Friday, August 14, 2009

Understanding and Navigating the Information Highway via Web 2.0

Understanding and Navigating the Information Highway via Web 2.0

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Ten Thousand Homes - Making a Difference in Africa

Taking a few minutes today to draw some attention to a group of people who are making a tangible difference in the lives of AIDS orphans in South Africa. It's well known that Africa is hit hard by the AIDS epidemic... and the ones hardest hit are the children left behind. Ten Thousand Homes is one organization that is taking action to impact a nation!

However, this is not a Sally Struthers infomercial... this is about a group that seeks to provide HOPE to these kids... and are actually doing it! I was talking to one of their US directors this morning who reported that they are currently feeding 500 kids a day in South Africa. They are also building care centers within the nation that provide HOMES for some of these kids.

Started handing out blankets to the kids today! on <span class=Photo Of The Day on <span class=Photo Of The Day on <span class=Photo Of The Day on <span class=
You won't see any rock stars promoting them... yet. You will find a group that is not willing to"trade lasting impact for immediate popularity."

Friday, August 7, 2009

Considering an Office Move? Try this Checklist


If you're busting at the seams of your current office, the thought of moving to a bigger or better space may have crossed your mind. With many indicators pointing to the economy beginning to recover, now could be the perfect time for just such a consideration. There are some real potential bargains in the commercial real estate market to be had.

So, if this has even entered your mind, there are loads of questions that are likely running through your mind. How long should you allow yourself? Have I thought of everything? Is there anything I've missed? These questions can often cause folks to put aside consideration of a move. However, as Stephen King, CEO of Growthforce, said when I spoke with him yesterday, "It's not rocket science." He should know. His previous company had 7 offices before being sold to Administaff in 2005. The key is just having a coordinated effort with defined roles, and someone overseeing the process.

In the case of Growthforce, Collaboration Insights is simply playing a role in the bigger picture, while his quite capable office manager is handling the overall project management. However, for many small business owners, the task of moving offices can still seem overwhelming. If this is the case, Collaboration Insights can provide complete project management oversight to your upcoming move if you so desire.

Regardless of whether you bring in an outsourced project manager, or decide to go it on your own, I've posted a fairly comprehensive checklist below.

For you move veterans, feel free to fill in anything you feel I've overlooked.



Office Move Plan


Responsible

Due Date

% Complete

Comments


4-12 MONTHS PRIOR TO MOVE DAY

Create a master checklist of tasks





Choose a move coordinator





Choose a real estate broker




Meet with the building manager




Decide on the layout of the new location





Set budget





Choose the move day





Communicate to employees





Identify major tenant improvement needs





Start choosing contractors





Obtain necessary permits





Order new phone and fax numbers











2-4 MONTHS PRIOR TO MOVE DAY


LOGISTICAL

Hire Movers





Order signage for new location





Hire commercial cleaning service





Order change of address labels






TELECOM & IT

Order Internet Access





Evaluate and upgrade your phone system




Order additional phone lines





Order long distance service or VoIP service





Evaluate server room needs






FURNISHINGS

Design office space and layout





Order systems furniture





Order desks





Order chairs











1-2 MONTHS PRIOR TO MOVE DAY


LOGISTICAL

Assign office space





Get rid of the junk





Send change of address to all vendors





Send change of address to all customers





Update your web site






OFFICE EQUIP & SERVICES

Get Insurance Quotes for New Space





Arrange for copier move or buy new equipment





Order monitored alarm system





closed circuit television





Order keys, access cards





Arrange for office coffee service





Order vending machines





Order checks and update financial records






1 MONTH PRIOR TO MOVE DAY


Preparing existing equipment and supplies

Inventory existing computers





Inventory and tag existing furniture





Store property that will not be moved





Obtain moving crates/cartons





Pack up common areas





Tag all wall items and move to central location






Preparing the new office

Build out new office





Install systems furniture





Install phone system





Assign new phone numbers, extensions





Order utilities






Other tasks

Notify Post Office of change of address





Order new stationery











WEEK OF MOVE DAY


Getting ready to leave the old office

Pack up desks, personal spaces





Back up computers





Take down systems furniture





Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator






Final prep for the new office

Map out the new location and label everything appropriately





Inspect the new building





Reserve freight elevators and loading docks





Distribute new keys, cards
















MOVING DAY & BEYOND


Moving day essentials



Post coded signs in new office for movers





Protect main moving paths





Move plants





Set up a "Lost and Found"





Clean out old office











After the Move

Collect old keys, cards





Replace office art





Periodically visit old office to pick up mail





Schedule security, phone training