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Technology Tips

"The technologies which have had the most profound effects on human life are usually simple" - Freeman Dyson

If it rings, buzzes or beeps you'll learn about it here. Technology is part of our everyday lives and a vital part of our businesses. From laser levels to business software, technology is all around us.

We cover the technology Design/Build contractors are using and not using to grow their companies. We'll also show you unique online resources and web applications that will change the way you do business -- forever.

As a member of FromDesign2Build.com, you will learn:

What design, estimating and business software you should own

What technology contractors can't live without and what they want to throw out

How to shoot grades by yourself with 100% accuracy

How to find the square footage of any property from your laptop or cell phone

How to use technology to build and leverage an impressive portfolio

How to build your presence and boost your brand online using social media

About tools, tips and techniques to give your website a facelift or overhaul

Technology is only useful if it helps you solve a problem, saves you time and money or streamlines your business. See how contractors are using technology to stay ahead of the competition. Whether it's in the office, in the truck or in the field, we'll help you decide what technology is right for you.

Emailing for Dummies (Dopes Too)
Jody Shilan, Editor

Sending electronic mail to your clientele requires a certain amount of "finesse", allowing you to achieve your desired goals without inadvertently disenchanting those you mean to impress. In other words, pay attention to what you write so you don't "piss off" . . . keep reading

There's an App for That
Jody Shilan, Editor

Like many of you my Smartphone (iPhone 4S) has become an indispensable part of my business and my life. One needs only to experience a dead battery with no power supply to begin to feel the withdrawal symptoms usually associated with drug addiction. Like . . . keep reading

The Landscape Facility Tour
Jody Shilan, Editor

We are trying something new at our next NJLCA membership meeting. We're doing a facility tour. For those of you that have never been on one, it's exactly what it sounds like, a guided tour of one of our contractor's facilities. . . . keep reading

Welcome to the Landscape "Chicken" Awards Dinner?
Jody Shilan, Editor

Last month, I finally took the plunge and purchased an iPhone 4S. Like so many others, I was fearful of giving up my tactile keyboard and replacing it with a touch screen. In my defense, I did need to wait a few years until the iPhone was . . . keep reading

How Social Media Can Quickly Become "Unsocial"
Jody Shilan, Editor

Like all of you I am trying to get a handle on social media and how to use it to grow my membership and consulting/speaking business. As you all know, it is a daunting task with no end in sight. Social media is exploding exponentially while most of us are . . . keep reading

Online Portfolios -- Show Off Your Best Work - Professionally
Mike Swift

Many landscape professionals and firms have web sites. It is very common for these sites to include portfolios of sample work. The portfolios range from a series of photographs of various project sites to organized collections of photographs organized by project or type of work . . . keep reading

Understanding The Difference Between Imaging and 3D Software
Len Hordyk, Contributor

It appears that there is some confusion out there about the difference between imaging software and 3D software for landscape design. There are significant differences between them and we should start by defining what they are . . . keep reading

Outsource Your Drawings--Why You Need a Virtual CAD Assistant
Kyle Burgamy, Contributor

Before you hire a full time landscape designer, why not consider "outsourcing" your drawings to a freelance CAD operator? To remain competitive and profitable, a landscape designer or contractor must constantly seek to improve efficiencies with their services . . . keep reading

Text Mail - How to text and email the same message at the same time
Jody Shilan

If only there was "Text Mail" -- I thought I would provide a technology "Trade Secret" this week to help you save some time when it comes to staying connected and sharing information with your employees and your network . . . keep reading

Cut Costs While Increasing Professionalism: How to Use Skype In Your Business
Chris Heiler

Skype is an inexpensive way to have a separate phone number for your business instead of using your cell phone or your home's land line. Read how Skype can be an alternative to the traditional telephone . . . keep reading

Avoiding Disaster: When was the Last Time You Backed-Up Your Computer files?
Chris Heiler

How would you feel if you woke up tomorrow and everything on your computer was gone? Sleep well with this automatic online backup software working for you . . . keep reading

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