Chris Pirillo » tricks

How to Optimize OS X

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:36:21 +0000

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Someone in chat asked if there are tips and tricks to fine-tune OS X. Why yes, young grasshopper, there are actually many ways you can optimize your Mac!

I recently came across MacKeeper. If you’re interested in this software, I can try to get you a discount on it. It’s a piece of software that is a bundle of most important system utilities for performing different tasks on your Mac. It helps you navigate through files and even clean out your cache quickly. It includes unparalleled support, which is fantastic. I was having an issue on my Mac that no one could figure out… until I asked MacKeeper.

It even scans all of the software on the computer to tell you what updates you may need. It even lets you know if you are lacking in some areas, such as anti-virus and anti-theft. You can also use the application to encrypt or shred your data and files.

If you’re looking for a Mac system optimizer, this is the best one out there as far as I’m concerned.

How to Optimize OS X

iPhone and iPod touch Tips and Tricks

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:50:00 +0000

iPhone and iPod touch Tips and Tricks

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David created this fantastic screencast to give all of you some tips and tricks for your iPhone and iPod touch that you may not have known about.

Double Tap for Music – When in the lock screen and listening to music, double tap your home button. It will bring up a small menu of things to do.
Experience Music Differently – When in your iPod, you can do a number of things, such as shake the device to shuffle the play list.
Monitor Data Usage – Go into Settings and check your data usage under general and see the stats on what you’ve done on your phone. You’ll find out how much data you have used, how many texts you have sent and etc.
Spotlight Search – When on the home screen, slide your finger to the right and the search screen will show up. It’s simple to find a song, file or contact in an instant.
How to Take a Screen Shot – To take a screen shot, hold the Lock button and the Home button at the same time. The screen shot will appear in your Photos folder.
Accessibility Options – This tip is for people who may need to have larger text on the screen.
White on Black (Invert Colors) – Inverting the colors looks great, and is easier on the eyes for some people.
Delete and Move Apps – To move an app, hold your finger down on the app until it starts to shake. Move it out of the folder it’s in. Click the Home button to finish. To delete an app, hold your finger down on the app and then click the little red x in the corner.
How to Caps Lock – Double click your shift button. Once it turns blue, you are in Caps Lock mode.
How to Clear History – Go into your Settings and scroll down to Safari. At the bottom of the screen, clear your History, Cookies and Cache.
Turn of Notifications – Go into Settings and click Notifications. This will bring up a list of the apps on your device. Slide the notification to “off” if you don’t want to receive these updates.

There you have it – eleven excellent tips and tricks for anyone who uses an iDevice – from beginners to power users.

Thanks, David, for the excellent tutorial.

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iPhone and iPod touch Tips and Tricks

What are Your Best YouTube Tips?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:01:51 +0000

What are Your Best YouTube Tips?

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As part of an ongoing educational series of blog posts, YouTube has asked me to create a video on how to build your brand and audience. This is the last video in a series of 4 videos from different partners.

Don’t let people go without letting them know where you are! – You’re not ONLY on YouTube, right? Make sure you tell people where to find you online… give them your Twitter handle, your blog link and even your Facebook Fan Page URL.
Lead with a link in your video description! – YouTube will automatically turn that into a link people will click. Trust me – they WILL click.
Bring people elsewhere! – Friendster… LinkedIn… bring your subscribers with you!
Embed your videos elsewhere! – If you don’t already have a blog, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You’re going to get a lot more coverage if you spread the love. I recommend checking out TubeMogul. You can set up accounts in several different places and use TubeMogul to seed your content to all of them at once.
Support your most prolific supporters! – If you have someone who always comments positively on your videos, let others know that you appreciate it. It will encourage more people to become a strong supporter.

You can check out all of my tips if you like.

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What are Your Best YouTube Tips?

How to Stay Productive in Small Business

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:37:32 +0000

How to Stay Productive in Small Business

Seth David has put together a fantastic eBook of 140 tips and tricks to help keep you on track each and every day. Productivity fluctuates based on our outer – and inner – distractions. Anything from our body temperature to crowd noise to having too much to do can – and WILL – change how our day goes. Seth has put together a list of things that you should be doing on a regular basis in order to help you stay focused.

You’ll find some basic health tips in this eBook, along with some seriously important business gems. One of my favorites has to be:

When a customer complains, correct the mistake — they care more about how you handle the complaint than what they are complaining about.

Look for a guest blog post from Seth about the above gem in the near future. He will be explaining this idea more in depth to help you understand why this is absolutely critical if you are going to succeed.

I feel that this eBook is well worth your time and money… to the point that I am happily endorsing it with my branding and name. Seth’s advice is right-on and will help give you a leg up in a world where every move you make can have a huge impact on your business.

How to Stay Productive in Small Business

100 Mac Tips

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:26:21 +0000

100 Mac Tips

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If you’re switching from Windows to Mac OS X, I thought I’d help get you started with my top 100 Mac tips. If you’re sticking with Windows, fine – I released the Windows eBook earlier this year (and I hope you scored a copy).

Every day, I get asked questions related to “making the switch.” I just figured this was an easier way to get you the information you needed. The eBook has no DRM attached to it, and sells for only five bucks. I can almost guarantee that you’ll pick up at least one tip that you didn’t already know about.

I live inside of both Windows and Mac OS X. Do you?

If you do get a copy, please post your review as either a comment here or video response – I’d love to hear what you think about its value to you, either as a new Mac user or as someone who communicates with new Mac users on a regular basis.

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100 Mac Tips

How to Win the Secrets of Success

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:30:28 +0000

How to Win the Secrets of Success

Dale Carnegie’s classic book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” was written more than seventy years ago. However, the information contained within the pages is still highly relevant in today’s world. It doesn’t matter how old you are, nor what career path you have chosen. The basic principles can help you improve your foundation.

Keep reading to find out how you can win a copy for yourself!

This book will help you to become a more effective speaker, master the workplace culture, develop your leadership style, and hone your customer service skills. The book has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide over the years. Billionaire Warren Buffet has stated many times that he was terrified to speak in public early in his life. He took the Dale Carnegie course, and was amazed at how much his life changed.

It seems as though our days fly by at about 300 miles per hour. We are busy, and don’t always have time to sit and read a book, no matter how good or important it might be. This is why Dale Carnegie Training has now released an iPhone app. The “Dale Carnegie Secrets of Success App” is designed to bring you as much of the original information as possible in a way that is quick and easy to consume.

There are more than 30 videos built in to the app, which illustrate the most effective ways to employ Dale Carnegie’s Human Relations Principles. You’ll find fundamental methods to help you reduce your stress, conquer worry, and be more effective in the workplace. Additionally, the app contains tips created to address issues ranging from team building to time management… and from coaching to conflict resolution.

To celebrate the launch of the app, Dale Carnegie Training is giving away 200 copies of the original book.

If you would like to win a copy, leave a follow-up comment on this post. Let me know how this book could enhance your life, both in the workplace and at home. I will select ten winners at random on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010. The contest is open to anyone, no matter where you live in the world.

How to Win the Secrets of Success

Tips for Twitter

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:46:13 +0000

Tips for Twitter

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I need your advice! I’m putting together an eBook full of Twitter tips. There will ultimately be 140 tips, each consisting of 140 characters or less. As of right now, I only have 89 solid tips that I can use. This is where you come in!

Send me your best Twitter tips. Make sure that they are under 140 characters. If I use your tip, you will receive credit in the eBook. You will also get a free copy when it is finished. The book is only selling for $1.40 when it is finished, so hopefully you’ll tell all of your friends. Everyone of us was new to Twitter – and social media in general – at some point. Wouldn’t it have been nice to have some sort of easy handbook to follow along with as we found our way in the murky depths? I know my experience might have been much better had I had some tips to get me started.

Believe me, it’s not as easy as you think it might be to come up with this many good tips. Coming up with the ones I already have was difficult. Both Imei and Kat contributed to this venture already, and are now as stumped as I am! They have both given me some excellent ideas, all of which I’ve incorporated into the eBook. How lucky am I to be surrounded by such fantastic and smart women?

When the eBook is ready, it will be available at go.tagjag.com/twittertips. Keep your eye on that link in the upcoming weeks!

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Tips for Twitter

Aardvark Bought by Google

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:54:58 +0000

Aardvark Bought by Google

Just a few moments ago, Aardvark co-founder Max Ventilla confirmed that a deal has been signed with Google. While the details haven’t yet been released, I can only think positive things will come of this merger. If you haven’t heard of Aardvark yet – or are not using it – shame on you! I have a feeling that this little service is going to become very huge, very quickly… thanks to the backing Google will bring.

Aardvark is a new tool that lets you tap into the knowledge and experience of friends, and friends of theirs. Simply send the service a question – via the web, IM, email, Twitter or iPhone – and you’ll get a quick response. Your answers will come from people who have the right experience and know-how to help you, and who have friends in common (or similar tastes).

If you need information but don’t know where to start, that’s when you turn to Aardvark. You can ask anything, from general research, to tips and advice, and even get second opinions on products and services you find! You don’t have time to sift through a ton of pages looking for the right thing, nor to spend hours in a conversation with someone. Aardvark cuts all of that unnecessary legwork out for you, usually in under ten minutes!

Check it out for yourself, and let me know your thoughts. Did Google make a smart move in grabbing up this nifty start-up before any competition could?

Aardvark Bought by Google

Bar Tricks

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:51:03 +0000

Bar Tricks

My favorite brews at Pyramid include:

Rollick
Haywire
Curve Ball

I’ve taken to holding a few of my own tweetups at the Pyramid Brewhouse in Seattle – they have the space for small groups, they have good beer, free parking for customers, and a killer reuben. Staff is always friendly, and it’s easily accessible (no matter how you’re coming into downtown Seattle). I’m very glad that Travis recommended them to me a few months ago. After I started tweetups there, seems that every other local outfit followed suit. Hey, for all that free publicity – why aren’t they letting me drink for free!?

Bar Tricks

Tips for Programming and PHP

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:40:24 +0000

Tips for Programming and PHP

Community member “a_v58″ sent me a short list of PHP tips. These days, people are rabid in their thirst to learn more about PHP. If you want to become a programmer, you should know what you’re doing when it comes to PHP. The following tips were sent in to me by Andrew. They are solid tips, so I wanted to pass them along to all of you.

Don’t be tempted to use packets such as WAMP or XAMPP that install and configure Apache, PHP, MySQL for you automatically. You’ll learn more by installing them one-by-one and configuring them manually. After a quick Google search, you’ll find a list of recommended configurations for PHP and/or Apache – depending whether your machine is a server or a development machine. I recommend installing in this order: MySQL, Apache, PHP.
Remember to sanitize your database inputs. To avoid this, understand what this is and how this works. Google or read on Wikipedia for “SQL injection.” Use functions such as ‘addslashes’ and ‘get_magic_quotes_gpc.’
When you think you did everything right and you don’t understand why something isn’t working, look at your code carefully, debug it, and possibly run a ‘var_dump’ on all the variables to see whether something is faulty. If you still can’t figure it out, take a break and get some fresh air. Come back to the problem with a clear mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask on forums or the community questions. Remember: there are no stupid questions. However, if for every little mistake you ask, and you don’t figure a couple of questions on your own… no offense: programming may not be right for you.
Why choose PHP? It has a syntax similar to C/C++ (which are some of the used frequently for desktop applications. PHP.net has almost everything you might need to know – including examples and user-contributed notes (which may contain exactly what you need).
When somebody asks you a question, don’t be afraid to answer. You’ll either help that person by teaching him or her something new (or be corrected by someone with more experience – in which case, you’ll learn something new).

Sure, it’s a starter list of tips – extremely rudimentary for some. That’s where you have the opportunity to suggest your own PHP starter tips in the comments stream below. :)

Tips for Programming and PHP

Smokey Eyes

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 02 May 2009 09:51:23 +0000

Smokey Eyes

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Liz Money was kind enough to submit a video for me to add to our beauty tips and tricks collection. Granted, this particular video isn’t geared towards the guys. But hey! There are a heck of a lot of girl Geeks, as well! All you dudes, just chill and skip this one. Ladies – pay attention and learn how to get those sexy, smokey eyes.

Apparently you need several different fluff brushes in order to put all of this goop on! Make sure you have angled ones, and many different sizes. The particular palette she’s using has the colors already laid out for you. It tells you what color goes where on your eyes!! I guess they also are good for all skin tones, and day or night wear.

First you’ll add your primer (eyeshadow base). This will make your lid sticky enough to make the makeup last longer. Make sure you pat it on, and let it dry fully. Start with your lightest color, and sweep from the lashline to just under the brow using the large fluffy brush.

Next comes the medium color, which is the lid color. Use the smallest brush, or an angled one. Press it into the palette to get a maximum amount of pigment on the brush. Start at the lashline, and trace around your lid.

The challenging part is doing the crease… with the darkest color. Using a round brush, press it into the color again to get the right amount of pigment. It goes right where your lid creases. This creates depth, and shadowing. The trick with the smokey eyes is to blend a ton, so you don’t look stripey.

In order to line the upper lid, you’ll need to take the sharply angled brush and dip it in the darkest color. Start at the inside corner, and carefully trace across your lid, right at the lashline. Make sure you keep that eyelid pulled taut!

If you want to be more dramatic, you can line your lower lashline as well. You’re going to line the inside rim of your lower lashline. It sounds scary, but apparently it’s not! It looks crazy Liz – you’re right about that! But you’re right again when you say it makes your eyes pop.

So there you have it! Now when you’re wanting to look especially gorgeous for us Geeky dudes, you know what to do! Thanks again, Liz!

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Smokey Eyes

Geek Eye for the Sloppy Guy – a Beginning

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:35:49 +0000

Geek Eye for the Sloppy Guy – a Beginning

I think my new idea is catching on rather well. “Geek Eye for the Sloppy Guy”. I can’t help but love that title for the series I’m doing – beauty tips for guys! Who knows – maybe it will turn into a television show someday! Ok, ok – maybe not. But hey… anything can happen! Have you seen the latest additions to the series?

I’ve been busy doing other things, as well. Don’t worry – I’m still a techie at heart! Just because I tend to take pride in how well-groomed I am doesn’t mean I’m not still a complete Geek! I love to read about anything and everything, especially things that all of you from the community put out there. I spend hours a day just checking out what’s what, who’s where, and why wonders never cease! Are you reading what your peers are doing?

Geek Eye for the Sloppy Guy – a Beginning

Tips for Internet Newbies (and General Reminders)

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:41:09 +0000

Tips for Internet Newbies (and General Reminders)

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As we get older, the world wide web gets newer. We find ourselves not able to keep up with the new world because we’re still stuck spending senseless hours checking 20 emails and trying to figure out how to install a program on Vista. For those of you like me, going on 21 for the 9th year in a row, here are 5 tips to help you get through the old stuff so you can stay hip with the new.

Book it before you book it. Now let’s say you are in the bored surfing mood, and you come across a cool website that you like. You think you would like to go back to it. The little “favorite” button or “bookmark” button will remember it for you. That way, you don’t spend 30 minutes to an hour getting frustrated, trying to figure out the website. So just book it before you book it. If it was just a “mood” website, you can always right click and delete it later!
You have the “best” pop up blocker installed and are certain nothing that shouldn’t is getting through. If it does… you just hit cancel… and what the heck you’re at their site!4. So, not only does crap still get through, you also have to read it before you click it. For example some will say, “to continue to the website click ‘cancel’.” Them sneaky sons of www dot coms did it again! Don’t waste another 15 minutes of what you have left of your life playing click that pop-up!
The dreaded Email. You always check your email when you get online. Yesterday, even though it took you two hours, you got your email down to 0 and now it’s back up to let’s say 20 new messages. Now, you don’t want to waste another two hours checking and replying and wondering who that “Jim” is that says he knows you and has been looking for you. So, you probably didn’t know this like the “hip” kids do… but not all spam messages make it into the spam folders. Them sneaky sons of www dot coms can sure sneak them in there. Trust me, 9 times out of 10 you are not the lucky winner in a drawing, or have been selected in a special giveaway. And honey… even though your memory’s going… you don’t know Jim! I personally hit the little spam button on those emails and eventually after a couple times they go away.
Not that this has ever happened to me before… you find yourself in let’s say Chris’s chat room. And let’s say the topic is gadgets. Now all the “young’ns” in the channel are chatting and swapping gadget ideas, and you find yourself lost asking “hey, what is an iPod?” or “hey, what is a 3g card?” Of course, nobody answers you. They are busy thinking, “You gotta be kidding me right? They’re just messing around.” Well, here’s a tip: make Google your new best friend. When you are lost, Google will help you find your way. Taking a few minutes to google something is a lot better than looking dumb or like an old fart in chat.
Watch your links. You’re chatting with one of your online buddies and they send you a link to lets say rnicrosoft.com. Earlier, you had Googled some new software that just came out, and you would like to buy it. So, you click on the link, find the software and give all your info. Weeks later… your CC is maxed out! If you carefully look at the link it’s r n i c r o s o f t . c o m. The r and the n are pushed together to look like m. This is just an example. though I’m pretty sure with your protection maybe something that drastic won’t happen, but that is one way your passwords and info. can get stolen. Sometimes, you are better off to type in the link yourself that way your not wasting even more time online and off trying to get this mess resolved.

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Tips for Internet Newbies (and General Reminders)

How to Sell on Ebay

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:55:45 +0000

How to Sell on Ebay

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Here are some great tips for being a good Ebay seller. Building up an excellent feedback rating is critical to becoming a successful seller. Following these tips will help you do just that.

List your auction clearly. In the description, be as clear as possible. If the device is damaged, say that is is. If it’s new in box, say new in box. If still in mint condition, say so. If used and has wear, say so.
Start with a low bid price. You’d be astounded by how many people look at the starting price. If it’s high enough that one could go to walmart and pay a few dollars more more to get, then your starting price is to high. If you dont want under a certain amount, set a reserved price for the lowest you want to take. While this cost a little more in the listing, it makes it that you can be happy knowing that the item wont go for less than you really wanted it to.
PICTURES!!!! Pictures help sell. If someone cant see the item, or a version of it, they might tend to go to another seller for the item. If you can, take picutres of YOUR item, not a stock file photo of the device.
Set your shipping price fairly. If the shipping price is too much, people WILL balk at the item. The buyers will look at your item as crap. Now, if you specify what method you are using, they can then look and see what it cost themselves. Also, i have seen where some have automatic shipping calculators on the auction. This way, you can see what it cost for quicker shipping methods.
Allow buyers to ask question. If you answer the questions they have quickly, they are might be more tempted to buy your item simple because it looks like you cared about that they were asking about.
If the seller refused to pay, you can give the second highest bidder a chance to get the item on a “second chance”. This is good if someone was being the north end of a southbound mule and made a fraudulent bid near the end of the auction.
Use the ability for a person to “Buy it now”. This really helps. You can set a low auction bid, and an option to buy it at a certain price. It also allows for a person to skip the entire auction protions and buy the item from you. The only thing bad is that if someone sends a bid, the “buy it now option” goes away.. At least it did before. eBAY might have changed that recently.

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How to Sell on Ebay

Simple eBay Guide

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:40:53 +0000

Simple eBay Guide

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We’re using our GoToMeeting tonight to do videos. You can get a discount on the GoToMeeting software by using our special GoToMeeting link.

Tonight, I’m going to pass along to you some eBay tips that someone sent me.

I just bought a cell phone on eBay and thought I would like to share a few tips on making your eBay experience better.

“Let the buyer beware.” Look over the listing before you bid or buy. The listing can have important information about the product, the seller’s shipping and payment policies and important things like that. This avoids conflict later on.

Bid only if you have the money to pay for the item. This is important because if you don’t pay or defer payment for too long, then you can risk negative feedback and a bad reputation on eBay. Plus also make sure that the credit card or PayPal account works and the payment can go through.

Leave feedback on each transaction on eBay whether you buy or sell. IT helps build a reputation on eBay and people will want to conduct business with you.

Sellers: Please charge a decent amount for your products and a decent amount for shipping. This will attract more people to buy your products. Don’t charge an outrageous price so no one will buy bit not too cheap so you make nothing; find a balance. And also ship on time as well. Buyers get frustrated and worried when their items arrive late. Make all policies and information clear to the seller and have a good communication with your buyers.

Be nice; don’t flame other members and users in messages. They will make a note of that when comes time for feedback.

Remember: “The customer is always right.” Listen to what the customer is saying and take their advice. You want their business right?

Personally, I hate PayPal, but most sellers prefer and require PayPal. I try to pay with checks/money order. There are a handful of sellers who accept checks/MO, some who don’t accept PayPal. So as I said earlier, look carefully at the listing to see what forms of payment they accept and what their policies are, More can be learned from how to guides like the eBay Bible. I hope these have helped you and others in making a pleasurable eBay experience.

-kpslover007

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Simple eBay Guide