Sigg Discount Sale!
On Wednesday, October 6th, Sigg Canada will be hosting an exclusive discount sale at The Rostie Group's 20 Bay Street business centre. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to save big on a wide selection of high quality Swiss-made water bottles.
Your Virtual Butler
For the past several months, The Rostie Group has been using an innovative web-based software program called Your Virtual Butler to help manage numerous aspects of our business centre operations. In the brief time we have been using this all-in-one software solution, we have experienced an increase in productivity and a reduction in operating costs. Because Your Virtual Butler was created specifically for the office business centre industry, it does an excellent job of tracking and streamlining our daily business requirements. The newest version of Your Virtual Butler will be making its official debut tomorrow at OBCAI’s annual conference in Miami. We cannot say enough nice things about this wonderful CRM product, and hope that other business centres will also take advantage of its many cost-saving and sales-boosting benefits. Below is an official press release from YVB, which announces the product’s upcoming launch in Miami.
Your Virtual Butler® is now at the service of Office Business Centers
Online business and service automation solution offers increased revenue opportunities and enhanced customer service for OBC operators
TORONTO, ON – September 20, 2010 – Your Virtual Butler® (YVB), a developer of software solutions for the serviced office industry, today announced the launch of the newest version of its flagship yourvirtualbutler.com Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution.
YVB is a web-based software solution that enables Office Business Centers (OBCs) to automate all facets of their business operations. “Organizations of all sizes are becoming increasingly reliant on Office Business Centers for the business services they need to compete both in their local and global markets,” said Frank D. Cottle, Chairman, Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN). “OBCs that can provide their tenants and other clients with immediate access to these services will better position themselves for growth and become forerunners in the expanding OBC industry.”
Among the OBCs that have implemented YVB to manage its sales activities, customer information, meeting facilities and virtual offices is Ballantyne Business Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“YVB is the one essential tool which allows us to manage all of our internal processes. Our customers can access information on the availability of facilities and complete their reservations and orders in real time without intervention by OBC staff. By enabling our customers to instantly book services online, we increase revenues while enhancing customer service and have a better view into our entire center operations,” said Amanda Schüss, General Manager, Ballantyne Business Center.
Your Virtual Butler® – How it Works
YVB allows OBC clients to select and purchase services such as meeting room bookings, catering and virtual offices, and to manage their accounts via an easy-to-use web interface. The solution provides OBC operators with 360° account views, billing summaries and invoices based upon the client’s online bookings. It also offers automated lead capture, quote preparation, lease management, order processing, and much more, while providing a single point of knowledge for all OBC business processes. YVB works seamlessly in multiple languages, currencies and time zones, whether you are a single location or operate centers around the globe.
By managing internal and customer-facing operations online with YVB, OBCs can;
• book more meeting rooms - inventory can be easily viewed and booked online
• sell more virtual offices - customers can set up their own presence
• generate more concierge service orders – offer tenants the benefits of 24/7 online ordering
• accelerate lead conversions – help managers stay on top of each phase of the sales cycle
• obtain valuable business insights through robust reporting features
“The development of YVB was guided by Office Business Center owners who needed a single integrated solution to automate both front-office and back office operations, including prospecting, sales activities, billing and account management processes,” said Mark Verdun, President, Your Virtual Butler.
YVB is based on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform providing user-familiarity and out-of-the-box installation, and is easily integrated with existing desktop and backend systems. “We have delivered a solution that is easy to incorporate with OBC’s existing systems. Once installed, the solution can be accessed and utilized through Microsoft Outlook, making it very simple for OBC staff to use,” added Verdun.
Experience Your Virtual Butler®
YVB will be featured at the 23rd Annual OBCAI Conference and Trade Show in Miami, FL from September 22 – 25, 2010 and at the ABCN 18th Annual Strategic Summit in San Francisco from October 20 – 23, 2010. OBC professionals from around the world will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of YVB at these major industry events.
Visitors to the OBCAI event in Miami can participate in live demonstrations of yourvirtualbutler.com at Booth #110. An online introduction to the latest release of YVB is also available at www.yourvirtualbutler.com.
About Your Virtual Butler® (YVB)
Headquartered in Toronto, ON, YVB has developed web-based software solutions for the Office Business Center industry since 2007. The company’s founders include veterans of the technology and serviced office industries, who have collaborated over the last three years to help OBCs enhance their service offerings and increase revenue opportunities. YVB is a member of Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) and Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN).
Your Virtual Butler® is now at the service of Office Business Centers
Online business and service automation solution offers increased revenue opportunities and enhanced customer service for OBC operators
TORONTO, ON – September 20, 2010 – Your Virtual Butler® (YVB), a developer of software solutions for the serviced office industry, today announced the launch of the newest version of its flagship yourvirtualbutler.com Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution.
YVB is a web-based software solution that enables Office Business Centers (OBCs) to automate all facets of their business operations. “Organizations of all sizes are becoming increasingly reliant on Office Business Centers for the business services they need to compete both in their local and global markets,” said Frank D. Cottle, Chairman, Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN). “OBCs that can provide their tenants and other clients with immediate access to these services will better position themselves for growth and become forerunners in the expanding OBC industry.”
Among the OBCs that have implemented YVB to manage its sales activities, customer information, meeting facilities and virtual offices is Ballantyne Business Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“YVB is the one essential tool which allows us to manage all of our internal processes. Our customers can access information on the availability of facilities and complete their reservations and orders in real time without intervention by OBC staff. By enabling our customers to instantly book services online, we increase revenues while enhancing customer service and have a better view into our entire center operations,” said Amanda Schüss, General Manager, Ballantyne Business Center.
Your Virtual Butler® – How it Works
YVB allows OBC clients to select and purchase services such as meeting room bookings, catering and virtual offices, and to manage their accounts via an easy-to-use web interface. The solution provides OBC operators with 360° account views, billing summaries and invoices based upon the client’s online bookings. It also offers automated lead capture, quote preparation, lease management, order processing, and much more, while providing a single point of knowledge for all OBC business processes. YVB works seamlessly in multiple languages, currencies and time zones, whether you are a single location or operate centers around the globe.
By managing internal and customer-facing operations online with YVB, OBCs can;
• book more meeting rooms - inventory can be easily viewed and booked online
• sell more virtual offices - customers can set up their own presence
• generate more concierge service orders – offer tenants the benefits of 24/7 online ordering
• accelerate lead conversions – help managers stay on top of each phase of the sales cycle
• obtain valuable business insights through robust reporting features
“The development of YVB was guided by Office Business Center owners who needed a single integrated solution to automate both front-office and back office operations, including prospecting, sales activities, billing and account management processes,” said Mark Verdun, President, Your Virtual Butler.
YVB is based on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform providing user-familiarity and out-of-the-box installation, and is easily integrated with existing desktop and backend systems. “We have delivered a solution that is easy to incorporate with OBC’s existing systems. Once installed, the solution can be accessed and utilized through Microsoft Outlook, making it very simple for OBC staff to use,” added Verdun.
Experience Your Virtual Butler®
YVB will be featured at the 23rd Annual OBCAI Conference and Trade Show in Miami, FL from September 22 – 25, 2010 and at the ABCN 18th Annual Strategic Summit in San Francisco from October 20 – 23, 2010. OBC professionals from around the world will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of YVB at these major industry events.
Visitors to the OBCAI event in Miami can participate in live demonstrations of yourvirtualbutler.com at Booth #110. An online introduction to the latest release of YVB is also available at www.yourvirtualbutler.com.
About Your Virtual Butler® (YVB)
Headquartered in Toronto, ON, YVB has developed web-based software solutions for the Office Business Center industry since 2007. The company’s founders include veterans of the technology and serviced office industries, who have collaborated over the last three years to help OBCs enhance their service offerings and increase revenue opportunities. YVB is a member of Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) and Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN).
The Technology Behind Body Language
Guest blogger Anne Sowden has some great tips on how to ensure you are sending positive signals when operating your favourite portable gadgets.
We consciously use new technology to send instant messages but unconsciously, as we get drawn into our "e-conversations,” we forget that we’re also sending instant messages with old technology--our body language.
Consider this:
You’re running for the GO train and your cell phone rings. It’s an important client so you answer. Your message is lost because the client can’t hear your voice over heavy breathing and honking taxicabs.
You’re in an interview. The interviewer sits behind a desk texting and never makes eye contact. You get the message that this is a company that doesn’t really care about who they hire, and certainly isn’t interested in your skills.
You’re waiting for a seminar to begin. You’re checking email on your laptop and catching up with friends on your Bluetooth. Without realizing it, you’ve sent a message to everyone around you that you’re too busy to get to know them. You’ve missed a golden opportunity to network, build new relationships and grow your business.
You’re on the subway dancing and singing along to your IPod. You notice your boss standing a few feet away. If you’re under 30, your boss probably won’t think anything of it, so keep dancing. But, expect your level of embarrassment to rise with the number of years you’re over 30. Smile—the message you’re sending says, “I know how to relax after a long day!”
Anne Sowden is a Professional Image Consultant and President of Here's Looking at You Image Consulting . To learn more about Anne's services please visit www.hereslookingatyou.caBody language today includes so much more than just how you stand or fold your arms. With Blackberries, iPhones and computers attached to our ears and our finger tips, we may be communicating more than we intend.
Is your new technology "body language" sending the same old messages?
By Anne Sowden
We consciously use new technology to send instant messages but unconsciously, as we get drawn into our "e-conversations,” we forget that we’re also sending instant messages with old technology--our body language.
Consider this:
You’re running for the GO train and your cell phone rings. It’s an important client so you answer. Your message is lost because the client can’t hear your voice over heavy breathing and honking taxicabs.
You’re in an interview. The interviewer sits behind a desk texting and never makes eye contact. You get the message that this is a company that doesn’t really care about who they hire, and certainly isn’t interested in your skills.
You’re waiting for a seminar to begin. You’re checking email on your laptop and catching up with friends on your Bluetooth. Without realizing it, you’ve sent a message to everyone around you that you’re too busy to get to know them. You’ve missed a golden opportunity to network, build new relationships and grow your business.
You’re on the subway dancing and singing along to your IPod. You notice your boss standing a few feet away. If you’re under 30, your boss probably won’t think anything of it, so keep dancing. But, expect your level of embarrassment to rise with the number of years you’re over 30. Smile—the message you’re sending says, “I know how to relax after a long day!”
Anne Sowden is a Professional Image Consultant and President of Here's Looking at You Image Consulting . To learn more about Anne's services please visit www.hereslookingatyou.caBody language today includes so much more than just how you stand or fold your arms. With Blackberries, iPhones and computers attached to our ears and our finger tips, we may be communicating more than we intend.
The Benefits of Opening a Virtual Office
Virtual offices are a great option for budget-conscious business owners looking for the prestige of a high profile corporate address. Renting long-term office space in a prominent business location can be a very costly and time-consuming process for new and growing businesses. A virtual office gives you all the benefits of a premium address, for a fraction of what it would cost to physically rent office space and hire support staff. Opening a virtual office in a premium business location can greatly increase your organization’s credibility, making it a smart investment for any small business owner.
For a low monthly fee, a virtual office gives you a desirable mailing address, telephone answering and messaging services, access to on-site meeting rooms in high-profile locations, and on-demand administrative, technical, and clerical support. Virtual offices are particularly popular amongst lawyers, salespeople, entrepreneurs, and other professionals on the go. Growing international businesses often utilize virtual offices as a low risk method expanding their presence in foreign markets. Virtual offices are an excellent way for business owners to maximize their efficiency while lowering overhead. Renting your office space is often a needlessly complicated process that can quickly drain company resources. Why pay for unnecessary legal and real estate fees, support staff salaries, and other leasing related costs, when a virtual office offers many of the same benefits of a long-term lease for a fraction of the price? Virtual offices also eliminate many travel-related expenses and furniture costs. Best of all, working from wherever you want means always being on time for dinner!
Apart from all the leasing-related costs associated with renting an office, you often also have to enter into restrictive contracts that can impede on your long-term growth plans. With a virtual office, you have increased operating capital and fewer restrictions on your future expansion objectives. A virtual office allows you to work from home, while still maintaining a very profitable corporate image. As technology makes it easier for small business owners to operate from multiple locations, virtual offices become an increasingly viable tool that offers excellent return on investment. Grow your business while limiting expenses, open a virtual office!
The Rostie Group is currently offering virtual offices for only $74.95 a month, the absolute lowest price in the entire greater Toronto area. If you are interested in growing your business, while lowering overhead expenses, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
For a low monthly fee, a virtual office gives you a desirable mailing address, telephone answering and messaging services, access to on-site meeting rooms in high-profile locations, and on-demand administrative, technical, and clerical support. Virtual offices are particularly popular amongst lawyers, salespeople, entrepreneurs, and other professionals on the go. Growing international businesses often utilize virtual offices as a low risk method expanding their presence in foreign markets. Virtual offices are an excellent way for business owners to maximize their efficiency while lowering overhead. Renting your office space is often a needlessly complicated process that can quickly drain company resources. Why pay for unnecessary legal and real estate fees, support staff salaries, and other leasing related costs, when a virtual office offers many of the same benefits of a long-term lease for a fraction of the price? Virtual offices also eliminate many travel-related expenses and furniture costs. Best of all, working from wherever you want means always being on time for dinner!
Apart from all the leasing-related costs associated with renting an office, you often also have to enter into restrictive contracts that can impede on your long-term growth plans. With a virtual office, you have increased operating capital and fewer restrictions on your future expansion objectives. A virtual office allows you to work from home, while still maintaining a very profitable corporate image. As technology makes it easier for small business owners to operate from multiple locations, virtual offices become an increasingly viable tool that offers excellent return on investment. Grow your business while limiting expenses, open a virtual office!
The Rostie Group is currently offering virtual offices for only $74.95 a month, the absolute lowest price in the entire greater Toronto area. If you are interested in growing your business, while lowering overhead expenses, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Great Toronto Networking Event
On Tuesday, August 10th, Fastlane will be hosting a really fun Patio Networking Event at The Lusso Restaurant and Bar (207 Queens Quay West). Fastlane's Toronto events are a great way to network with fellow business professionals. Relax and unwind under the summer sun, while also meeting a lot of really interesting people. This event runs from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Tickets are only $25.00 if ordered in advance, or $35.00 if purchased at the door.
For more information visit http://www.fastlaneevents.ca/
For more information visit http://www.fastlaneevents.ca/
Survive the Heatwave in Style
It's sweltering outside, but thankfully our guest blogger Anne Sowden has some great tips on how to beat the heat in high style.
Hot Weather Style Survival for the Office
It's a tough time of year to look (and feel) cool without sacrificing your business look.
Flat or frizzy hair? Get advice from your hairstylist on products or a style that adaptable for humidity. Or, wear a hat--very stylish and protects your skin.
Keep an extra shirt in your car, at the office or gym. Light colours won't show clamminess--one reason tennis players wear white. A light cotton layer under your shirt helps you feel cooler and avoids embarrassing wet patches.
White pants look great but are magnets for dirt (and as a friend of mine found out, red wine). Make sure they're washable or you'll have to win the lottery to cover cleaning bills. If you're toned, a skin tone thong underneath is best. If you're not, consider full coverage skin tone underwear. Some styles guarantee no panty lines but ask someone before you leave the house what they see. It's easier to change than spend the day carrying your laptop in creative ways.
Think twice before spritzing yourself with cologne to cool off. Perfume reacts with your body heat. Your usual scent will be stronger or not smell the same. Try misting your face with water or using a handheld fan.
Yes, real men have pedicures--not necessarily pink nail polish. Your feet will look, and feel great, in sandals.
Summer is time to show a bit of skin. But, the more skin you show, the less professional you look. Keep a jacket or cardi handy to make that sleeveless dress or top office worthy. How low is too low for necklines? As my colleague Angie Michael says, "No lower than three fingers above your cleavage. Or, three fingers above where you'd like your cleavage to be.
No matter how casual your office is, never show up in surfer shorts (with or without a surfboard), flip flops. sarong, bathing suit, hat adorned with fishing flies, or the worst infraction of all--socks and sandals.
Project your personal and professional best every day!
Anne Sowden is a Professional Image Consultant and President of Here's Looking at You Image Consulting . To learn more about Anne's services please visit www.hereslookingatyou.ca
Hot Weather Style Survival for the Office
By Anne Sowden
It's a tough time of year to look (and feel) cool without sacrificing your business look.
Flat or frizzy hair? Get advice from your hairstylist on products or a style that adaptable for humidity. Or, wear a hat--very stylish and protects your skin.
Keep an extra shirt in your car, at the office or gym. Light colours won't show clamminess--one reason tennis players wear white. A light cotton layer under your shirt helps you feel cooler and avoids embarrassing wet patches.
White pants look great but are magnets for dirt (and as a friend of mine found out, red wine). Make sure they're washable or you'll have to win the lottery to cover cleaning bills. If you're toned, a skin tone thong underneath is best. If you're not, consider full coverage skin tone underwear. Some styles guarantee no panty lines but ask someone before you leave the house what they see. It's easier to change than spend the day carrying your laptop in creative ways.
Think twice before spritzing yourself with cologne to cool off. Perfume reacts with your body heat. Your usual scent will be stronger or not smell the same. Try misting your face with water or using a handheld fan.
Yes, real men have pedicures--not necessarily pink nail polish. Your feet will look, and feel great, in sandals.
Summer is time to show a bit of skin. But, the more skin you show, the less professional you look. Keep a jacket or cardi handy to make that sleeveless dress or top office worthy. How low is too low for necklines? As my colleague Angie Michael says, "No lower than three fingers above your cleavage. Or, three fingers above where you'd like your cleavage to be.
No matter how casual your office is, never show up in surfer shorts (with or without a surfboard), flip flops. sarong, bathing suit, hat adorned with fishing flies, or the worst infraction of all--socks and sandals.
Project your personal and professional best every day!
Anne Sowden is a Professional Image Consultant and President of Here's Looking at You Image Consulting . To learn more about Anne's services please visit www.hereslookingatyou.ca
The G20 Via Videoconference?
All the delays and disruptions surrounding the G20 conference have finally subsided, and everything in Toronto is thankfully back to "business as usual". During the second half of June, the Downtown Toronto financial district experienced numerous inconveniences as security was heightened for this very high-profile summit of world leaders. Over a billion dollars was spent in preparation for the 2010 G20 conference – a staggeringly high figure considering alternative options that would have greatly reduced costs and eliminated unnecessary security-related business disruptions.
In a recent Toronto Star article , Craig Kielburger suggests that holding the summit via videoconference would have made a lot more fiscal sense – and caused far fewer headaches for everyone involved. Kielburger estimates that the cost to hold the G20 Summit by videoconference would be around $420,000. Compare that to the 1.2 billion dollars spent on the Toronto conference, and the benefits of videoconferencing option become quite obvious. Videoconferencing technology has already been utilized for other by other major international symposiums, such as the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change –with excellent results!
Videoconferencing saves both time and money, and is the most environmentally meeting option currently available. This wonderful technology has advanced to a point that is now possible for hundreds of people located around the world to seamlessly interact in real-time HD video. Imagine all the trouble that could have been avoided if the world’s leaders had taken part in the G20 summit via videoconference? For over 10 years The Rostie Group has provided videoconferencing solutions to a diverse customer-base including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions and small business owners. The feedback we have received about this technology has been overwhelmingly positive, and many of our customers have made a permanent transition to videoconferencing as their primary meeting option.
If you are looking for videoconferencing in Toronto or videoconferencing in Mississauga, The Rostie Group can provide you with a range of personalized options that will ensure your next videoconference is a huge success. For more information please call Stacey Carvalho at (416) 214-1840 or 1-800-648-1840.
In a recent Toronto Star article , Craig Kielburger suggests that holding the summit via videoconference would have made a lot more fiscal sense – and caused far fewer headaches for everyone involved. Kielburger estimates that the cost to hold the G20 Summit by videoconference would be around $420,000. Compare that to the 1.2 billion dollars spent on the Toronto conference, and the benefits of videoconferencing option become quite obvious. Videoconferencing technology has already been utilized for other by other major international symposiums, such as the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change –with excellent results!
Videoconferencing saves both time and money, and is the most environmentally meeting option currently available. This wonderful technology has advanced to a point that is now possible for hundreds of people located around the world to seamlessly interact in real-time HD video. Imagine all the trouble that could have been avoided if the world’s leaders had taken part in the G20 summit via videoconference? For over 10 years The Rostie Group has provided videoconferencing solutions to a diverse customer-base including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions and small business owners. The feedback we have received about this technology has been overwhelmingly positive, and many of our customers have made a permanent transition to videoconferencing as their primary meeting option.
If you are looking for videoconferencing in Toronto or videoconferencing in Mississauga, The Rostie Group can provide you with a range of personalized options that will ensure your next videoconference is a huge success. For more information please call Stacey Carvalho at (416) 214-1840 or 1-800-648-1840.
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