Micro Tech - November 2018

Micro Tech - November 2018

(208) 345-0054 Microtechboise.com MicroTech Pages

November 2018

Our Family’s Big Change Sending Our Eldest Daughter off to College

T here’s been a big change in the Amorebieta household this fall. My wife and I sent our eldest daughter, Kennidi, off to college, and now we’re adjusting to life with two kids in the house while learning how to be parents to a kid in college. So far, we’ve been pretty lucky in this transition, especially since Kennidi decided to attend her parents’ alma mater. Kennidi started her first year of college at Boise State University this fall, moving just across town from her family, which meant that we were able to move her in and come home all in one day. Meanwhile, other parents were going out for a “final meal” with their son or daughter just hours before ripping off the Band-Aid and leaving them in a strange, new town. The day we moved Kennidi in, she and my wife were reserved. I’m not sure if it was nerves or anxiety about the move, but they weren’t nearly as excited as I was. I was chatty, running around talking about how cool everything was. I was stoked to see this beginning of a new chapter in Kennidi’s life, while reminiscing about memories from my college days at BSU. Kennidi has been hostessing at a local restaurant this summer, and she’s continuing that work as she goes to school. Starting college and balancing work at the same time was a bit of a shock for Kennidi, who swore she was the only student on campus doing so. The first few weeks living away from home weren’t super easy for her, either. The first week was the hardest, and the second week was awful. Making friends gets hard when you’re an adult, and having to adjust to a move and a new life alongside it can be daunting.

My wife was the empathetic one, reminding Kennidi everything would be okay, that it was a transition period, and that she would work through it. I was more of the realist, there to remind her that she isn’t the only one in her situation. Navigating that kind of parenting is new to us, especially since she is no longer in our home. About a month into it, as she was settling into a routine, getting used to her new life, suddenly things got a little easier and her phone calls were happier. That’s the other thing, too — she calls now! Before it was all texting, but now we get to hear her voice and have conversations with her regularly. Back home, it’s not like much has changed. My two youngest kids are pretty much teenagers about the whole situation — it’s basically “whatever” to them. But it is crazy how those dishes Kennidi was blamed for piling up in our sink are still magically there. I like to tease my other two kids by saying, “Oh, was Kennidi home this afternoon?” They don’t find it as funny as I do. With Thanksgiving coming up, we’re reaching another transition. Since she’s so close, she could come home for the holiday — but will she? We’re not sure, and since she’s “on her own now,” that’s up to her. This is something about the transition we’ve been having to learn along the way. But no matter how many things are up to her to decide, she’ll never really be on her own. She’s still our Kennidi, even if she now lives across town.

–Randy Amorebieta

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What Makes an 82-Year-Old Business Book Relevant? Dale Carnegie’s Classic Offers Timeless Advice

It’s a tall claim to say that a book will change your life, but this one has certainly had a profound impact on many people. Despite having been originally published 82 years ago, Dale Carnegie’s effervescent classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is still recommended by everyone who comes across it, and it’s one of the best-selling books of all time. In 2011, the book was No. 19 on Time’s most influential books list. How has it remained relevant in a massively different, technologically advanced world? Fundamentally, Carnegie’s book focuses on people, who may evolve, but whose basic needs don’t change much.

appreciation” and “Be a good listener.” Adopt this advice by paying extra attention when a client introduces themselves. A person’s name is important, because, according to Carnegie, it may be “the sweetest and most important sound in any language” to that individual. Be Nice Carnegie’s ideas are revolutionary in their simplicity. This is what makes almost anyone who reads the book able to implement them immediately and see results. As Robert Kelsey, author of several business and self-help books himself, points out, Carnegie’s first principle was simply “Be nice.” “That will always be an important thing to remember in whatever business you’re in,” Kelsey says. “His advice will always be relevant.” In the chapter entitled “Six Ways to Make People Like You,” Carnegie’s second suggestion is similarly straightforward: “Smile.” We’ve all read science on the psychological effects of smiling, but it’s still too easy to forget this simple gesture. Be Honest Be transparent with partners and clients, and as Carnegie suggests, be quick to admit when you’re wrong. When it comes to conflict, being right won’t win you anything — it’s better to avoid that lose-lose scenario and instead listen to your associate’s point of view. Respect their opinions. Even better, begin with something you know they’ll say an enthusiastic “yes” to. Set your relationships up for success by implementing Carnegie’s timeless, genuine advice, and see the results for yourself.

We all need to feel valued, appreciated, and respected. By fulfilling these needs for your business associates, you will indeed win friends and influence them. When it comes to business, showing a genuine interest in the other person goes a long way toward building a lasting relationship, something we all know is key to converting leads into sales. With a message based on relationships, Carnegie’s book hasn’t grown stale with time. Here are three of his suggestions that you can implement today. Be Authentic Carnegie’s methods for winning people over are, at their core, about authenticity. “Show a genuine interest in others,” he instructs. “Give honest and sincere

Our Clients Say It Best

“The level of service our company receives from MicroTech Systems has exceeded my expectations. The personal service that I receive as a client is exceptional. I appreciate the time they take to review my account with me frequently. Service calls are responded to quickly and efficiently. MicroTech Systems was instrumental in the development and implementation of our cybersecurity plan. My job is easier knowing that I can pick up the phone and they will resolve any concern I have or respond with resolutions in a timely fashion.” –Terri C.

“Mike Biggs, as our IT rep at K2 Construction, does an outstanding job. Not only is he able to solve all the issues, but he takes the time to explain what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it from happening. He is also very responsive when it comes to emergency phone calls and/or emails. He also is very pleasant and easy to work with.” –Walter W.

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Finding the Perfect Fit

TRUST THE EXPERTS FOR YOUR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Leave It to the Experts There’s a reason MicroTech Systems has been in business for nearly 50 years: We know what we’re doing. Better yet, we have strong relationships with vendors. They respect us, and we trust them. So, we know we are going to get you a great deal and find you the products you need for your business. Furthermore, you can rely on our expertise in the future if you have questions that come up during the life of your system. Service You Can Take to the Bank

In the digital age, it’s easy to think anyone with a computer is an expert in technology, but unless you’re immersed in it every day, you’re already behind. Finding the right computer system for your business may be harder than you think, especially in today’s ever-expanding digital network. Here are some reasons you should leave it up to the pros to find the right system for your business. Everything Is in Order

Sure, you could probably find some computers for a cheaper price, but you will have to do your own

research. And you won’t be guaranteed a proper warranty. If your system unexpectedly shuts down, it could be a painful process to find matching parts, and it could wind up being costly. Is the money you’re going to be saving by finding your own system worth the lack of expertise and costly repairs in the future? In our experience, no. Find out how MicroTech Systems can help your business get the computer system it needs. Give us a call at (208) 345-0054 or visit www.microtechboise.com.

You’re updating or implementing a computer system to get organized and streamline your processes. So, if you have to spend time finding the correct software and figuring out what you need in a computer, that’s valuable time you could be spending growing your business. Technology and computer experts are trained to search for the best products for growing companies, and they can expedite the process for you. We know the best places to search for all kinds of companies, and we can ensure that you get a system that’s perfect for you.

A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey

Have a Laugh!

Ingredients

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt

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2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

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3/4 cup sugar

1 carrot, peeled and diced

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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)

1 large onion, peeled and diced 1/4 cup celery, diced 2 large sprigs thyme

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Directions

1. In a large stock pot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. Add 6 quarts cold water to brine. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

12592 W. Explorer Dr. #100 Boise, ID 83713

Inside

Kennidi Goes to College

This Book May Change Your Life

Our Clients Say It Best

Trust the Experts

A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey

What Are Companies Thankful For?

An Act of Gratitude or a Hollow Gesture? Say Thank You Like You Mean It

Donate to a Client’s Favorite Charity

Thanksgiving is a time to express your gratitude to the people in your life. During this time of year, plenty of companies talk about how thankful they are for their clients. But more often than not, to those clients, words of thanks feel like just another sales gimmick. If you want to show your clients how much they mean to you, here are a few ways you can express that thanks authentically. Send a Thank-You Note Getting a letter in the mail is a nice feeling. Taking the time to send a client a handwritten letter is the kind of pleasant surprise that really makes someone feel good. Obviously, a handwritten note will take more time to craft than an email, so it’s okay to send fewer notes in order to really make an impact. Find some tips for writing awesome thank-you notes at Helpscout.net/blog/how-to-write-a-killer-thank-you-note. Give the Gift of Food We all need to eat, so what better way to say thank you than with a sweet treat? You may not be aware of any unique dietary restrictions your client may have, so it’s best to play it safe. A tin of cookies or some peppermint bark will delight almost anyone, but if your client is a fitness company, they may prefer a healthier treat, like a fruit basket.

A great way to show that you care is by helping a client give to their favorite charity or cause. If you happen to know a charity near and dear to their heart, you can make a

surprise donation in their name, or you can reach out and ask them directly. It’s the season of giving, after all!

The best way to make your thank-you feel authentic is to genuinely be authentic. Yes, an unexpected gesture can reflect well on your company and encourage clients to talk you up to their friends and family, but potential referrals should be a perk of giving back, not the main goal. Practice genuine gratitude this Thanksgiving, and it will be well-received.

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