Tbook - Software and IT Support

Your Company’s Web Site and Effective Recruiting

If your company hopes to recruit potential employees of quality its web site must be easily found by job seekers. Unfortunately, many web pages designed to recruit workers are invisible to search engines.

You may think that most people look for jobs through large collective sites such as Monster.com or Craigslist, but the truth is that hundreds of millions of searches a month are made with regular search engines. Most commonly entered requests will include a word like “job, “career,” or “position;” the type of work desired; and a geographic location. This information can help you design a web site that job seekers can find.

Hidden Recruiting Pages
Job listings are often invisible to search engine robots. For example, if your organization uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), an internet search may not find your company’s list. You will need to instruct your web manager to modify what files the robot can index.

If your job postings are accessed through a search box, they are also invisible. Someone would first need to specifically come to your site and find your postings page. Pages behind a login are not indexed either.

A simple way to discover what pages on your site are being indexed is to perform this test using Google. Into the search box, type Site: and then copy the URL of your job listings page. This will return a list of the only pages which searchers can find.

Good Keywords
It’s critical to build your recruitment site with keywords that potential employees use when they search.
- Be specific. Never use generic phrases across all your job and career listings.
- Searchers rarely look for a specific company, be sure to list specific job functions.
- List specific locations with city names, metro areas, state and zip code. Spell the words out.
- Don’t use abbreviations only, no matter how well known the lingo may be in your field.
- Create short phrases as well as single keywords. These are ranked higher in most searches.

Using Coding
- Make good use of the title and description tags. Place strong and specific keywords there.
- Create backlinks. Link to your career pages from a company blog or other places on the web site.

Don’t be fooled by a professional-looking but invisible recruitment page. Take the time to ensure that your company’s openings are being found by good applicants.

How Staffing Software Solutions Can Help You Keep Your Business Afloat in a Poor Economic Climate

Every sector of our economy has taken some hard hits in the past 18-24 months, but those of us in the staffing industry have had a particularly tough go of it.

We’ve been challenged, and we’ve learned a lot about ourselves. With persistence and determination, we’ve been able to hang on, maintaining our existing customers and maybe even bring in some new ones. While the forecast for 2010 is looking far sunnier, we would be remiss to forget the survival lessons that these hard times have taught us. Namely, we could all do a better job of following costs to ensure that we’re seeing the profitability we expect. One way to do this is with software designed specifically for the staffing industry.

A CRM software system for staffing can help you by tracking sales activity as it relates to real profitability, looking at not only the invoice amount but the costs spent to generate them. For those in the staffing industry that can mean gross pay, taxes, worker’s compensation, benefits, background checks, drug screenings and other expenses. Tracking the profitability of a job order should begin with first identifying the lead or opportunity and end after the invoice has been sent. Without all these pieces can you really be sure what your margins are?

For more information on staffing agency software, read about Professional Advantage’s recruiting agency CRM software.

Post sponsored by: Professional Advantage, staffing software experts

The Secret to great B2B social networking

If your business is B2B and you’re not group blogging, you’re missing out on an exceptional opportunity.

Group blogs are a site shared by many firms in the same industry. Some examples: Accounting Software Reviews for ERP vendors and CRM Software Reviews, a Microsoft Dynamics Reseller community.

By banding together to blog with other companies in your field you get a blog with:

• Tons of content updated frequently

• The ability to split maintenance costs many ways

• A forum to establish yourself as a thought leader

• A much higher Google ranking than you could achieve for your own site or a blog with a single owner

• A powerful site to link build from

• Somewhere beyond the confines of your website to self-promote

• Valuable networking opportunities

• An increased chance that your posts will actually get read
 

Group blogs are emerging as dynamic, growing communities that meet online, share leads, split costs and learn from each other. 

For more information about Internet marketing, visit interactivelimited.com.

Hosted CRM and On-Premise CRM Deployment Strategies

It is axiomatic that the primary mission of any corporation is to sell the product. What the product is does not matter. It could be a consumer end-item or value-added information services. If it is a revenue generator and contributes to the gross income of a business, it is a product. To read an article that discusses the differences between On Premise CRM and a Partner Hosted Model read our fast company blog.

There is a natural tendency for companies to Balkanize into several segregated departments, each with their own mission requirements which eventually result in the sale of goods and services. In the current economic climate, fewer employees have to take on additional responsibilities due to corporate downsizing, consolidation or reorganization. The answer is to work smarter, not longer.

This is precisely where the value of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM becomes apparent, either with Microsoft or a Certified Microsoft Partner and Reseller. The ideal goal is to have more work – and increased sales – performed more efficiently.

Implementing a CRM is a non-trivial task when the entirety of automating a business is considered as a whole. The solution is to do one thing at a time and get it right the first time. Another unwritten rule of business is: There is never time to do it right, but there is always time to do it over.

Enter the concept of a Hosted CRM environment. By using the Microsoft Dynamics CRM, a user is presented with a comfortable and familiar Microsoft user interface. By starting CRM implementation one user at a time, one task can be relegated to the CRM. Much as building a wall is done one brick at a time, the implementation and integration of a functional CRM forms the foundation that will eventually support the entire sales force and ultimately related departments.

As the CRM system expands its scope, more users can be brought up to speed and begin the process of automating and integrating their own areas of responsibility. With a Hosted CRM, adding new users is routine. Starting with an initially small user base, your company can grow and with Hosted Microsoft CRM, one user, one month minimum  your CRM solution is scalable to keep pace.

An On-Premise Microsoft CRM installation is a logical next step as the proof-of-concept is validated by the Hosted Microsoft CRM deployment. For companies requiring complete autonomy, an interim Hybrid CRM can be used to port the data and any specialized applications to the in-house servers. The company would then have a choice to either cut the bonds to the Hosted CRM, or maintain the Hybrid CRM as a redundant resource. Depending on the size and talents of your company's IT staff, this may present the best option until the increased efficiency and time management savings are realized that can justify a larger IT department.

Whatever your requirements dictate, there is a Microsoft CRM deployment configuration that can meet your corporate needs.

Streamsol is recognized as a top ten Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner in the US, and was named to Microsoft’s President's Club in 2009. Our Microsoft CRM practice revolves around three models; Microsoft CRM on-premise, hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and hybrid Microsoft CRM.  Streamsol is one of the only partners that have truly embraced the Microsoft "Power of Choice" messaging. Our vision and commitment to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM framework is unrivaled.  To learn more please visit  xRM.com.

Custom Report Development in Microsoft Dynamics CRM

As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Streamsol knows how to get the most out of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. With Streamsol's help, you'll understand why it's no exaggeration to say that Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the best CRM program currently available.

Customizable Dashboard 

With Streamsol's help, you'll have access to new technologies that allow for full customization of your dashboard. The ability to easily customize your Microsoft Dynamics CRM dashboard will alleviate any concern that a program such as SalesForce offers superior features, even if you are using a Hosted Microsoft CRM or On-Premise Microsoft CRM, deployment types don’t matter.

What does the Microsoft CRM dashboard provide? Amongst other things, whether you choose the hosted Microsoft CRM or on-premise Microsoft CRM version, the customizable dashboard includes:

• Real-time sales activities
• Customer inquiries
• Customer support issues
• Lost sales
• Closed sales

Customizable Reports                                     

Without the help of a certified Microsoft CRM consultant, many Microsoft CRM customers don't realize how powerful the reporting features can be. With the help of one of Streamsol's Microsoft CRM consultants, we'll help your business create powerful, customized reports that give you exactly the information you need to make effective decisions for your business. 

Due to limitations in SQL queries from Query Builder, sometimes customized code is required to retrieve the correct combination of SQL information you are looking for. A Streamsol Microsoft CRM consultant can build the complex logic you need to overcome these limitations.

However, complex queries that return huge sets of data can sometimes slow down your system and cause problems with performance. Streamsol's consultants use specialized techniques, including data filters and SQL indexing, that enable you to parse large amounts of data without compromising system performance.

Secure Reports

Built into Microsoft Dynamics CRM are filtered views of reports that restrict access based on a user's Microsoft CRM security role. For example, the owner of a small business may wish to have access to all the different reports from all different departments, but s/he may not want all departments viewing all data. The filtered views apply to all Microsoft CRM business objects, and will give you confidence that your reports are only being viewed by the individuals who need to see them.

The Bottom Line

There's no sense in investing your business' time and money into a new CRM system if you can't get that system to provide you with the dynamic, necessary information to improve your bottom line. Your IT team – if you have one – already has their hands full managing the company's other IT issues. Bringing in a certified Microsoft CRM consultant from Streamsol will get your CRM system up and running quickly, and will enable you to get the most out of your CRM investment.

Recognized as a top ten Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner in the US, Streamsol was named to Microsoft’s President's Club in 2009.  Our Microsoft CRM practice revolves around three models; Microsoft CRM on-premise, hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and hybrid Microsoft CRM. In addition to embracing the Microsoft "Power of Choice" messaging, our vision and commitment to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM framework is unrivaled.

Streamsol Integrates Constant Contact Email Marketing to Hosted Microsoft CRM

Email marketing company Constant Contact has just announced the addition of Streamsol to its AppConnect API program. Streamsol will be using AppConnect to integrate Constant Contact Email Marketing into Hosted Microsoft CRM. This brings the convenience of Constant Contact’s online tools to Streamsol’s cost effective hosted model. 

Eric Groves, senior vice president of Global Market Development at Constant Contact, was quoted as saying, “We are pleased that Streamsol has selected Constant Contact to provide its customers with our online marketing tools, and we look forward to working together to help Streamsol become an even greater catalyst to its customers’ successes.” The email marketing tools from Constant Contact will enable companies to create and manage contacts, as well as run campaign and track results in real time. Constant Contact has provided email marketing, online survey, and event marketing services since 1995. 

By partnering with Constant Contact, Streamsol increases the choices available to their customers who use hosted Microsoft CRM. As a Microsoft Gold Certified CRM Partner, Streamsol is uniquely placed to meet the needs of organizations which desire stronger customer relationships. Expanding their offerings to integrate with the Constant Contact email marketing products is part of Streamsol’s mission to provide powerful and flexible CRM solutions.

Lance McLean, Managing Member of Streamsol, emphasized that partnering up with Constant Contact “is a great example of our continued dedication and commitment to our Partner hosted CRM model.” Integrating the online email marketing tools is the result of Streamsol’s dedication to the Power of Choice message from Microsoft.

Constant Contact has a strong commitment to help small businesses build connections with their customers. Powerful realtime reporting tools give customers the knowledge and flexibility they need to keep marketing campaigns efficient. 

Streamsol is recognized as one of the top ten Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partners in the country, and was named to Microsoft's President's Club in 2009.  Streamsol is one of the only partners that has truly embraced the Microsoft "Power of Choice" messaging.  Our Microsoft CRM practice revolves around three models;Microsoft CRM on-premise, hosted Microsoft CRM, and hybrid Microsoft CRM, which allow us to service companies of all shapes and sizes located anywhere in the world. To learn more please visit  xRM.com.

Streamsol offers Microsoft Dynamics CRM consulting.

Routers and Tips. What’s all about?

Internet is one of the greatest discoveries of the century and at the moment almost everyone uses it at home or at the office or even at a home office. We like to call it “surfing the Web”, like we were born doing it and we know everything about it. The thing is that when something wrong happens and can’t go online, the first thing that crosses our minds is restarting the computer and everything will go away. But that’s not the case almost every time and we need to ask for IT Support from a professional IT Company. Let’s think a bit about routers. What’s their purpose in our house? What do we do when we have problems with them?

A router is an electronic device and its role is to connect other devices between them and share information or connect them to the Internet, with the power of radio or wire signals. In order to understand better what a router does, think of this: the reason why you can get online both on your computer and laptop at the same time, is your router; email, surfing the Web, playing games online – your router; having better IT Security, well, it’s all because of your router. So, you’re network is more secure and you have all these advantages because of this IT product and IT Support. So, all data sent between computers or online is handled by your router.

There are two different kinds of routers: if every computer is tied to the router by using wires, then you are dealing with a cable router; if you have a wireless router, this means that you can get online from your laptop and you don’t need to use a cable. There are certain advantages of using one of them: if you are looking for a cheap, portable and safe solution then you would like to use a wireless router, but if you want high-speed, reliability and security then you should better choose a cable router. However we put it, routers have a significant role in IT Connectivity. The thing is that we will always need IT Support when talking about machines.

Now, how about problems which seem to knock on the door when we’re feeling too safe? Well, you need IT Support. One of the most popular issues with wireless routers is weak signal. This means that you could benefit from a great connection but there are some obstacles that make you lose your signal in some parts of the house. There are some great tips that can make you worry less for your connection. For starters, you should try to move your router somewhere in the centre of your house so that signal is the same in every room. Another tip would be to try and keep the router away from walls and metal objects as these are obstacles.

These obstacles that I’m talking about have something to do with the signals of the router. So, in order to have great IT connectivity, keep the wireless router obstacle free. Of course, if you can’t seem to make it work, then hire an IT Company to get professional IT Support. How about issues with cable routers? The most usual problem refers to limited or no Internet connectivity which means that you can see that you are connected to the Internet but you can’t seem to get online. The interesting and simple tip given in this unwanted complication is that you should reset the router. If it still doesn’t work, go for the smart solution and ask for IT Support.

The thing about routers everyone should know is that you have to know what kind of router fits the situation: for wide areas you should probably go for a wireless router, whereas a cable router is perfect for a room where there is more than one computer. Another tip to keep in mind and probably the most important one is that you shouldn’t underestimate a professional team that provides IT Support for your problems. Most of the times it’s not that hard to fix things on your own, but if the situation comes out of hand, then it is best to leave it on the hand of IT engineers. The certainly know how to repair what needs to be repaired.

How Does VOIP Improve Your Business

One of the most significant technology developments that have revolutionized the way we communicate and the business world is VOIP a.k.a. Voice Over Internet Protocol. Our traditional phones are connected to a landline which makes conversations with other people to be weak to interference and expensive. Fortunately for us, VOIP provides us with the opportunity to have great and long distance conversations over the internet with business partners or friends at a much smaller cost. Also, you can call any local, international or even a mobile number. It’s a service that has the best advantages regarding the quality of communication and price.

What does VOIP exactly do? Well, when you call someone using this service, your voice is changed from an analog sound to a digital sound which gets compresses and then travels the internet to the person that at the other end. When it arrives, the data is decompressed and converted back to its’ original sound and heard by the other person. This is the most advanced way of communication as you may benefit from audio/video calls at high speed with minimal charge. Regarding these kind of services, some work only on the computer or through a special IP Phone whereas others work even on the traditional phone with the help of an IP adaptor.

How can I get started? Well, first of all you have to choose from the three basic types of phones available for VOIP service. We have PC based Softphone also known as digital or internet phone, Dedicated VOIP Phone and Analog Telephone Adapter. The first one is the cheapest choice and you only need to install a software program on the computer. While making a call you need to be connected to the internet. The greatest thing is that nowadays softphones are designed to work almost like traditional phones. The most expensive type of VOIP phone system is Dedicated VOIP Phone and doesn’t need a computer to give and receive calls.

What about the IT Services providers? Well, you have to be careful before choosing your company. Usually, IT Support companies have this kind of service. So, while you’re at it, think about what else besides VOIP do you need and compare the offers they provide. You can find all this information online. Usually, the provider charges for the initial installation and for the connection or/and per call. In order to use VOIP you have to decide the type of equipment you need so that you can really enjoy the cost saving. To be honest, it is very easy to switch to this kind of phone service and the company provides everything you need.

Talking about the greatest advantages VOIP brings to our world, well, let’s start with clearer and faster voice quality, video/audio conferences, three way calling, caller ID, the cheapest long distance calls, ability to connect the offices spread all over the world so that they can work as one unit, mobility and flexibility for global operations, voice mail, call forwarding and I can go on and on and on. The thing is, this service gets you ahead of the competition. It doesn’t matter how large your company is, VOIP is the most affordable type of phone service and it can bring your company just the flexibility and sophistication it needs.

Just remember, VOIP is managed by the service provider but it’s controlled by you. It involves no capital investment, no operating costs, no management time, no need to take endless messages when people are out. Not missing a call may mean not missing a sales opportunity. While you’re thinking of what IT Support company to use, also think about the IT Security of your business and the level you want to take it to. You might find out that you also need services like Remote Backup, Disaster Recovery, Server Monitoring, good Broadband Service. This way, you control anything that happens to your business without any stress and time waste involved.

Private Equity Valuation Challenges Solved With Microsoft Dynamics GP

BY Martin Begley of Eisner Information Solutions

One of the key challenges created by the seismic economic shifting we've experienced over the past year lies in the confidence we can have in the valuation of private-company assets.  The absence of consistency or constants results in hesitation and delay in many markets.  There is an excellent video interview on Private Equity Blogger  in which this challenge is discussed and potential solutions, or interim solutions, are suggested.    The clear strategy suggested for private equity firms is to prepare to become far more granular in the detail with which you evaluate assets so you can sell off parts of companies allowing yourself more time to wait for greater opportunities.

The video also covers interesting alternatives such as asset sales and indexed pricing which may provide more flexibility with more conservative, manageable risk.

Never has it been more important than it is now to make sure your operational systems are at peak performance, delivering the information your stakeholders need to make the right decisions in a timely manner to take fullest possible advantage of opportunity.  Microsoft Dynamics GP systems for private equity from Eisner IS have a proven track record of providing just that kind of accuracy.  With comprehensive data collection, robust reporting, and tremendous flexibility Eisner IS can provide technology solutions that meet the needs of financial service firms like yours and of your portfolio companies.

More Small Businesses Turn To Remote IT Support

An ever growing trend of remote IT support seems to be here to stay, during a time of intense cost cutting the remote IT department has the edge, with complex software applications smart IT support companies are able to support higher numbers of clients then ever before.

The internal IT Support desk has been there since the first BBC MICRO hit our desk with a thump, programs like the IT crowd epitomise the internal IT support team. Slowly but surely CEO's are seeing the light and support desk outsourcing is on the rise even at enterprise level.

So have we seen the end of the geek room in the office? IT support needs cost managing just like the sales team and a well qualified outsource program can mean the answer, a huge pool of skills is available to the business at a fraction of the cost of full time employment.

According to the recent poll conducted by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), IT managers and directors are extremely concerned about their network data security than any other business issues. Among 934 IT professionals who responded the web poll, only 20 percent consider human error as a major worry on most businesses followed by data storage with only 12 percent.

Despite the current economic setback, half of IT directors have decided to increase their manpower over the next 12 months. The research conducted by Rethink Recruitment showed that 49% of IT directors are seriously planning to raise the number of their IT support staff.
The survey depicts the need of more IT Support staff to deliver productivity and help alter today's reeling economy.

However, there are still some firms who never consider outsourcing their services for fear of making more irreparable damages.
There are several reasons why IT outsourcing is shunned by some. For starters, there are outsourcing companies who only provide services worth the price they are being paid for. And they often cut corners to make more revenue which means, good customer service is the least of their worries.

There are numerous horror stories about outsourcing that are apparently true.
Some companies are just not prepared to take the risk even if it means struggling financially to keep up with today's weak economy. They'd rather rely with their own IT Support than save money but have unhappy customers.