A Second Office
A Second Office Newsletter
July 2008
Welcome to A Second Office
 
Dear Michele,

Happy Independence Day! 

This past month I have been learning the Art of Networking.  I have been attending local business network breakfasts, luncheons and after-hours meetings.  The fun continues when I follow up and meet with those contacts for one-on-one sessions to begin developing a relationship with that person. 

I have received more referrals from these networking meetings than I have ever received in advertising in the local business newspapers, magazines, or online websites.

Networking is the way to go!

So, dig out those piles of business cards that you have been keeping on your desk or in a shoebox and start calling people that you want to get to know and develop a business relationship.

TIP:  Always carry with you a name tag with your business name first, then your name below.  If you shake hands with your right hand, then your name tag should be worn on your right side.  If you're a lefty, your name tag should be on your left side.  Now, when you shake hands with a potential contact, their line of vision naturally is drawn up your arm and to your name tag.
Did you Remember to Copyright your Website? ASO Messy Desk
Nearly every company has a website these days.  In fact, the web has redefined the way businesses build and identify their brand by providing an effective and direct way to reach customers and market products.

Yet, if you develop a creative site design, compelling copy and original sounds, be aware that you may be unintentionally inspiring your competitors.  Stolen text and illegally "borrowed" images and sounds often flood the internet, even though such actions violate copyright law.

The best solution to protect your brand online?  Register your website's copyright.

Who Owns a Copyright?

To register a copyright, you must be either the original author or have rights granted by the author.  Developing a website typically involves collaboration, so rights can be difficult to determine.  That's why it's best to decide on authorship before site creation.  Usually, the technical side of the site, such as the HTML code and programming, is owned by the outside developer while content is owned by the company.

What a Copyright Protects

A copyright is actually automatic.  As soon as you develop your site, it is immediately copyrighted. Your website copyright gives you exclusive rights to the site's content.  And copyright law gives the copyright owner exclusive rights over the following:
  • Reproduction of the work
  • Preparation of derivative works
  • Distribution of copies of the work to the public Public display and performance of the work

Why Register a Copyright

You do not have to display an official copyright notice on your website to preserve your rights under the law.  However, web content is frequently (and mistakenly) viewed as free for the taking.  That's why so many businesses register copyrights with the federal government and display the notice on their site.  Simply place the word "Copyright" with the company name and the creation date on the website.  Then, officially register your site with the U.S.  Copyright Office.

While not mandatory to secure your rights, formally registering a copyright and inserting the copyright © notice gives you added legal protection against infringement.  This is especially important in the electronic world where "borrowing" text, photos, sounds and images is as simple as a few clicks.  And a copyright offers 95 years of protection.

When in Doubt, Use Professionals

Defending copyright via the web isn't easy, but officially copyrighting your website offers added protection.  Specialized companies offer online tracking that alerts copyright owners when their materials are being used by others.  Services like these help the fight against electronic copyright infringement.

Websites can be a single page or thousands of pages and are subject to update.  All of this makes the copyright registration process complicated, and it can be difficult to ensure all aspects of the site are protected.

A Second Office can offer copyright registration.  And if you have been the victim of copyright infringement, discuss your options with an intellectual property attorney.

By Stephanie Paul, LegalZoom.com
Time-Saving Email Strategies ASO Messy Desk

From time to time you may see an email from me with the Subject line reading something like:  "I'm back in town.  Do you want to have lunch?  eom, mg" or "I'll get that done today.  Thanks - eom, mg"

This is a time-saving tip that I found in a newsletter called The Organized Executive.  When you can relay your full message in one sentence or just a few words in the Subject Line, it saves the recipient time from opening the email and reading it.  When you receive hundreds of emails a day, it is a true time saver when you do not have to double click and open each message.  After typing your message, then type "eom" which stands for "end of message."  Complete the Subject line by typing your name or use your initials (e.g., mg) for a signature.

Additional tip would be when copying many people on your email, to spell out why each of them is getting the email and any actions, if required.

For example:  In an email to John Felder and Abby Green regarding website design draft completed.

AG:  Please get marketing to approve the draft attached.

JF:  Please verify that the slogan captures our branding.
In This Issue
Did you Remember to Copyright your Website?
Timesaving Email Strategies
Holidays
Book Review - The EMyth Revisited
Holidays

ASO Messy Desk

Friday, July 4th - Independence Day
 
Book Review  - The EMyth Revisited by Michael Gerber

ASO Messy Desk

If you are thinking of starting your own business, or you already own a small business, Michael Gerber's book "The EMyth Revisited," is a MUST read.  Even after 5 years of owning A Second Office, I found it extremely informative.

Mr. Gerber states in order for a business owner to be successful, one must balance themselves between 3 characters that he defines as follows:

The Entrepreneur.  These are the visionaries that see the future of the business.

The Manager.  Keeps things in order, follows the rules and procedures, and knows the practical side of the business.

The Technician.  The person who can perform all of the tasks required to run the business.  This is where most, if not all, of the people starting their own business.  They have a skill and decide to start a business based on this skill.

Businesses fail because they do not have the balance between The Entrepreneur, The Manager, and The Technician.

But don't fret, Michael Gerber tells you how you can run your own successful business by balancing these three aspects.
Try Send Out Cards FREE!

Yes, FREE!  No obligation.  Send 2 cards, including postage, to a friend, a family member, or a business client. 

Contact me at:
Michele@ASecondOffice.comASO Messy Desk

I will then send you the link and pass code to log into your intro account at Send Out Cards.

We can set up a conference call or meeting to take you step-by-step  in creating a card with your own image.

Our Price: FREE
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Michele Guarino
A Second Office LLC
800-276-0818
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