The TNS Group welcomes Scott Weatherhogg

As The TNS Group grows as a business, its staff is growing right along with it. As of this week, we have hired a new employee, Scott Weatherhogg, to join our team! We are very lucky to have Scott; he is incredibly personable and has a skill base that will be very beneficial to our company.

The Yonkers resident previously parted with HealthMarkets, a mega life and health insurance company. He is stepping in as a new consultant for our IT consulting firm. He has much experience with IT Operating, System Administration, installation and upgrading, managing various servers and IT projects. Scott is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Professional & Internet. His expertise will surely benefit our consulting team.

We expect great things from you Scott- welcome aboard, we are all looking forward to working with you!

Tara McKenna

 

Harrasment through technology

Today at The TNS Group, employees were required to attend the sexual harassment seminar. We discussed the various forms of sexual harassment and harmful situations that can take place in the office. However, we did not touch upon cyber bullying and harassment through text messaging (the newest ways of harassment that has hit the workplace, and primarily school systems.)

In the business world, we use social networking sites to advance our businesses and spread word about what we are promoting. However, teens are using these sites such as Facebook and MySpace, in addition to their cell phones, to bully and harm peers.

The latest incident occurred this past weekend at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ. A girl received a dozen shocking, sexually explicit threats sent from a cell phone, which belonged to a fellow male classmate at Benjamin Franklin Middle School.

Advancements in technology are supposed to improve our lives by simplifying the use of computers and gadgets; not to make it easier to harm others. According to the Technology section in The New York Times, “Schools these days are confronted with complex questions on whether and how to deal with cyberbullying, an imprecise label for online activities ranging from barrages of teasing texts to sexually harassing group sites. The extent of the phenomenon is hard to quantify. But one 2010 study by the Cyberbullying Research Center, an organization founded by two criminologists who defined bullying as "willful and repeated harm” inflicted through phones and computers, said one in five middle-school students had been affected.”

To decrease the amount of harassment between students, the Principal of Benjamin Franklin Middle School sent out an email to parents advising, “There is absolutely NO reason for any middle school student to be part of a social networking site,” he wrote. If children were attacked through sites or texting, he added, “IMMEDIATELY GO TO THE POLICE!”

Although this was not the advice parents wanted to hear, the Principal is right. Harassment, bullying and sexual harassment, are all illegal no matter where they take place. Issues should be immediately addressed before it worsens or someone gets hurt.

 

Tara McKenna

 

Don't Release Malfunctioning Products!

We at The TNS Group believe providing the best service will ensure growth and satisfaction for our clients. Our services are guaranteed to provide you with the technology and services it needs.  Our chief executive officer, Ami Soifer said, “There is no IT project that fails, regardless of issues that come up. We speak with the customer; we share all the information along the way, so as surprises come up we deal with them in the most positive way for all parties. This gives the customers a sense of trust and respect.”

All companies should provide their customers with superior service and products. One company that has been falling short in this department is Apple, and their iPhone 3G and 3GS models. 

Apple’s iPhones are failing and disappointing customers. According to ITNews, “More than one in four Apple IPhones break or fail within two years.”

Apple has tried to accommodate customers by introducing the iPhone 3GS, which is said to be more reliable than the 3G model. However, iPhone 3GS owners have reported almost 50% more power issues than those with the older iPhone 3G. Because of complaints, Apple has been plugging away to improve the iPhone. Their improvements will likely continue which is good news for the millions who have preordered the iPhone. The iPhone 4’s release date is Thursday June 24, 2010.

Although the company is making great efforts to improve their product, the high percentage of glitches has impacted the company’s credibility, which in turn can decreases sales.

All glitches and malfunctions should be sorted through before the release of a product to ensure customer loyalty. Loyal customers = Lifelong customers.

 

Tara McKenna

Technology Update: Swype

According to ITNEWS, "An overwhelming 83 percent of those surveyed would give up their morning cup of coffee before parting with their Smartphone".

Smartphones, iphones and mobile devices have become so essential to workers that they may as well be attached to our bodies. Many of us sleep and eat with them anyways...

The newest technology for our Smartphones is the software called Swype. While typing or texting on a Smartphone you can use features that make these tasks more simple, such as T9 or auto-correct. Swype, on the other hand simplifies all typing frustrations on touch-screen phones.

Cliff Kushler developed this new solution so users can simply glide a finger across the virtual keyboard to spell words, rather than typing out each individual letter. According to The New York Times, in the technology section, "Swype’s software detects where a finger pauses and changes direction as it traces out the pattern of a word. The movements do not have to be precise because the software calculates which words a user is most likely trying to spell. Capitalization and double letters can be indicated with a pause or squiggle, while spacing and punctuation are automatic."  Mr. Kushler, who is chief technology officer of Swype, estimates that the software can improve a text-messenger’s pace by 20 to 30 percent.

We use our mobile devices as small personalized computers. More and more technology is emerging for our phones, so the need for them to be quicker and more efficient is increasing.

To watch a demonstration on Swype

 

Tara McKenna

 

Review on Networking Breakfast

After attending my first networking event as an intern here at The TNS Group, I have come to the conclusion that small business owners are craving to know the ins-and-outs of social networking!
This morning, myself as well as an Account Manager from The TNS Group, attended the “Beyond the Recession” Small Business Breakfast at the Hilton Stamford. We attended this breakfast hoping to meet new people that may serve as future clients, or at least those would point us in the right direction. Because this event was based around the topic of “Surviving on Main Street”, we attended to learn what other small businesses are doing to stay afloat during this harsh economic time.
Some tips included, knowing your target market and to give your clients a reason to use your business . Caplan-Carroll gave some advice by directing us to “give more than you ask for, you need to make your clientele feel special.” This advice pertained to mainly the content we post on social networking sites.
Wendi Cablan-Carroll, Joshua Crandall, David Lewis and Mitchell Grossinger Etess all spoke about the efforts businesses are making to succeed through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. However, the three are used for different purposes. One interesting fact that Mitchell Grossinger Etess shared was, instead of advertising for a concert, Mohegan Sun decided to use Twitter to “tweet” about the event. Surprisingly, using Twitter was a success and 65% of the tickets were sold in three days. Note to businesses-tweeting can be beneficial!
After the speaking portion of the event, questions were asked by people in the audience.
I think going to this networking event was a positive experience; I talked to interesting people and also got some advice as to where to find certain information pertaining to free PR.
If another networking event is held close by I will definitely attend!

Tara McKenna

Come Network in Stamford!

A vital aspect to being a successful business is the relationship’s built between current clients, prospective clients, and people you meet day to day. You never know who you’re going to meet and any one person can open the door for you or for your business.
Building strong relationships is an excellent way to expand your professional circle, being that each person works in a different industry, allowing you access to various businesses.
In regards to professional relationships, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

Attending networking events is extremely important for employees. Tomorrow, I will be accompanying one of The TNS Group’s Account Managers to “Beyond The Recession”, a small business breakfast and networking opportunity. Joe Connolly, A WCBS / Wall Street Journal Reporter will hosting a panel discussion on how to grow and increase your sales after the economic downturn. Confirmed Panelists include, Wendy Caplan-Carroll, a Constant Contact New York, Joshua Crandall, the founder of Clever Commute on Metro North, David Lewis, President of Operations lnc. Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting of Stamford, and Mitchell Grossinger Etess, the CEO of Mohegan Sun.
This networking breakfast begins at 7:30 am and ends at 10 am. I think the networking hour will be very beneficial for the attendees. It will give them time to meet other business owners and employees from the Stamford area, being that it‘s at the Stamford Hilton. Hopefully this event will create some opportunities for new clients in the Stamford area.


Stay tuned for feedback on the “Beyond The Recession” Networking Breakfast


Tara McKenna

Simplifying Technology, Simplifies Life

Simplifying Technology, Simplifies Life
No matter which generation you have grown up in, technology and its complex products will always require time and effort to learn. As an IT company, TNS is very familiar with the complexities of technology. It is one of our missions to create exceptional value for our customers. We try to keep things simple while maintaining lasting improvements in our client’s technology performance.
Recently some products have been released that are making life more simple, and our gadgets easier to use. It is said that Wi-Fi is everywhere, but now it literally can be everywhere; being able to travel with you in a briefcase, purse or even a pocket. Companies are coming out with Wi-Fi products that create a personal Wi-Fi space, allowing you to use your laptops, smart phones, IPads, e-readers and more with the purchase of a portable Wi-Fi unit.
According to The New York Time’s, Personal Tech section, these Wi-Fi units can start at a low price of 30$ or 50$, depending on the contract and model. These small objects have one single button that easily radiates wireless connection within a 30-foot range. An example of an inexpensive, but trustworthy model is the Novatel MiFi 2200, offered by Verizon Wireless and Sprint.
Such devices simplify life because they are easy to use amid the pile of gadgets we carry around with us daily. For example, if you do not own a GPS system for your car, the MiFi will offer wireless connection to an ITouch or laptop, allowing you to navigate correctly using a directional site like MapQuest.
With the release of products such as the MiFi, tasks that used to be complex, and even unheard of to accomplish, are now simple and done quickly. Don’t break a sweat thinking about the intricacies that come along with technology; sit back and leave it up to the IT companies like us. By simplifying technology, we will be a step further in simplifying life as we know it.

Tara McKenna : tmckenna@thetnsgroup.com

USE WITH CAUTION

Currently social media is all the rage. Now, not only are high sales important for a company, but constant communication with clients, prospective buyers, and basically the world is a must. How on Earth is this wide range, continuous communication possible? Social networking.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are now vital to a company’s success and more importantly, ability to stand out. We must hop on the bandwagon, learn the ins-and-outs of these sites and use them to our advantage.

The TNS Group is currently on this mission. We as a company use social networking to update existing clients on our IT products and to reach out to prospective ones. Although SNS’s (social networking sites) seem to be 100% beneficial, TNS, and all other active companies must be cautious.

According to ITNEWS there are five major social media risks for businesses. They are as follows: 1. Viruses and Malware Brand Hijacking Lack of control over corporate content High expectations of customer service at “internet speed” Non-compliance with record-management regulation

5.

To use the SNS effectively company users must be knowledgeable on these sites and be fully aware of their benefits as well as their risks. Without vigilance, businesses may give away confidential information, negatively affect the company image, or get carried away with the social aspect of these sites.

These top five risks must be taken into consideration to achieve a successful bridge of communication between a company and their target market.

As we are trying to do here at The TNS Group; aim to boost your business by being involved in social media! Don’t fall short because you didn’t participate with caution.

Tara McKenna

tmckenna@thetnsgroup.com