Vapour Trail

What goes on Facebook, stays on Facebook.

2012-01-04T23:03:00.000Z

Last year one third of all divorce petitions in the UK contained references to Facebook. It was involved in inappropriate comments, flirting, gossip and affairs. I also saw that research indicated that 76% of Facebook pictures showed people that were intoxicated. Frankly, that seems a bit difficult to verify, but even if that is partly right, a worrying picture is emerging.

Many people don't know how to behave properly online.

I'll let the marriage counsellors deal with the marital stuff. Instead let's think about the business implications. You are investing time and money in social media because that's the modern way to build business relationships. Quite right. But take a moment to think about what you are actually sharing on social media. In amongst the special offers, news and advice, are there snipes at awkward or bad paying clients? Is there flirting, rudeness and sleazy gossip?

Social media is all about building relationships just as in other forms of networking. You would not turn up to a business meeting dirty, drunk and rude. So don't portray a similarly delinquent image online.

If you really need to get something off your chest, go to the pub with your trusted mates, just like we always did. And make sure no one captures it all on a smartphone!

Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-11-21T05:58:00.001Z

Our client Food of the Gods has just added a new collection of Christmas hampers to their extensive range of gifts. So if you are looking for Xmas gift ideas be sure to click the link and visit their website.

Food of the Gods deliver to UK and worldwide and are the perfect solution for when you can't be there in person with your gift for that special occasion.

What To Do About Panda

2011-09-24T19:20:00.002+01:00

No, not the black and white bear, or the Fiat car. Google recently updated the way their search engine works and it has big implications for people that rely on Google searches.

Google are always trying to get the best match between the search term and the result. A whole industry has built up to attempt to manipulate Google search results for the benefit of paying clients. Panda is Google's latest attempt to undermine bad practice in the search engine optimisation business.

Here is a link to a very good article on hongkiat.com about how to avoid missing out on search results as a result of Panda.

If you are concerned about your search engine results, give us a call on 0333 123 0004

J P Taffe

2011-09-20T22:37:00.000+01:00

Joe Taffe is one of our long standing clients. He runs J.P. Taffe Decorating and Property Maintenance.

He provides a high quality painting and decorating service based in Fulham and work throughout the South-West London areas of Fulham, Putney, Richmond and Barnes.

J P Taffe offer the full range of domestic and commercial decorating services and are particularly flexible about when they will work. If it's important to you to keep premises open for your normal business hours, they will work evenings, nights and weekends to keep you trading normally.

If you are looking for decorators who will work with you, call Joe on 020 8780 1108 or visit his website at www.painting-decorating.co.uk

Post a Little Happiness

2011-09-20T17:27:00.001+01:00

Before long it will be that time of year when we start thinking about buying gifts for people (you know, Christmas).

If you are sending to someone a long way away, why not send a gift of food or wine with Food Of The Gods? Their website has a wonderful range of champagne, chocolate, food and wine. Just choose what you want to send and they will deal with the gift wrapping and shipping to pretty much anywhere in the world.

For example: Scottish Smoked Salmon & Sancerre or a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne.

There's lots of good stuff on the website and it's easier to visit Food Of The Gods than trudging around the shops.

Making Fitness Fun

2011-09-17T11:24:00.000+01:00

It's always good to be able to highlight local businesses that are leading the way. Instyle Fitness is very much this type of business.

They made their name with top quality exercise bikes. But they realised that pedalling away at a stationary bike is not one of lif'e's more exciting activities. So they came up with WebRacing.

You still ride the bike, you still get the exercise, but WebRacing puts you in a virtual race with other riders. Pedal faster and you catch up and pass other riders. You can see the scenery go by. You can talk with other riders.

This is done by connecting the bike to a networked computer which tells other riders what you are doing and shows you their actions.

Instyle's american partners have recently installed a number of WebRacing equipped exercise machines in the corporate gym at American Oncology. The video explains more:

WebRacing doesn't just work in a gym. You can have a machine at home and race friends on the internet. Brilliant, isn't it?

If you have ever been really bored on an exercise machine, call Duncan Lawson on 01342 315933 www.webracing.co.uk

Can I speak to the owner?

2011-09-17T09:28:00.000+01:00

I find it absolutely incredible that I still receive calls with this as the opening line.

Let's be clear. If you phone me with that opening line, I'm not going to deal with you.

Firstly, you have not introduced yourself. You have called me, you are asking me for something, but I don't know who you are. Just bad manners!

Secondly, you haven't done any research. It's easy to find out who runs a business, so do that research. "Can I speak to the owner" just sounds like you are going through the phone book. Which you probably are.

The phone can be a great way to say hello to someone you might want to do business with. But do it right. Know who you are calling and introduce yourself.

Anything less is just rude.

Barcode Betty

2011-07-30T11:02:00.000+01:00

Datalinx Ltd are experts in the business of barcodes. In particular, they are experts in integrating barcode systems with Sage business management software.

So if your business needs help with areas like warehouse management, stock control, time & attendance reporting or production management, you should check them out.

You can visit either their main business website at www.datalinx.co.uk or, if you would like to know more about how barcodes work, visit www.barcodebetty.com where Betty will explain all about barodes.

Warehouse Management with Barcodes

2011-07-27T23:33:00.000+01:00

Our clients Datalinx Ltd are experts in barcoding systems that integrate into your existing Sage business software.

Warehouse management, time and attendance and inventory management are all business challenges that can be handled so much better with the right systems.

Sage is a trusted family of products that become much easier to use when linked to Datalinx's hardware and software products.

Find out more about at their barcode solutions website

Caring For Your Carpets

2011-07-12T23:07:00.000+01:00

Here at Vapour Trail corporate headquarters we can't abide grubby carpets. So we get Carpet Care to look after them for us.

They visited today and did their usual thorough job. Everything looks as good as new!

You can contact Carpet Care on 07785 317673

Huge File to Share?

2011-07-06T23:05:00.000+01:00

You can just about send a few photos by email, but sharing really big files can be a real headache. If this is a problem you encounter, then Mimedia's service might help. Especially as it can now be used for files up to 3Gb.

Find out more at the ever interesting Mashable http://mashable.com/2011/07/06/mimedia-uploads/

Video on your Website

2011-06-07T22:01:00.000+01:00

Video on your website is a great way of grabbing people's attention. It keeps them on the page. It conveys a rich message and it just looks good.

If you don't know how to get started, why not talk to Joe Caneen? Here's some of his work on YouTube He knows what he's doing and he is very resonably priced.

You can contact Joe via www.video-whisperer.com or call him on 07809 478108

The Law and your Website

2011-06-01T20:01:00.000+01:00

I noticed this website today. It has useful info about keeping your website legal.

New rules about cookies and privacy are now out there and they have a useful article about these changes http://www.sitecompliance.co.uk/ukcnewclaws.html?gclid=CNDOsJOSlKkCFQUe4QodrxZJdw

Paint Effects by SJB

2011-05-30T09:03:00.000+01:00

We have just added a page and additional pictures to the website of SJB Fine Finishes.

SJB do specialist painting: murals, faux wood grain, furniture painting, etc. They can make a room look like it's panelled with wood!

The new pictures include the angel on the Wimbledon Theatre which they gilded and it looks stunning.

Metal Free Dentistry

2011-05-28T10:50:00.000+01:00

Dr Tom Nyerges makes a very good point on his new webpage about metal free dentistry.

"It is curious that it is against the law to paint your house with a paint containing higher than a certain level of mercury, or a factory may be immediately shut down for exceeding a certain level of mercury vapour in the air, yet it is considered perfectly fine for a dentist to place a material in your teeth that can create potentially far greater mercury levels in your mouth!"

If you are interested in a holistic approach to dentistry, visit his website

Top Google Rankings- according to Google

2011-05-26T09:34:00.000+01:00

I thought I would pass on this information from Ana Hoffman. These are Google's own recommendations for getting your website noticed.

http://www.trafficgenerationcafe.com/top-google-rankings/

WebRacing at Forthcoming Shows

2011-05-19T09:08:00.000+01:00

A brand new concept in the world of fitness is being launched this year.

It integrates state of the art web technology with fitness machines such as bikes rowers and cross trainers.

It is the new and exciting way to get fit, shed pounds and socialise all at the same time and means that there is no need to take part in a boring cardio session ever again.

Come and experience the WebRacing culture at the following venues:

BT Paralympics World Cup Sports City Manchester, 23rd – 25th May. www.btparalympicworldcup.com

Men’s Health Forum White Hart Lane London, 13th June. www.menshealthforum.org.uk

DNA (Digital Out-of-Home Interactive Entertainment Network Association) London, Victoria Street Conference Centre, 14th July. www.arcadeheroes.com

Testimonials for Dr Tom Nyerges

2011-05-17T21:46:00.000+01:00

Dr Tom Nyerges runs a holistic dentistry practice in Luton, Bedfordshire. Holistic means no mercury or metal fillings and no treatments that work against the body.

Tom has published some testimonials from his satisfied clients on his website.

You can have an initial consultation for free, just call on 01582 726853

Food of the Gods

2011-03-31T08:51:00.000+01:00

Splendid name, isn't it. Food of the Gods supply fine wine, champagne, chocolates and other gourmet goodies by post. They can deliver UK and international.

We have just launched their new online shop at www.food-of-the-gods.co.uk

The online shop is based on the popular Zen Cart open source shopping cart software. Because it's open source you don't pay a licence fee, just for the work involved in setting up the website.

If you have something to sell online, call us on 0333 123 0004 for a discussion.

WebRacing bikes on Fit Gear TV

2011-02-25T08:00:00.000Z

The WebRacing bikes now being sold by Instyle Fitness are a brilliant idea. Exercise in the comfort of your own home or gym and have the motivation of racing against other riders.

See the bikes in action on Fit Gear TV, the new fitness gear review channel.

It's down to you

2011-01-05T21:21:00.000Z

Lord Sugar has a reputation for telling it like it is and he certainly delivers in today's Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8240122/Success-Its-down-to-you-all-the-way-Lord-Sugar.html

Everyone running a small business should read this. It's a timely reminder of the basics of what we do.

Beautiful Specialist Paint Effects

2010-12-23T19:26:00.001Z

We have created a simple Wordpress based website for SJB Fine Finishes. SJB wanted to showcase their work and update their portfolio on a regular basis. This website shows their range of painting services, from renovating furniture, to painting murals, to bringing a new lease of life to tired kitchens.

Pay them a visit at www.specialistpainting.co.uk

Snow Clearance

2010-12-01T10:01:00.000Z

If you need some help getting the snow cleared from your property, call Greyhound Gardening on 01825 791979. They are based in Horsted Keynes and operate throughout the Mid Sussex area.

www.greyhoundgardening.co.uk

Bring on the Motivation

2010-11-29T06:45:00.000Z

Instyle Fitness offer a remarkable range of enhanced exercise bikes. The bikes can be connected to a PC to monitor and record the user's workout session. And the rider can race other cyclists in virtual races. The riders can be in the same gym or in another country.

These machines bring a whole new element of motivation to bike sessions.

If you are interested in seeing these machines in action, then Instyle would be very happy to visit you and demonstrate what they can do.

Just call Gavin Harrison on 07825 301334 and to arrange a visit. Or see the Instyle website at instylefitness.co.uk

The Video Whisperer

2010-11-27T17:58:00.000Z

It's a great name for a business, isn't it? Joe Caneen is the man behind The Video Whisperer. He's a quietly spoken American who has just relocated to Lincolnshire. He takes on most types of work but really excels at the fly-on-the-wall style of documentary where the subjects tell their own story.

Take a look at his work at video-whisperer.com

Food of the Gods

2010-10-10T17:09:00.000+01:00

Sounds yummy, doesn't it! This website has a wonderful selection of champagne, fine wine, cheese and other gourmet food available for delivery worldwide.

We will soon be updating their website at www.food-of-the-gods.co.uk with a new shopping cart. But the current site is very much open for business and worth visiting for Christmas hampers and presents for your friends who appreciate the finer things in life.

Instyle's New M10 bike Leisure Industry Week

2010-09-17T15:56:00.000+01:00

Instyle Fitness are showing their new M10 fitness bike at the Leisure Industry Week show at the NEC in Birmingham.

The M10 is the exciting new addition to the range of Instyle Bikes, joining the V900 and V850.

The M10 is designed so that all the critical components are inside the frame – no sweat can creep inside, making it easier to clean and requiring less maintenance.

Features:

Magnetic resistance – no contact braking system so all bikes remain equally calibrated to give the same super smooth belt driven ride.

Four way micro adjustability to ensure the most comfortable riding position.

At 49kg, the lightest bike to date.

Visit Instyle Fitness at stand H472 for exclusive show offers on the M10 aero bike.

Contact Instyle at 01342 315 933 or visit their website www.instylefitness.co.uk

How to run your business on Google

2010-09-07T21:33:00.000+01:00

If you are starting a business on a shoestring, this might be of help to you.

"Online infrastructure for your small business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By leveraging many of the free and inexpensive products offered by Google, you can create a website, a domain-branded e-mail system, and a document collaboration platform, all unified under one master login and password."

The budget for this project is $10 (about £6). Interested, then read on.

Interior Design by Judith Fane

2010-01-15T18:54:00.000Z

If your home decor needs refreshing, have you thought of talking to an interior designer?

A good designer will advise on just one room, or the whole house if you want. And their skills can save you a lot of time!

Judith Fane is a fully qualified and extensively experienced interior designer, based in Bromley in Kent. Visit her interior design website and see some of her work in the gallery section.

AutoEurope Engineering Ltd

2010-01-15T18:16:00.000Z

We have recently delivered a website for AutoEurope Engineering Ltd at Charlwood in Surrey.

They are an engineering company who specialise in the repair, rather than replacement, of car and van gearboxes and transmissions.

They were looking to generate new business through the website, so it had to perform well on search engines. Already it is appearing on the first page of Google! Search for "gearbox repair crawley" or go direct to their website at www.crawleygearboxrepairs.co.uk

Windows 7

2010-01-15T17:58:00.000Z

We have just started upgrading to Windows 7 as many commentators seem to think that it is the step forward that Windows Vista certainly wasn't. See this article from ZDNet.

Already extras for Windows 7 are available. We heard about this package Windows 7 TuneUp and will be checking it out.

Holistic Dentistry in Luton

2009-08-07T13:26:00.000+01:00

Tom Nyerges is a dentist practicising in Luton, Beds. His dental practice is different because it is based on holistic principles, no questionable drugs and certainly no amalgam fillings.

If you are interested in an alternative approach to dentistry then check out his holistic dentistry website

Web Racing

2009-08-03T23:09:00.001+01:00

If you are one of those people who would like to get fit, but find exercising at the gym SOOO boring, here's some good news. Instyle Fitness have introduced the concept of Web Racing.

You're on the exercise bike. Rather than watching TV or music videos, wouldn't it be more interesting to compete with other racers, feel the thrill as you accelerate past them and feel the challenge as they pass you!

Instyle products provide the technology that transform cardio workouts. To find out more, visit the WebRacing website.

2009-07-30T18:52:00.000+01:00

We are currently working with Bell Security Services to help improve their search engine results.

Bell Security are based in the Gatwick area and offer door security, site guarding, close protection and uniquely, water-borne maritime security.

J P Taffe Decorating

2009-07-25T22:38:00.000+01:00

We recently redesigned the website for this painting and decorating company. J P Taffe are based in Fulham and operate throughout Barnes, Richmond, Hammersmith and South West London.

The inspiration for the design was a paint brochure. Each page shows a bold colour scheme, just as you might expect when the decorating is done. You can see the website at J P Taffe Decorating and Property Maintenance

Here we go!

2009-07-25T22:24:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the Vapour Trail blog. We are a website design business based in East Grinstead, UK. We create and maintain websites and help our clients get the best out of the internet.

Currently we are looking very hard at the best ways to improve our clients search engine ratings.