App-solute Convenience: Skip the line at Supercuts!

You wake up today, it's a beautiful Saturday morning and you have some time to kill before you start your fun-filled day with our loved ones. You look in the mirror, and yikes! You need a haircut, dude. So your first stop this morning is the barbershop. You walk in, but alas! There's already a line ahead of you with other guys, kids, and women who are also off on the weekend and want to get their monthly haircut in today. It was sort of a last minute decision and you didn't think to call ahead, so now you have to wait 30 minutes. Not a good way to start the day, is it?

Not anymore! When you download the the Supercuts app on your smartphone, scheduling your haircut has never been easier. No need to deal with busy phone lines when you can make a same-day check-in and automatically view the time slots that are available. Basically, you enter you name, contact information, the services you would like to get done, and if there is a hair stylist you especially like, you can request that person as well! From there, your reservation will pop up on the Supercut POS system and they will when to expect you. When you get there, your name will already be on the list of waiting guests, hence minimal wait time for you!

When you first open the Supercuts app, you will be presented with a map of your local area. From here, you can pick from various locations and check in at your preferred salon. What's also great is, because Supercuts is such a big corporation, there are hundreds of locations in the country. That being said, the Supercuts app provides a full address, telephone numbers, and hours of operation for the guests' convenience. It will also show you the current wait time, so if one location has a long wait time that doesn't suit your schedule, you can always check out another location to see if you can get in and out faster.

It has been over a year since Supercuts has launched its mobile app, and it's been a great success. For Supercuts, that means less phone calls and more interaction with their guests without interruption. Another great feature of the Supercuts app is it is able to save your preferences for next time, saving you even more time. 

The elements of this mobile app would be great for any business or company where you can make an appointment or reservation. This could apply to nail salons, spas, and other salons. Restaurants are also making it possible for customers to make their own reservation through their online website. It's only a matter of time before they come out with mobile apps too! Starbucks and Jamba Juice just came out with their mobile apps where you can put your order in ahead of time and pick it up without having to wait in the long lines! I've already tried it, and I love it!

Resources:

https://www.supercuts.com/about-supercuts/mobile-app.html

https://youtu.be/Ubc2N4R69IA

Creating a Website

Who knew creating a website could be simple? When I think of building a website, I think of HTML codes and starting from scratch. It's really complicated! However, using Weebly made it pretty easy, and everyone can appreciate easy! Everything is straight-forward, so can add text, photos, videos, and more with a click of the mouse. Here is the interface of creating your website on Weebly:

As you can see, any action or element you want to incorporate on your website is to the left. I like how each item is on a big square button because it's basic and that means anyone will be able to navigate it. I decided to make my theme on crafting because it is one of my hobbies and I enjoy reading other blogs and websites about crafting. Overall, I had a positive experience using Weebly. After I familiarized myself with the design, it was easy-peasy! Getting started would be the hardest part because you have to envision how you want your website to look and what kind of content you want to display and how to organize and showcase your information. For me, I need it to look clean, evenly spaced, centered, and put in an order that makes sense to me so that it's easy to navigate.

If you are going to have a website you have to upkeep it regularly. According to spigot design, keeping your website fresh will have visitors coming back, happy and engaged. You want your readers to get excited when new content is posted, right? It's also a good idea to check for broken links on your website regularly. No one likes coming across a post with a link and click it only to find out the "Page Cannot Be Found." It's annoying, isn't it? You want to maintain a healthy website. On CheekyMonkeyMedia, Brian says to check your website on various web browsers to ensure it is up and running, you can check how your website looks on different browsers, and anyone and everyone can enjoy your website. This will also ensure your website is running efficiently.

I want to include a video on how to build a website. They use Wix, which is similar to Weebly. 

Because the world does tend to technology these days, it's great that we have websites like Weebly and Wix that have templates to make it user-friendly, while still being able to customize to your style. :)

Here is the website I created:
http://www.glamcrafts.weebly.com

Get on Cloud Storage!

Cloud storage is a remotely new thing. Have you heard of it? Let me explain. The great thing about it is, you can eliminate the need for little tools, such as a USB or flash drive. You can now use cloud storage to upload and sync files from anywhere. Out and about? SmartPhone access. Want to carry lightly? Tablet access. Working away from your desktop? Laptop access. Unlike with a USB or flash drive, your files are easily accessible on the Internet from anywhere with cloud storage. Its benefits caters to students and businesses alike to provide a convenient and fast way to have your files at the tips of your fingers!

Here, I will be comparing just a few of the cloud storages that are out there and what they have to offer. I'm going to go over Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.

This may be a good option for someone who is familiar with Google apps and use Gmail, because you are able to conveniently access everything all in one place. It will take a little time to navigate its layout, but it's very simple to use once you familiarize yourself with the different tools it offers. You get 15GB of free storage when you sign up, and if you already have a Gmail account, you have instant access to Google Drive. Keep in mind, though, that the free space of 15GB is shared with any e-mails, documents, photos, spreadsheets, etc. that you create on Google Drive as well as any uploads from your devices. Google Drive also has a desktop app so you can manage your files from your computer and it will automatically sync to the cloud storage. With Google Drive's built-in office suite, you can create and edit documents, slides, spreadsheets, and the like. If you ever go over your 15GB, you can pay a small price of $2/month for 100GB or $10/month for 1TB. Not bad at all! 

Likes: Built-in office suite, affordable price for additional storage space, comes with 15GB free

Dislikes: The sharing of storage space with Gmail because with the amount of e-mails that are received everyday, storage space can get filled up quickly

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:

• Storage space: 15GB (free)
• File size limitation: 5TB
• Cost:
• $2/month - 100GB
• $10/month - 1TB
• OS supported: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

To create a Google Drive account, sign up for Gmail here.

Dropbox is a good choice for someone who has basic file storing needs. The website itself is simple, clean, and is designed to be easily navigated by anyone in no time. Like Google Drive, Dropbox has a desktop app where you can access your files at any time. With the app, you don't have to worry about uploading files that are too big because there is no size limit (but keep in mind that the bigger the file, the longer it may take to upload, of course). The free storage space you get when you sign up is only 2GB, but you have opportunities to accumulate more storage space for free. You can participate in the Getting Started tutorial to earn 250MB, turn on the automatic photo upload feature to earn 3GB, and you can earn 500MB for each friend who creates an account with Dropbox under your referral! Dropbox is the most universally friendly cloud storage system, so no matter what device you use, it can be easily synced!

Likes: Ease of use, no size limit with desktop app, ability to earn free storage space

Dislikes: Only 2GB of free storage space

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:

• Storage space: 2GB (free)
• File size limitation: 10GB with website; none with DropBox apps
• Cost:
• $10/month - 1TB
• OS supported: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Kindle Fire

To create a Dropbox account, sign up here.

While you can sign up for an individual account, Box is a handy little tool that caters to business and IT users. Box has a desktop app as well, and provides the ability to not only share files with your colleagues, but also assign tasks, leave feedback on someone's work, be notified when a file is changed, and there are even privacy settings in which you can control who opens, edits, or uploads documents. Another neat little privacy feature is password protecting documents and setting expiration dates for shared files to ensure confidentiality. I love that! However, even with all these high-tech abilities, it can be difficult to navigate. It will definitely take some time to familiarize yourself with all the features Box has to offer. It's no wonder their services are targeted toward business users; with their knowledge and experience with technology, Box would be a perfect cloud storage system for them to use!

Likes: Great platform for businesses, password-protection

Dislikes: With so many features, website can be overwhelming

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:

• Storage space: 10GB (free)
• File size limitation: 250MB for free plan; 5GB for paid plan
• Cost:
• $10/month - 100GB
• OS supported: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows Phone, Blackberry

To create a Box account, sign up here.

WHICH CLOUD STORAGE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Of the three cloud storages that I compared, I find that Google Drive fits my needs the most, and here is why: I already use Gmail, so I like that I can have my e-mails and documents all in one place. I feel like Google Drive can cater to both individual and basic group needs because of the folder-sharing and editing capabilities. I currently have a group project for another class and we are using Google Drive to upload, edit, and share documents. It's convenient and really great! I really love the built-in office suite because you create any type of document even if you don't have Microsoft Office on your computer. Being a full-time student, working full-time, and being a mother, I have many different devices, such as Macbook Pro, iPhone, iPad, and Surface Pro. All my devices serve a different purpose for me, and especially when I am going back and forth between my Macbook and Surface Pro, I want to be able to access my files without thinking about it! 

(All information has been provided by cnet.com.)

Things You Didn't Know About Google: Utilizing Your Gmail Account!

 

Did you think Google was just for e-mail and online researching? My friend, there are lots that Google can offer! Did you know you can create documents, spreadsheets, slides, forms, and drawings on Google Drive? It makes creating and sharing files so simple to use at your fingertips! These are great tools to use on a tablet or smartphone when you don't have access to your Microsoft Office programs on your desktop or laptop. So quick and easy! 

Creating new files and uploading files has to be my favorite feature. Everyone can benefit from it! Not everyone wants to lug around their laptops to meetings. Just whip out your trusty tablet or smartphone, create a a Google document, and voila! You're ready to take notes. It is a cloud-based system, so if you already have notes typed out and saved to your PC/Mac that you want to review later, you can simple upload your files to Google Drive, and it will be ready to be viewed when you need it! To create any of these documents click My Drive > New File > and select the type of file you want to make (as shown in above image).

Google Document

 Google Sheets

 Googles Slides

 Google Forms

 Google Drawings

What is the worse thing that could happen when you are creating a document? Your computer dies, and you didn't get to save it. Your internet crashes, and you didn't get to save it. You finished the document, your electricity goes out, and. You. Didn't. Get. To. Save it, noooooooooo! All is lost and you have to start over. *cries* Wait, no, it's okay because Google Drive will automatically save as you work! You don't need to File > Save. Genius? I think so, enough said!

You can also share these files instantly with others without the hassle of composing an email or transferring to another hard-drive. This is so awesome because it is common for students and businesses to work in groups, so this is a convenient way to make sure everyone receives the latest files. Here's the beauty of this little feature: It doesn't even matter if you have a Windows PC or Mac, Google Drive will cater to all! To Share, you are going to click your Folder > Share > Enter recipient's e-mail.

Like I said, I've been using Gmail pretty much since it was born. Playing around with the settings, I found a few things that made my Gmail account more me. I love that you can change the theme of your e-mail account. It adds color, fun, and personality. I picked the Cherry Blossom theme because I love pink. To change your theme, you are going to click the Settings Icon > Settings > Theme tab > Set theme.

Other great Gmail Setting features:

• Labels. In the settings, you can customize your e-mail labels. Folders you don't typically use can be hidden to reduce clutter on your dashboard. You can also create and edit folders to your preference.
• View all messages in a conversation at once. This is an especially helpful way to organize and declutter your e-mails in which you are corresponding back and forth. You will also be able to view the conversation in its entirety, which includes your responses as well. 
• Signature. You can add your name and appropriate info. here. Such as address, phone number, job title, and logo. This is convenient so you don't have to manually input the same information every time you send an e-mail. With this setting, it will automatically be there when you compose a message.

Here is a short video for six quick tips to master Google Drive, wow!

 6 Tips to Master Google Drive | YouTube

I hope you all found this post helpful, thanks for reading!

-Jen

How To Write An Effective Blog Post

Hello BUSN 158 Class!

Here's what I have to say about blogging:

If I had the time to blog, I would so blog every day. There was a point in my life where I wanted to be like those makeup guru's on YouTube and just review beauty products via blogging and become Internet famous. Needless to say, that didn't work out!

In my "experience", I used Xanga and LiveJournal back in the days. I wrote about my adolescent days where a handful of friends could read or comment on it, and vice versa. I had a cheap-o digital camera to incorporate photos of my friends and I, or snippets of my day. When Tumblr came out, it was all about how many likes you could get and how many people reblogged a picture you posted (even though it wasn't your photo). I even started an advice column where people would submit questions to me asking for advice (that was fun!).

Here are some of the tips and resources I found online that were helpful on how to create an effective blog post:

1. Darren Rowse writes on his blog, ProBlogger.net, that the headline/title should be catchy and draw the reader in. Facebook is infamous for advertising different types of blogs and articles with interesting titles. Such as, "Make $1,000 Doing Online Surverys! " or "10 Ways to Lose Weight a Without Exercising!"
    
2. Cory Eridon wrote on HubSpot.com that it's important to write an attention-grabbing introduction. There are different styles of doing this. There's the empathetic route, where the reader immediately feels a connection with you; you can use humor and jokes, where the reader will think you're fun and want to continue reading; or you can start off with a shocking fact or stat so the reader will feel the need to read more.
    
3. Lastly, MichaelHyatt.com says using photos and images will pull the readers in, and I agree! If you're blogging about and reviewing the new iPhone that just came out, you'd want to include pictures, wouldn't you?

Here is an example of a well written blog post:

 

Acid Attack Survivor Uses Beauty Vlog To Raise Awareness About This Horrifying Practice! | PerezHilton.com

I think this is well-written because it has a title that catches your attention. It also includes photos and a video to assist the article, which makes me want to continue reading. It definitely makes me feel different emotions while reading because what happened to this woman is just horrible and it sickens me that people would do this to someone! Now, Perez Hilton, in general, wouldn't be the most trustworthy source of information, but it's true that people eat up celebrity tabloids and gossip, which makes it a successful blog.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my first blog post! I look forward to seeing everyone else's!

-Jen