Elgin Computer Guy

OK, so the product isn’t even out yet, but it’s free, so I decided to go ahead and sit for this exam. I don’t stand much chance of passing, but figured I’d give it a shot anyway. This is a 4 hour test on EBS2008 and there are no study materials available that I’m aware of. There wasn’t a study guide for the SBS exam when I first took it either and I somehow managed to pass that one.

If I have time tonight, I’ll download EBS and start playing. Are you feeling crazy enough to join me and take the free exam?

Here’s the link with instructions on how to get it for free….

http://blogs.technet.com/essentialbusinessserver/

It’s only through prometric and only for a limited time.  I signed up for the last time-slot on the last day of the exam.

If you’ve used a computer consultant in the past, please take my poll and tell me what you hated the most about the experience.

I discovered the 30 Day Challenge last year about 1/2 way through it.  I tried catching up, but just couldn’t.  Even with the frustrations of not being able to get things done in time to work with the group, I learned an incredible amount about Internet Marketing.

This years challenge looks even better!  I downloaded FLOCK as a result of watching the first “pre-season” video and I love it.  Can’t wait!!  Join me.

Late this afternoon I received a recorded phone call. Short and to the point - (paraphrased) “Someone wrote a review of your business, please go to www.merchantcircle.com and enter your business phone number into the box to see your listing.”

So what? I’ve been listed in Who’s Who before when they wanted to sell me a book, too. I was curious enough to go check it out anyway. (more…)

Yesterday was the last of a 3 part teleseminar with Robin Robins on developing a marketing plan for 2008. I’m so glad I finally bit the bullet and ordered her stuff. Not only is she good at marketing but she motivates me to get things done.

Of course I haven’t finished my own plan yet, but I have the tools to do it. I’ve reserved Sunday afternoon to work on this.

If you’re a computer consultant and need more business, I highly recommend you order the Technology Marketing Toolkit - it will change your business. It’s not cheap and it’s no “magic bullet” that will fix everything that’s wrong with your business, but if you need more clients this toolkit will more than pay for itself - in fact she guarantees it.

This blog is starting to grow into the story of building a computer consulting business. Along those lines, I found a relatively new website today where freelance techs can post their availability. Check it out:

FreelanceLocalTech.com

Of course I listed myself and commented on one of the blog posts. Right now there aren’t any jobs listed, but I’m the first network consultant in Illinois. I’m only aware of two others from Illinois at this site, but they’re not small business consultants at all.

Being a freelance computer consultant has its ups and downs. I sometimes get so busy I think my head will explode if the phone rings one more time, then I go through periods of sitting around and wondering if the phone will ever ring again.

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One of my clients is a truly gifted photographer of people and events - James Harvey. We recently did a barter where I did some computer repairs for him and he took some photos of me to use for marketing.

I’m very rarely happy with pictures of me, but I like these. They’re gonna be great for promoting my business.

Thanks, James!

I’ve had MS Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager for a while now but never really got the hang of using it. I understand ACT! is the top seller in this category, so I tried using it many months ago and didn’t like it much either. Just the other day I downloaded the new version and tried it again.

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