Core Values

January 1st is when people are to make resolutions for change and growth. After a couple of months the resolutions for change are just wishes for change. I never hear of anyone making a resolution at the end of the summer.

This past summer I has been such an inter core changing time, in my life. I have seen the need to upgrade three core values. The following values are ones.

1. Being happy - I am not going to allow myself to be overcome by sadness and depression. It brings down not only myself, but my family at the end of the day.
   
2. Knowing what's important - This has to with keeping a proper perspective on life and what is happening around me. I can no longer walk around with rose colored glasses.
   
3. Maintaining discipline - Taking care of business in a timely manner. Doing what I have to do, and going the extra mile to make sure it is done right. Not just in my eyes, but in the eyes of those whom it affects, also.
   

Another Case Why To Backup

Listening is very important. Not just to the words a person is saying, but to the meaning behind those words.

I received a phone call from a client who was upset. A few days before I was asked to clean dead and unused files from his computer. His voice, over the phone, was very angry. I had deleted some files that was important to him. He said that I had deleted all his invoices and mailing list.

I rushed over there. He was a little more calmer when I walked through the door. Now he was telling me there was only a couple of files he could not find.

Then I turned to him and asked for his memory stick with his backups. He looked at me with a blank look. After a couple of minutes he came from his office with it. I plugged it in the USB drive and produced the files he thought he had lost.

Yes, I did listen to him completely, before I started deleting files. When we scheduled the appointment, I asked him to do a back up of all his important files. This is another case for how important it is to back up regularly. If he had not backup those files they would have been lost.

A Smile For A Smile

A smile for a smile, a frown for a frown. You can create your own work environment. You don't have to be overtake with the negativity of others.

In my travels, the most productive people are the most positive. Those who have a frown or walk around with a cloud over their head are the ones who accomplish little. I believe it is because they are so bound up with negative emotions, they can not do much. Certainly they are not flexible to adjust to change and adapt to what is happening around them.

This is especially true when it comes to a individual or small business. The virtue of a smile and a willingness to change makes the difference. I have lost track how many times I have to change, adapt with a smile. Looking back it was all for a good reason. I am better off today, because I did.

Music Video Says Its All

It is hard to express to non-technical savvy people. Business owner, and Geek devoted to help non-technical people with their computers can be difficult. At the end of the day my energy is low.

Once in a while something comes along that makes me feel like I am understood. I have share the video with a few friends. They are now convinced that I am off my rocker. Click on the link Hard Meets Soft and judge for yourself.

Labor Day the Day of Work??

I could never understand why on Labor Day so many don't do any labor (or work). When they were putting together a day to take off from work, they must of have run out of names. So the day to mark the end of summer was named Labor Day. It has been observed since September 5, 1882.

Well, this Labor Day, I am working. So many people took off this weekend. I was quite busy Saturday. I have to work on Labor Day to make up for the lack of workers. Thank God I was able to rest on Sunday.

Today, I am going to spend half of the day with my family. We are headed to the miniature golf course for some good old fashion fun. I am not going to let the rest of the nation take the today off while I slave behind a computer.

What Is The Perspective?

Perspective is everything when talking with anybody. Yesterday, I did five business transactions. Each one was a little different. The people, the surrounding, the service, the merchandise, and urgency all affected how the transactions was handled.

Did you know that every computer is a little different. The combination of hardware components, the combination of software programs, and the environmental conditions all affect how that particular computer reacts in any set of circumstances.

When it comes to any interaction, in my life, personal or mechanical, I must keep in the back of my mind what is affecting my perspective along with what is affecting those around me. Otherwise I will never really understand what is really going at that time.

Awake Yet Rested

It is 3:11 am. I am wide awake yet I am rested and excited for today.

I know this is a Labor Day Weekend. Most people are getting out of town for one last time to end the summer. Not me, I have a full day of service calls. I am currently booked from 9 am to 6 pm. I think it is great!

The summer was so dead when it came to work. I was sick, almost to the point of death. My wife was so upset she could hardly work. In fact she was fired from her job for being so stressed. She was worried that she would lose me. There was little money, we had started praying for food and gas, just to get from one day to the next.

I am so excited that I can not sleep! I will have a $250 to $400 day. I want to make sure all the invoices are printed. There is enough time between each service call so I don't have put anyone real late.

Well, I better get to work, maybe I can get another hour or two before I have to get on the road.

Friday and What a Summer!

It is Friday and Labor Day weekend. A time to look back and buckle down for school and winter. It is a time top pay for summer vacation, along with saving up for Christmas.

What a summer! I has not been one of the best, and maybe close to the worst summers in my life. However, we have made it through. There has been some good times and bad. Definitely there has been spiritual and emotional growth. I believe my family is closer than at the start. There is a prayer for making reconciliation of distant family members.

Next summer will be better, but for now onward and forward. I have come to far with the business, family, and life to turn back or give up.
It this summer has taught me nothing else has been to trust my pain to God and move forward.

Help From God And Man

Walking on this planet and running a business can not be done by oneself. It takes help for God and man. In the 21st Century more than ever we must throughly believe, accept, work along the people that are around us.

Running and having a small business depends on people. Knowing what to and when to do requires wisdom from the creator of heaven and earth. If I push away anyone of these two invites only failure.

When I start out on the business full time, I was telling everybody I met. The reaction I remembered the most was from my pharmacist. He responded with the usual words of encouragement. Then a fearful look came over his face. In less than a minute he started to tell all the reasons why he could not start his own pharmacy. The over riding theme of his words were, that if he started a business he would be doing it alone.

I have vision but I need the help from God and the people around me to be successful.

Bi-Polar or Just Human

Life has its ups and downs. Good times and bad times all make up our walk on this here rock spinning in space. When going through a rough spot one can question their own sanity.

It is rough enough working for someone else, but owning ones own business magnifies the good and bad times. That is why not everyone is cut out to own their own business. There has to be more than financial support. There has to be emotional backing also.

I know for myself there are time I question my own sanity. I feel like I am selfish and delusional just for having a business. It would be one thing if my name and face was not on it. Here in Boise Idaho, my name and face bring in more business than if I had some other name.

I may be bi-polar, I may not, but I am determined to make a good life for my wife and family.

Best Layed Plans Of Mice And Men

Yesterday, I had two stops for the whole day. Yes they were 128 miles apart but I figured that I could do them both with ease. Well, that did not happen. I got to the first one and I was still there at 3 pm. To say the lease I didn't make my second stop.

Yesterday, I wrote about commitment. That was where I was going on my second stop. I was going to start to catch up on old commitments. Well, that is my first stop this morning.

If I am going to improve on my life, I am going to have to take one step at a time. It is not going to be something I can do on my own. I am going to need divine intervention. Get past my own plans and move forward with doing what is right.

Commitment Is Following Through

A big part of being a father, a family man, and a business person is following through on commitments. Making the commitments in a timely matter is what makes or breaks a persons reputation.

I know that much of my life has been running from commitments, where I perceived it to be to hard or painful for me to do. This habit has ruin my relationships with many people. Here at this point in time, at this point in time, I am need to make a turn around by keeping those commitments of mypast.

No, my name is not Earl. I hope my IQ level is a few points higher than Earl. Things are not going to change overnight. I am going to have some hard painful work ahead of me. I do know my relationship with customers, friends, and family will improve.

This is one part of my life that I see as one area of failure. I am no longer let this defeat me.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning brings a freshness and a note of optimism. No matter what new spread of computer virus. No matter what new scam of identity theft. No matter how bad things look during the week, Sunday morning offers a fresh relief.

On CBS a show called Sunday Morning have made its mark for years. It reflects on a lot of positives in the news. Even the negatives news are given a soothing positive spin.

Even when I had to work on Sunday, it was not the same. Things were calmer. Productivity was never great. It was harder to get myself and others motivated to the tasks we needed to do.

Main street of my hometown, on Sunday Morning had a calm stillness. You would of have thought that it was deserted. You would rarely see any activity until a half hour before Sunday School was to start.

I have even noticed that on Sunday morning, even the electrons don't flow through cyberspace the same way as they do the rest of the week.

Black Fridays

Fridays is the day most people look forward to start their weekend. I am not one of them. Fridays for me is the day to expect things to go wrong.

In all my years, it has been a Friday than has delayed a vacation, weekend getaway, along with finishing work early.

My black cat is not the cause, or some evil curse. It is the mindset of myself and the millions of other people who want to get away from work. In the process of rushing to get away, difficult matters get worst.

What is the answer? Shall we just change the last day of the week to Thursday or Saturday? I really don't think that will do any good.

The only real productive thing to do is be aware of Fridays potential for problems. It is like the time between Thanksgiving and News Years Day. People are more emotional. They are easily distracted. Many don't think as clear as they do during the rest of the year. So it is with Fridays.

Who Do You Want Working On Your Computer?

If you look around the number of "Computer Techs" both professional and not, you will find they start number the same as people who work on cars. The difference between the all these computer techs it price, skill level and philosophy of work.

Geek Squad will charge you between $50 to $300 to work on your computer. Rent-a-Nerd gives you a flat rate of $39 per hour. Independents computer techs are charging from $25 to $125 per hour. A good portion of the time their price will reflect their skill level.

The younger computer techs are ones that grew up with computers in their bedroom. They would fix their own computer when it broke. The older computer techs have seen the change and development of computers and technology over the years.

The geeks (as I call them) customize and set up any computer the way they think it should work. Then their is those just fix the basic problem and nothing more. The third class, I like to call is the Teacher. They not only repair, but help the computer user better understand and use their computer.

Will anyone Miss Me?

Yesterday, Copybogger ask the question, "Would anyone miss your blog if it disappeared, tomorrow?"

I know I don't have a lot of great words of wisdom, but this blog is not for exhorting. This blog has become just one man's journey through the later years of his life. The thoughts that shape my actions.

I have given up on making any real mark on society. My only desire is to influence just one or two. Maybe through this blog someone can take what have learned (the hard way) and make a better life for themselves. That way they won't have to go through some of the things I am going through now.

The Cycle of Life or Life's Cycles

The movie Lion King is where I got the titled of this posting. I was looking a the various cycles in my own life, that I have gone through. Some pleasant and some not so pleasant.

The movie Lion King was about the adventures a young lion prince growing up, getting a mate and having a cub of his own. A large part of the movie was devoted to the adventures that the young lion cub went through to mature.

We go through similar cycles of life in as we grow up and raise our children. I am always amazed what the children go through in grow up is very similar to the parents. Sure there is some differences when it comes to modern inventions, and habits. The basic attitudes along with many of the action are quite similar with parents and child.

• Do you realize that we go through a yearly cycle of life, from News Years, through the holidays, change of seasons, and back to New Years Day.
  
• May I be so bold as to take this one step further.The cycle of life can be reduced to a monthly, not just years. We pay our bills, then again the next month we are paying the same bills again.
• There is a weekly cycle of life. Monday starts our work week. Friday evening start our weekend, then Monday we start the cycle all over again.
• Yes, we even have a daily cycle. Early in the morning we rise to go off to work, at the end of the day light hours we go home, relax, and sleep only to start the cycle all over again when we wake up.

Help Bills and Debt!

When management a persons life and family gets out of control, the financial part is the primary indicator. Human resource departments started doing credit checks on potential employees, after learning about this indicator.

No quick fix for a individual or family that gives a bail out will result in a turn around. It is not going to happen overnight. It can not be done by one family member. It takes a united effort.

Sometimes a money management service can help. More than often divine intervention is often the only answer. The extreme level of help that is needed is beyond physical behaviors. Attitude, thought processes and time will bring a persons life back into control.

A rescue effort is not all that is needed. A recovery plan, with close supervision, is the only thing that will give lasting results. Then and only then will the mountain will be leveled out. The oceans will lose their depth.

Spender or Investor?

There are two choices we can make when it comes to what we do with our money. We can spend it, and get no return, or invest it and see a return.

Before I go any further, I want you to know that I am using the word Money in this blog posting, but it could be time, energy, or thought. Any of my physical or mental resources can be used to invest, or spent. The choice is ours to make that choice.

Money can be spent to receive a good feeling, which will only last for a short time. There will no lasting benefit or return. A good example is buying an ad in a coupon book that you know, from history, will see no new customers.

Money can be invested where at a later date it will bring back that money along with a percent of the original expenditure. An website that is tuned to your customer base, along with a newsletter will not only bring in new business, but repeat business.

Money is wasted when investments are not researched. The most common waste is on impulse purchases. These are goods that will be sold at the following summer's yard sale for a fraction of the original price.

A good business person is an investor not a spender. They are always looking for a return where they place their time, energy, and money.

Horse Sense, Wisdom, Making Right Choices

Horse Sense, wisdom, and making right choices means basicly the same thing. The only difference is that each term is attached to a different generation and social economic sector of American society.

Even in today's world of fast and sometimes excessive communication. The communicating of ideas and concepts break down because the understood meaning of a word is different from one person to another.

I was talking to a client who was using terms, that she understood. I was unclear of what she meant. I let her talk for a while, in hopes to grasp the meaning of her words. Finally, I had to stop her and ask for a clarification. It turned out that I had the wrong meaning of her terms.

Her family and co-worker had developed a set of jargon, that sounded like it meant one thing, but in truth meant something slightly different. This is all the more we must make sure our words and their meaning are clearly understood.

One by One

One by One is a song I heard in the early 90's. It was a song about how you go about saving the world. Causes like global warming, health issues, and human rights are massive issues that need large groups to get involved. But to make any real difference it takes one person helping another person.

My cause is computer security. Keeping people safe when they put their hands on the keyboard and mouse. Then head out over the World Wide Web.

There are plenty of people who write, speak, and attend large computer security conventions. For me I walk, talk, and show individual how they can make their computer more secure. What actions they can do while surfing the internet.

One by one, One by one, just one person at a time.

Idea, or Concept, Without Words

Have you ever had an idea, but just could not put it in the right words? Well, that is what I am going through. It is like a haunting ghost that keeps reappearing.

English is so limiting compared to some other languages. Yet I am limited to the English language to convey the idea, or concept. An idea can be just one word. However, a concept needs a paragraph or more to describe fully.

Describing a computer to a man in first century Rome is on the same level.

I am not going to give up! What I feel in my heart, and what I see in my minds eye needs to be converted to words. When I can properly but it in words of the English language, then others will be able see he need and passion that is in my heart.

Do I Really Need Another Program?

Last night I was searching Google and Yahoo for some software for a client. One hour later my frustration level was starting to rise. Then I stepped back to look at what is already on the computer.

I decided to take a closer look at the QuickBooks program. After going to the Intuit.com, I visited a couple of QuickBooks forums. To my surprise there was my answer.

I have always know that there are some features in Microsoft Office, that is rarely used because they are not commonly known. This was the case with QuickBooks.

I wonder how often we look for a new program, when all we really need to do is rediscover the programs that are on computers? Maybe that is why they are so expensive to start.

Negotiation Is Not Just For Diplomats

Negotiation is the art of pushing and giving to obtain something or position. Government leaders, and business executives are not the only ones who need to negotiate. In some countries it is a part of their lifestyle.

I have a friend who is from Kuriate. Anytime we are having any dealing that evolve a transaction of money or goods, ends in a stiff discussion of the terms. After several minutes of push and giving, we in up at a middle ground shaking hands.

When I look at the world around me. I see negotiation a needed life skill. It is part of a lot of lives activities; buying a car, buying or selling a house, settling a family conflict, and payments of bills.

Technology Is Stressful

Change is good, but being in a constant state of change can a level of stress. I am talking about both the business and tech side of the computer/information industry. I really think working on the floor of Wall Street would be less stressful.

I rarely read computer tech books, because they are outdated by the time they get to print. Blogs, and website give the most up to date information. Magazines and/or periodicals are a middle ground between the two.

But just think about keep up with all the latest changes. How to remove the latest malicious infection of computer files? What fixes Windows Vista software vendors have made? What about who has bought out which up and coming website? The prices of computer and computer parts go up and down worst than the stock market.

Sure it can be quite stressful, but with the right mind set it can be an adventure. It can be even bigger satisfaction helping client get the best possible advice with their computer needs.

21st Century Communication or Slaves

We have all heard and have been told that we must communicate with those around us. Family, friends, business associates, and customers. In 2007, we have never had so many tools to use to communicate. Email, Instant Messaging, cell phones, text messaging, message board, social networking websites, wikkis, but what about good old face to face?

I know for myself, face to face human communication is only when needed. Emails are a daily, if not several times a day. Phone calls usually happen to any one business associate a couple times a week. Then face to face contact is to whenever needed.

Am I having effective communication? Am I losing customers, friends, and family by not having the face to face communication? Or have we become salves to the electronic media in the 21st century?

Emotions/Needs, What Motivate Us

Getting past all the psychological teaching school of thought, there are only four basic emoting/needs that motivate us..

1. Contributing -We cannot feel that we are part of any social group, ie; family or otherwise unless we feel we are help provide content and life to that group.
2. Love - A big factor is to love and be loved. This is glue that holds relationships together.
3. Enjoyment - Without some kind of pleasure, fun, or without good times in our life make our life a mere prison with invisible walls.
4. Survival - Food, shelter, and comfortable living environment is the fourth listed here that just might should be first in the list.

I have seen social and family groups isolate one member, for some petty reason. In doing so this member was driven away. They went outside that group to find another social group that they felt needed them. The persons new role could be a health or an unhealthy role in that group.

Reality Can Bring Bad News

I was in CompUSA, picking up some parts. Since I had some time to kill, I stopped by the business sales counter and talk with one of the salesman. In course of the conversation I asked a questions about Vista and QuickBooks.

He laughed, started to shake his head left to right. In a pitiful tone he said, "It is not going to work. Vista, will not let you move those files."

I responded, "You don't know how many peoples day you have ruined."

He whispered in a low tone, "Sorry".

This is one of those times something should work a certain way. You need it to work that way, but it won't. The Microsoft nor Intuit won't fix it.

In this case, to prevent pirated software, Microsoft has went overboard with Vista, and not allow you to migrate certain data files from XP to Vista.

A Long Busy Day Is Good For The Soul

I like nothing better than teaching and working on computers. Yesterday began at 4 am and ended about 7 pm. It was a long profitable day. I was tired at the end, but I felt good.

Days like yesterday, not only good for the checkbook, but they are good for my soul. I needed to be stretched. I needed to build endurance. I needed to resist temptation.

Without being stretched there is not growth. At 50 plus years growing has not stopped. Growing, learning and expanding my soul must continue until I am removed from this earth suit.

Theory or Reality

If you have been around for any length of time you know that theory does not put food on the table in the real world. It is getting your hands dirty and working in a chosen trade, starting from the ground up.

I just got through reading a forum posting, over at PC Magazine. The guy who wrote the post has a pretty high rating. He had wrote an okay article about Email marketing.

I got two sentences into his article and stopped. Then I took a breath and scanned the remainder six paragraphs. It was all textbook theory. It nothing new. I would not be surprised if it was not rewritten from some other place on the internet.

When someone has been in the middle of a project. You can just by how they sound, if they are reciting words, or if they are speaking from experience.

I Can Not Make It Alone

I grew up encourage to do things on my own, in spite what the social trend said. This made for some lonely times.

Over the years I had to learn the hard way, I need other people. Not just to help me, but to help them. Tight friendships were few and far between.

Yesterday, I needed and was needed from family and friends. I enjoyed the feeling from it. The whole days adventure let me see I belong to the group of people around me.

Belonging to a community (business, social, or religious) is a very important thing. As one of the Beatles once sang, "No man is an island. No man stands alone..."

Life Is NOT Predictable

No matter how bad or how good things get, there is a always a bit of mystery that hovers over my life.

When I woke up yesterday, I could not tell you what would happen, even through it was a Sunday. I woke up this morning, (my first service call at 8 am) I can not tell you the results. It is to happen one way, but I can not say for sure that it will.

The unpredictable events is what makes life fun. I could let them grip me with fear. But that is a waste of time and energy. I must know and act upon what I have control over. The other stuff I just do the best I can.

In AA they have a saying, "God grant knowledge to change things I can change and patience I can not and the wisdom to know the difference."

I Like Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings are so peaceful. There is something extra quieting about Sunday mornings. Years ago Johnny Cash sang a song about just such Sunday Morning. CBS has had for years a television program called Sunday Morning.

No matter how crazy, No matter how disturbing the week has been. Sunday is that calming time of the week to reflect and let go of life's pressures if nothing else, but for just a few hours.

What To Do In When It All Goes Wrong?

Starting a business can be a scary and risky thing. You are stepping out. Success or failure all depends upon what you do. The decisions you make. The time and energy you put into the business.

When I was a young man I was one of the first non firefighters to get paramedic training in Los Angles county. I study hard. In the back of my mind I was going to save lives.

Then one class about half way through the course, one of the instructors stood up in front of the class and said, "You can do everything we teach you the the letter, and the patient can still die."

That statement had a tramatic affect on me. I could not handle working to save someones life and then have them die on me. Why was I spending all this time and money only to have someone die under my care.

Years have come and gone. I have been through several failed marriages, jobs, and other things. I still have trouble accepting failure.

The one thing I have learned since then is have friends, family, advisers, and God there to help me. I am going fight, examine, adapt, pray, and work to make a turn around.

Face to Face, Not Facebook

Facebook is a social online network like My Space, and Twitter. People from across the country and around the world reading each others profiles and carrying on conversation. But what about their next door neighbor?

Have we become a generation of chickens? Are we afraid to meet and have a social community with those that live around our residence? It is easier to talk with someone over the telephone, than meet them face to face at your kitchen table.

I am not a big fan of online chatting. I do a lot of phone chatting. I must confess that social interaction that is face to face is something I lack. I have one or two clients that are even willing to sit down and chat face to face. Most of them would rather talk behind some kind of wall.

Knowing The Truth Is Hard

Today, I saw the quote, "Know the truth and it shall set you free...". What is not said is that the truth hurts. Most people don't want to know the truth.

I went to a (true) friend, today. I want him to take my side in disagreement I was having with another friend. He didn't take my side. He didn't take the other friends side. He just offer the other friend's point of view. Then gave me an alternative advice that would defuse the friction.

He was right, I was caught up in the conflict. I didn't what I could do to help defuse the friction and strengthen the friendship.

Sunrise or Sunset?

The only difference between sunrise and sunset is me.

If I am standing where the sun is coming to me. It is rising. If I am standing where the sun is going away from me. Then the sun is setting.

Could it be my future, my prosperity all depends upon where I place myself on this earth. If I place myself in front of the movement of a market trend. Then it will like the ocean wave pick me up and carry me along. If I place myself behind that ocean wave, it will just leave me there to fight for survival on my own, with little or no help.

Business Requires Hard Choices

I have never called myself a business person. I prefer, teacher, technical adviser, technical engineer. But I have always hated the term business man or person. I would rather someone else do that part.

When starting EFCussins.com, TEN Solutions, and more recently I Can Do Tech.com, my goal was to help people. My desire was to make a living from people with their computer problems. I have gotten some work, but not the volume that I need to sustain a business.

I have not given up on helping individual with their computer needs! As a business model, I don't know how that is going to work. I see, and hear need from the Baby-boomer generation. I want to take it beyond a popper, struggling level. I want to have an enriched service for everyone that calls me.

Oh yes, I need the volume of clients to dollars that will support my family.

Recovery, Redirection, and Faith

When I get sick, I usually come out of it more spiritually mined. This week is no different than before.

I am not running around shouting "Jesus Saves". I start in a slow patient way looking on how I can improve the way I deal with my business issues. I pray for divine guidance on daily activities. I am taking each day for that day.

I have to walk these days by faith. Work was so little that after being sick for almost two weeks, my wife, daughter, and I and be living on the streets, if enough completed work does not come in.

I have made hundreds of cold sales, with less than 1/2 of 1% return. Now I am just putting to God to send me work I need to pay the bills.

I Have Been Sick

I have been sick and I hated it. The past almost two weeks put me on my back to the point. I hated to lay in bed. I hated watching TV. At one point I was starting to hate my body for making me sick.

Now that I am feeling better the Eternal Optimism in me is starting to rise again. I start asking my self why did I get sick and what good and come out of being sick.

• Why did I get sick? I most likely got sick from over stretching my physical abilities. I was forced to take time and rest where I would not otherwise.
• What did I learn from being sick? Every time that I am sick, I usually have to slow down to look at spiritual and family aspects of my life. This has been one such time.
• What am I going to do differently? Well, I am going to do more with less, or just not do it. My family and spiritual time is an important part of my daily routine. These are two things I have really lost sight. In losing this sight I was losing on all sides of my life.
  

A business can not be build by one individiual. It Takes Team Work.

The old myth that a business could be built on the shear will of one individual is not true. It takes a support staff. Friends and family back emotionally and financially.

The business of a small business owner does not have a constant income. It is all a matter of building surplus during the business times to take you through the low times. The businesses that fail are the ones that learn this

Build Your Work On A Solid Foundation

Yesterday, in church, the pastor talked about the two builders that built their houses. One was on sand. The other in solid rock.

I have heard the parable more times than I dare to count. I have read it myself even more.

Yesterday, I saw it in a new light. I was not going to just apply to my meager spiritual life. I was going to apply the principle to my professional life. It is going to take some time to get to the level, I feel it is where it needs to be.

Today, I have been chiseling in that hard bed rock to make a professional life that my children and wife can be happy they are part of my life.

Everybody Got's a Blog!!

I don' know about you but every time I turn around I find someone new with a blog. Along with this increase in blogger, there comes and increasing number of blogs about making money doing blogs.

Like a pipe dream, professional bloggers are for a very few, of whom I am not one. I make my money doing websites, and helping small business with their computer issues. I have this blog as a personal journal of my journeys of a small businessman.

Like hand written journals of old, blogs are a good things. Blogs let people, who may not see me and can keep track of what is happening with my professional life experience.

Pole Climbing

Several years ago, I attended a personal development workshop along the beach of Santa Cruz, CA. One of the growth exercises was to climb a pole and stand on top of it.

It was quite safe. We had helmets, and climbing harnesses. So if we fell we would just hang from the rope and climbing harness.

I got only half way up the pole before I froze in fear. I could not finish the exercise. My fear of heights had overtaken me. My failure was video taped to be a reminder to everyone else who took that course. I left that seminar as an example of loser that gives into their fears.

Today, I am forced to face my fears of failure. I can not afford to be an example of failure. I can not accept anything less than conquering my fears and get to the top of that pole.

Vista is Getting Better

Today, I was asked to hook up a new Hp Vista computer to a wireless network. At first I started sweating, when the local computer stores did not have in stock what Hp recommended for a wireless adapter. The more research I did on the web didn't give me much confidence, either.

I sucked it up and went out to the job site this morning. To my surprise the whole process went off like textbook. I was glad I didn't have to file share with any other computer. The office had two ME, one XP computer, and one Apple OSX. Oh yes their were a couple other Windows 98SE computers.

I left feeling that in the next year or two I could have the whole office on Vista, with the exception of the Apple and XP computer.

Indenpendance Day

Did anyone ever see that Movie Independence Day? It was great. It was a good reminder what we celebrate the 4th of July.

The BB Q's, the watermelon, the time with family and friends are nice, but we need to take the time to set back and remember those who fought and died for us.

I need to be reminded. On Sunday about our creator. On the Memorial Day about the soldiers who died so we could have our freedom. On Labor Day about how are we really work. On Thanksgiving, about being thankful for what I got.

Holiday Days are not day of no work, but a time to remember what is important to us.

The Most Used Symbol @

efcussins@yahoo.com, Leo@myemalHome.com even jane@hotmail.com, make the most used symbol in the world to day. Think about it!

How many emails do you receive and send during one 24 hour period. They all have to have @ in the middle. Separating the addressees mailbox name from the home of that mailbox.

I remember first using @ as a shorthand symbol. It's history is not easy to find. But it is good to know I can hold down the Shift key and press the number 2 key above the Q and W to get @. @ is in the middle and above.

Monday of a Short Week

Short weeks are one that a holiday at one end or in the middle. It is hard to get motivation going. Monday, and Tuesday is getting up to speed. Wednesday shifts gear for enjoyment of the holiday. Thursday and Friday becomes a mad house rush to catch up with the work volume needed for the week.

Trying to plan this week with productive energy is hard.

It is Friday

The business week is almost over. A few hundred more people know about TEN Solutions and EFCussins.com. Business sales were up from the week before. Of course the week before, sales were almost non-existence.

Tomorrow will only be a half day. Then Sunday night it all starts over again. The 4th of July is next week. That means I am going to have to work harder.

Courage Is Not Emotion

I wrote yesterday about courage as a business owner. Today, I must make note that courage as a business owner is to keep going when things look the blackest. Money is coming in, but not enough to meet basic overhead.

Maybe that is why so many new businesses fail? The new owners is not use to $200, $400, or $1,000 a day being deposited in the bank account. He or she thinks they are getting rich, but in reality all they are able to do is very keep ahead of the creditors.

When reality takes hold, it is not a time to faint, but to press on. Follow the dream. Adjust to make the money coming in cover expenses. Then press on to where times will get easier.

Business A Courageous Decision

Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision
Peter F. Drucker
For more Inspiring Quotes

I see a courageous person as an individual that goes pass the emotion of the time. Most successful business person does act on the emotion of the moment, but follows the passion that drove them to start their own business.

Courage of a passionate dream acted upon can take a person pass all the negative resistance. Through the veil of discouragement unto the light of a dream realized.

Owning A Business Is Not For Wimps.

Small Business Trends report 66 % of started businesses are still going after the first 2 years. After fours years, 44 % were still in existence. It takes work, organizing, wisdom, and putting oneself out there, to make a business work.

If it wasn't for my wife, pushing me when I was down emotionally. The pressure of bills piling up and low sales, does not help for a positive attitude. I even found myself praying.

The best things to do is;

1. Mutual encouragement
2. Learn how-to live on a budget
3. Keep put yourself in front of potential clients.
4. Keep up with trade news and technical skills.
   

Reality Check

To the individual that thinks owning their own business is great. The delusion that working for yourself is easier than working for some large corporation or hard nose, needs a reality check.

I like working on computers. I like helping people, but I hate sales. Guess what 90% of owning ones own business is sales. Selling ones self is before selling ones goods, or selling ones service.

I have talked with other business owners. Their comment to me is that they are to busy managing their business. Doing the type of work they like to do is a rare pleasure. In other words they have become a slave to the business they created.

Computer Techs Are Not All The Same

This morning I did a Yahoo Local search for computer repair in the Boise ID area. There is over 50 different listing. Some of them I know. Some I do not know. But I do know, that they are all vary in experience and knowledge.

There are computer techs that I will easily consider fair better, than myself. There is other who lack in certain areas, that I am proficient. We are out there competing for the repair for your computer.

Considering the wealth of knowledge in Idaho. The three strike rule my best advice to anyone looking to get computer, and/ or network up and running.

1. If the computer is not working right after the first visit, there could of have been an unknown issues the computer tech did not see.
2. After the second visit the computer tech needs to pull his/or her resources. There could be a gap in the techs knowledge/experience base, that they need.
3. In my opinion, after the third try, it is is time to call in a different computer tech maybe a different company.
   

Father's Day - The After

I have not been the best father in the world. Truth be told, I was a father to early in life. I have beat myself over the head enough, on the subject.

This Father's Day, for me, was a semi sub dewed one. My wife had to remind my youngest. My oldest two do not want anything to do with me. Instead of pushing for a Father's Day DVD or NASCAR.

All I did was spend my time in church and the computer room. I fixed lunch and dinner for the family. It was a day not about me. It was day about me serving, helping, listening, and guiding my family.

Time Warp

I follow tech trends pretty close. I may not have the latest and the greatest, but my gear is within a year or two.

Well, earlier this week I went deliver and installed a computer on a ranch,in less than 50 miles from Boise, ID. When I arrived to the ranch I felt I had time warp back 40 plus years. Rotary phone, black and white television, and avocado green kitchen.

When I left they were so excited playing solitaire, on their computer. I wonder if the simple things in life are the best.

Playing With Fire!

Whether your home or work computer fails, can you recover those files and information. Or all you can do is just sit there with your hands in your face crying. Years, and months of memories and financial information are lost.

According to research by the U.S. Small Business Administration, at least 25 percent of businesses close not to back up their files will not reopen, after some computer failure. Many those do often struggle just to stay in business. It could of have been avoided

The following stats influence you decision about backing up your computer’s files.

• Over 90% of companies experiencing a major data loss cannot fully recover all of their information.
• 40-45% of businesses fail to resume operations after a major theft or fire.
• 25% of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster.

These are odds I don’t want to have against me.

Everything Changes Including Me

I just updated my web authoring software. Good old fashion html is being replaced because it slow and not as powerful as newer website code. Cascading Style Sheets, for example, allow web pages that have more complex design to load much faster.

Two words come to mind, “everything changes”. It makes it harder for some of us to keep up with the changes, considering how fast everything changes. What was considered state-of-the-art in 1997 is to new for the museum and too old for any real usefulness.

If we are to have marketable skills we have to narrow our area of expertise just to keep up with all the changes.

Ignorance Is NOT Bliss

Periodically, I find a computer that is so infected. Like yesterday, I was to install a simple accounting program, but I kept getting errors. I knew something was wrong, by what I was told did not verify what I was experiencing with that computer. Well, several hours later, revealed 900+ infected files with a viruses types , and 4 root kits.

The root cause of the infection is obvious. Microsoft and all computer security experts agree on the three basics. Anti virus program, a bi-directional firewall, and keeping software updated. In the last few years one more piece of security has been added. An anti-spyware program was added because of the increase use of the internet.

All of these facts are well published and preached. However, these are people thinking by ignoring the experts advice. When faced with the results of their actions, their face turns red. I have trouble having compassion for computer users who continue to ignore the reality/responsibility of having a computer.

They Outlawed My Chevy!!!

I maybe old fashion, but there are times I like to see and use good vintage machines. The younger generation in wanting to save energy, save the economy, and/or make money. In the name of progress what was once good dependable and useful have not only been out dated and made illegal.

When Windows XP first cane out all you needed was 128 MB of RAM. Then 256 MB would be enough. Now 256 is the least the average user can use. Actually, 1 GB of RAM or higher is needed.

What about those good ole computers that only can be upgraded to 256 or 512 of RAM. They as headed for the great computer graveyard in the sky.

The bottom line is a shining new computer in 2002 is just as out dated as the old 54 Chevy, without seatbelts, noisy smoking, and no air bags.

Spring Cleaninng is Not Just for the House

The weather is getting hotter. Fishing, hiking, and camping start to fill our idle thoughts. Before we can head out to the stream or favorite camp ground we must do spring cleaning. Oh Bummer!!!

This is when we have to go through the house clean webs and get rid of clothes that are worn out or two small for us. The family car gets a tune up as well as detailed cleaning. However, the family computer gets forgotten.

The family computer is the work horse that just keeps on working through abuse. The owners only give passing thoughts of cleaning the dust from inside the case. Once in a while mom will think about backing up the valued family photos from last Christmas.

Why is it that when it comes to Spring Cleaning that the one electronic device that runs more than our car gets only a passing thought when it comes to preventive maintenance. If anything is done, it is done only in a token state. Like our personal salve that will work long hours and dependably on bread and water.

Vista is Now Being Called MEII

Windows ME was probably the worst operating system that Microsoft ever released. Verily on the market for a over a year, ME gain the nickname ME-take (pounced mistake).

To from the Inquirer website and c|net.com the term MEII has been officially be put on the Vista. Of course I have heard the term in some private circles.

The question is now what is Microsoft going to do with it's MEII? Will they still try to push Vista until it is right? Will they let it fade in the background as a embarrassment?

Vista Bad for Notebooks/Laptops

I hate being such a Windows Vista basher, but I am not seeing a lot of reports that say Vista is good for the average computer user. c|net.com reported problems with Vista on Hp notebooks.

John Wozniak, a top Hewlett-Packard's engineer in the notebook department. Vista was an energy hog started to surface during beta testing last year.

The main problem is in Vista's Aero feature. When Aero is turned off battery life is equal to or better than Windows XP systems. But with it turned on, battery life is much shorter than with Windows XP.

DELL is Flipping the Bird

DELL Computer has not only still selling computers with Windows XP, on select models across their product line. Microsoft is pushing Windows Vista down every bodies throats. DELL even is selling workstations with Linux. This is nothing more than rebellion in the computer manufacturing community.

If this is not flipping the bird to the worlds most influential company in the world. But there are times when even the most successful are wrong. That is what has happen with Microsoft. Instead of improving on a good product, Windows XP. Microsoft has reinvented the wheel. Thus forcing us to suffer working out the bugs, when we do not have to go through such pain.

Vista the Secure Headache

Microsoft in build a secure operating system has made it so secure that it has become a headache to use. Let us take a look two of the security features and headaches.

• User Account Control - Is designed to keep the average computer from opening an unwanted door to a hacker or malicious software. However, the user is hounded with popup windows asking, "Are you sure you want do this?"
• Projection Mode - A new feature in Vista with Internet Explorer 7 is what is called Protection mode. If Internet Explorer does not recognized a website as a secure website, it won't let you go to that website. This is good, but I can't visit an unrecognized website without being hounded by pop up warnings.
• Vista Basic - Yes his is the cheapest edition of Vista, but are not going to get some of the features that make Vista. Vista Basic is just what it says; basic email, and basic web surfing. If you want more then you will have to upgrade.
  

Windows XP Is NOT Dead

On the DELL website there announced that they have been listening to their customers. DELL will continue to provide XP on certian models. Below is a list of DELL's posting.

DON’T ELIMINATE XP JUST YET
We heard you loud and clear on bringing the Windows XP option back to our Dell consumer PC offerings. Based on your feedback, the following Dell consumer systems with Windows XP are now immediately available on Dell.com:

Dell Inspiron: 1405, 1705, 1505, 1501 Dell Dimension: E520, E521

RAM Usage Is On The Increase

In the past couple of weeks, I have started to notice that systems that enough RAM, a year ago, now is lacking minimum requirements. No major programs have been added. No major hardware has been added. The system was clean of malicious software. What causing the increase usage of RAM.

The only real change was the all the security updates. Could all these Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, and Windows Updates cause and increase drain on the average computer? If this is the case we are slowly pushed more powerful computer.

I am not saying that we don't need all these updates. The more robust security system puts more of a demand on a computer hardware. This is all important to have our computer protection to cover our level of risk or being attack.

DOS Is Not DEAD

In an era were we have been pointing and clicking on icons. Voice interactive computer software will soon become a reality. There are a few who still use DOS (Disk Operating System) and Windows 3.1 (released in April 1992).

I came across two commercial businesses that are still using DOS and/or Windows 3.1. These people as slow to up grade. Their comments were around waiting for the bugs getting worked out of the newer programs and operating systems.

If I was in their position, I would be using Linux. However I have to stay just behind the cutting edge of what is new to the market, as a service to my clients.

Who is Protecting Us from Security Software?

I come across more back security software than Trojans,Viruses, Worms, and other malicious computer software. I use to have to use special software tools to remove infections from people computers.

Today, I have to carry with me special software tools to remove "Security Software". This security software doesn't protect the computer. It won't uninstall through Add/Remove Program of the Control Panel.

Some of these programs that are protecting us, have become the problem through not doing their job.

Vista Ready Really Means?????

Pushing for sales of a product makes salesmen to tell half or partial truths. The sales of Windows Vista has landed Microsoft in court, again. It all surrounds the term, "Vista Ready".

What is being reported is "Vista Ready" means that a computer can run Windows newest operating system, Vista. However, "Vista Ready" means your computer will run "Vista Home Basic".

Vista Home Basic is lowest of the four versions of Vista. This version does not have many of the WOW features of Vista. You see the features of each version of Vista at Microsoft comparsion webpage. Click Here to go directly there.

I Can't Resist Temptation

I am a software junkie. I am never satisfied with current software on my computer. I am always looking for the "The latest, greatest. and best software that is on the internet".

If I see new program that I think I can use, I will download it. This a cause me a lot of extra work. I find a lot of the programs that I download not meeting my expectation. I have to uninstall, reboot, clean undeleted files, and clean the registry.

I have forgot how many programs, I have installed and uninstall programs. It has gotten so bad that I have had to wipe my hard drive clean and start over.

Maybe I should find a support group for downloading junkies?