Keeping Technology Simple

Today's returning guest is Carl Mazzanti, the CEO of e-Mazzanti Technologies, and a Microsoft Partner of the Year in 2012. His company is one of the premier IT consulting services for businesses ranging from home office and retail clients to multinational corporations throughout the New York metropolitan area and numerous international locations. On today's program, Carl and Jim will discuss how the public has responded to the launch of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system and the introduction of the company's Surface tablet.

Are your telecommunication costs out of control? Are you familiar with how the latest technology can save you money on such services as telephone, online banking, and credit card processing? Telecommunications (Telecom) is defined as the transmission of information over long distances, typically either by telephone, the Internet, or a cellular phone network. Today's guest is Dennis Mannone Jr., an expense reduction specialist, and the owner of aSchooley Mitchell franchise, the largest independent Telecom consulting company in North America.  Dennis offers a range of services that include analysis of existing and future telecommunications needs, assessment of the best alternatives, and the implementation of cost-effective Telecom solutions.     Join Dennis and Jim in a discussion on how "The Age of Technology" has impacted the Telecom industry and produced a range of many cost efficient services.  

Planning a business or pleasure trip overseas?  Do you have a child studying abroad?  Keeping in touch while traveling to other countries can be very costly. Fortunately, there are many Internet based programs that have reduced the costs of communicating substantially, and in many cases, for free, depending on the country. If you own a smartphone, free calls are a snap.  No need to worry about placing calls for as much as $3 to $4 PER MINUTE. On this program, Jim Blue will explain the simple rules governing international communcations and how to decide which of the many services are right for you.    

Do you have the right tools to operate in the new mobile world?  Over 85% of the world population now owns a mobile phone. In the United States, there are more mobile phones than people. In 2012, over 60% of mobile phones purchased in the US were smartphones. Do you own a smartphone? Are you considering an upgrade? Which phone is right for you, an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry? Over 25% of households in the US have a tablet. Should you have one? Today, Jim Blue will discuss the status of the mobile market and what you should know about the equipment and service providers.      

We are living in a mobile world.  Chances are that you are using your smartphone and tablet more than your computer for e-mail and information.  Are your mobile devices secure? Do you know how to find them if they are lost?Today's guest is Neil Forster, President of Forster Technology Solutions which specializes in providing computer, information-technology, tele-communication and audio-visual solutions. For more than 20 years, Neil has assisted business, residential and nonprofit clients in the New York metro area implement cost-saving and productivity enhancement technology solutions.Prior to starting his technology consulting business, Neil had a successful career serving as senior executives in the non-profit and business sectors.Join Jim and Neil in a discussion about what you need to know about securing your mobile devices and how to locate them if they are misplaced.  

Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 8 is finally here! What's all the noise about and what you need to know. Today's guest is Carl Mazzanti, the CEO of e-Mazzanti Technologies, and a Microsoft Partner of the Year in 2012. His company is one of the premier IT consulting services for businesses ranging from home office and retail clients to multinational corporations throughout the New York metropolitan area and numerous international locations. Join Jim and Carl in a discussion about this revolutionary new operating system and why many people are excited about the many changes that have been built into the system.

What is E-mail Marketing and why should it be part of your Social Media Strategy? Today's guest is Ellen DePasquale Williams,Constant Contact's Regional Development Director for New York State and Southern Connecticut. Ellen has over 20 years of technology and marketing experience and has presented to over 4,000 small businesses, non-profits, and associations. Ellen has been a speaker at many functions such as the InBound Marketing Summit in Boston and the NYXPO for Business in New York.  Ellen has also been published in numerous magazines including Crains New York Small Business and the New York Enterprise Report. Join Jim and Ellen today in a discussion of the importance of e-mail marketing and what you need to know to build an effective campaign.

What are "Digital Assets?" Have you granted someone access to them if something were to happen to you? Sharon Nelson is the President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc, a digital forensics, information security and information technology firm in Fairfax, Virginia.    Ms. Nelson is the author of the noted electronic evidence blog, Ride the Lightning and is a co-host of the ABA podcast series called “The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology” and the Legal Talk Network podcast “Digital Detectives.” She is a frequent author (ten books and hundreds of articles) and speaker on legal technology, information security and electronic evidence topics. She is the President-elect of the Virginia State Bar and will become its President in June of 2013. Join Jim and Sharon in a rebroadcast of one of BTR's featured programs and our most listened to show this year.

Apple introduced the mini iPad this week as the tablet wars heat up.  The Wall Street Journal reports that sales of tablets worldwide are expected to double this year to 34 million units and to double again in 2013 to 67 million.  CNNMoney reports that sales of PC computers will decline this year for the first time in 11 years. Why are so many people, who have never used a computer, embracing tablets? How do you determine which one is right for you? Today's guest is Joseph Feliciano, an IT professional who has been using a tablet in his business for quite awhile. Today, Jim and Joe will discuss why tablets have become so popular and why businesses are now purchasing  them in record numbers.

Are you a blogger? It's a proven fact that blogging, when done properly, is a major factor in driving traffic to your website, whether for personal or professional purposes. Today's guest is Joseph Grano, the President and CEO of Next-Mark, LLC., which provides marketing strategy and communications solutions to businesses throughout the United States and internationally, is the co-founder of The Healthcare Marketing Institute, a widely published author, public speaker, and executive performance coach and facilitator. Joe has more than 20 years of communications experience, having held executive management positions in the healthcare, technology, and financial services industries. Join Jim and Joe in a discussion on the importance of blogging, the role it plays in Social Media, and what makes up a successful blog.

Today's guest is Robin Colner, the Founder and CEO of DigiStar Media, a digital marketing and social media agency that specializes in helping businesses and professionals increase revenues using effective social media management, search engine optimization and mobile marketing strategies. Robin is also an adjunct instructor at Fordham University where she teaches the undergraduate core course, “The Business and Practice of New Media” in the Professional Studies in New Media program. She is a frequent speaker and seminar instructor on the subject of How Businesses Drive Traffic, Leads and Sales Using Social Media and Mobile Marketing.  An MBA graduate of Wharton, Robin has more than 20 years of hands-on strategic marketing experience, working for advertising agencies as well as Fortune 500 corporations. Join Jim and Robin in a discussion of Pinterest, one of the many social media tools businesses have embraced.

Have you been a victim of a computer virus or "phishing?" Do you understand how to protect yourself from malicious attacks? Phishing is one of several e-mail frauds which contain legitimate looking messages in an attempt to gather personal and financial information from recipients. Typically, the e-mails appear to come from well known and trustworthy  websites, and in many instances, include company logos. Join Jim Blue in an encore discussion about how to minimize the risks and what to do if you have been victimized. 

Nearly 50% of all cell (mobile) phones in the US are smartphones. Which mobile apps should you have? A mobile app is an Internet based software application that runs in a smartphone, tablet or other portable device. Mobile apps have changed the way we live. Since we are living in a mobile world, being able to access information on the road has become part of our everyday lives. Join Jim Blue in a discussion about which mobile apps you should have as well as many that you might want to add to your mobile device. 

The number of baby boomers, born between 1946 -1964 is over 77 million - 25% of the population of the United States. During the next 15 years, the number of people over 65 is expected to double. Boomers and seniors are the most affluent demographic group and are expected to outspend younger adults by over one trillion dollars this year.  While the Age of Technology has made  it easier to communicate and access information, most boomers, as well as seniors, are still on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Join Jim Blue in a discussion on what boomers and seniors need to know about the new technology and how to bridge the Digital Divide.

Today's guest is Gail Sophia Edgell, the owner of 360Menopause.com and co-founder of HolisticMarketingMentors.com. She is also co-host of ‘Magnificent Menopause and Beyond’ Blog Talk Radio show, and the co-author of the books Mastering Your Wellness Business and ‘What the Hell is Happening to Me?’ menopause series. Gail has implemented hundreds of corporate wellness initiatives in Fortune 500 companies and started the largest personal training and corporate wellness consulting practice in her county over 12 years ago. Join Jim and Gail in a discussion of why YouTube should be an integral part of your marketing strategy for attracting clients and increasing your profits.

What are QR codes and why have they become a key mobile marketing tool? Today's guest is Casey Ford, one of the founders of Tappinn, one of the leading platforms used in mobile marketing to consumers with QR codes.  The company launched in 2009 and has already put together some of the most innovative mobile tagging campaigns with top brands like Tag Heuer, Serta Mattress, Dunlop Sports and Tissot Watch.  Tappinn QR codes are some of the first mobile codes to be used in the U.S. and have been positioned in advertising as diverse as ads on the front page of The Wall St. Journal and USA Today, signage and store widows on New York’s 5th Avenue and the on the hood of Danica Patrick’s Nascar racecar.  Join Jim and Casey in a discussion about the evolution of QR codes and why they have become an integral part of the "New Marketing" age.  

As a parent, do you have the basic computer skills to maintain contact with your college student? Does your technology support your efforts, and do you have the most cost efficient systems in place?  The chances are that your child may be more up-to-date on the latest technology than you. It is important that you discuss a strategy to communicate in a cost efficient manner.  If your child is studying thousands of miles away, or perhaps in another country, you don't want to incur telephone charges that might approach the cost of tuition!! Join Jim Blue in this encore presentation on what parents need to know in order to maintain contact with their college bound children.

Are you concerned about the security of your data on your computer and mobile devices?Today's guest is John Simek, the Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. John has a national reputation as a digital forensics technologist and has testified as an expert witness throughout the United States. He holds many technical and forensic certifications. He is a co-author of nine books and hundreds of articles and speaks frequently on legal technology, information security and electronic evidence throughout the country. Mr. Simek is also the co-host of the Legal Talk Network podcast “Digital Detectives.”Join JIm and John in a discussion on what measures you should be taking to insure the security of your data.

Is all your data on your computer backed up? What happens if suddenly your computer crashes, is stolen, or destroyed? Are you manually backing up your documents, pictures, videos, etc. whenever you get a around to it? Last week my main computer died. It simply would not start up and I subsequently found out that everthing on the hard drive disappeared. However, because I had a backup plan in place, nothing was lost. Join Jim Blue this week, along with a business professional and college student, to discuss what they have done to protect their data.   

What are "Digital Assets?" Have you granted someone access to them if something were to happen to you? Sharon Nelson is the President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc, a digital forensics, information security and information technology firm in Fairfax, Virginia.    Ms. Nelson is the author of the noted electronic evidence blog, Ride the Lightning and is a co-host of the ABA podcast series called “The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology” and the Legal Talk Network podcast “Digital Detectives.” She is a frequent author (ten books and hundreds of articles) and speaker on legal technology, information security and electronic evidence topics. She is the President-elect of the Virginia State Bar and will become its President in June of 2013.