Showing items posted by Dr Monica Seeley - 353 found.

Email etiquette to stop email overload – Twitter Chat transcript

Posted Wednesday February 22nd, 2012, 7:04 pm by

How can brilliant email etiquette help you stop email overload?  That was the theme of today’s Twitter Chat.  My thanks to everyone who participated.  Below is a transcript of the key tweets.

Letter in envelope
Email Etiquette
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
There is also our ‘Email Etiquette Checklist’ to help you send the right message right first time. emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
For more tips on email etiquette to stop email overload either come to one of our workshops or webinars  #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
@MarshaEgan what’s your top tip? #emptyinbox
 in reply to @MarshaEgan
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
A1 – Think five is my motto – five short sentences, five questions. More and you loose the other person. #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
A1 Keep the content clear, concise and structured so its easy for the recipient to read. #emptyinbox
Marsha Egan @MarshaEgan
Q1 What is your best email etiquette tip? #emptyinbox
Marsha Egan @MarshaEgan
Hi from the US! #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
Does correct spelling and grammar save time – Yes.  #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
Consider the subject line as your elevator pitch #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
Always re-read your message before hitting send ask yourself will the recipient understand me  #emptyinbox
ExecutiveSecretary @lucybrazier
RT @EmailDoctor: What’s best way to open an email to stop email overload? Join me today for Twitter Chat #emptyinbox at 17.00 GMT to find…
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
Does anyone have a question/tip they would like to share? #emptyinbox
Monica Seeley @EmailDoctor
Using brilliant email etiquette is a quick way to save time and stop email overload by reducing the rounds of email ping-pong. #emptyinbox

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Superfast broadband for Dorset: reality or pipe-dream

Posted Friday February 17th, 2012, 9:30 am by


Hot Radio LogoSuperfast broadband for Dorset: reality or pipe-dream

Key points from Friday 17 February 2012 with Geoff Carter on The Bay 102.8 FM


The Current Situation

During the 2012 Olympics Dorset and to be precise Weymouth and Portland will enjoy some of the fastest broadband speeds in the world (let alone  the UK).  This is because BT has installed a mega fibre optic cable to cope with the world’s media and press requirements during the 2012 Olympics.
But what of us lesser mortals trying to run business on what are some of the slowest broadband speeds in the UK?  For many and especially in rural Dorset obtaining even 0.5 MB is extremely difficult and hindering business.  Dorset conurbation is starting to become a hot bed of competition for suppliers of fast and super fast broadband.  And what about the Olympic legacy in terms of this fibre optic cable?  Will Dorset businesses benefit afterwards?  Yes they can  – especially if they are at Osprey Quay.

Fibre optic cableWhat’s the difference between fast and superfast broadband?
Fast is up to 24MB.  Superfast is over 30 MB with some able to reach 100MB.

How can I check my current broadband speed?
Use one of the broadband speed testers like http://www.speedtest.net.

How can I find out who might be offering faster broadband over the next 12 months?
Use a broadband speed post code like www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk.

A number of suppliers are currently vying for your business in the conurbation including:
BT

City Fibre Holdings

Fibreband
Sky
Virgin

Indeed BT have just announced the upgrading of a number of exchanges over the next year either to their fast service or for fibre to the cabinet, their superfast service (infinity) including:

Southbourne, Dorchester, Weymouth, Blandford, Lytchett Minster.

Virgin are promising up to 100MB in some areas.

What if I am based in rural Dorset?

Rural Dorset flora
Rural Dorset

Dorset County is eligible for a £9.44M matched funded grant from the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) in respect of the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) funds.  Our Local Broadband plan application has been submitted and the initial feedback is that it’s looking favourable – a green light in terms of readiness.  We hope to hear in February /March.  Then a supplier must be selected to match both the BDUK and locally sourced funds.  In total approx £38M is likely to be made available for improving broadband infrastructure, with the project management costs being met by the local partners.  

Will that be sufficient? Will parts of Dorset still have poor broadband?
Yes and No. The extent of the provision of superfast broadband infrastructure will be identified through the procurement process.  The infrastructure will enable access, to but will not provide the “final mile” connecting from the infrastructure point to the premise.  In most instances this will be provided via the Internet service provider (ISP) and the existing infrastructure provision.  Reaching some of the more isolated and remote premises could be more difficult.  In these cases a minimum speed of 2Mbps is the goal, which may be made available through a different type of provision.

We need to drive up demand by demonstrating sufficient demand from businesses of all sizes as well as from residents.  Demand is key to showing that the investment in Dorset will be a viable proposition.  Indeed unless there is sufficient demand for superfast broadband it is possible  that BT could switch off and leave dark fibre behind at Osprey Quay.

Will parts of Dorset still have poor broadband?
Yes, unless we can drive up demand by demonstrating sufficient demand from businesses of all sizes.  Indeed unless there is sufficient demand for superfast broadband it is very likely that BT will switch off the Weymouth and Portland connection leaving just fast broadband.


How can I keep up-to-date about progress?
Follow us on Twitter Digital Dorset and check the Dorset Chamber of Commerce’s news page.

What can I do?
I chair the Digital Dorset Taskforce and am on the BDUK Project Group.  Your comments and input is vital.


Tell me what are the challenges for you and your business. Use the comments box below.  We are lobbying our MPs but we desperately need your help, support and backing if Dorset is not to be left behind.

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The can do attitude – how business and people survive email overload

Posted Wednesday February 15th, 2012, 6:07 pm by

Over the last week I have experienced three outstanding examples of the ‘can do’ attitude which engenders customer delight and survival.  My theory is that businesses that do this will survive whilst the rest may well go to the wall.

Danny Crates
Danny Crates

It began whilst listening to Danny Crates the Paralympic gold medal-winning athlete.  He was the after dinner speaker at AFC Bournemouth Director’s Business Club dinner last week.  He talked about the option in life after losing his right arm in a road accident. They were to spend the rest of his life either feeling sorry for himself or make something of his life.  Clearly he choose the latter path.  He was both an inspiration and a great speaker.

A few days later my beloved bomber jacket fell apart in the washing machine.  With a sad heart I trolled off to the various local sport shops.  First one just said no we don’t sell that make.  No suggestion of an alternative.  Second one was empty and the staff were not exactly over eager to greet me and try to sell me anything.  Third one was Blacks.  By now running out of time, I asked if they had anything in my size.  A bouncy cheerful assistant found three jackets and you can guess a purchase was made.

Yesterday it was a visit to Croydon Crematorium to check a late friend’s rose tree.  The plaque used to be bronze and was stolen so they replaced it with a very fine imitation marble one.  The lady who had been dealing with the matter was charming and came out in the rain to check all was well.  Nothing was too much trouble, down to opening the Remembrance Book and turning it back to the page when my friend is cited.

What stands out about these three very diverse experiences is the ‘can do’ attitude of the people involved.   Any business which wants to survive could learn a lesson from these three people.  We have a choice so if we don’t feel welcome and receive good customer service we can go elsewhere.

Email overload graphic
Email overload

Now what has all this to do with email overload?  Over the last week I have listened to at least six people say their inbox is overflowing and they don’t know where to begin.  When given a few simple tips they shrug their shoulders.  My premise is simple.  No one needs to endure email overload any more than we need to suffer poor customer service.

You have a choice.  Clean up your inbox, keep it clear, send fewer emails and be ruthless about how you spend your time and you too can enjoy an empty inbox!

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Email in the cloud to reduce email overload – Guest Blog from Graham Jones, Nuage Technology

Posted Wednesday February 8th, 2012, 10:30 am by

Bulging servers and  the cost of running an always on email service is one reason why many organisations are looking to outsource management of their email servers.  If used correctly can increase efficiency, communication and clarity within a business. 
A hosted Exchange service that we offer has many advantages.  You’ll no longer need to worry about
    • Owning or buying your own hardware.
Email overload graphic
Email Overload
  • Staff to manage it.
You’ll have an increased ability to
  • Sync with different devices such as smart phones, iPads and on different computers.
  • “Push” emails – a feature that allows your emails to come through in real time. 
  • Share calendars, with incredible ease. Flexible settings for groups, individuals at your work or home.
What’s more you pay less, improve productivity, its backed up and secure!  As more and more people become aware of the benefits of this type of Cloud Computing and using the cloud in this way (storing and accessing information via an internet connection) you will start to see a move over to this solution type. Start using it effectively now will build a stronger team and future proofing your business!

Nuage Technology offers a cloud computing  solution for your entire network, consolidating all your data securely, with daily backups, freeing up space in your office, staff to look after your network and saving you money in meantime.

For more information about how we can use our expertise and knowledge to save you money and make your business more efficient.  Visit us at Nuage Technology  or email us  call 07977 043 858

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Declutter your inbox – Bay 102.8 FM at 12.00 noon Friday 20 January

Posted Friday January 20th, 2012, 11:17 am by

Bay FM LogoDeclutter your inbox with Geoff Carter on The Bay 102.8 FM

Friday 20 January 2012 with  
At the start of the year many people probably set a new year’s resolution to stay on top of their email and not let the inbox run their day but rather make sure they run the inbox.   Monday January 23 is ‘Blue Monday ‘  the most depressing day when many let go of their cherished new year’s resolutions.  For those who wanted to make 2012 the year of the ‘empty inbox’, and reclaim their lives from the inbox and maybe even fight their email addiction help is at hand now.
Clean inboxThe 5th international Clean Out Your Inbox Week takes place week beginning 23 January 2012.  The goal is to provide business leaders with the tools and incentive to enable them and their colleagues to make 2012 the year they really combat email overload and email addiction.  
Its free and you can join in either by following my blog each day or email us and we will send you details of each days activites.  There will be competitions and prizes each day to keep you on track.
 Meanwhile, here are the top five ways reach that coverted empty inbox status and declutter your inbox now.
  1. Sort by date then by subject and person and delete all those old chains.
  2. Move all emails over a week old in to a separate folder (eg called ‘Old’)
  3. Flag any which still need action (or create a task from them) and move them to a seperate ‘Action’ folder.
  4. Be ruthless about those newsletters you receive and keep unsubscribing.
  5. Use rules to move all non esscential emails to folders for attention later.

Once you have an empty inbox the trick is to keep it that way.  Join us for Clean Out Your inbox Week January 23 to 27and make 2012 the year you declutter your inbox.

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