How to: Add an RSS Feed to your iGoogle Home Page

I have been using Google Apps now for close on 3 years and have been accessing it via a web browser the whole time.  My home page has always been Google but I recently changed it to iGoogle so that I can configure some handy Gadgets for easy access to my most used items.

In my management of keeping stuff out of the Inbox I set up some RSS Feeds instead of subscribing to some newsletters.  The great thing is you can add RSS Feeds right onto your iGoogle page.

Heres how:

1. Open iGoogle
2. Press the Add Gadgets button
3. On the top right look for the 'Search for gadgets' box and type RSS and press 'Search' button
4. The first entry should be Google Reader.  Press 'Add it now' button.
5. Now configure the RSS feed in Google Reader by adding the relevant link.

Want to know more about how iGoogle can improve your business productivity then contact me.

Google Calendar Labs not working?

Have you recently noticed that Google Calendar Labs are not working?  You are not alone!

I was delivering training three weeks ago and everything worked fine and I was able to show how Google Calendar Labs worked.  One week later and no joy the Labs had disappeared.  So I began a hunt on various forums and the Google Apps Help Centre.  Unfortunately none of the comments resolved the issue.

Then a lightbulb moment hit me...maybe it is a browser issue.  I tested it in Mozilla Firefox instead of my default Google Chrome.  Everything worked in Firefox but not Chrome.  So if you are not seeing your Google Apps Calendar Labs try a different browser and you might find them.

A better way to manage your files

Previously I have mentioned ways to store files on the cloud.  More recently I have been recommending a better way to manage your files.

I travel almost everyday through areas with limited to no internet access and there are times when I just need to be able to access a file.  The catch though is that I don't want to have to remember which files I've accessed and sync them over my Mac, PC, iPhone and iPad.  That's where Dropbox comes in.

Watch the following video for some more information.

Which Cloud Accounting Package do you recommend?

Freshbooks | Cloud AccountingI Lurve Freshbooks!

It is a Cloud Accounting package, tailored for individuals or businesses that bill $300k or less, that allows you to send and manage invoices online or via the MiniBooks App on your iPhone.  If you need to run timesheets for a client you can set up Time Trackers that you tap on your iPhone which can be associated with specific Projects or Tasks or just in general for a client.

Tracking expenses and re-billing clients can sometimes prove a nightmare but with Freshbooks you can add them on the go and associate them to a client with a few clicks.  Then when you go to raise an invoice it will remind you that you have expenses to invoice. Even better is that you can even have it linked to your Shoeboxed account!  So your entries will appear there for you and all you have to do is associate it with a

client, if necessary.

As far as reporting is concerned you can run Ageing & simple P&Ls.  Starting up you can import data is limited to contacts only, the developers need to look at history invoices and expenses for those coming in part way through a financial year.

When it comes to invoice reminders it is set and forget.  You can select the number of days between reminders and change any of the text for the emails that are generated.

I use Freshbooks everyday and just lurve how easy it is to run my invoicing system now!

For assistance on moving your business to the Cloud contact me via email or call me on 02 8014 8857.

How to: Create an Online Presence and Introduction to Cloud Computing

Are you starting a new business or self employed?

Are you trying to project a professional business image but lack the funds to get it all happening?

Then you may find my program How to Create an Online Presence and Introduction to Cloud Computing to be of benefit.  By the end of just two days in your tailored individual one-on-one sessions you will have Planned your Online Presence, obtained a Domain Name, built a Website, discussed how to incorporate Social Networking and optimised your iPhone for use as a business professional.

To enhance your online presence and deliver a professional perception before your target audience email me today!