What is LinkedIn?  LinkedIn as defined by LinkedIn “is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals.” So, how do you get started using this social network?  Here are some steps that will help you. 

1. Create a profile.  When you create a profile make sure it summarizes your professional experiences and accomplishments.   Make sure you show what you are passionate about and what you’ve learn about past jobs.  Also include what you want to do in the future.  Underneath your name you have a 4-5 word phrase that defines you.  This is how people find you, so make sure you use keywords that will help others find you.
2. Start building your network.  LinkedIn allows you so search for people you already know to see if they are already members.  Once you connect to someone, you have access to the people they know, and in turn to the people those people know.  So by connecting to just a few people, your network can grow very fast.
3. Get the most from your connections.  Now that you are connected, ask and answer business-related questions.  This is an opportunity to show off your expertise and build trust.  Also learn more about your professional network.  You can learn a lot about a prospective business partner just by reading their profile.
4. Continually update your profile and your network.  Check up on your profile to see if it is still accurate and keep adding contacts to your network.  You need to constantly network to make social networking work for you.

To start using LinkedIn go to www.linkedin.com.

Zoho Show is an Online Presentation tool that lets your share your presentations with your friends / colleagues across the world.  You can host presentations to people who are in different geographical locations.  You have a space at the bottom of the presentation to write notes that only the host can see. While you host your presentation, you can chat live with the participants to discuss the presentation.  Also, while on the presentation, you can switch to your desktop and have live demonstrations on your desktop.  There are many themes and over 100 shapes and symbols to choose from.  You also have over 100 images on clip art to make your presentation more exciting.  Rearranging slides is as simple as dragging and dropping them into the correct place.  You can even import presentations from PowerPoint.  Everything is saved online so you can access, edit, and share presentations from anywhere and at anytime.

To learn more or if you want to start using Zoho Show just click here.

TracSoft would like to announce its two newest websites:  www.georgiafamilymagazine.com, www.graalgroup.com.

Georgia Family Magazine is dedicated to being a timely resource for all local parents who are intent upon helping their children live up to their highest potential.  The services provided by TracSoft include a custom website design, e-mail accounts, website hosting, membership accounts, and a blog.

Graal Group  is a company focused on security solutions.  The services provided by Tracsoft include a custom web design, e-mail accounts, website hosting, Flash, and membership accounts.

Do you use multiple computers, for example, a laptop, a home desktop, and a work computer?  Have you ever ran through the problem that you bookmark something at home, and when you get to the office you can’t remember the web address of that particular page you are looking for?  Firefox has something called Foxmarks that will synchronize your bookmarks among all of the computers you use.  The way it works is actually very simple.  Just download the Foxmark, add-on to all of your computers, and when you bookmark something at home, it will be automatically bookmarked on all the computers you use.  However, you don’t have to synchronize all of your bookmarks. Foxmarks allows you to only synchronize what you need.  What if you are at a public computer?  Just log in to your Foxmarks account, and you’ll be able to access your bookmarks to view, add, or delete your bookmarks.  You can also access your bookmarks from your mobile device by logging in to mobile.foxmarks.com.

And as of February 4, 2009, the Foxmark synchronization has extended to also include Internet Explorer and Safari.  So if you use Firefox at the office and IE at home, you’ll still be able to synchronize. 

If you want to learn more or want to start using Foxmarks click here.

Google Maps as defined by Google is a “Google service offering powerful, user-friendly mapping technology and local business information -- including business locations, contact information, and driving directions.”  Google Maps is a great way to give your business some exposure.  When potential customers search Google maps for local information, they’ll find your listing and information such as your address, hours of operation, web address, and even photos.  Local customers are already searching for local products and services.  Therefore, by adding your free listing to Google Maps, you are making it easier for them to find you.  Google maps works great for a business of any size, and if you have multiple businesses, you can manage all of them from a single account.  You can also update your listing at anytime.