Keeping it simple

Are you using Twitter to promote your business?

 

Note: I ran across this marketing idea recently and wanted to share it. I will be experimenting with this concept as way to promote our business at Systematic Solutions. Hope it is useful to you.

Jeff Cozens

 

About ploked

Ploked.com is all about being plugged into social media. We strive to provide informative, relevant, and unique perspectives in the world of social media.

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Whether you love the concept of Twitter, or hate the idea of Twitter, if your business is not taking advantage of this opportunity, you are only hurting yourself.  Yes, Twitter may not be a marketing method right for every type of business, but at the very least you should explore the potential Twitter opportunity.

Twitter is a great resource for smaller or sole proprietorship businesses to get exposure on a world-wide level with a minimal investment (time).  While you may be timid to jump into Twitter pool with your business, don't worry, everything will be ok…there are lifeguards nearby to help you out should you get in trouble.

Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to establishing your business brand on Twitter.

1. Complete your Twitter profile by filling out the various information it asks for.  It can help give a good overview to your followers of what you and your company is about.
2. Brand your profile with a custom Twitter background so that you stand out from the crowd.  Custom backgrounds are a great way to establish your brand among your followers.
3. If you are the sole proprietor or face of the company, you can add a more personal touch to your Twitter profile with a picture of you.  However, should you want to use your company logo that is ok as well since it helps establish your brand.
4. Add your Twitter link to your business cards.  This can serve as a great offline conversation starter with potential clients and customers.
5. Find other Twitter users who are interested in your niche or products.  To do this, simply head on over to the good old twitter search.
6. Be efficient with your daily Twitter use.  Although it may be difficult, try to not to spend the entire workday on Twitter.  It can distract you from more important business matters.  Try designating an allocated amount of time, or a certain time each day where you login to Twitter.
7. Share beneficial and relevant information with your followers.  Whether it is industry related news, or information about a new service your company offers; sharing great content is king.  Please note, that you don't need to tweet about what you had for lunch today.
8. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (or girl).  Just because it is a "business" related Twitter account does not mean that you can only talk about business related topics.  If possible, try to mix in a bit of info about you so that your followers can learn a bit more about you.  Who knows, you may find out you have more in common with your followers than just business.
9. Do your best to reply to anyone who replies to your tweets or posts an @yourname.  While this may not always be possible, it can definitely strengthen the relationship between you and your followers.
10. Thank users who retweet one of your tweets.  Be sure to retweet others when possible.
11. Create surveys or ask questions to your followers about your products and services.  This can be both good and bad, so be ready for honest responses.
12. Follow the leaders in your industry.  If there is not a defined Twitter leader for your niche, now is the time to step up and grab it for yourself.
13. Provide free insight and help on Twitter.  The vast majority of Twitter users do not appreciate being hounded to buy your product or services.  However, should you be known to help out others, chances are your goodwill can result in future business.
14. Track your Twitter referrals to your website.  Google Analytics is one great free source to analyze and track your website traffic.  Aside from tracking the traffic from Twitter, Google Analytics can provide you with some very useful info about your site.
15. Invite your employees to create an account and take part in Twitter.  This can not only help ease the workload for yourself, it can also help increase your brand and company awareness on Twitter.
16. Monitor your brand.  There are a few ways to do this so you can keep on top of what others are saying about your business.  One of the easiest is to use Twitter Search and type in your business name.  Then simply grab the RSS link for the results and paste it into your favorite RSS reader.  You can then be aware of what is being said about your name on Twitter.

While we could continue to add more to the list, these 16 should help get your small business established on Twitter in no time.  Are there any tips you use that you can recommend?

Trends within our client base

There are two trends which I am seeing in our client base:

1. Upgrading of Dynamics Servers and workstations. People seem to be replacing that "old" server or XP workstation with a newer more powerful models. Productivity, reliability, and getting the hardware for mission critical accounting apps which is running on "Microsoft supported" devices seemed to be the rational. The one downside I have heard is replacing MS Office with 2010 causes a new learning curve challenge.
2. Many smaller clients, who don't have strong internal IT departments, are going to a hosted web solution. Basically they are taking their Dynamics software and using their reg keys to install Dynamics on a Web Hosted site. We like the site by Data Resolutions (http://www.dataresolution.net ). The hosted site takes care of all the hardware, backups, and Microsoft updates for security patches, and secure access; and Systematic Solutions continues to support the Dynamics software. The local client is connected via the internet remote access, which frees up where the work is done. As long as there is a high speed internet connection, the Dynamics program can be run. Everything from a Dynamics Sl/Gp perspective run identical to when the software was running on local hardware, including custom reports and special customizations created for the client.

Both of these ideas seem to be driven by the desire to increase employee productivity and controlling costs.

Let us know if you want to know more information.

Regards,

Jeff Cozens

Choosing your default report to print in SL

One of the strengths of SL is the ability to create up to 8 reports which can be launched from any SL report. Typically we select the report you want to run from the Report tab under the report format field:

 

If you find that you are often overriding or changing the report id which is shown at the top of this list, there is an easy fix to allow you to change the order that the items are listed in this combo box.

 

This tip goes across all reports in SL. Find the screen Report Control Maintenance.

 

In versions prior to SL 7.x, the report control maintenance screen is located off the main menu; under the Utility dropdown. For version Sl7.x this report maintenance is located under the administration menu. In both cases it is recommended you sign into SL as the sysadmin user, so you are guaranteed to have access to this report.

Once in the menu, you just need to retype the combo box name (report format name) in column one and its corresponding crystal report number, and the order you type will be the order that appears in the drop down list.

I suspect this tip will be helpful especially for the Sl reports which are used to print ap checks and pr checks. Another set of reports might be the aging reports in AR and AP.

 

Make your SL work even easier for you

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

SL and report writters

Someone recently asked me: What is the difference between the General Ledger Trial Balance and Trial Balance (SSRS).  When I go to help and search for it, the descriptions are virtually identical.

Prior to Sl version 7.x, all reports were written with Crystal report writer. Microsoft as part of their sql has its own report writer called: Sql services reporting service – SSRS). Over the next 4 to 6 years, the crystal reports will be replaced with ssrs and the need to pay royalties to provide a runtime designer crystal report writer will go away. But with over 1500 reports the transition will be slow.

 

You can use either tool to modify a basic report. The new SSRS is really "a what you see is what you get" tool, so it is easy to take your knowledge of an existing SSRS report, coupled with your experience using Crystal designer and get some new reports.

 

The power and capability of the new SSRS tools will, in my opinion, quickly exceed the power of Crystal, which is currently stuck at version 10 for Sl. Have fun and if we can help create any special reports which you want to add to your SL menuing structure, give us a call.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

How much should I spend on IT?

How much should retailers spend on computerization (IT) per year? This is a good question that every business owner faces.

Click here to read the article showing the percentage that you should spend and the reasons for spending. This information was originally published by Pricewaterhouse Cooper CPA firm. Although it deals with the retail industry, my research in this area shows that most busineses will spend between 1.3% to 2.0% of revenue for IT related costs.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

Disaster Proof Your Business

If you are a business owner, you need to know how to protect your business.

Click here to read the article This is from the Microsoft web site dealing with articles for small businesses.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

Obamacare means increased administrative costs for all businesses, including small businesses

 

Extracted from article (http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2010/05/health-care-reform-the-effect-on-small-biz-owners.html?WT.mc_t=nlimt&WT.mc_n=1015&channel=email) Health Care's impact on Small Businesses, by David Butcher, this section caught my eye.

 

….While taxes may hit many small business owners, the largest impact may be the increase in administrative costs when it comes to managing employees' health coverage," Bram adds.

"One thing you may want to start preparing for this year is extra paperwork," Inc.com warns. "Beginning in 2011, companies will have to start reporting on W-2s the value of the health plans they provide to employees. And as the government ramps up tax collection efforts to pay for health care reforms, in 2012 you'll have to report every single business-to-business payment of $600 or more to the IRS on a 1099."

As I get a better understanding, I will document ways to have your Dynamic software keep track of these reporting values.

For those Dynamics users under support contracts and under software versions which are still supported with new forms. For those outside of product life cycles, this will be a problem. The next key date for SL customers end of support is the version SL 6.5, which ends support 4/12/2011.

The next key date for GP customers facing end of support is for GP version 9.0 is 1/11/2011.

Check which version you are using for your software by clicking on the "help about" menu and identify the version number. Call if you have questions.

We are seeing a trend in many of our customers that they are starting to replace older machines and older servers. This is an excellent time to also upgrade your software, especially if you have been sitting on activated unlocking version of your Dynamics Software. Let us know if we can assist in the upgrades/

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

 

Speeding data entry in SL with function keys ‘F5’ and ‘F3’

Power users for Sl are used to keyboard short cuts to quickly look up and process transactions. I often use these two keyboard short cuts in tandem to speed my data entry: F5 and then F3. F5 is the keyboard shortcut to delete a value in a field and keep you still in this field and, of course, F3 is the lookup or possible value launcher. These F5 key allow me to quickly clear a field, and get the cursor located in the leftmost section of the field.

Eliminating the need to move back and forth between the keyboard and the mouse can improve the speed of data entry for a power user of SL. Try this tip out and see if you too can benefit. Give me some feedback if you like this tip.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

 

Gp 2010, released at convergence

The next version of Great Plains, GP 2010, has been released. We typically have been seeing the SL release for 2010 following in 2-4 months. Here is a link to understand some of the new functionality for this product. Having many of the Dynamics development team embedded in Microsoft's Office division, give the dynamics software developers great access to what is coming in office 2010. We are definitely seeing more and more integration with excel services, outlook, SharePoint services etc.

 

In 2010 I encourage my readers of this blog to seriously look at bring up Business Portal. Start taking advantage of web based graphics and ratio monitoring of key business indicators.

http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/us/details/082667ca-a08f-4712-8e8c-a3bbd2bbd230

 

Call us if you want more info about these features in the Dynamics SL products.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Cozens

408 379 1111

Calling ALL West Coast Solomon Customers

Do you think you have been working hard enough these past few years? Treat youself to this great event: A Solomon User conference in San Diego. Sell this to you boss, you have earned this trip. This is definitely a way to expand how to use Solomon to the next level. Hope to see you there.

 

Fall Meeting

Published 21-Apr-2010 by Brandon Harris in Dynamics SL User Group

Attend the Fall Meeting and discover how to leverage Dynamics SL for success. Learn from your peers, collaborate with one another and share with the Microsoft SL R&D Team your ideas and experience. This event will strengthen you, your organization and the SL community.

   

Marriott Coronado Island Resort, located in Coronado just outside San Diego, will be the site of the 2010 Dynamics SL Users Group Meeting. The resort is just a few miles from the San Diego Airport, no need for a rental car. The event will begin on Wednesday afternoon with a half day of sessions followed by an outdoor reception providing the opportunity to network, enjoy cool evening breezes and views of the San Diego skyline. Sessions will run all day Thursday the 23rd and a half day Friday the 24th. The event will wrap up late Friday morning with a group meeting to determine the venue for the 2011 meeting, evaluate the event and elect the new officers.

The negotiated room rate of $179 per night is guaranteed from September 19th to the 27th (subject to group block availability). Please let us know if you have trouble obtaining the rate and we will assist you. Attendees are encouraged to stay through the weekend to enjoy any of the numerous activities that San Diego is known for, including golf, the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Mexico, Sea World, The Hotel Del Coronado and more.

Coronado Island Resort and Spa

www.coronadoresortmarriott.com 

Promo Code: dyndyna 

User Group Meeting Agenda:

Wed. 9/22:	11:00 am		-	1:00 pm	Registration
	1:00 pm		-	5:00 pm	Keynote & Sessions
	6:00 pm		-	8:00 pm	Reception
Thurs 9/23:	8:30 am		-	12:00 pm	Sessions
	12:00 pm		-	1:00 pm	Lunch
	1:00 pm		-	5:00 pm	Sessions
	7:00 pm		-	10:00 pm	Dinner
Friday 9/24:	8:30 am		-	11:00 am	Sessions
	11:00 am		-	12:00 pm	Keynote & Wrap-up

   

   

Registration to the Fall Meeting can be Completed Here: 

   

*Corporate Members who register before May 31st will receive a $250.00 discount for the first attendee. Must select "First Attendee Free" during the Corporate Member Registration. 

   

Additional Registration Options

Option 1:  Dynamics SL Nuts & Bolts Session for GL/AP/AR - $295

Wednesday Sept 22 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon

Have you ever wanted to "look under the hood" at how Dynamics transaction processing really works?    Do you know what tables and fields are affected when batches are released and then posted in general ledger?    Understanding how transactions really work means a greater understanding of how to write queries, reports, and troubleshoot problems. We will be using Payables, Receivables, and General Ledger as examples as well as looking at tools to help you figure out which tables & fields a SQL update really affects.

   

The instructor for this fundraiser will be Gail Jones-Nemeth, the longtime CIO of Betco Corporation, and a Dynamics Solomon consultant for 15 years. Her deep understanding of Dynamics data structures has allowed Betco to develop extensive exception reporting, sales data warehouse, and innovative customizations that align Dynamics to Betco's business.

   

Currently, she is developing a series of Nuts & Bolts classes within Betco to develop more power users in the organization, and is sharing those presentations with the user group.

   

Join us for a special 4 hour in-depth session before the start of the Dynamics Users Group conference to tune up your tinkering skills on your database! Class size will be strictly limited to 15, and all proceeds go to support the Dynamics SL User Group.

   

Nuts and Bolts Agenda:

7:45 am - 8:00 am		Registration
8:00 am - 8:15 am		Introductions
8:15 am - 9:00 am		Overview, how to trace transactions
9:00 am - 10:00 am		General Ledger Transactions
10:00 am - 10:15 am		Break
10:15 am - 11:00 pm		Accounts Payable Transactions
11:00 am - 12:00 pm		Accounts Receivable Transactions
12 pm - 12:30 pm		Lunch & Wrap-Up

($295.00 Before May 31. $395 After May 31.  Must be registered prior to attending event)  

Option 2:  Guest for Reception Wednesday 9/22/10 - $75

We will have a poolside reception on Wednesday evening for networking.  If you are traveling with someone and would like to bring them to the reception, you will need to prepay.  You may pay during registration process in Coronado via CC.

 

Option 3:  Guest for Dinner Thursday 9/23/10 - $100

We will have a sit down dinner offsite on Thursday.  If you are traveling with someone and would like to bring them to the dinner, you will need to prepay.  You may pay during registration process in Coronado via CC.

 

Conference Fees

   

Early Registration $250 April 23rd – June 15th

                **Corporate Memberships completed by 5/31 includes $250.00 discount which gives your first attendee admission for 0.00

   

Registration $350 June 16th – July 25th

                        **Corporate Memberships completed by 5/31 includes $250.00 discount which gives your first attendee admission for 100.00 if they are registered between 5/31 and 07/25

   

Late Registration $450 July 26th – September 15th

                        **Corporate Memberships completed by 5/31 includes $250.00 discount which gives your first attendee admission for 200.00 if they are registered between 7/25 and 9/15