Kobalt Associates

Facebook Store

Ken — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:09:13 +0000

We use some fun technology around here and one of the software packages we use for eCommerce allows us to add a boutique store directly in Facebook as a tab. The power of this is amazing. This gives access to over 1/2 million potential customers in a familiar environment the ability to see and even purchase products. Check out our Hatch Valley Facebook Store to see this in action.

Hatch Valley Chile Peppers

Ken — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:38:01 +0000

We are happy today to announce the launch of Hatch Valley Chile Peppers new eCommerce website. This is exciting news for the owner of the company but also for us. I believe it is one of only a very few that have successfully integrated a theme from Elegant Themes with the ecommerce catalog program from Ecwid.com or Ecommerce Widgets for WordPress. Technically it was challenging but I do want to thank the team at Finesse Web Design, our primary designers and programmers, for their persistence in customizing the code to make the posts\pages look like the client wanted them to.

I always give a shout out to the Elegant Themes Support Forum also. The world of web design, programming, clients can really become a community of people helping people. The benefits of forums can be many and extremely helpful. We here at Kobalt find that generally forums that are moderated for posts and information are the best. Open forums do tend to get nasty, ineffective in finding information, and generall where a lot of whining and complaining goes on.

We encourage you to head over to Hatch Valley Chile Peppers and pickup some of their hot and tasty products!

7 Billion…

Ken — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:39:15 +0000

… that’s how many apps have been downloaded from the Apple Apps Store. Amazing! http://tinyurl.com/24p3ejm I LOVE my iPhone and one of the reasons is that it is like a small computer I can take with me…but as important is the apps which is very specific software designed to very specific tasks.

Think about your business and how the app philosophy can apply. What can you offer that speeds or simplifies a process for your customers that they would love! Create a business “app” process, price it in a way that creates lots of volume, and watch. You might not hit 7 billion new customers, but you will see an increase in sales, and as always, create profit in your services, don’t give it away!

Information Security

Ken — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:44:14 +0000

Kobalt Associates is about the cooperative approach to business. It is about using the network for not only driving more business for each other, but to share and learn from each other.

There are thousands of newsletters, news articles, and sources of information that are available each day to all of us. I subscribe and listen to those i respect and have established some credibility with either face to face or through other sources. One of those sources is a local financial management company for local business called Beanstalk CFO Group. (http://www.beanstalkcfo.com/) Below is an excerpt from their latest newsletter in which they interview a successful client, Doug Davidson, who has a great perspective on securing your business information.

“Is there anything else you feel should be passed on to fellow entrepreneurs? I work with executives who are nervous that their company’s critical data might be exposed and are scared they are not compliant with government rules and regulations. I find most don’t understand the criticality of information security. Most agree that customer trust and financial integrity are critical to their business. All agree that the office or store doors and cash box need to be under lock and key. Few argue that the lights, phones and computers need to come on when work starts each day. But many think information security, which is protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their critical information while also addressing government, and sometimes customer obligations, is a distraction, bother or obstacle. That is until they have an information loss. Entrepreneurs need to identify the value of the information within their business, understand the risks to that information and realize that securing it is not just a computer problem. I blog on this topic at http://www.secure-value.com/.”

Read and Succeed.

Wise Technology

Ken — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:26:37 +0000

You want the best for your business.

Our strength is in determining how to implement technology wisely to deliver on the promises you make to your customers.

Blackberry Mobile Printing

Ken — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:53:20 +0000

New Blackberry Print Solution from Finesse Web Design client.

One Credit Card, Lots of Accounts

Ken — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:52:42 +0000

Stuff about new payment card stuff

.co is NOT a typo!

Ken — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:52:17 +0000

What is up with all the people mistyping .com now days?

Well, it is not a typo but a new series of domain names being offered for sale. The extension or “TLD” (top level domain) .co (dot co) is available for sale to anyone looking for a new website address.

KobaltBiz Blog Launch

Ken — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:48:46 +0000

KobaltBlog will include many helpful articles, tips, links, and more to help entrepreneurs navigate through the world of technology and its effective implementation. We encourage you to add us to your feeds and stay abreast of the world of technology and business.

Read and Succeed

Passion

Ken — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:14:00 +0000

Yours! You are in business to make money, service your customers, and focus on doing what you do to succeed. We are your technology partners helping you make the right choices and executing on the decisions in such a way that it reflects your commitment.

Focused on results, not just cool.