I’ve been using Dashalytics for a while now to track specific Google Analytics accounts from my Mac Dashboard.

The version 3.05 though started posing a few problems, Dashalytics wasn’t retrieving site information for my account and so the Mac Dashboard Widget just didn’t work.

Fixing Dashalytics Google Analytics Mac Dashboard Widget

Well it looks like there were a few little PHP issues with version 3.05 of the widget that were kindly fixed by GameBit and then improved upon by António Costa.

Just download version 3.06 of the Dashalytics Google Analytics Mac Dashboard Widget and buy the two guys mentioned above a beer for helping you out .

Short and sweet that isn’t it.

Johnpc.co.uk

Morning peeps

A nice little post to congratulate Mr. John Cunningham on the launch of Johnpc.co.uk.

John is a very active online socialite, frequently posting thoughts to Posterous, Audioboo and of course, Twitter. His own blog is a new addition to this online arsenal and contains musings on all manner of organisational change and development processes as well as John’s own personal thoughts on the world in general.

Additionally it features regular guest posts from bloggers such as Abi Signorelli, David Breen and myself (perks of the job…).

John always has something interesting to say so I’d really recommend you check out Johnpc.co.uk and see if there’s anything you like.

Techno waffle

The Johnpc.co.uk site is running a custom built WordPress theme built in house here at The Design Loft along with a smattering of fancy jQuery magic and PHP wizardry.

Threddie.com - Brainstorming For Busy People

Well today I came across (via @smashingmag) a new productivity tool called Threddie.

Whilst calling this a fully fledged Threddie review is probably overstating it a touch, I did have a few thoughts after using it for an hour or two.

First though, for those of you looking for a quick “is it any good or not”, let me save you some reading:

It’s brilliant.

Threddie Review: What Is It?!

Allow me to quote the Threddie.com website, they say it exactly as it needs to be said:

Threddie lets you brainstorm with people using a post-and-comment system everyone’s familiar with. Just start a brainstorm, add a briefing and some topics, then invite people to discuss.

It’s better than email, yet much more intuitive and lightweight than the mind mapping and diagram drawing alternatives.
And it’s free.

Think of it as a conversation tool for jotting ideas down – but jotting them down in a place where everyone involved in your project can see them, from anywhere you can access the net – .

On a train and get a flash of inspiration or an idea?

Threddit.

Been mulling over a developer’s ideas whilst waiting for your girl to try on (oh so many) clothes at the shopping centre?

Threddit.

Got a problem that you need some input from your SEO guy on?

Threddit.

Threddie – A Tasty Alternative To Quick Fire Emails

We end up in this situation alot:

“Ok, we’ve got to deliver a website to Client X. We have the account manager involved, the designer, the devloper, the SEO guy and the acounts fella. Now what?”

Of course, you normally sit around a table with a briefing and work up some ideas, form a strategy prior to moving forward and off you go.

And this won’t change – but, invariably you get the scenario once everyone is back at their desks where someone remembers a critical point that never came up in the meeting.

Trouble is, the SEO guy is now out of the office and the accounts team aren’t interested…

In comes the email…

And then the emails start – and you end up bearing the brunt of the dreaded “Reply To All”, resulting in 40 emails that you have to sift through to find the snippet of information that concerns your portion of the job.

Threddie + Brains = Less Email Junk & More Productivity

Now, instead of sending this first “oh, and guys I forgot to mention” as an email to everyone – just hop on over to Threddie.com and threddit.

Create a new brainstorm with its own unique URL, drop in a briefing, secure with a password and then send those details to everyone involved via email, or better still stick the URL on your CRM system so it’s actually part of the project.

Why Bother With Threddie?

Simple – everyone now has secure access to the brainstorm, yet they aren’t bombarded with emails everytime John from accounts says “actually guys, I don’t like that idea”.

Instead they can just log on to Threddie, check out the updates and even start new discussions based on the single brief – it’s a fantastic way to keep your project ideas in check without cluttering up everyones inboxes.

Simplicity (Almost) Perfected

It’s at this point that I’d start saying things like: “it’d be great if you could be notified if someone replies to your brainstorm Thred” – but you know what; Threddie.com has only been live for a couple of months.

So, I’m willing to forget the minor things that I’d like to see in the Threddie workflow for that reason – and for the reason that the Thredders are working hard on a pro version aimed at us small businses owners.

I’ll hold on for a full Threddie review until then, and for now just say that on first use: Threddie really delivers. It’s such a simple idea that it works so so well.

Give it a shot at www.threddie.com and I guarantee you’ll find it useful, and if they ever Thred their way into an iPhone app – the revolution shall begin.

Have you used Threddie yet? Let me know!

So I got my iPhone 4 bumper a few days ago – I’ve been using it since and decided to post my own little iPhone 4 bumper review.

iPhone 4 Bumper – Review And Thoughts

Well as with everything Apple, the bumper is well packaged and well delivered. All good on that front – gotta love Apple’s packaging. Smooth.

When I plumped for the bumper I was in two minds regarding which free iPhone 4 case to go for; there are lots of other great cases available as part of the program, including some smart looking Belkin cases.

But, I’d bought a cheap case of eBay which covered the back of the iPhone and, to be honest, didn’t like it. The iPhone looks so sleek in its natural form that covering the shiny black back of it up is a bit of a shame.

So, having ordered the standard black iPhone bumper, I stuck it on the phone and cracked on with using it.

Here’s what I think of it…

iPhone 4 bumper – Pros

• Feels great, fits the phone beautifully
• Shows off the sleek look of the iPhone 4
• Fantastic thought has gone into the buttons, with the bumper actually having its own volume and lock buttons that sit perfectly over the native iPhone buttons.This is a huge improvement over the aftermarket ones that  you typically get – these cases / bumpers normally leave you sticking a finger nail into the case to press the lock button etc. Apple’s solution is much much better.
• No signal problems!

iPhone  4 bumper – Cons

• Weirdly, Apple neglected to carry the same mentality from the buttons to the silent toggle switch.Turning the phone to silent proves tricky as you do have to stick your finger into the recess around the toggle switch and try, somehow, to switch it. Oversight Apple, oversight.
• Some people may worry that leaving the back of the iPhone uncovered is just asking for trouble. Personally it doesn’t bother me; it’s a phone, it’s going to get worn. And apparently the iPhone is made from helicopter glass, but does still appear to shatter in certain instances……
• My aftermarket (eBay) charging cable doesn’t fit through the recess in the bumper. The Apple one does of course. This is a small pain in the ass given my aftermarket cable is at the office ready to charge / sync to my Mac.

iPhone 4 Bumper Review – Conclusions

Even with the few cons I mention above, I actually still really like the standard iPhone 4 bumper that Apple are shipping.

If you’re wanting more protection for your iPhone then I’d maybe suggest looking at one of the bigger cases that are available on the iPhone case program, but if you want to retain the sleek look and feel of the iPhone 4 whilst alleviating the problem of the dropped calls – the standard bumper does its job beautifully.

How do you find the standard iPhone 4 bumper? Love it or hate it?! Let me know in the comments.

This is only a little tidbit but well worth it’s weight in gold (or brushed steel?!)…

Use Function Keys As Standard Function Keys On Mac Keyboard

You’ve got a fantastic Apple Wireless keyboard on your Mac, works beautifully and feels great – but sometimes you just want to press F1 and get some help ; not turn your brightness down….

Reclaim The Use Of Your Mac Keyboard Function Keys

To get the use of your Mac function keys back simply open up Mac System Preferences, head over to the Keyboard section and check the box labeled “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys“.

This means that you get the standard use of your Mac function keys back, but by simply pressing the “fn” key (bottom left of the Mac Keyboard) you can access the special functions that they provide too.

This gives you the best of both worlds – instead of just one set of “functions” you actually get two…

Have you any more Mac Keyboard tips or tricks? Let me know in the comments…

After putting up a post about small business networking, and how to make the most of it; I thought it’d be handy to follow it up with some thoughts on how to really make the most of any new client meetings you may book after you’ve been networking.

Of course these thoughts apply to any new client meeting that you make and also apply across a range of services that you may provide – however for the purpose of this post, I’m going to think about you as a web designer going in to look at a new web design for a company.

The usual caveat applies: these are just my thoughts, feel free to improve upon them :0)

Some Thoughts On How To Convert New Web Design Meetings To Live Projects

Most clients treat web design companies with an air of trepidation. It’s a sad state but I think it’s true I’m afraid…

Why? Well, I personally think there are a few reasons, here are a handful:

• We’re ten a penny – there are at least 3 new web design companies setting up every quarter in our locality, meaning that competition is fierce and winning projects based on price is becoming more common. If that’s how you want to roll of course.
• Everyone has a mate called Dave who can “do websites” for £20 and some KP nuts (Dry Roasted of course, he isn’t a mercenary).
• Web design is still actually perceived as a bit “ninja” for those who don’t know Dave The Design Guru – this is like me taking my car to the garage; I’ve no idea what needs doing, so basically I’m a blank cheque for the garage owners – I don’t know what work is really involved do I…

So going in as a web design professional (note the key word there) can be an uphill struggle.

How can us web pros overcome this misconception?

Here are a few things I’ve picked up from guys wiser than me, and from my own experience, which may help to maximise the chances of that first client meeting turning into a web design job for you:

• Listen, just listen – introduce yourself, give your elevator pitch (sorry buzz word haters!) and then sit back and listen to what the prospect has to say about their business; what they do, how they do it, why they do it, how well they do it and anything else they care to divulge.
• Understand your role – you’re a web Jedi, we know that; but the client doesn’t want to hear about how well you can flex your PHP muscles – instead figure out how you fit into their overall marketing strategy, how a new website can actually help them as a business and how best you can deliver this website based on what you know about their target market.
• Keep it simple – don’t baffle the prospect with web Jedi speak; talk about benefits instead of features.
• Don’t forget the basics – remember to be 5 minutes early for the meeting, take note of the attendees names and be sure to swap business cards at a convenient time.
• Book a follow up meeting there and then – I find it very useful to secure a second meeting right there and then, be courteous with it and of course don’t force the issue, but most companies will be very happy to see you again if they like what you have to say and, moreso, if they like how much you listen to their needs.

I’m sure there are lots of other ways you can help boost the success of your initial client meetings, and as I say, these are just some of the things I’ve tried and tested that have a positive effect.

Overall, just keep the prospect’s needs at heart, and you’ll secure that job with no trouble.

Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!

If you’re a business owner there’s no doubt you’ve been told about the importance of networking.

I can only comment on my local experiences, and with regards small business networking, Barnsley is thriving; as is South Yorkshire in general.

Anyway, going along to these networking events is great fun – and more often than not you get some free food and drink – bonus!

However, maximising the impact of these network events on your business can sometimes be difficult. I’ve tried a few ways to go about it and, based on my experiences, come up with a bit of a list of “do’s & don’ts”.

How To Maximise The Impact Of Small Business Networking

• Dont go networking to sell
  This is the biggest problem I’ve seen face many networking individuals. Trying the hard sell to a bunch of people in a room, one by one, just won’t work. It’ll make you look like a salesperson with the sole goal of making a fast buck from anyone you can.
• Build relationships
  This is building upon the point above I think; spending time getting to know someone can really pay off. Building a rapport with someone with whom you get along, over a period of 3 or 4 networking events means that, even though the person with whom you become acquianted may never need your service – they will hold you in high regard and very likely recommend you to people who do.
• Stand back and listen
  We all have our “elevator pitch” – that short sweet intro to your business, intended to entice people to asking questions. And that’s all good, get it out there over an amiable business card swap – but then back off and take heed of what everyone else does. Ask questions and show a real interest in what they do.This I feel is so important – it shows that you’re not just there for the hard sell, and it also (somewhat selfishly) allows you to get a feel for whether your services would actually ever be required by the people with whom you’re conversing.
• Notate and follow up
  This one is a bit geeky…. I always, when I get back to my car, make a note of any action points that may have cropped up. It’s rare that you’ll get direct appointments to discuss new work, but on the occasions that you do – make a giant note to call the requestor up the next day.Not only do I follow up these kind of appointments, I also make a note of anyone who was interested in just getting to know me more, or anyone from whom I could learn, buy products or services in from and generally anyone who I find interesting.
• Say thank you
  Extending the polite courtesy of an email to everyone you met at the networking event saying a brief “great to meet you and thank you for the time you spared me” goes a long way….

Thease aren’t golden rules, just practices that I’ve come to employ personally over the last few years. There’s no real right or wrong, just treat as you wish to be treat.

I mention it above, but for small business networking, Barnsley, Sheffield & South Yorkshire in general are really proving to be great haunts for business owners to meet and greet – why not make the most of it?

Oh and remember: take more business cards than you ever think you’ll need…

Have you any more tips or advice for maximising the impact of small business networking? Let me know in the comments…

We’re proud to announce that The Design Loft and sister company, DM² Creative have been approved as specialist enterprise coaches for the Enterprising Barnsley business coaching project.

We’ll be supplying coaching to businesses in the following fields (broadly speaking, of course we’ll be coaching on much more than this):

• Online marketing
• Offline marketing
• Web design & development
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
• Pay Per Click
• Email Marketing
• Print design & production
• Marketing strategies

It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to work with local businesses and one that we have worked very hard to achieve ,so personally I’d like to extend a big congrats and thank you to everyone in the studio.

We’ll be contacting all of our clients who may be eligible for funded coaching and also urge you, if you’re a Barnsley based business, to take a look at the Enterprising Barnsley website to see if your company is also eligible.

I had a very bizarre situation last week where my Mac Dashboard started experiencing freezes, and when the Mac Dashboard freezes your widgets just do not work!

I’d never come across it before and, after some digging around on plenty of forums I was advised that if my Mac Dashboard is not working, it could be an issue with a corrupt preference file.

Mac Dashboard Freezes / Dashboard Not Working – The Solution

Open up: home folder > library > preferences and delete: com.apple.dashboard.plist.

Now restart your Mac and all of your Dashboard widgets should be reset to default and working again.

Thanks to Barry Hemphill on The Apple Discussions forums for this.

This is only a little one but it was a right pain in the proverbial…. When you’re listening to Spotify on your Mac and you hit “Play / Pause” on your little Mac keyboard, sure Spotify pauses – but iTunes opens up too; if you’ve already got iTunes open (syncing your phone for example) then it starts playing the selected track.

What a pain!

Anyway, thankfully there’s a very easy fix…

Stopping Your Mac “Play / Pause” Button Controlling iTunes When Listening To Spotify

All you need to do is hold down “Shift + Alt” whilst you press “Play / Pause” and voila, iTunes ignores the command and Spotify plays nicely.

See, what an easy fix – takes some getting used to but easy really…