May 26th, 2009 by Al

Economical Recovery – Are you prepared?

When the signs of the recession began to show, many in IT management circles faced difficult choices with regard to both Staff and Infrastructure. We IT types do not design for mediocrity, we design to deliver solid performing systems. We know what’s at stake here, our business. So, when forced to make tough calls, we do so reluctantly.

Recession is a waiting game. It’s like  waiting to breathe again. To be rid of those constant air-intakes that has you holding your breath for the next budgetary axe to fall. But, the other side of this coin is Recovery. Recovery in contrast demands likewise forecasting where and when business will ramp up. It’s time to assess the state of the technology stack, and it’s time for estimating the cost of inaction. I was reading about how one company saved money by ridding itself of an old modem bank that was well overdue and costing too much. It was replaced with a newer VPN concentrator which was both faster and friendlier on the IT budget. It’s great to hear about their push through recessional fear and inaction.

Yes, I said inaction. The often paralyzing effects of economical recession. Inaction can be looked at as holding on but I must say, it will have it’s own associated cost in the end. Many companies are getting a jump on this and forming assessment teams for getting back into form. New business will not wait on the stragglers, they’ll simply move on to those better prepared. Here’s an opportunity for CIO’s to keep cost in check, and deliver value to their shareholders. The case I mentioned illustrates the reason why now is the best time to do this. If business is still slow, upgrading will be more friendlier on your staff. Your customers will be much more satisfied with your company, for not impacting delivery of service and product while your systems are under rennovation.

You can control cost associated with assessments by bringing to bear the shear power of IT Consulting. For your biggest value, IT consultants give you unbiased vision into your organization, not telling your what you want to hear, but what you need to hear in order to realize the value I’m talking about. IT consultants are not emotionally or politically involved, but care deeply about the value we bring to business. We do this through our objectivity that’s driven by the need for success.

After all, isn’t that what business is all about.

Copyright Alfred Ardon 2009. All rights reserved.

May 26th, 2009 by admin

My good friend did a tele-seminar on the business uses for the popular social media venue, “Twitter” a couple weeks ago. We enjoyed a great seminar that gave us valuable tips on the best way to use the application, for our building our business brand. For more information click here.

Well, it appears there is now another business use:

Recruiting..

Yes, that’s right, some saavy business owners are using the popular medium to seek out new employees.

But, before heading out make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Create your business brand – Be professional.
• If you post a job, be active and make sure you are tracking those showing interest in your position.

If you’re job seeker, remember you are representing yourself. You are responsible for your “brand.”

• Think before you click
• Ask yourself, Would I send this to my mother?

Remember, your future employee or employer could be a click away.

Good luck!

Copyright Alfred Ardon 2009. All rights reserved.

May 8th, 2009 by Al

As a outdoor enthusiast, I’ve spent time in the mountains here in Western Washington. It’s both fun and challenging but risky business. I’ve learned from experience, those activities require your full participation. What I mean is, you need to be fully present or you risk your life.

Many cannot understand why a person would even want to but themselves in this situation and I hope to get my point across, “You cannot fully participate in this thing we call “life” unless you are participating and fully present.”

To better illustrate my point, let me quote Beck Weathers, a man who nearly lost his life in pursuit of his dream to climb Mt. Everest, of which several in his party did in fact die:

Ending up on top:  What flying helped Beck Weathers find after nearly losing it all,” by Dave Hirschman,
Excellent article in AOPA, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association magazine, May 2009, page 75.

Beck Weathers was just 1500 feet from the summit of Everest on May 10, 1996.  Eight climbers, including expedition leaders Rob Hall, lost their lives in a sudden storm.  Weathers spent two nights exposed on the mountainside, was rescued in highest altitude helicopter rescue ever attempted.  He was 49, is now 61, and after nearly a dozen reconstructive surgeries (he lost both hands, his nose and more), he says mountaineering and flying share many similarities.
“Pilots and climbers are a rarified bunch. Bright, driven, interesting folk who are willing to make themselves uncomfortable in pursuit of a goal. They have to be students of the weather and learn it is as if your life depends on it, because it does.

My italicizing his text illustrates my point. Life is about change, pursuing your dreams and accomplishing your goals. You can’t get there without taking some risk. The object is to reduce that risk to the lowest common denominator. I find it inspiring that despite his injuries and the painful road to healing, he set out and accomplished another risk-filled goal.

My friend and mentor posted a great article on his blog called “U-Turns” which I recommend you read. People have the tendency to stall or turn around at the slightest resistance and perhaps missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t let this be you, you will regret it.

I would qualify Mr. Weathers statement, but insert my own emphasis, “Entrepreneurs are a rarified bunch. Bright, driven, interesting folk who are willing to make themselves uncomfortable in pursuit of a goal..

Wouldn’t you agree?

Copyright Alfred Ardon 2009. All rights reserved.

May 4th, 2009 by Al

Technology abounds and everyone’s into it. From people who work out of the home to entrepreneurs and start-ups.

But the real question is, does it work for you?

What I mean is, sure we all can do many things, but when it comes to your business, who’s looking out for you? Who’s helping to reduce or eliminate your exposure.

Having been a Systems Administrator for many years, I’ve learned there are some things I know I’m really good at, and some, I’d rather leave in the hands of others.

Why? Because it makes sense.

In my business, I prefer spend time on things that make money and not waste it on those I dabble in for fun. For example, my business website. I could design something adequate, but instead I decided to contract a professional that knows her business, and who I know will deliver a quality product. I also know,  with a combination of my input and their expertise, it provides for a great end result.

In my business, a simple process like backing up a system is easy. Anyone can put device into play, kick it off and call it a backup.

You say, “I’m covered right?”

But have you thought that through? Are you willing to bet the bank on it? It’s one thing to be able to retrieve a file or two, but would it be as simple to restore your system?

Have you tried to?

Do you know how much time would it to re-create your system, or for that matter,  you or your customer’s data? How would that translate into time/revenue loss?

This would affect your customers, employees and likely your creditors.

I venture to guess, not many have thought about it and because of this they have no disaster recovery policy and they are at risk–very high risk.

IT Risk management is  a lot like insurance.  Sure, I could get a good quote on my own, but do I really know if I’m adequately covered? Often, it pays in a big way to have an expert look over your policy, or in this case your disaster recovery policy  to have that added peace of mind.

If you are concerned about reducing your exposure and risk, I’m here to help make sure your technology is both covered and works for you–not the other way around.

Call me today to get started.

Copyright Alfred Ardon 2009. All rights reserved.