Keeping Technology Simple

Are you a social media junkie?  Why are Baby Boomers and Seniors spending so much time on Facebook?  How much time do you spend on Facebook, Twitter and all the other social sites a day?  Whether your activities are strictly personal or for professional purposes, chances are that some part of your day is spent on at least one of the sites.  Today, Jim Blue will discuss why people have made social networking part of their daily routine whether at home, in the office, and on the road.

Concerned about your rising cell phone bill?  Do you know the difference between your calling and data plans?  Do you understand the costs involved in using your mobile devices out of the United States.  We are now living in a mobile world and keeping in communication with family, friends, and business associates has never been easier.  Today, Jim Blue will discuss what you need to know about mobile communications and some tips on how to control your communication costs.

This century will clearly be remembered as The Age of Technology.  Wireless technology permits us to communicate with friends, family and business associates instantaneously regardless of location.  Information is no more than a key stroke away, whether from your computer or mobile device. Skills acquired in the past century alone puts you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide.  Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market. Join Jim Blue in a discussion of the tools you will need to compete in The Age of Technology.

2012 will be the year of mobile technology.  Are you able to determine what technology you should have to support your needs both personally and for your business?  Sales of mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Android phones have soared.  Every manufacturer is focusing on the tabloid market as sales of personal computers weaken.  This week, Jim will discuss what you need to know about the new mobile world and offer some tips that will help you make intelligent purchasing decisions.

Received a new iPhone or iPad for the holidays?  What is iCloud?  So many new products and features to learn!!  Tired of charging your iPhone several times a day?  Today's guest is Joseph Feliciano the CEO of IT Squared, an IT management company which he co-founded in 2006.  Join Jim and Joe in a discussion about how the mobile world has become an important part of our lives and the importance of products such as iCloud.

Planning a career change in 2012? Is 2012 the year you will finally act and follow your gut? Whether you are stuck in an unrewarding job or just burned out, you are not alone. Do you need to brush up on your basic computer skills, require help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues? Join Jim Blue in a discussion about how to prepare for your "second act." 

Today's guest is Peggy Dau, the founder and managing partner for MAD Perspectives LLC, a consultancy providing management consulting and social media empowerment services to technology sector companies, andLinkedIn Consulting Services to individuals.  She brings unique insight to her clients in developing communications strategies aligned with business goals.  Peggy enjoyed 24 years working in various customer facing roles, locally and globally, for Hewlett-Packard Company. Join Jim and Peggy in a discussion about the importance of Linkedin, why it is referred to as the professional social network, and some valuable tips on how it should be used,  

Is your Social Media Strategy working for you?  Today's guest is Tamar Russell, who has her own graphic and web design studio in New York and relies heavily on Social Media to promote her business.  In addition to providing her clients with a host of creative services, Tamar has developed Social Media programs for many companies in a wide range of industries. Join Jim and Tamar in a discussion about the differences between the major Social Media tools, how to determine whether a program should be part of your overall marketing strategy and how to get started.

Today's guest is Bennett Kleinberg, a Vice President at Goodman Media International, a leading public relations firm based in New York City, specializing in media relations and large-scale media initiatives for major corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Bennett has more than 20 years experience in the entertainment, publishing, technology, and new media business.Join Bennett and Jim in a discussion on how technology, and specifically social media, has changed the role of Public Relations in recent years.  

There is always a great deal of activiity going on in the world of Technology.  The one thing that is constant is that there will always be change and something new will be introduced, almost on a daily basis.  Today, Jim Blue will discuss some of the new developments of the past week, including the launch of the new iphone 4s, why airlines are rushing to introduce Internet access on their flights and many other items of interest.

Apple has now introduced yet another “smartphone,” the iPhone 4S. The market share war, which includes Apple (iPhones), Google (Androids), and RIM (Blackberrys) is now in high gear. Apple has already reduced the price of some its older iPhone models.  Are you eligible for an upgrade?  Are you considering purchasing a smartphone?  Over 50% of all new phones purchased in 2011 will be smartphones. Today Jim Blue will discuss what you need to know before making a decision on which mobile device is right for you.

One of the most important contributions of the Internet has been the ability of people to maintain lines of communication with family, friends and business associates around the world.  While e-mail, Facebook and other social media tools have brought people together, the ability to have  face-to-face contact regardless of location is the consummate means of communication. On today's program, Jim Blue will discuss some of the reasons why Skype has become an indispensable program to people that, in many instances, are still “technology challenged.”

Summer and vacation time is over.  Time to make sure your technology supports your personal and business needs.  When is the last time your computer had a checkup?  Are you looking to upgrade your equipment?  Should you be buying a Windows or MAC computer?  What about the new tablets?  Should you be upgrading your mobile phone? Join Jim Blue in a discussion on how to determine the right technology for you.

Today's guest is Andrew Philip, an executive recruiter based in New York City. A former senior executive in the consumer products industry, Andy established his search firm in 1994 specializing in the recruitment of executives within the Cosmetics and Accessories industries with a focus on luxury brands. His firm has become the premier search firm in these industries. Prior to entering the search business, Andy served as President of Shiseido Cosmetics-North America for 10 years, and held a number of key executive positions in the cosmetics industry.  Join Andy and Jim Blue in a discussion on how technology has changed the nature of the search business and what job seekers need to know about finding a position in these tough economic times.

Career in Transition?  Have you or someone you know left corporate life recently as a result of either downsizing or to start a new business? Are you looking for a job or reentering the job market?  Do you understand how technology can support your efforts both on a personal and professional level?  Need to set up a home office?  Want to learn how to operate in the new mobile world? Join Jim Blue in a discussion on what is new in the world of technology and what you need to know before investing in new equipment and services.

What do Baby Boomers and Seniors want from Technology? These two age groups represent over 30% of the US population and growing.  Within the next 20 years, it is estimated that the number of people over 65 will DOUBLE!!  Baby Boomers and Seniors are the wealthiest, best educated, and most sophisticated purchasers of services and products.  Boomers don't want technology products that are complicated and cluttered with excessive features.  Join Jim Blue in a discussion on the type of products and services companies need to provide to target this market.

Social Media has become the single most important tool for people and business owners to keep in touch and be heard. Today’s guest is Regina Walton, who specialize in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs establish or improve their presence online. This ranges from daily management and, for clients who want to manage social media in-house, lessons and consulting. Regina started blogging when she lived abroad and promoted her blog via social media. That earned her a newspaper column and got her into team blogging and freelance writing. Regina knows that managing your online presence opens the door to many opportunities. The social web is one of the best ways to show people what you know, who you are and what you do. While everyone claims to be a social media expert, Regina is a social media explorer.

Today's guest is Drew Levinson, the Founder and President of Drew Levinson Media. Drew coaches corporate executives throughout the nation how to perform in the media spotlight. He draws on his experience as an accomplished national television news correspondent and public speaker to help guide and coach his clients, especially in crisis situations. Drew spent more than 25 years in front of the camera as a television news reporter, the last 13 as a news correspondent with CBS News.  Drew was on the Presidential campaign trail in 2000, 2004, and 2008 and has conducted numerous interviews with world and business leaders such as Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Shimon Peres and Richard Branson. Join Jim and Drew in a discussion on how technology is playing a role in his business and as a consultant to the web based company, News Certified Exchange.

Confused by your cell phone bill?  Don't understand the new "tiered" data plan programs?  Several weeks ago, following the lead of its competitors, Verizon ended its “unlimited” data plan for smartphones (blackberries, iphones, and androids) and introduced “tiered” pricing.  The end of the unlimited era has confused many consumers who do not understand the new pricing structure which is based on the amount of data usage. Recently released statistics indicate that more than a third of U.S. adults now own smartphones.  The Nielsen Company reports that smartphones represent over 50% of all new cell phone purchases. Listen in as Jim Blue explains the new plan.  Whether you now own a smartphone or are contemplating upgrading to one, you will want to learn how to save money by selecting the right plan.

Moving your office into your home?  Have you considered how your technology will be affected?  What about all your equipment and files?  What about your Internet access and your telephone needs?  Today's guest, Karen Korman, recently went through the process of relocating her consumer products business from an office with many files and samples into her apartment.  Join Karen and Jim in a discussion about how Karen was able to accomplish this complicated process with minimum down time.