1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.
9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

by Stephanie Speisman

Stephanie Speisman is a Success Coach who coaches groups and individuals in business networking skills based on her booklet “99 Tips for Successful Business Networking.” Contact info: (301)469-8015, successcoach@erols.com, www.strategiesforchange.com.

Source: http://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm

WHAT IS THE BEST COPIER FOR A SMALL OFFICE OF 10-30 PEOPLE?

Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5045

Ricoh Aficio MP 4001 SP

If you’re looking for the best copier for small business, you might need to have a multifunction copier instead of a plain printer that works at speeds of at least 30 cpm. Multifunction copiers often have features such as the ability to scan, fax, print or copy, which are all useful functions for small teams of between 10-30 people. One of the best copiers that fall into this category is the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5045, which can print a variety of paper sizes at speeds between 26 cpm – 45 cpm. This machine also supports up to 100 user inboxes and can store a large number of sheets (6000).

The Ricoh Aficio MP 4001 SP is another model that prints up to 45 cpm and can also hold 1,200 sheets with a maximum 4,400-sheet capacity with optional paper banks.

WHAT IS THE BEST COPIER FOR A HOME OR SMALL OFFICE OF UNDER 10 PEOPLE?

Ricoh Aficio MP C2030

Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2020

A home or a small office will probably not require a large machine. The best copier for a small office of under 10 people is usually a desktop machine that can print at speeds of at least 20 cpm. Factor in the employees who will be using the copier and whether or not you need color.

One of the best printers for small offices is the Ricoh Aficio MP C2030. It prints at the standard 20 cpm and has 2×250 sheet trays with a 100-sheet bypass tray as well. More paper can be loaded with optional trays.

A great printer for color printouts appropriate for any business working with images is the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2020. Not only does this print at up to 20 cpm, but Canon is one of the companies rated best for ink reliability and quality on the ConsumerSearch website. Although the ink is more expensive than third party ink, it is consistent and results in the best quality photos.

Source:  http://www.copiersleasing.com/the-best-copier-for-small-business.html

 How Laser Printers work

Laser printing technology is based on the electrostatic principle which delivers the particles in the toner to the paper. The dry toner printing process is divided into attracting the toner to the paper and fusing the toner with the paper.

» Step one – attracting the toner:

Laser printers have a drum inside which is the place where the image of the print is processed. When the drum starts to rotate, toner particles (which have magnetic properties) are attracted to exact locations on the paper. The attraction occurs since the drum have opposite polarity compared to the toner.

» Step two – making the toner stay:

To make the toner stay on the paper, it needs to be melted or fused with the paper while pressure is applied to the toner and the paper at the same time. The heat source in the printer is called the fuser. The need to heat up the fuser is the reason why laser printers always need a warm up period before it can start printing.

 Laser Printers – Pros and Cons

Below is a list of pros and cons for Laser printers relative Inkjet Printers. Remember that Laser printers like Inkjet printers are in constant development improving the functionality/price ratio.

Laser printers are generally Strong in the following areas:

• Inexpensive to Run, this in comparison with Inkjet Printers and especially when printing large volumes
• Printing speed, after doing the initial warm up a Laser Printer can print at great speed producing quality printouts (note: applicable to high end models)
• Silent in operation
• Laser Printers are networking optimized printers since they often come with large sized memories and a installed hard drive (note: applicable to high end models)
• High volume paper trays

Laser printers are generally Weak in the following areas:

• Purchase and reparation prices are higher
• Big sized often needing considerably more space than a Inkjet printer
• Less good for photo quality print jobs due to limitations in the printing resolution and accepted paper types

What Kind of Space Do I Have?

If you have limited space to set up a home computer and leave it there permanently, you might consider purchasing a laptop instead of a desktop unit.

What Do You Want To Use The Computer For?

If you are using the computer for basic functions such as e-mails, word processing, watching videos, browsing the internet, etc., you could go either way. If you are in need of more advanced video and audio options you might consider a desktop. There are many features that a laptop and desktop will both offer, but for serious gamers a desktop is normally the best solution.

What Kind of Budget Do You Have?

There is not a huge price difference between a laptop and a desktop, but it generally ranges from $20-$125 more for a laptop with similar hardware configurations. It used to be more expensive to own a laptop but with the changes in technology, the price gap is being closed quickly.

Do You Need a Portable Computer?

If you plan on taking business trips or want a computer while you travel then a laptop would be your clear choice. A desktop system is not portable and will remain in the location in which you install it. If you have wireless internet in your home and want the freedom to move around while using the computer then a laptop would still be your best solution. If you do not have wireless internet in your home or will not need to take your computer along for travelling, then you could save some money and get a desktop unit.

It does not matter what the reviews or the experts say, the choice as to whether a desktop or a laptop is based solely on your needs and wants. Not everyone has a use for a laptop and not everyone has room for a desktop. Take the time to think about what your needs and expectations are and answer the questions above before making the purchase.

Source: http://www.computerknowledgeforyou.com/articles/

One of the common problems affecting copiers is the fusing of the toner with the heat. Cold water is the answer and you must use it to remove it from the clothing. There are times when you need to copy while keeping the lid up. Well, in such cases use Edge Erase, if this option is available on your copier. But, you are advised not to keep the lid up while copying. If such is the case, then the copier is unable to monitor the amount of toner in use, and a thick layer of black toner forms on the paper.

When not in use, all paper clips, rubber bands, and staples must be removed from the machines. If any of these get into the drum or housing, they can cause some serious damage. What is of utmost importance is how the copier is used. All employees, who need the services of the copier, must be trained on the proper methodology as to the use of the copier. At times, it is the incompetence of some user that leads to a serious technical fault in the copier.

Many a copier user has had to face irritation and frustration due to the occurrence of paper jams. Well, you can avoid such traumatic situations, if you invest in some good quality paper. The benefit of this solution can be seen immediately as you will not only get minimal jams but also superior print quality. Another vital point is that, in case of jams, the lodged paper must be cleared up completely and properly. If not done properly then you might just face a recurring ‘paper jam’ problem.

The list of problems faced by copier machines is comprehensive, but there are ways and means to avoid them. The above mentioned problems are but a few in numbers, yet are very significant. So take care and have a productive and uninterrupted usage of your copier.

Before making any move to buy copier, the most crucial task for a buyer to accomplish is the appropriate selection of a copier solution. As the hefty price stickers on new copiers make many buyers to buy refurbished office copiers these days, the scrupulous comparison of all the properties bestowed by a copier, be it a refurbished or a new copier, is of paramount importance.

A refurbished copier can be a smart choice for small enterprises or people seeking all the multi-functionality features of a new copier at a comparatively cheaper price. However, it is also very true that all that glitters is not gold always; thereby a refurbished color copier that looks genuine and promising will be worthy is too not sure.

There are certain points that should be look upon before heading to buy a refurbished or used copier to avoid any encounter with malfunctioning in the near future. The first and the foremost thing to look at is the clean-up process of the copier. A used copier should be thoroughly cleaned both inside and outside. The other vital factors to look upon include copier volume and copier speed and decide the overall performance of a copier.

Don’t get lured by the steep discounts offered by the copier dealers on such copying solutions. These attractive prices may appear lucrative initially but will wind up making you pay more on the maintenance and repair in the long run. Thus it would be much wiser to buy a new copier for office or home instead of a refurbished copier to be facilitated with first rate functionality. For further assistance, employ copier office reviews to come across a best copier for office.

Source: http://www.copier.in