Computer and Cell Phone Backups

Image courtesy of www.gadgettastic.com

Love them when they work, hate them when they don't, and hate them even more when they crash!

A few weeks ago, I received a message that BlackBerry had new updates for my phone. However, since I had not synchronized nor backed up my data since the month of May, I thought it would be wise to do so first. Now, you would think that from prior experience (when my laptop crashed) I would be more deligent in backing up my data. Right? Unfortunately, not! I kept putting it off each day saying to myself, "As soon as I'm done with this, I'll synch my phone!" How many of you are guilty of this as well?

Anyhow, I proceeded to perform a synch/backup only to learn that I could not do so prior to updating my phone. After numerous attempts to skip the update, I gave up. The update did not take long and when it was done, I said, "WOW! I love the new updates! And, I sooo love my BlackBerry even more now!" ...only to realize a little later, that I lost everything I had enterred since the last backup in May! I was livid and angry with myself for not continuing to backup on a weekly basis! Lesson learned the hard way!

Thankfully, after my laptop crashed and after Geek Squad  recovered some files, I put new systems in place to ensure everything is backed up on my external hard drive and looked into off-site backup services. Consequently, even if my computer crashes again, I will still have all my data somewhere. Now, I just need to make sure that the same preventative measures are in place for my cell phone.

With that said, I thought that this would be a worthy topic to blog.

Having a reliable backup system is very crucial in running a business; even more so now than ever before with Green Initiatives in place and many people not printing much. Another plus to off-site backups is that even if your place of business burns down, you will still have access to your data.

For a reasonable fee, several companies provide backup services off site on a secure online database.

Computer Backups
Here are a couple companies you can consider:

1. Carbonite: For just $54.95 per year (about $4.58 per month), Carbonite securely protects your files from

• accidental deletion
• drive failure
• theft
• power surges
• disaster

2. MOZY: For $4.95 per month for personal computers and $5.00 per month for businesses, they will provide the same services as the aforementioned company.

Cell Phone Backups
Whether you lose, break or simply replace your phone for a new one, you may encounter problems with tranfesrring your phone book and other data. Again, as with computers, there are several ways to backup your cell phone data:

1. Provider/Carrier-specific services: Alltell, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel, etc.

2. Third-party backup services: Backup-Pal, Cell Stik, and DataPilot Universal Plus to name a few.

3. Finally, there are various Apps (some free, others not) that you can download directly onto your smart phone... got-to love those Apps! These will backup the info on an ongoing basis.

Do not become the next statistic... take charge! It is worth every penny and your peace of mind!

Back-to-School

We are nearly halfway through September, which means that school is back in session for our youngsters. If you're in a crafty mood, check out these Back-to-School Craft ideas from Etsy. Included are some DIY ideas for creative, personalized school supplies, as well as some ideas for your child's lunch bags. If you missed last years' Back-to-School post on my blog (Quirky Kid's Lunch/Party Ideas), be sure to check it out for some neat DIY sandwiches that your kids will go crazy for!

The summer may be over, but the fun has just begun!

Invitations for Social Events

Our efficient and high quality digital presses use thick, 14 point stock to provide you with a product that sets the bar for the new industry standard in four-color stationary printing.

Many of these items feature your favorite photographs. You can easily attach the digital file when you place your web order on our website!

Thanksgiving in July

When you hear "Christmas in July," it can only mean two things: a party with a winter/holiday theme or a great sale!

Whether it be in our business or private lives, it is very easy to get overwhelmed with our day-to-day activities and actually forget to be thankful. I am therefore celebrating "Thanksgiving in July" by listing reasons why I am thankful for my business and all those who support my endeavors in one way or another, especially my family, friends, fans, clients, and colleagues.

10 things I am thankful for:
1. My business: It makes a world of a difference to wake up everyday and go to a job I love and enjoy.
2. That I can set my own hours: Even though I may work very long hours, most evening, weekends and some seasons are busier than others, I have a flex schedule.
3. My fabulous vendors that repeatedly come through for me with every event.
4. My volunteers and IC's who stick by me regardless of the arduous hours.
5. The wonderful connections and business relationships I have developed along the way, of which many have become good friends.
6. The different places I have traveled to because of my business.
7. The technology enabling my office to be mobile.
8. Social Media: My Facebook fans, my Twitter Followers, my Blog Followers, and my LinkedIn Connections.
9. My wonderful family and friends whose love and support keep me going, especially during the most trying times.
10. And, lastly but certainly not the least, I thank God for affording me this wonderful life and opportunity.

Feel free to leave a quick comment with insights into what you're thankful for this July!

AAHF Recap

As you know from our previous post, the African American Heritage Festival kicked off its 9th Annual event June 18 -20th in Baltimore, Maryland. Programming enriched the community and visitors to the city of Baltimore over the three day event.

This year was the first for Events2Remember, Inc. to partner with the festival in providing the elegant décor for the exclusive VIP cabanas flanked on either side of the main stage.

What a treat to be able to experience the entertainment on the stage from such a comfortable and convenient location. We enjoyed musical performances by Robin Thicke, Donnie McClurkin, Fantasia, Patti Labelle, and many more. Definitely the best seats in the house! The festival offered a family friendly experience in celebrating the rich culture and history of African Americans.

Here's a quick snapshot of the cabanas. Check out our website for more exclusive, detailed photos, coming soon!

While we celebrated the historic contributions of African Americans, all visitors to the event enjoyed a unique cultural experience. We hope to partner with the festival again next year!

"Day of" vs. "Month of" Coordinating/Plannning Services

Semantics or not … here’s yet another debatable topic.

First, although it appears as such, it is important to understand that an event planner is not a party planner and is definitely not simply a decorator. They are professional event planners because they have the education, the resources, the experience, the network, and reliable alliances in the industry.

The professional planner focuses on the client’s objective and ensures it is seamlessly achieved by paying attention to all the details that lead up to the event for all weddings, corporate, social and fundraising events.

We must therefore understand both the definition and the nature of work associated with the different titles used in the industry:

1. Event Planner: A professional who plans special events and is responsible for the event from conceptualization to orginization and execution of the entire event. They will custom design the event and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations based on the clients vision, needs and budget. They will assist with venue searches and acquisition, vendor referals and recommendations, ettiquette advisement, budget advisement and maintenance, logisitcs maintenance, make, and implement design recommendations and assist with menu recommendations and selection. They will also ensure that the client complies with all state and federal legalities for any licenses and permits that may be required for the event as well as ensure that all political and social protocols are adhered to.

Planners will have several meetings with their client throughout the planning process, they are not only there during set-up, but are there from beginning to end to of the event to handle any problems that may arise, and oversee the breakdown as well. These are just a few of the many responsibilities of a professional special event planner.

2. Event Consultant: The American Heritage dictionary defines consultant as "one who gives expert advice." In the event planning industry, consulting and planning are in most cases synonyms of each other with minor differences in what their "comprehensive" package offers.

3. Event Coordinator: A coordinator orchestrates the event. However, it is a miss-conception and a miss understanding that a coordinator just shows up on the day of the event and "makes things happen." Typically, the coordinator will have a specific number of meetings (contractual agreement) with their client, get a list of all the vendors and their contacts, construct a time line, have a vendor rehearsal, and finally execute the event on the day of. Yes, a planner/consultant can also be a coordinator.

Now that we have clarified the definition and responsibilities of a planner, is "Day of" or "Month of" the proper "term" for this service? Or, should we coin a different term/phrase for it? Remember, most event professionals will not take on “Day of” jobs less than 3-4 months prior to the event. Therefore, "Month of" may be more fitting regarding the scope of the services. What do you think?

Father's Day Cards

Father's Day is only one week away -- Sunday, June 20th! If you are looking for a creative way to wow Dad, help your child make a homemade Father's Day card like the ones featured on Disney's Family Fun website! This one is my favorite:


You can view the directions for how to make this crafty card here.
Father's Day Craft Box is another great resource for DIY Father's Day cards! Check them out!