them.

What you REALLY need to know about Content Management Systems (CMS) for Web Design, Web Developers and Websites is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Politics! What is it about politics that it attracts so many nutters?

Alex Webley — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:01:10 +0000

Politics! Earlier today, someone in an online forum posed the question:

What is it about politics that it attracts so many nutters?

I decided to respond…

Here are just SOME of the reasons…

The political environment, regardless of party – tends to be abhorrent to all but the dysfunctional, ‘less astute’ and even socially/mentally immature. There are rare exceptions of course.

The pay is too low. Way too low. The best (financially motivated) talent tends to go to business. Can you imagine someone like Sir Richard Branson (a decent chap too) trying to make headway in the halls of governance? Fancy paying peanuts to the people who run a country. Ughh urgghh.

Other talented people such as scientists, artists and so on have much more stimulating and worthwhile things to do.

Politics is illusory – the false notion that we have a democracy is just one example. We have elements of democracy; however I quote:

Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.

Henry Louis “H. L.” Mencken

With a system based on this, it is not surprising that we are led by people elected by the collective wisdom of individual ignorance ;-)

And the proof of the pudding?

The mess we have endured.

The mess we currently endure.

The mess we will have to endure.

As the good Lord said: “By their fruit you shall know them”.

Addendum 11th March 2010

My forum post attracted the following comment (sic):

I think the assumption of pay gives good outcomes is an ignorant and flawed assumption. I currently work in a large corporate and don’t see pay proportional to skill/talent. Seeing many large corporates going to ruin under the leadership of highly paid individuals disproves the theory.

Contractors/consultants get paid more then required, people with fluffy descriptions getting paid more than required doesn’t lend well to that arguement (price/performance ratio is generally hightly skewed in the price favour). Their strength is generally self belief, or belief that others will be ignorant to work out the lack of value. Things such as the ability to manage upward and know the right backs to stab is what gets people places, and money.

My perception is in general base pays may be low for a politition, but prestige/perks are high, and infamy and the ability to do $5000+ (actually that is what gets paid to an ex-sports talent for a one hour stint) a pop talks infront of a group of bored corporates says, there is definately money to be made from a career in politics. This once again disproves theory of pay=good. … See More

The best potential artists, scientists, leaders may actually be living in the streets, but will never get a chance! People give themselves labels of grandure and be it politics, arts or science (but there is less to be gained in the latter).

In our system, Democracy is an illusion, as our choices are really not choices, to me we have two options that have the same value set, therefore offer nothing different with “me too” policies. So to is the concept of pay being proportional to skill/ability is an illusion, held by an equally ignorant group of people to the “unwashed masses”. Analyse things better.

My response:

I agree that pay does not always relate to outcomes; which is why I used the word “tends”.

I brought Branson into the equation (along with the comment about his character) to add further balance because as you point out, there is much bad in business too. In fact, many in business are overpaid because they are good at politics…. See More

And yes, there are many educated derilicts. I was once one of them and at one time could not afford milk for my tea. The challenge (and qualification) is to be able to overcome (and be worthy).

There are many cases where pay, in any field, is not related to skill/ability, however the general principle of craftsmen serving before kings has applied down the ages and is still in effect today. (Of course, the general principle does not apply to everyone, or every case).

Anyway, thank you for your comments. I appreciate the reality check.

Politics! What is it about politics that it attracts so many nutters? is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

BSOD or computer operating system failure – one way you can avoid it.

Alex Webley — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:20:40 +0000

A BSOD, or other computer operating system (OS) failure is usually a big inconvenience and waste of valuable time.

(BSOD = Blue Screen Of Death).

Perhaps you remember all the stress, pain and other feelings associated with the experience?

Should your computer be crucial for your everyday business or personal tasks, then you simply cannot afford a failed operating-system.

Should you have some computer software causing some system problems and creating plenty of computer downtime, then you need a solution also.

In these cases, prevention is usually better than cure.

One of the better methods of keeping your PC healthy is by using a Virtual PC.

A Virtual PC means that you can use more than one operating system at once on your Windows PC. A bit like ‘picture in picture’.

Some important points about using a Virtual PC:

1. You might use your virtual PC to trial software before installing it on your main OS. Thus giving you the opportunity to determine the way the product works, as well as see the way it will continue to work in conjunction with the other software installed on your computer.

2. Test upgrades to currently installed software before installing it on your main computer operating system. This enables you to test compatibility with other programs prior to installation.

3. Additionally you can run older programs if you have one that won’t install or run correctly on your main operating system, but which is fine on an older version of Windows. This can also help if you have software which only runs on 32 bit and you have upgraded your OS to 64 bit.

The key benefit of this is that you can’t damage the main operating system because the host (your main PC) and the virtual PCs are totally separate from each other (even though they are running on the same computer hardware). So, what you do on one operating system won’t affect the other.

Microsoft has a program called Microsoft Virtual PC, which is free. Microsoft Virtual PC runs on Windows 7 (though not every version – just Professional or Ultimate). If you are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, but are hesitating because you have lots of old programs, then Microsoft Virtual PC will help you. More information from Wikipedia.

I have used Microsoft Virtual PC for some time now and have found it very useful indeed. Windows 7 is much better than Vista (and I had got Vista running very slickly).

BSOD or computer operating system failure – one way you can avoid it. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Why I like postal letterbox junk mail and Google ads!

Alex Webley — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:57:17 +0000

These days we often hear people complaining about junk mail in their letterbox and Google ads. In fact, the lack of ads is listed as a benefit for some types of online services when you take up the paid version. To me, the removal of the ads is actually a negative! My ideal is to be able to show or hide them at will, should I be signed up to a service that hides the ads for a paid version.

Why is this so?

Aside from the more obvious informative nature of Google ads and postal junk mail; which I actually find very helpful and useful at times, a key point which is often missed, is that in some cases people have paid a very large sum of money to have the adverts designed. As such, Google ads, and especially some postal junk mail, are an educational tool that have been produced at considerable expense by someone else. Over the years, I have learnt a great deal about marketing from studying such material. And it all arrives in my letter box free of charge!

As a modern Internet marketer, I also find being able to view the Google ads very informative from that perspective too. For my own domain based e-mail I use Google Apps, which in simple terms is very similar to Gmail – users will be familiar with the adverts that appear off to the right hand side and many have probably noticed how the nature of the ads can be influenced by the words in the text of the e-mail. There is also a little bar across the top which shows a different website every now and again, though I am not sure what parameters it uses to determine which website to show.

Postal junk mail has also been a rich source of leads for potential customers too. This is especially pertinent because by definition of being a sender of postal junk mail, they are clearly very interested in marketing. Because I help businesses with their marketing as one of my services I am in effect receiving a shortlist of people who are very interested in marketing, have a marketing budget to spend and are currently active with their efforts to gain new custom.

So, instead of moaning about junk mail or Google ads, I see them as a rich resource of information and education from a number of perspectives. Much better I think than sticking with the status quo and having a good old negative moan! Dare I say even a sanctimonious moan!

Why I like postal letterbox junk mail and Google ads! is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Enjoyable, refreshing experience ordering laser toner for my printer. (Australia)

Alex Webley — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:40 +0000

Late last year I purchased a Lexmark C543dn Color Laser printer.

So far, I have been pleased with the performance, features and ease of use of my choice of printer, though have not owned it long.

A while ago I ordered a black cartridge from a supplier I had bought other things from in the past, but was not totally happy with the price, nor the speed of delivery/order processing.

On Monday I had a scout around for a new Australian printer toner supplier and came across DOSO ‘the store that never sleeps’.

Besides being impressed with the prices, which are competitive; I liked the look of the DOSO website, the psychology behind it and the clear focus on functionality, ease of use and customer service. Simply speaking….good value, without any apparent compromise on quality of product or service.

An email I sent to DOSO querying a couple of issues on Monday evening was responded to by early Tuesday morning. Impressive.

I ordered a color toner cartridge after lunch yesterday. It arrived this morning from interstate.

The product was as described and expected.

The whole ordering process was very good – refreshingly so in fact, including easy printing of my invoice and monitoring delivery via the courier tracking facility (the product was delivered to my staff at another premises).

Frankly, the way DOSO runs things is how Internet Marketing should be done. All too often however, many businesses fall down on customer service and customer buying experience. For example; at times I have to chase invoices, ask for a courier tracking number or otherwise waste valuable time. Not so with DOSO. Top marks to them.

I like to help people who deserve recognition for a job well done; hence this blog post.

In future I will order all my color laser printer supplies from DOSO. Readers may also be interested to note that besides laser toners, DOSO supply copier toners, ink cartridges, fax items, ribbons, paper, storage media and (in due course) printers.

Addendum: The Lexmark proved much more expensive to run than initial research indicated and in late 2010 it became more economical to throw it away (yes really) and buy two new printers – one color and one mono (Samsung). It was not worth selling due to the relationship between current cost new and cost of replacement toner cartridges. I would also point out that while using one color printer for all printing was less economical, the consumption/cost ratios concerning the Lexmark were appalling. I will never buy another Lexmark printer.

Enjoyable, refreshing experience ordering laser toner for my printer. (Australia) is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

What will happen to the economy?

Alex Webley — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:10:53 +0000

Note: This post was originally published on June 21st 2009 and should be read in that context.

For a long time now, I have suspected that is the financial crisis may not have bottomed. I have been very sceptical of published positive comments of some real estate agents and politicians, who have heralded imminent better times.

I am not an expert in economics however when looking at the world situation from a business and human behavior perspective, I get the distinct impression that things could indeed get a lot worse. As a result, I am unsurprised to come across the following article:

There’s worse to come for the economy

The article relates how Harry Dent, an economic forecaster who predicted Japan’s 1990s recession and the present economic crisis, views the situation. I think we would do well to listen to what he has to say – his track record certainly indicates that and his views seem to make sense.

Clearly, one of the issues behind and fuelling a recession is widespread fear. Another aspect to the recession scenario is false hope. Hope is a key aspect of humanity’s way of thinking though it can be dangerous when misused. The majority of us want things to improve, but we need to ensure that our thoughts are anchored in reality, whilst at the same time ensuring that we do not succumb to the fear mentality along the lines of what I discussed in my personal development blog articles (see below).

Joy Wizard » Business

Business networking – a better way

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