6 Ridiculously Simple On-line Success Tips

My friend Sal writes code for Apple Computers. I knew him a long time ago when we lived in the same town.

Sal was always frustrated by how little I knew about computers and the internet. He’d often say things that confused me.

I’d say, “I don’t get it.”

Then he’d say the exact same thing over again. Only this time he’d shout. As if volume was the issue.

Now that my career is entrenched in the on-line world – I get asked for advice a lot. Sometimes I assume that everyone knows the stuff I know.

But many people don’t!

So if you are one of the fully-entrenched-on-line-craziness people, then ignore this article. You’re way beyond it!

But for those of you who still use IE6, have an aol address, and don’t know what a “web browser” is — here are six basic on-line tips.

It might be tempting to think (as I used to) that it’s not important – because you don’t run a web business, or because you’re too young (or old) for this stuff.

However, some basic on-line skills will improve your productivity, your presentation, and your creative success.

So, sit back and let me show you six quick tips that helped me along the way.

(I promise not to shout.)

1 – Evaluate your email address

If you have your own website – then make your email address match your domain name. (For instance, dick@dickcheney.com.) It’s easy to remember, and it’s professional. Avoid email address like, artist-grrrl@hotmail.com. This screams “amateur” to people who might potentially work with you. Any WebGuy can create an email address from your domain name.

If you DON’T have a website – then create a memorable email address without lots of dots and underscores and numbers. My favorite free email system is Gmail. Gmail is Google mail. Go to google.com, and click on the “mail” link. Set up is easy.

Note: If you still hear the words, “You’ve got mail,” when you get email – then, my friend, it’s time to join us in the new millenium. Get a gmail account.

2 – Write easy emails

If you’re writing ANYTHING that will be viewed on a computer screen – then always use small paragraphs with space between them. (Notice how I write this blog!) And if you’re writing to anyone who’s not a close friend, keep your emails brief and to the point.

I get LOTS of email. The ones with small paragraphs get read first. Why? Because I know the writer is thinking of ME as the reader. I know she is professional, and I trust her instantly.

3 – Practice Email Etiquette

Begin your emails with a greeting. For instance, “Hey NAME, I hope this finds you well.”

The immediacy of email makes it easy to fire away without a thought. A greeting makes the reader feel connected.

Similarly, don’t take emails too personally. If someone sends you a seemingly gruff email, take some time to breathe and get centered before responding. Email works better when we take responsibility for our reactions to it.

Also, don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t answer you. More and more email addresses get sent to spam folders these days. (Mine sure does!) Also – some are having a harder time keeping up with the amount of email they get!

4 – Get a good Web Browser

A Web Browser is what gets you on-line. Like Internet Explorer. (And if you have Internet Explorer 6, then you might be excited to know that an update came out, oh, in 2006…!)

The best web browser, according to many, is Firefox. (For Mac or PC.) Firefox is better than IE on security, pop-up blocking, downloading, speed, and appearance. Go to www.getfirefox.com. It’s very easy to download – and you can put it right on your desktop or your dock.

5 – Get a good search engine

When you open your Web Browser, what’s the first page on your screen? This is most likely the Search Engine you use. It’s where you search for stuff like, “Dog Bakeries, NYC.”

I recommend Google above all other search engines.

I also recommend that you set your Web Browser to open to Google. This is called iGoogle – and you can customize it and personalize it with different themes and gadgets.

Click here to watch a great tutorial on how to do this.

6 – Use RSS

RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication.” It’s how you “Subscribe” to your favorite blogs and other stuff.

Take this blog, as an example.

In the left sidebar – there’s an orange icon that says, “Subscribe.”

Click on that.

You can add the blog’s “feed” to your Google homepage, as directed. The blog’s last three articles will appear in the window – and you can see if it has been updated without having to visit the site. You can do this with any blog.

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And there you have it. A few basics to make life easier for you. Most of this stuff is just about experimenting to find what works for you.

Feel free to add any other ridiculously simple tips that have helped you uplevel your online success.

(Don’t shout though!)

Tagged as: christine kane, online tips

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