YouTube created a video to teach families to keep their children safe online. I think we can all learn something from this video.
"Personal is Personal", "Think before you post", "Respect yourself"... I always say "the Virtual World is just like the Real World". If you tell your children not to talk to a stranger IRL (in real life), you should also address this issue in terms of Internet and SMS (texting).
I really like this approach to teaching Internet Safety because it's fun and it's third party validation. As a single mom, I am fun and adventurous, but sometimes I have to be the disciplinarian. It is good to have backup such as this and not have to resource to "because I said so". Children have the right to know the reason behind rules and I believe they will be more likely to follow them if they develop the belief that they are in their best interest.
What Internet Safety Tips would you add to the list?
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
On the first day of class, my Social Media and Blogging students learn they cannot make it through the first day or move on to the second class without first signing up to Gmail to get a built-in Google account. I bring it up on my E-mail Marketing, Web Design and even Intro to Computers classes, as well, and even have a “Getting a Google Account” hand out.
While some of my students may very well have a Gmail address already, they are mostly unaware of the many benefits adhered to the wonder that is a Google Account. For my AOL, Comcast, Earthlink, Yahoo and MSN users, it may not be so obvious why I seem to be obsessed with them switching to a Gmail account.
Today was a special day, though…I actually taught the first session of a series on Google Apps, which includes the use of Gmail, Google Docs and Google Calendar. I love teaching others to use technology devices and applications I love. It sure doesn’t feel like work!
What’s so special about Gmail anyway?
Gmail Labs
Archiving – Keep your inbox uncluttered and “hide” messages you’ve already worked on. Find your messages easily by using the amazing SEARCH MAIL box or clicking All Mail.
Message translation – If you receive an email in a different language, Gmail can translate your message into a language you can understand with just one click.
Undo send – You can have a grace period of a few seconds to cancel sending, then edit your message before sending again. I try to put the e-mail address on there last, but this actually makes sense.
Offline Access – Can you believe that Gmail can work when you’re not connected to the internet? Wow…
Labels – This is just such a beautiful e-mail feature. Anyone who loves organization like I do knows that labeling your items will make it easier to find them or access them at a later time. Labels work together with Filters to give us back control over our e-mail addresses.
View Image – View PDF – You can preview PDFs and images on your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox) without having to download them or open them with an application.
Tasks – This feature is key in keeping me organized and on track. Adding tasks to your to-do list and checking them off as you complete them is sweet! You can actually convert an e-mail message into a task. (Accessible on mobile, too). Too unbelievable!
Text Messaging -There’s a short messaging system [SMS] built-in Gmail. Send your text messages using your PC keyboard. I love that!
Set the Tone Theme – From minimalist grays to dynamic mountain landscapes, choose from over 30 options to personalize the look and feel of your Gmail account.
Gmail voice and video chat – If you’ve used Skype, then you’re familiar with this concept… sort of. Gmail users can actually view and listen to each other, by simply downloading Google Chat and having their web cam activated.
Use Emoticons on your messages. A real wide variety of “expressive icons” on both chat and e-mail.
Gmail for mobile 2.0. By going to m.google.com/mail on your BlackBerry (I have the World Edition so I can use it internationally), you can download this wonderful tool for offline e-mail capabilities.
Gmail for AIM® friends. I’m a Yahoo! Messenger kind of girl, but many of my friends are on AIM®. I can now include them on my Google chat list without having to do an unwanted switch to AOL. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that…). {AOL and AIM are trademarks of AOL LLC }
Colored labels – Everything is better in color! This is true for your labels. I use my blue and green, of course.
HTTPS by default - This protocol has been To protect your Gmail account, we’ve turned on the option to “always use HTTPS” for everyone and encrypts your page to protect your password.
Group chat – This Gmail option works fabulously for online meetings or “family reunions”. Multiple people and no multiple windows. Yay!
Easy Access to Attachments- You can access Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and even Powerpoint presentations (as slideshows) without having to download them into your computer or opening an application.
20 MB! The allowed size of attachments to your e-mail is double on Gmail.
Get mail and send mail from other accounts – You can retrieve new and old messages from other accounts, as well as customize the ‘From:’ address, so they look like they were sent from another one of your email accounts.
Message notifications - You will see updates to an e-mail conversation even while you are typing a reply. “That was fast!”.
Forward all – You can forward a whole thread of a message, not just single messages.
Offline Chat – You can leave “offline messages” to your chatting friends so they can see them when they logon next.
Gmail.com/app – Download this application and and start accessing Gmail on your phone.
Voicemail – If you use Google chat, you can send and retrieve voicemail right on your e-mail as an audio file.
Put a face on your Contacts – You can set a photo for yourself and your contacts so it shows up next to the contact name.
Vacation auto-responder – Tell everyone when you’re on vacation and will be back, leave the name and number of someone who can assist them or your own contact information overseas, or whatever may be the case.
Contact groups – You can send messages to a group instead of having to pick out the individual addresses every time. This is a great time saver.
View as HTML – Now you can view Microsoft Office, OpenOffice or .pdf attachments as web pages. Download what?
Auto-save – This is such a blessing. When you’re composing a message, it saves to ‘Drafts’ automatically so you don’t lose your information!
Gmail on Google.com – If you use iGoogle, you can access Gmail from your personalized Google page.
Free POP access and automatic forwarding – This is a great tool so you can use to access your e-mail messages via Outlook or Blackberry.
Import Contacts - You can move all your contacts from Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, and others to Gmail in just a few clicks. Exporting is also very easy, if you’re using e-mail marketing software and need a CSV file.
Signature options – On the settings page, you will find an option to create a signature that’s automatically added to the end of all your outgoing messages. Mine has links to my Facebook business pages, Linkedin, YouTube, Twitter, blog, website and other contact information.
You can use your Google DOCS, Google CALENDAR and events right with your Gmail. A Gmail account is also a Google account, so you can access Google Reader, Google Alerts, Google Analytics, Blogger, Picassa, Chrome, and YouTube.
Are you still hesitant? If you’re not, welcome to revolutionary e-mailing!
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
We are grateful for 2009 and eager to experience what 2010 has to offer. Wishing everyone on Earth a joyful, peaceful and successful year [and decade] where love reigns and families are together. We love you!
May God give you... 12 Month of Happiness, 52 Weeks of Fun, 365 Days Success, 8760 Hours Good Health, 52600 Minutes Good Luck and 3153600 Seconds of Joy!
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”..... and to all of you, my non-talent of singing this Christmas Song to you. At least I have the bilingual thing going for me LOL
FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
Gratitude to all my friends and family. Thank you for making this day extra special. I got to blow candles & make a wish on my very birthday 4 the first time in my life. What a blessing that was! I enjoyed getting flowers at the High School, too!
I laughed, cried, reflected...enjoyed all the greetings on FB, Twitter, SMS, e-mail, telephone and mail (I love CARDS!).
I wish I could have hugged each of you. I felt the love and I am hugging you in my heart.
"...& I know eventually we'll b together...one sweet day...!"
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
I am not a curious kitty. Okay, maybe just a bit.I wanted to post this question as an exercise that may help us all reflect and learn from each other’s experiences.
If you feel “chatty”, you can also tell us what you’re the most thankful for, the best thing you did in 2009 and even your goals for next year.We’d love to hear!
Two more weeks to a Happy 2010!
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
With just a few days left on 2009, it is time now to look back and reflect on the past months and review the lessons learned, but more importantly, to look forward and plan a successful 2010.
We’ve all set a New Year’s resolutions, vowing to get in better shape physically, financially, or emotionally. But how about professionally?
The 3 C’s
New Year’s Professional Resolutions are not a new trend. The Super achievers of all times were huge advocates of goal setting. This valuable technique allows you to set a safe direction toward success, avoid costly mistakes and constantly review and evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies.
So before pressing the “Restart” button and start making a list of professional resolutions, it is imperative to know the three principles of effective goal-setting:
Clarity – Decide exactly what you want and write it down. Be specific and realistic and make sure your goals are measurable.
Competence - What tasks do you need to complete to reach your goals? Define what qualifications are needed to perform them and prioritize them carefully.
Concentration - Develop the discipline to stay focused and complete one task at a time; do not let anything distract you from the path that guarantees success.
10 Ideas for a Prosperous New Business
When setting your goals, resist the temptation to include “Cut expenses”, “Stick to a budget”, or even the “Get organized” statements. Sure these are important; they are also expected. Here are some creative ideas you may want to consider:
Knowledge and Skill – Today’s business setting requires lifelong learning and self-improvement. Attend a conference, workshop or continuing education class, read a book, research online. Today, with audio-books, e-books and webinars, you can literally learn while you lunch or drive.
Embrace New Media – Get a smart phone, learn to blog, commit a few minutes a day to social networking, implement an e-mail marketing campaign…Find out how others are using technology to succeed and apply it to your own circumstances.
Contribute – Serving others is a great way to get known around the community, friend the press and make the world a better place.
Partner Up – Strategic alliances can be used to cross-market to a specific niche, build a powerful referral network, delegate tasks and focus on the ones you excel at, or barter services to get value and keep the costs down.
Join a Network – “Your Network is your Net Worth”. Remember that the true secret to building meaningful contacts in a networking event is the ability to listen and be of value to others.
Communicate – Your clients – and your partners – expect excellent communication skills. Become a skillful speaker, writer and video-caster. Be consistent and constant in your e-mail marketing, taking the time to thank your loyal customers for their business.
Upgrade your Web Presence – Use the web to interact with your customers, provide value and get feedback. Use a blog and free social networking tools such as Facebook, LinkedIN and Twitter to leverage your traditional marketing strategies.
Get Coached – A coach or a mentor can provide valuable accountability, deadlines and great insights to surefire success.
Make time for You – Schedule time to recharge and refresh yourself in order to bring balance and fun to your business. Spend time with loved ones, pursue your hobbies, and rest as much as you need. Your success has little meaning if it cannot be fully enjoyed.
Celebrate – Accomplishments take time; however, there are milestones that should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Most New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned or forgotten shortly thereafter. Remember that achievement can only occur when you have a plan and actually execute it.
To read this article in Spanish, go to SOMOS ONLINE.
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
With 350 million users, Facebook dominates the web as a growing social network.
In an effort to increase security and “take over the world” attracting new users, the Facebook team is adding new features to control your security.
Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg announced through an open Facebook Blog post the removal “regional networks” in order to maximize privacy. Content will only be available to “friends”, “friends of friends” and “everyone”.
In addition, privacy settings will be simpler and we’ll be able to control who views each individual piece of content created or uploaded.
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
Pretty much everyone these days is either a Facebook user or thinking about it. After all, “Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.”Free e-mailing, picture and video sharing, instant messaging and seconds away from knowing exactly where someone is, how they are feeling and what their friends are saying about it…Sounds fantastic!
But there is a sad and scary side to Facebook and many of us have crossed the line. Many people find themselves spending more time on Facebook than they should or intended to and neglecting real life activities to engage into useless -and sometimes obsessive- Facebook interactions.
From Social Networking to Social Dysfunction
There is no official diagnosis on Facebook Addiction; however, with over 350 million users worldwide, the usage statistics straight from the Facebook press room seem quite alarming:
More than 8 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day
More than 55 million status updates each day
More than 2 billion photos uploaded to the site each month
More than 14 million videos uploaded each month
More than 65 million active users accessing Facebook through mobile devices.
That’s a lot of WASTED time for professionals who complain about how busy they are with daily ordeals.
Some clinical psychologists are suggesting that when our lives are not going too well, we seek refuge in “Facebookland” where everyone is happy and wants to be your friend. An escape from reality; isn’t that what people look for in a drug?
Are you “ON” Facebook?
I once took a quiz online, truly thinking I would be fine. The results? “76% addicted”. How about you? Do you…
1.get on Facebook first thing when you wake up?
2.check your Facebook wall while at work or school?
3.sometimes eat meals while surfing Facebook?
4.respond “25 random things” and other notes?
5.know less than half your Facebook friends?
6.have Facebook on your mobile phone?
7.RSVP to events you have no intention of attending?
8.lose sleep over Facebook?
9.belong to more than 5 Facebook groups?
10.recruit non-users to sign up to Facebook?
11.ever meet new ‘in real life’ friends (or dates) from FB?
12.play in “YoVille”, “Mafia Wars” or “Vampire Wars”?
13.give out “drinks, hearts, smiles, hugs, awards…” to FB friends?
14. poke people or login to FB just to poke them back?
15.hear your loved ones complain about how long you are on FB?
My intention designing this quiz is in no way to provide professional guidance, but your affirmative answers may be used as a self-assessment to reveal how appropriate your Facebook daily dosage is.
Getting OFF Facebook and on with your life
While there are no “12 Steps” to Facebook addiction nor I would like to encourage anyone to quit it entirely, I think the following tips will prevent you from wasting your precious time in mindless clicking:
1.List your Facebook goals. What do you hope to achieve?
2.Write down any tangible benefits you receive each time you log on.
3.Track your time and list each activity performed.
4.List your offline goals and decide which you could accomplish sooner if you gave FB a rest.
5.Take a Facebook class to learn how to make the best of it.
Facebook could become a huge distraction, break up your real friendships and your marriage, turn you into a cyber-stalker or busybody, and make you neglect your work or even your kids…only if you let it. Facebook is a powerful social network which allows you to leverage your online presence to improve relationships and create new ones, increase brand visibility, enhance your online marketing, and more!
Take advantage of what Facebook has to offer, but do it wisely. Remember, you’re your own “Facebook patch”.
“I’m addicted to Facebook, I swear…” confesses 35-year old Tyra Banks, much known Supermodel-turned-talk show host. She’s not alone.
To read this article in Spanish, please go to Somos Online
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
Thanksgiving is the best time to be in the United States. I truly love this Holiday as it reminds me of December 24 (Christmas Eve) when the family gets together in our island and has a wonderful dinner. I also love the gratitude people feel around this Holiday. It's like fuel to my soul. We take many miracles for granted.
However, I honestly had no clue where this all came from. Well, not quite well, anyways.
Elisha is now in second grade so she had a “Pioneer's wagon” project and they were, naturally, studying the “Indians and the Pilgrims”. She was able to educate me on the subject.
This year, besides my children, my family, the many special people to associate with, and the countless blessings received, I am thankful for understanding the Thanksgiving concept through my child. Children are the best teachers.
Enjoy this day and thank those who made a difference. I am thanking YOU.
For more information, connect with me:
About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist.
Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!
This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.
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