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New Geeks On Call Director of Marketing

A New Look–Same GEEK Service

Sooner or later, things must change.  As we look back on the timeline for Geeks On Call we see the original, and now traditional, Geeks On Call PT Cruiser.

We put the PT Cruiser into service when we purchased our first franchise back in 2005.  It has served us well.

We were blessed and grateful that we have been able to use the GeekMobile for over 235,000 miles for the past few years.

There are many variations to the PT Cruiser GeekMobile:

The Original GeekMobile graphics.

In Blue and Black.

And then the new graphics changed the look a bit, but we are still the same company.

PT Cruiser GeekMobile in White. The logo is now 1 800 905 GEEK.

PT Cruiser GeekMobile in two-tone.

PT Cruiser GeekMobile in traditional blue.

PT Cruiser GeekMobile in black.  The logo is now 1 800 905 GEEK with the Geeks On Call below.

The new logo is now Geeks On Call with the 1 800 905 GEEK below.

This is one of the first replacements for the Chrysler’s PT Cruiser.

A hybrid joins the ranks for being a Geeks On Call GeekMobile.

The point is this, no matter what the logo looks like or what the cars we drive are, the same high level of service Geeks On Call provided in the past is the same high level of service we continue to provide today.

Our franchise has acquired a new addition as well.  We have retired our 2003 PT Cruiser Turbo GeekMobile and obtained a Nissan Pathfinder to takes its place.

 

This is just a prototype of what is planned for the new GeekMobile Pathfinder.

Rest assured that the services are not changing, only the ability to get to our clients.

As always, we are here to serve.

A New Tradition

I came across this in an e-mail that someone sent to me today. I thought it would be nice to pass it along. I have no idea who the originator is, so please bear with me...

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I, for one, have been trying to pay closer attention to the country of origin when making my purchase. I find it very satisfying to buy "Made In U.S.A."

And more than once, I have found that the local product is cheaper & the businesses really appreciate it!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods merchandise (which generally fill up our land fills within a couple of years) that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? would LOVE the services of a local cleaning service for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young person who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. Don't forget your minister/pastor/priest or anyone else who gives to you in ways too many to list.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

One more thing, please don't forget about your LOCAL food pantries. There are many, many people out there who have no money for food on a daily basis. Local food pantries give food to those in need at no cost, unlike Feeding America, who charge those in need. Think about it, if you can't afford food at any cost, why would a charity charge the poor? 'Free' does not have a price tag. Clean out those pantries and throw in a few bucks while you're at it!

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Now, adding my two cents....

I have local businesses that would love to participate in this "new tradition" this year.

I will start with my own (I can only speak for my own Geeks On Call franchise that serves Westernd Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia), if you live or want services rendered in Northwestern Maryland, Eastern West Virginia and the South/West portion of Pennsylvania where I own my Geeks On Call franchises... I would love to talk to you and give you a special deal on services when dealing with a gifting opportunity. Call me and we can talk about it in greater detail.

I also have several reliable local business contacts that may also be interested in providing services as a gifting opportunity as well. So if you are in the market for gifting any of the following services:

Budget Blinds
Settlement Needs (you never know who needs help)
Financial Planning advice
Hotel Accomodations
Theraputic Massage therapy
Heating & A/C services (this is the season to be warm...)
Health Insurance advice
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Landscaping services
Home Improvement Specialists
Silver Jewelry Specialists
Nutritional Supplements
Edible Arrangements

Contact me and perhaps we can put you in touch with these local experts and help you give the gift of local support to your loved ones or friends.

Carlos Soto
Geeks On Call
Franchise Owner

iPhone 5–real or not?

No sooner had the news broken out on Tuesday from Cupertino that the latest release of the now famous “must have” phone, the iPhone 4s is out. 

Wait!  4s!!?? What happened to all the rumors of the iPhone 5?  Where did it go?  Did something go wrong? 

Surely by now, or at least soon enough, you will begin to receive email announcements in regards to the “iPhone 5s”.  Not surprising to find out, that this email appears to be a scam and will no doubt end up infecting your computer.

It looks like the email going around also has an “order now” button.  Seems harmless enough right?  Well, the only thing you will probably end up having is a free dose of malware, at least that is what our friends at Sophos are stating.

As always, pay close attention to what is being sent to your inbox.  Grandma’s old saying “if it sounds to good to be true, then…” seems to still work today.

If you want to get to know the new iPhone 4s then go to the Apple website.  In fact do you want to see the video?  Click here and then click on “Watch the iPhone 4S video” towards the bottom of the screen.

If you have time, watch it.  As always, there is always something new and exciting coming from Apple.  Siri will be your new best friend!

Carlos Soto

Geeks On Call

1-800-905-GEEK x 2451

Serving Northwestern Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Mac Attack

“My Mac doesn’t get viruses”

I never get tired of people telling me that they have a Mac system and they are so confident of never getting any viruses that they don’t even trouble themselves to put any kind of protection on their Mac systems.

Not a victim but a carrier

It is true that Macs are not “as susceptible” as a Windows operating system (O/S); however, a Mac O/S could in fact have a file that carries a virus and yet won’t affect the Mac but it will eventually infect a Windows system once they are either on the same network (at work or at home) or via a “transmitted” action such as an e-mail.

So “Can a Mac get a virus?”

Making a long story short, Yes. 

With that in mind, there are several things working with a Mac O/S that help it’s virtual protection.

Mac O/S’, such as the new OS X, are built on a Unix Kernel which is based on the oldest and most secure O/S in use.

Because of the popularity of the IBM/PC (and compatibles) using the Microsoft O/S over the last several decades, there are just more systems running Windows O/S out in the market.  This is where bigger isn’t necessarily better because they provide a much bigger target for an attack.

There are more experienced users creating viruses in the Windows O/S vs. the Mac O/S.

Should I get my Mac some protection?

By the mere mention that you have a Mac, that alone is a higher protection than that of a Windows system.  However, I would not necessarily not get any protection at all. 

Just because my house has never been broken into does not mean that I refuse to check the windows and lock the doors when I leave to go shopping for new "geeky” toys.

So my Mac is safe?

For the most part, but I do recall reading an article recently that spoke of a new Mac Trojan that is posing as a PDF (Portable Document Format) which apparently installs a “backdoor” onto a user’s Mac.  It doesn’t seem to do anything at the moment; however, leaving a backdoor open for anyone to enter in the future doesn’t sit well with me.

I hope this helps or answer any questions.

Carlos Soto

Geeks On Call


1 800 905 GEEK

BNI Network Education Moment

 

I came across a posting by Jeff Wilson that talks about the 5 Conversation Mistakes When Networking at Business and Social Events .  I found this most interesting and decided to re-post it here so more people may be able to benefit from this information.

Most business people agree that networking is a great way to make professional contacts—but only if you do it the right way. However, make one of the following conversation faux pas and your career and professional image could be headed for trouble. Here are five career-crunching networking mistakes people make when attending social or business events.

1.     Chatting for too long with your officemates

Shooting the breeze for a few minutes at networking events with your colleagues is all part of the fun, but if you stay in your closed circle of friends for too long, new coworkers, prospects or others will quickly cast you and your colleagues as cliquish, disinterested and not open to outsiders.  Also, staying in one place too long, whether you are talking to someone or nibbling on the appetizers will make you appear shy, self-conscious and lacking confidence. It’s better to briefly chat with your buddies and then move to different areas of the room to introduce yourself to others you want to get to know better.

2.     Asking more than three closed-ended questions in a row

Lots of networking takes place during informal get-togethers after work or at work-related social events. Avoid peppering people with one question after the other. “Do you work on our office?” “How long have you worked here?” “Who is your supervisor?” Yikes! You’re networking—not conducting a job interview or interrogation! Asking three or more closed ended questions in a row will certainly stifle any conversation, make others feel uncomfortable and definitely not win you any communication awards. Instead, show interest and a desire to find common interests by asking open-ended questions that encourage others to elaborate and reveal free information. Then based on what you hear that interests you, respond with follow-up questions and information of your own.

3.     Talking too much or too little about yourself

“So enough about my job! Let me show you pictures of my kids (cats, car, etc.)!” Sure people love to talk about themselves, their pets, kids and grandchildren, but if you are the one doing all the talking at a social or business function, you’re probably boring the other person to tears! On the other hand, if you are too tight-lipped, then people may see you as secretive, defensive or lacking interest and enthusiasm. The remedy here is to exchange information about various light subjects at about the same rate so that you both know what each other enjoys and likes to talk about.

4.     Complaining or gossiping about colleagues or clients

You might be tempted and it may even be well-deserved, but never get involved in a gripe session about a colleague or client while attending a networking event or social/business get-together. As obvious as this blunder is, people seem to do it all the time, especially after a few drinks. Even if you’re not the one making the crass remarks, if word gets back to the “offending person” you will still pay the price long after the party is over. If possible, politely excuse yourself from the conversation as quickly as possible. However, if you find yourself stuck with this group, then take the initiative and bring up something that moves the discussion to a more positive topic.

5.     Talking about politics, controversial subjects or sporting events (that’s right!)

It never fails—there always seems to be at least one person at the social or business affair who likes to snag others into political “discussions,” offer longwinded lectures about his or her pet social issues, or wants to debate the outcome of a soccer match. (Sports fans, watch out for this one!) The trap often begins with the seemingly innocent words, “Don’t you think that …?” or “In my humble opinion ….” or “You people always …!”  However, if you rebut with even a few words you’ll be in for an earful—and not the kind of conversation that most people at networking events enjoy or benefit from. Furthermore, discussing controversial topics in this situation often polarizes people who otherwise get along.  The best thing to say when someone brings up a controversial subject or challenges your views at a business or social event is to say, “I think I’ll just keep my opinions to myself about that.” Then it’s up to you to change the discussion to a less volatile topic.

Social and Business Get-togethers Offer Golden Opportunities to Hone Your Communication Skills

Social and business get-togethers are great place to network, make small talk, establish rapport and build better relationships with your colleagues, acquaintances and clients. When you talk about light, upbeat subjects that lead to sharing common professional and personal interests, goals and experiences you’ll have plenty to talk about while boosting your career and honing your communication skills!

I would add that when you are networking you are not only trying to see who can help you but who you can help.  BNI’s central, guiding philosophy is the concept that giving benefits others and in turn,  “Givers Gain.”

Geeks On Call has always strived to help others with their IT and all-around computer needs.  From helping a client decide on a new computer, purchase a computer, install a new system and of course providing maintenance to keep the systems running efficiently.

I hope passing these tips along from Jeff benefit you in your endeavor of helping others.

Carlos Soto – 1800 905 GEEK
Geeks On Call franchise owner
Serving Northwestern Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania

Appointments available seven days a week; same day service and emergency services provided