Organization & Productivity Archives

August 7, 2026 By yclmanager5

Back Up Your Files NOW!

Here’s the rule of thumb for when and where to back up data.

group of electronic devices

The more important the information

The more often you should back up and

The more distant those back up files should be.

I back up my QuickBooks data every time I do a lot of input. I don’t want to re-build or re-do a lot of entries. So the time it takes to do the back up is a savings compared to the frustration and time required to re-do the work.

If YCL does more than 1 hour of input on a website, we back up the site immediately. No need to risk losing that work!

Really important information like a password list, payroll records, client info, photos of grandchildren, etc. should be in 2 or 3 different places. Maybe a copy on a thumb drive in your office. A copy on Dropbox. A copy on iDrive.

If the thumb drive gets corrupted, you can pull from Dropbox or iDrive. If Dropbox crashes, you can pull from the thumb drive or iDrive.

Yes, even files stored on the cloud should have back ups!

Case in point, I store all of my passwords with LastPass. It’s a great software that I’ve recommended to many of you. One time a few years ago CenturyLink had a nation-wide system disruption that affected the LastPass servers. I couldn’t log in!! The info was still there but I couldn’t get to it. Now I am exporting the passwords once a month and storing them in Dropbox.

I highly recommend that at least one of your back ups be automated. Sync everything with Dropbox. Use iDrive. Buy an external hard drive with back up software. Automating the process will save you time and give you protection even on those super busy days where little tasks get missed.

Don’t wait for a disaster to happen. Plan and implement your system now for peace of mind. Call me if you need assistance making an action plan!

March 25, 2026 By yclmanager5

The 2026 Digital Hygiene Plan

“As we move further into 2026, the term “digital hygiene” has evolved. It is no longer just about changing your passwords or clearing your browser cookies. In this hyper-connected era, where AI-curated feeds and constant notifications are the norm, digital hygiene has become a vital practice for protecting our cognitive focus and emotional well-being.

Most of us wouldn’t go a day without brushing our teeth or washing our hands, yet we often allow our digital lives to become cluttered, chaotic, and intrusive. This lack of boundaries has a documented impact on our internal state. The link between heavy social media and mental health is more evident than ever, with researchers pointing to “notification anxiety” and “passive scrolling fatigue” as primary drivers of modern stress. To reclaim your time and your peace of mind this year, you need a proactive Digital Hygiene Plan.”

Click here to continue readin on Social Media Explorer.

July 28, 2025 By yclmanager5

Productivity

I’ve been using ToDoIst for 5+ years now to manage the many tasks I have for clients and big projects. They recently emailed a tool to help you decide which productivity method is the right one for you to use. It has to be something that you really will use over a long period of time.

I use a mix of electronic and printed. I put the tasks in ToDoIst so they don’t get lost then print them each day so I can get that endorphin rush when I check off a task. I print a list before a client meeting to be sure I talk about all the projects we’re working on.

Click here to take the quiz!

July 12, 2025 By yclmanager5

Only One Gmail Inbox

Having an Inbox, Social and a Promotions tab is too much!! Sorting is supposed to help but it just mucks things up for me.

So turn the extras off.

In Gmail,

Go to Settings
Settings
The Inbox tab
In the Categories section,
Un-check Social, Promotions, Updates, Forums
At the bottom of the page, click the Save Changes button

Go back to your Inbox. There’s only 1!!!!

March 12, 2025 By yclmanager5

Copywriting vs Content Writing: Understanding the Critical Distinction

“The difference between copywriting and content writing isn’t just academic—it’s the key to generating 3x more leads while spending 62% less on marketing.

While both disciplines fall under the umbrella of content marketing, they serve distinctly different purposes in your digital strategy. Copywriting focuses on driving immediate action and conversions, while content writing builds long-term relationships and establishes authority in your industry. Ultimately you will need to choose your strategy based on your specific marketing goals and target audience.”

Click here to continue reading.

March 10, 2025 By yclmanager5

16 Ways To Maintain Client Communication

This article from Forbes gives you some great suggestions for how to improve your communications with your clients. It’s a new world so we need new methods as well improving the standard methods.

Click here to read the full article.

October 29, 2024 By yclmanager5

Got Your Back!

Over the past 28 years, Your Computer Lady has developed a system for working with clients that we call the “Got Your Back” process. Our goal has always been long term clients who come back to YCL over and over with a variety of projects. We want to reduce your frustration and headaches by stepping in to do projects so you are able to focus on what you do best – your real business. How do we do this?

One point of contact – Though YCL has a network of experts for graphic design, web site programming, database creation, etc. you only deal with one person. This allows us to learn your business. We can pick up faster on a project. We learn details, special industry terms and personal preferences.
Wide range of services – Our network gives us the means to have an amazing range of services to offer you. If we don’t do a particular job, we know who does!
Online support – Within 15 seconds, we can set up an online meeting to look right at your computer. We can teach you how to use a software feature. We can fix a problem for you.
Back ups – Your Computer Lady keeps extensive back up files. If you can’t find that brochure file from two years ago so it can be updated, we can!
Large or small projects – We don’t care if it’s a big project with lots of hours or a small question that can be handled with an online training session.

We estimate that the “Got Your Back” process can save you on average 20% over doing a project yourself. Not sure? Give Pamela a call today and discuss the project you need finished.