23 May 2010
Fay's New Computer
26/05/10 13:46 Filed in: Work
I had to put in a plug for the wife's new computer. She had been living off my hand-me-down MacBook Pro for a while. I don't remember her being such a geek when we first got married.
Got iWork and iLife installed. Put in Quickbooks 2010 for Mac and she is a happy camper! We have a saying: "When you want to work on the computer, get a Microsoft-based PC. When you want to get things done, get a Mac!"
Fortunately most of my clients already know that after professionally managing computer systems for over 27 years, I am multi-lingual. So please don't think I have gone totally Apple zealot.
Policy Changes
26/05/10 13:05 Filed in: Work
It looks like I need to change the wording on our labor rates page. I used the term "demarcation" which found its way into my vocabulary during my sailor years. The new wording should be less controversial.
http://www.datajockeys.net/labor_rates.html
Please note an internal policy change. My wife hates it when I bring this topic up to the public, but it needs to be addressed. If by poting this it helps other IT providers, all the better.
In the past we have taken the position of distancing ourselves from undesirable clients, hoping the relationship would just desolv on its own. This has caused all sorts of friction on both sides. I admit my lack of knowledge in ending business relationships. Frankly, I hope never to get proficient at it.
Our new policy is to communicate directly to the principles involved and explain the reasoning behind our decision. The conversation will be frank and final.
Please don't think that Datajockeys has gone prima donna. We have only had to terminate relations about 5 times in 10 years. Either it was for lack of timely of full payment, an abusive client, or the client requested that we perform work outside of our ethic base.
http://www.datajockeys.net/labor_rates.html
Please note an internal policy change. My wife hates it when I bring this topic up to the public, but it needs to be addressed. If by poting this it helps other IT providers, all the better.
In the past we have taken the position of distancing ourselves from undesirable clients, hoping the relationship would just desolv on its own. This has caused all sorts of friction on both sides. I admit my lack of knowledge in ending business relationships. Frankly, I hope never to get proficient at it.
Our new policy is to communicate directly to the principles involved and explain the reasoning behind our decision. The conversation will be frank and final.
Please don't think that Datajockeys has gone prima donna. We have only had to terminate relations about 5 times in 10 years. Either it was for lack of timely of full payment, an abusive client, or the client requested that we perform work outside of our ethic base.
Service Contract Secret(s)
26/05/10 12:52 Filed in: Work
I keep running into business that get extended warranties and service contracts and don't manage them properly.
When you get a new service (be it hardware, software or service), calendar the start and expiration dates, contract information and involved parties in the project.
- Calendar one month before the contract expires to evaluate if you will continue as is, renegotiate rates or evaluate moving to another platform.
- Depending on the importance of the project, calendar every 3, 6, 9 1yr to have someone look at the project status. Note if there are any service issues and contact the provider to get the issue(s) resolved. Work the contract! Get what you pay for.
- Document ANY issues and be sure to address them at least one month before the contract expires. This will help with cost analysis.
No, we don't offer Service Contracts. I have yet to see one that benefits the customer, so I won't do it. Taking money and not providing a tangible return just grates me. If there is a problem, we are there. Sometimes we may have to work out some scheduling, but ALL of our clients are taken care of. No additional cost for the service. 7x24 if there is a problem with one of our managed sites, we are available as needed.