Posted by callthatgirl on July 2, 2009
Vista? Should I downgrade to XP?
Many of my clients have purchased new laptops that has Vista preloaded on it. Many of you have software that is not up to speed with Vista. Should you downgrade or try to get your software up to speed?
Here are my thoughts…
I have been using Vista since January 2007. Yes, Vista is buggy and does things that really bother me. I am also a technician and can fix my own problems (and enjoy trying to fix those problems:). You the customer…can usually only get so far until you decide it’s not worth using Vista.
First thing you may want to consider is making a list of problems are you experiencing since the upgrade to Vista. Some problems are just “configuration issues” that I can assist with. Some problems are seriously the Vista operating system and you may need to go back to XP if your work depends on it.
Second thing is check to make sure that your software is Vista ready. Even though it installs (usually you will get an error during installation that tells you if it’s not Vista ready) it may need to be updated on the company website. Check with the software company website and verify. You also may need what is called “a patch” to make it work on Vista. You can also google the issue and see if others on the net are experiencing the same issues.
Third thing is Call That Girl (612-865-4475) for a phone consultation. I do offer short conversations for free to give you an idea if you should consider staying on Vista or downgrading back to XP. If a home visit is required, we can discuss that. I can also assist via the phone if need be.
Final note: When people tell me “oh Vista, I have heard bad things about that…” I say to them, “Well, if XP was perfect, I wouldn’t have a job right now”
There is a ring of truth to that:)
Please post comments or questions about Vista! thanks and…
Have a good Thursday!
Lisa
Posted by John on June 30, 2009
Hey everybody! Here’s the start of a long line of postings from the fantastic intern team at the one and only, Call That Girl! For all you loyal bloggers, this will be something new to look forward to to distract yourself from work for another five minutes each day. Each of us interns will blog a certain day every week, mine happens to be Tuesday, so keep a look out to find out what we’re up to every week. Things may or may not get a little crazy…
With that said, now would be an excellent time for an introduction. My name is John Krull and I am a rising Senior at the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, MN. I am majoring in Business Management; Marketing. I enjoy playing the drums, I’m addicted to fast food and I can’t get enough of Neil Young.
Currently, I am masterminding a plan to take over the internet advertising game with Call That Girl! It is crucial for our growth and livelyhood that we get our name out there for everyone to see and what better medium than the internet. I am doing some investigating into possible outlets (websites, blogs and maybe even printed periodicals) where Call That Girl would get its name out in the best possible manner. As always, the best advertising is word of mouth, so if you have had a good experience with Call That Girl, be sure to tell your friends. It will make us feel good and you as well knowing that you did something to help out your favorite tech support company!
That’s all for now. Tune in next Tuesday for another update on what’s going behind the scenes with me at Call That Girl!
Posted by callthatgirl on June 29, 2009
Edited to add in some testimonials from my last workshop! see at the very end…thanks!
Whether you are thinking about taking your company to the next level, or want to start your business off on the right foot, I want to help you grow exponentially while utilizing an expansive network of other entrepreneurs. Call That Girl’s success is driven by re-thinking today’s fresh marketing concepts and is often a trailblazer with finding what works and what does not.
Seasoned Entrepreneurs! Recharge your batteries and get inspired!
Rookies! Learn new strategies and how to be a part of this new exciting business world!
★Topics covered
How to get going with your business
Easy ways to manage your contacts for social media
Branding your business
Simple ways to market your business with LinkedIn/Twitter/Facebook
Setting up the business tools (Outlook, Webex, etc)
How to get clients with effective networking
…and extras you need to know! (the secrets that no one tells you about being in business for yourself)
Use the current economy to your advantage: right now is the BEST time to be an entrepreneur and sell yourself and your special skills!
★Where, how much and when?
Oak City Restaurant, Bloomington
Cost $99 until June 20th, then $119 after
Includes a refreshment of your choice during our midway break
Dates: July 22nd and 24th
1p-4pm or when we close up
Pre-networking lunch beforehand if you choose to come early! (good time to schmooze)
*Lunch not included in cost of workshop
★How to sign up
Email Lisa@callthatgirl.biz with your
★Name
★Date requested
★What business you own or what you are interested in starting up
★One thing you want help with
then…pay here!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5741679
Everyone will be involved in this workshop, it’s going to be very interactive (meaning a lot of YOU being involved) and at the end…you will be invited to be in the “Eclub” and will be able to attend meetings every 6 weeks for free to work with the other entrepreneurs who attended workshops.
Feel free to forward to anyone you feel may be interested…thank you!
Lisa Hendrickson
Call That Girl!
612.865.4475
“Lisa’s presentation was a great opportunity to meet and learn from fellow entrepreneurs. Her energy and enthusiasm is evident in her delivery. Anyone starting out should ‘call that girl’!”
Ericka Heid/HR Now www.h-r-now.com 763.634.8600
I had a great time at the Entrepreneur Workshop held by Call That Girl…my interest was to learn more about social media (what did that mean and how could I use it for my business). What I really enjoyed about the work shop is that is was an intimate setting; large enough group to network yet small enough to allow for group participation. Not one of us knows it all but we all had information that was valuable to the next. Lisa had a great outline; she touched on her experience, gave her information and then gave each of us the opportunity to chime in when we had something to add. I gained a lot of great information from this round table type discussion and met some great contacts. I would recommend the Entrepreneur Workshop to anyone who is just starting a business or just needs a fresh look at an older business! Thanks Lisa ~ Brandi McMurray www.brandimcmurray.pureromance.com 612-419-6807
The Rock Star Entrepreneur workshop put me in touch with a new and dynamic group of colleagues. Lisa’s roundtable discussion format was a terrific way for all of us learn from each other. Lisa herself is a dynamo! I was inspired by the afternoon and her notes are a valuable tool as I work toward my own Rock Star status. Lynn Strand-Meyer, MLIS/Outside Knowledge – for research & information lstrandmeyer@outsideknowledge.com
“WOW! This interactive session allowed all of us to share information and give thought to issues we didn’t know we had and were given plenty of solutions.” Lisa Burnside, CIC, CPCU, CC, MOUS Burnside Dynamics LLC 651) 464-6266
“Lisa has a fresh approach to getting a business up and running. She’s knowledgeable, innovative, and keeps the audience engaged. Her workshops are worth the investment!” Sheryl M. Snitkin/Owner/CEO/Urban Admin, LLC Administrative help when you need it!\612-281-6061 www.urban-admin.com
I found Lisa’s workshop to be one of the most helpful workshops I’ve attended in years. She delivered on every promise, customized the workshop to fit our needs and provided a wonderful opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs. I highly recommend Lisa’s workshop to anyone interested in starting a new business or interested in growing their small business.Wendy Hurd Creative. Logo design, photo art direction and designs for web. wendyhurdcreative.com Uberscuber. Helping families smile and relax with audibles, huggables and notables. uberscuber.com
Posted by callthatgirl on
Hello everyone! I just got back from Waterloo, WI and don’t have any good tips or tricks today, but thought I would give a quick recap of my weekend and how refreshed I feel today!
I left on Friday afternoon, dropped off puppy with the folks down in Rochester and headed to Winona and took Hwy 61 through LaCrosse to I-90. What a beautiful drive, the day was so sunny, shiny and cool….great day to be on the road.
When I got to Waterloo, it was late and we rested with some refreshments out on the deck and then went to bed around 1:00am. I woke up at 10:30 am! I can’t believe I slept in so late, but apparently when you are on vacation…it’s ok!
On Saturday we laid by the pool all day, had more refreshments, got sunburned and then napped. Around 7:00 we went to a small town Lake Mills and hit a carnival, then went to Waterloo for some small town bar excitement. I was surprised to see you could still smoke in the bars there. It’s been years since I have been in a smokey bar…felt like I went back a few years.
Sunday we had coffee and I hit the road. Nope, not the most activity driven weekend, but it was so nice to just relax and I never popped open my laptop and only checked my blackberry on occasion.
That is the first vacation I have taken since last fall and boy did I need it…a growing girl needs her beauty rest:)
I hope you all had a great weekend!
Lisa
Posted by callthatgirl on June 23, 2009
I’m not sure what to call this new site…a website or a blog, so it’s a Blogsite!
Many months ago, I started to blog more often and give out my tips and tricks and information about Call That Girl on http://www.wordpress.com. Since I was getting MORE activity on the wordpress site than my website was, it made perfect sense to match up the two and combine forces.
With this new site we will be having weekly promotions, computer troubleshooting tips and tricks, workshop information and of course, my interns and my own daily blogs that are categorized by topic (you can find the topics on the right side bar). Now this is what I call Interactive! I love it as I can do all the changes myself!
Scott Schumacher, web designer of HolisticGeek.com, has done all the work and design for this new blogsite, so if you have interest in having your site revamped into a site like this one, please contact him via his website or by email at at scotts@holisticgeek.com. He is offering a “buy 3 hours, get one free” special to get you going. His maintenance fee’s are very affordable as well and moving to this type of website for your business is really an extra edge in today’s hot “social media” world.
Finally I am also announcing the opening of our new location in St. Louis Park! This move was very necessary as we outgrew our old office and needed more space. Below is a picture of the workshop.
Thank you for checking out the new site, take a tour and come back often for updates!
ps…that YouTube video is kind of old, but I like it better than the other one I did…so I’ll still give out the spring cleaning special, it will now be a “summer cleaning special”
Lisa Hendrickson
Computer Repair Gal
Call That Girl!
612-865-4475
Posted by callthatgirl on June 15, 2009
Check back often for great Do-it-Yourself (DIY) help “tips and tricks” coming soon from Call That Girl! We’ll be updating the blog often with great posts about troubleshooting your own computer and network. Click either the category or the page link at the top!
Posted by callthatgirl on
I am not a Facebook Guru, but I do know a few things about Facebook and what’s been going on for some time….Facebook hacks and viruses!
PASSWORDS:
Do you remember a few messages ago I reminded you to change your password on Facebook and make it different from your email account? I recommend that again! Please change it NOW!
I would also go and change your Facebook account password to something unique too. Why?
….Because I have seen four hacks this week alone! All different ones too. One client of mine called in despair, she was doing something in Facebook, clicked on a link and the next thing you know, her Internet Explorer lost connectivity. 2 other friends of mine apologized to their friends because their friends got messages from them that was NOT from them. I just received a message from an old high school pal and I know she didn’t write this…this is the actual message.
VIRUS!
Facebook and MySpace has a virus called Koobface. The virus hijacks your account…From an Kapersky labs with short edit:
This worm creates a range of commentaries to friends’ accounts. Net-Worm.Win32.Koobface.b, which targets Facebook users, creates spam messages and sends them to the infected users’ friends via the Facebook site. The messages and comments include texts such as Paris Hilton Tosses Dwarf On The Street; Examiners Caught Downloading Grades From The Internet; Hello; You must see it!!! LOL. My friend catched you on hidden cam; Is it really celebrity? Funny Moments and many others.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
*If you see a strange message from a friend, delete it.
*Then google it to see what it was
*Inform your friends about the message, they may not know about it
*Report it to facebook security http://www.facebook.com/security
QUIZZES?: Even this has me worried, those quizzes! I know they are fun, but read the small print…(pull your profile info, photos, YOUR FRIENDS INFO…and “content”…) What content? Now we have to read the TOU! (terms of use). ARGH!
Should you do them?
…with caution
*Don’t give out any personal information or passwords,etc.
*Be careful of the links that take you to off Facebook sites.
MY OPINION ONLY: Facebook is for people you know (in my opinion) there is no value to have 1000’s of friends on Facebook unless you are using it for marketing/advertising. Because I had so many folks from my online social networking world ask to friend me on my Facebook account, I created a business Facebook account. I keep them separate. I use them for different reasons.
Continue to enjoy Facebook, I do! I have been having a blast catching up with old friends, but we have to remember that the hackers also are having fun ruining our days and giving us computer problems. If you have a question about something in regards to Facebook and security, feel free to shoot me an email. I am not a Facebook Guru, but should be able to point you in the right direction if/when you have an issue.
Have a great week everyone!
Posted by callthatgirl on June 12, 2009
Ono! What has happened to me? I’m attending a Twitter class today taught by one of my networking pals, Shaun Jamison. Should I start tweeting? We will find out. I so far have an account and a few 100 followers due to the help from another networking pal, Janet Roper. She stepped up and offered to help me last fall get going. After she left, I fell short on the tweeting and keeping up, but I still remember a few things she showed me. I still tweet too! On occasion. I just don’t know if it’s for me, but what the heck…I’m trying it.
What is next? Who knows what the next fresh thing is? I’m curious to find out because as much as I enjoy Facebook, it’s now becoming a virus tank. I will post about that later on….many folks are getting their accounts hacked into and it’s not pretty.
That’s it folks, today I am off to St. Paul for Twitter class and back to the office to finally set it up. I’m exhausted with that office move already!
Posted by admin on June 11, 2009
My name is Lisa Hendrickson and I am the owner of the growing local Computer Repair/IT assistance business, Call That Girl! As my business is being built, many clients, colleagues, and networking buddies have asked me what my recipe for success is.
In an effort to help strengthen our local economy and other local businesses, I will be offering a 3 hour entrepreneur workshop.
Who needs this workshop?
*Those that are fresh out of the gate onto the entrepreneurial racetrack
*The seasoned veterans who want to refresh, revamp, and rebuild their businesses.
Topics covered
–How to jump start your business using powerful networking tools (you have an idea or existing business, now what do you do to kick it to the next level?)
–Branding your business (logo and website are everything for a start up; REPUTATION, REPUTATION, REPUTATION!)
–Advertising/Marketing (learn how to use the social media with ease, how to avoid pitfalls/lower costs)
–Setting up the business tools (Logistics of getting going or refreshing your world!)
–How to get clients (how to effectively network and learn the downfalls of networking)
–The highs, the lows…(ah, the funks!, if you’re in one now, this workshop is for you!)
…and extras you need to know! (Secrets that no one tells you about being in business for yourself)
Where, how much and when?
Oak City Restaurant, Bloomington
5001 American Blvd W # 102
Minneapolis, MN 55437
Cost $99 until June 18th, then $119 after
Includes a refreshment of your choice during our midway break
This is a 3 hour workshop with 3 different dates available
Dates: June 20th, 22nd and 24th
1p-4pm or when we close up
Pre-networking lunch beforehand if you choose to come early! (good time to schmooze)
*Lunch not included in cost of workshop
How to sign up
Email Lisa@callthatgirl.biz with your
Name
Date requested
What business you own or what you are interested in starting up
One thing you want help with
then…pay here!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5741679
Everyone will be involved in this workshop, it’s going to be very interactive (meaning YOU being involved) and at the end…you will be invited to be in the “Eclub” and will be able to attend meetings every 6 weeks for free to work with the other entrepreneurs who attended workshops.
Feel free to forward to anyone you feel may be interested…thank you!
Posted by callthatgirl on June 8, 2009
The Eport:
Call That Girl is totally excited for this summer! This summer is more exciting than my summer of 2003 (when my friend Vikki and I came up with the idea of Call That Girl via our infamous eports!).
We have many things going on and on the plate, so keep on watching us grow and coming to your neighborhood! We are there and everywhere…Have you seen the Call That Girl Mobile? (or the truck as I call it).
Spotted the truck out and about?
If you email my intern Hassan within an hour of seeing my truck….we will give you 30 free minutes of free tech support! (Hassan@callthatgirl.biz). Just tell us where you saw me and where I was…done deal!
The Tips and Tricks of the week!
Are you just about to open up a document and start working on that massive project? Here is the tip that will save your life or your heart/stress level (if not now, but maybe later).I had a client last week who worked on a document for 3 hours without saving and had 2 documents open by accident, closed one without saving and closed the wrong one. Drama. You know what happened, she lost all her 3 hours of work.
After you open up a new document, immediately save it in a location you know where it will be saved. (the My Documents is a common place or your desktop for Mac and PC users)
Then…go to your autorecovery area and make sure you have auto save turned on!
Mac users with MS Word: File>Save As>options>set for 3 minutes.
PC user with MS Word: File>Save As>options>save>set for 3 minutes
I type fast and losing 3 minutes worth of work is all I can deal with. If you are a slow typer, then the standard 10 minutes should be fine.
Are you a wanna be Twitterer (Tweeter, Twit)?
Don’t want to let your competition get an unchallenged foothold with Twitter audiences?
This class will give you all of the tools you need to be a twitter star!
Bring your own laptop so you can get hands on experience in addition to information. Lunch at QKindness Cafe after class is included.
Friday, June 12th 9am to 12pm $99 (discount for early birds). Space is limited — register today:
http://twitterfulllaunch.eventbrite.com/
http://guideonyourside.com/Events.html
Remember to keep Call That Girl in mind for your next computer repair and if you’re looking for a new blog to check out, please see what I’m up to!
Keep up with my saga’s at http://callthatgirl.wordpress.com/
That’s it for this week folks!
~Lisa
Call That Girl!…
..The next FRESH thing!
Lisa Hendrickson
612-865-4475
http://www.callthatgirl.biz
“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, …but they will always remember how you made them feel”
~Carrie Bradshaw
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