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Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Zero Inbox Quick Solution: Move to Folder in Outlook
I use Outlook pretty much exclusively for email and my Inbox can get really full, really fast.
Messages may get lost or forgotten so I’ll mark some as follow up and/or I’ll quickly move them to an appropriate folder to clean up my inbox.
Here’s how to quickly move your email messages from the Inbox to another folder and achieve zero inbox bliss.
Add a ‘Move to Folder’ button to the Outlook Toolbar
- Right click on the toolbar
- Select Customize
- From the Commands tab drag and drop the ‘Move to Folder…’ command to your toolbar.
Move email to Folder
- Select the email message you want to move
- Click on the Move to Folder icon you created
- Select folder
(Cool Feature: Folders are listed by most recent move)
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 4:16 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Computer
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
5 Lessons Learned From Running My Own Business
 I’ve owned my business now for a number of years and through those years I’ve learned a lot. Some of the more important things I’ve learned running my own business are:
- Be Persistent
I changed careers early on from manufacturing to technology. I spent nearly 6 months following up for an informational interview for Bank of America. Then one day, I got a call to come in for a job interview. I got the job. My boss said he hired me because of my persistence. Don’t give up. Persistence through the ups and downs has kept my business alive.
- Follow Up
Don’t wait for them to call you back. The most important feedback I can give is to always follow up. The majority of our sales are completed because we’ve followed up with our customers. Did you receive a referral? Don’t wait…follow up.
- Be Personable
I have been told that the reason why a customer has selected our firm is because they found us personable and trustworthy. How can I be personable over the phone? Grab a mirror and smile. You’ll be amazed how you’re perceived on the other end of the line.
- Solve the Problem
Business is about problems. Learn and listen to your customer. What problems are they having? Each customer has a different problem and it’s up to your business to figure out a solution.
- Make an Offer
If you don’t make an offer, they’ll never say yes. Sure they may say no, but ‘no’ is a response and you can always negotiate the offer presented.
What have you learned in your career or business? What has made you a success? I’d be happy to hear.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 1:55 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Business
Friday, January 21, 2011
MJS Web Solutions Launches Sobu Furniture eCommerce Website
MJS Web Solutions is proud to announce our new client’s eCommerce website, SOBU. SOBU designs and manufactures high quality, custom, modern furniture that is both functional and timeless in its design.
 SOBU Website The eCommerce website features PayPal integration along with a clear and concise design that showcases their product very effectively.
The owners are very special people and their authenticity reflects in their product that truly is one of a kind.
Mike Swartz says, “Check ‘em out!”
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 3:25 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: News, Web Design
Friday, January 14, 2011
Year of the Smartphone and Mobile Web Design
 Many analysts are predicting 2011 to be the year of the smartphone. I would agree. I just purchased my first smartphone this month. If I’m adopting, I guarantee others will in masses.
Market research firm Asymco predicts that 50 percent of the US population will be using smartphones by the end of this year.
I predict the market will only increase.
So what does that mean for you, the website owner?
It means you’ll have to be thinking about the smartphone user and whether your customers will be visiting your site on one.
- The first step is to inspect your website statistics. Google Analytics will show you if users are on an iPhone or even an iPad.
- Take a survey or poll of your current client base and ask them if they are using or plan on purchasing a smartphone. Ask them will they browse the internet on one?
- Next, test. Check out your current website on a smartphone. How does it look? Is it difficult to navigate, read, etc. Most likely you’ll need to convert your website into a more compatible view.
What does that mean for us web development companies?
We’ll have to begin offering mobile website design services. Good thing MJS Web Solutions has already started. We can take your existing website and create a slimmed down version that will be compatible with all the popular smartphones.
Contact us to find out how we can help your website become a smartphone friendly tool.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 3:47 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Business, Web Design, Web General
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Speeding Up Your Website Equals Improved Google Rankings
 How fast is your website? Why does it matter?
Well, your visitors may not like it if your website is too slow. Also Google doesn’t like if your website is too slow.
Google recently announced that they’re ranking websites lower if you have a slow website.
How can I tell if my website is too slow?
Check out WebPageTest or the other free tools Google suggested.
If your site is too slow, what can I do?
- Remove images or reduce image size
Make sure your website images are at 72dpi. Most image editors will allow you to crop and save your images as web friendly format.
- Change layout code from tables to CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
Websites used to be created using tables. Tables included a lot of additional code. CSS or tableless design is the new standard in developing websites. Converting to CSS will reduce the size of your website considerably.
- Reduce unnecessary code
Check out your website source code (View | Source). Remove font tags, etc. Link to your CSS and JavaScript code rather than embedding the code within the page.
Check out some advanced ways, from Yahoo, on speeding up your website.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 10:27 am
Comments: None | Filed under: SEO
Monday, November 22, 2010
MJS Web Solutions Launches Fetching K9 Training Academy Website
MJS Web Solutions is proud to announce another new website launch, Fetching K9 Training Academy.
 Fetching K9 Training Academy Website Fetching K9 Dog Training Academy specializes in dog obedience training, one dog at a time. Your dog gets complete and full attention over a two week period. And Fetching K9 offers a lifetime guarantee.
Problems with your dog, contact Fetching K9.
Along with the website, the logo and stationary were created and designed by MJS Web Solutions.
http://www.winenwag.com/
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:35 am
Comments: None | Filed under: News
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
MJS Web Solutions Launches Wine n Wag Event Website
MJS Web Solutions is proud to announce another new website launch, Wine n Wag.
 Wine n Wag website developed by MJS Web Solutions The Wine n Wag website is officially a mini-site. It was created for Weimaraner Agility Games event. The purpose of the site is twofold: (1) To provide all details surrounding the event and (2) act as a landing page for promotional items such as email circulation and ad placement.
Getting all the necessary content on one page was challenging, but use of content tabs provided the solution.
Along with the website, the logo, email newsletter designs and print ads were also developed by MJS Web Solutions.
If you’re a dog lover, this might be the event for you.
http://www.winenwag.com
http://www.winenwag.com/
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 5:05 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: News
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Create Opportunities For Your Customers
 Our client, Gallagher & Lindsey, a local real estate agency, recently setup their own Facebook page and asked us to help promote it.
We added an announcement section and a Facebook ‘Follow’ icon to their homepage.
During our ongoing discussions, I mentioned promoting their Facebook page with a Welcome splash page. I emailed them an article on 40 Highly Effective Facebook Business Pages for inspiration.
Opportunity Knocks
Later, while speaking on the phone, it hit me. Why not display their listings and open homes on Facebook? They were a little reluctant at first until we saw another real estate agency doing it. I was onto something.
They liked the idea, so we came up with a solution to automatically connect to the MLS database and display their Featured Listings and Open Homes on their Facebook fan page.
There are many added benefits to this solution:
- Extending customer outreach through Facebook while offering more than the Wall tab.
- Creating higher website traffic from listings that link back to their website for more information.
- Time saving. They don’t have to update or manage the listings on Facebook. The data is pulled dynamically from the MLS system. G&L only has to update one time…the MLS system.
Create opportunities for you customers. It’s a win/win.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 2:04 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Business, Web Marketing
Monday, September 13, 2010
Alameda Wine Walk Website Launched
 MJS Web Solutions has launched the Alameda Wine Walk website.
MJS Web Solutions created the look & feel of the website using elements from West Advertising’ collateral. Copy was provided by Giant Creative Services.
The Wine Walk event is sure to be a fun event while educating participants about the Park and Webster street districts.
Purchase your tickets and enjoy wine, shopping music and food from Alameda’s finest retailers & restaurants.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 4:16 pm
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: News, Web Design
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
MJS Web Solutions Announces Contract With Giant Creative Services
MJS Web Solutions is happy to announce we’ll be working with Giant Creative Services, West Advertising and the City of Alameda to develop a new event campaign.
Giant Creative Services specializes in event planning and has contracted with MJS Web Solutions to design and develop an event campaign website. West Advertising will be designing all the collateral (banners, postcards, posters, etc.) for the project.
We are excited to be working with two well respected companies and eager to help promote a wonderful event that will benefit the citizens and businesses in the city of Alameda.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:58 am
Comments: None | Filed under: Business, News
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