Business Code of Ethics. A new (old) approach to trust in networking.

I am not only amazed, but downright proud of organizations like this: The TriState Business Network. In a day of trusted advisors, business relationships and aquaintence/friendships...it's nice to see that some people (and business organizations) still care about their word and what it means.

The information age and social media have ushered in a new era of speed as it pertains to research, credibility and volitility. I see so many people offer advice that don't know what they're talking about, or worse endorsing someone without knowing the content of their character. So when I stumbled onto this group 2 years ago...I was amazed to see what they stood for, how they operated and what they were about. I was further impressed that they HAVE a Code of Ethics! Here's a sample from the latest blog, where the founder (Clayton Hicks) puts his standards right out there. There's something to be said about a person that is willing to publically declare their standards.

From the TBN blog:

"Tri-State Business Network is made up different business types that come together face-to-face and online, to network and build relationships. We are made up of business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales reps from many different companies in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Though we are not absolute for every company in the area, we do guarantee to “Focus on what we GIVE”.

With all that being said though, we do have a Code of Ethics we should use.

1. Focus on what you GIVE

2. We will delete any negative comments/discussions on any online groups, period…DO NOT have the word “no” or “not” or “can’t”, keep ALL discussions in a positive light.

3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

4. Help whomever you can.

5. No SPAMMING. This means when you are walking out of a meeting don’t try and squeeze one last statement about your business, use the time permitted in your commercial. This also means, don’t talk about your own business during testimonials about someone else and what they have done to help YOU.

6. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all.

7. Refer others you have built relationships with whenever you can. Don’t always refer business when you have a FEE in it for yourself.

8. Don’t just do things RIGHT, do them the RIGHT WAY!

9. Keep extra cards of other members around whenever you can so that you can hand them out to those who may need their services.

10. Turn your cell phone to vibrate during the networking meetings so that those doing commercials don’t get distracted.

11. Come early and stay late whenever you can so that you can build relationships for your business."

- Clayton Hicks, Founder - Tri-State Business Network

http://tristatebusinessnetwork.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tbn-code-of-ethics

What the heck are the Nuts and Bolts of SEO, SEM and SER?

Clients are always asking me about SEO, or search engine optimization. They want to know what it is, how it works, and what they need to do.

I tell them this: SEO is comprised of three main components:

● Content
● Code
● Inbound Links

Content is still “King,” not so much because great content creates sticky sites (think usability), but because great content does more to help your search engine rankings than many of the other tactics that SEOs use.

Knowledgeable SEOs must first and foremost be great writers who can incorporate the right ratio of keywords within content.

Still, the way your website is coded can have dramatic results when it comes to your organic positioning. (.php and template websites are usually aweful and very limited on what can be done to "fix" them...sorry) Make sure your designer knows what this means. If your web design and development company knows what they are doing, they will know how code affects your SER (search engine ranking). Your site should also be optimized, but that can sometimes have less of an effect on your SER than the structure of the code itself. SEM or search engine marketing is another developing field that incorporates several aspects of "marketing your website" to and through other websites.

Finally, inbound links are perhaps the most time-consuming and troublesome of the three keys to great organic positioning. Don't clutter your site with unrelated links that you trade with just anyone. Trading links does not have nearly the effect that inbound links do. Save your energy by increasing links. If you spend your time and energy on these three core tactics, you'll definitely increase your organic ranking.

The beauty of it is that these techniques will also improve the stickiness and performance of your site while building your reputation as an expert in your industry.

5 Important Differences Between Business Class and Consumer Class Computers and Laptops

A business class Computer or Laptop will have a longer standard warranty, which carries a significant value. Additionally, business class computers and laptops tend to feature matte screens and pointing sticks for usability - two things hard to come by in consumer class equipment. Reference the chart below for more differences.

Here are five tips to consider when upgrading to a Business class Computer and Laptop. You'll save the money over time:

1) Business class Computers and Laptops are built with better materials and generally last longer than consumer class equipment. Overall they carry a higher residual value.

2) Business class Computers and Laptops are designed to run continuously all day long.

3) Many times business class equipment still has the manufacturer's warranty remaining. It is possible to work with directly with the manufacturer for any warranty and repair information.

4) Business Class Laptops are able to run two batteries at once and will hook up to a docking station for the home or work environment.

5) With business class Computers and Laptops their built-in video cards allow higher video graphics and enable the quick switch between presentations. The advanced graphics are also ideal for graphic designers and gamers.

Business class systems can sometimes be found at retail and on-line stores; however, most of them have to be ordered via a sales representative directly from the manufacturer or major distributor.

Read more about life expectancies of Consumer class Laptops, support and updates at:
http://findtech.rutgers.edu/tmplt.php?pg=whybus&ss=inst

courtesy Michael Sutter - Budget Business Computers