Introduction
My clients are business people, artists and retirees who need
consulting and training to get the most out of their personal communications technology.
May 2008 Update
Filing and Folders see blog for previous entries
The most organized home offices I've seen have excellent paper filing systems. For instance, Insurance and Investment folders are separated from Hydro and Cable invoices in a filing cabinet.
These same organizational skills can be applied to managing information on your computer.
The methodical use of folders, sub-folders and appropriately named files can greatly reduce the stress and improve the overall computing experience.
From photos to newsletters, from emails to e-filed income tax documents; each file needs a name and each file needs a place to 'park' within a folder for easy access...sounds simple....but....
My services include:
- Creating and delivering custom technology training
- Simplifying personal communications and data management
- Leading technology oriented brainstorming sessions
- Building and maintaining functional websites
- Designing and implementing email marketing campaigns
- Reviewing office procedures and assessing installed technology
Typical Recent Projects: Spring 2008
- Set-up a new Blackberry Curve 8330 and a Treo 700
- Set-up a new Mac laptop
- Created and tweaked several websites and blogs
- Set-up several Skype an Messenger accounts with webcams
- Changed spam block filters on several systems
- Trained people on how to use cameras and send photo attachments
- Trained people on how to use Craigslist and Kijiji to post and sell items
- Trained people on keyboard shortcuts and other useful tricks
About Gibson
Computers have been part of my life since 1981 when I took my first computer course (Fortran) at the University of Ottawa. Before that, I spent countless hours playing with equipment at the TV, stereo and CB store my dad owned when I was growing up.
I bought the first laptop ever sold by Toshiba in 1984 (Toshiba T1000) and I got my first proper Internet account in 1988 although I had been using VT100 emulation to submit University homework since 1983.
After graduating University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Science and a Certificate of Business Administration, I started selling computers at Compucentre Business Centre and then moved on to other sales and advertising positions in Ottawa and Prague - all the while using leading edge computer equipment and graphics software.
In 1994 I bought the best computer I could buy and started researching desktop publishing, project management and business software in my free time. I joined the DotCom whirlwind as a Public Relations and Marketing Manager and learned all about websites, email marketing, streaming media and....HYPE!!
In the wake of the DotCom crash, I went to work for Lee Valley Tools in the Internet Customer Service department and then in the Purchasing department as their Quality Assurance Inspector. While at Lee Valley, I built the Blacksheep Inn website in 2001 and continue to maintain it to this day. I also started teaching computers and solving computer problems on the side. Eventually, my endeavors evolved into Gibson Home Office Help and I currently have more than 150 satisfied customers.
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Some Client Profiles
The Tradesman
This client was the victim of an unscrupulous webmaster. Even though the client had paid for the website, the original webmaster failed to deliver (withheld?) the username or password upon completion of the website.
Even worse, the victim couldn't even find the webmaster months later when the site needed to be updated!!
Gibson to the rescue. After determining where the site was registered and contacting the company online, the company was coaxed into re-issuing the passwords for a small fee. Now the site has been updated and all usernames and access codes have been delivered to the happy client.
TopThe Director of the Board*
This client is a very involved in community associations and is responsible for producing correspondence and newsletters. All he really needed was some help with formatting to start creating attractive documents. Now that he is comfortable with formatting documents, he is learning how to create templates and manage document revisions in an orderly fashion too.
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The Successful Entrepreneur*
Even though he dreaded the idea, this business man knew he had to start using email, the Internet and the computer in general, or risk losing business to 'wired' competitors.
Together we created a list of critical skills for him to learn along with step-by-step notes for him to practice. I still visit once and a while to administer quizzes and to make sure he keeps up with his homework!!
* names changed to protect student privacy
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Business Services Highlights
- IT Infrastructure Review
- Operational Troubleshooting
- Data Management Review
Helping Small Businesses Prepare for the Future
Many small companies buy bits and pieces of technology without a clear survival plan in this new Information Age.
In talking with owners and key personnel through brainstorming sessions and fact finding meetings, I can often uncover unused capacity and potential simply by 'getting the most' out of their existing technology! I can also help them identify areas where targeted training can increase productivity and streamline work flow while preparing them for the demands of their ever-more-technology-adept clientelle.
Finally, I help companies determine the true cost of their technology infrastructure so they can accurately assess the costs and benefits surrounding new acquisitions vs. training or re-orienting current resources.
Gibson Home Office Help....because the future keeps happening....remember?
Contact
Gibson Home Office Help
20 Benlea Drive
Nepean ON K2G 4A8
613.327.9596 (North America)
gibson.office (Skype)
gibson(at)wandagibson.com
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