I don’t mind updates, but this one forced me to complain a bit.

As a pretty consistent blogger, I frequently will take pictures of sections of a website with an Add-On called Screengrabber. Screengrabber would allow me to simply copy a section of a page, copy the entire viewable page, or copy the entire screen and then paste it in an email to share with my team.

It would also allow me to save those same images to my desktop easily for future blogging pleasure.

The point is, most, if not all, of my blog posts that show images of how-to posts, step by step guides, or “check this out” ideas, were created thanks to Screengrabber.

Until today.

Due to the Firefox 8.0 upgrade, there are quite a few Firefox Add-on’s I’m used to using that are not compatible.

Of course, Firefox has it’s reason for updating:

A Firefox software update is a quick download of small amounts of new code to your existing Firefox browser. These small patches can contain security fixes or other little changes to the browser to ensure that you are using the best version of Firefox available.

Firefox is constantly evolving as our community finds ways to make it better, and as we adjust to the latest security threats. Keeping your Firefox up-to-date is the best way to make sure that you are using the smartest, fastest and – most importantly – safest version of Firefox available.

Will the update effect my settings and bookmarks?

No. A Firefox update will not make any changes to your bookmarks, saved passwords or other settings. However, there is a possibility that some of your Add-ons won’t be immediately compatible with new updates. (bold and italics added for emphasis)

So, I found a new tool that actually might even be better. It’s called Aviary.

Here’s a screen shot I took while playing around.

Not only does the tool allow me to take a picture of a section of a screen, but it also gives me the following options:

• Capture the visible portion of the page
• Capture the entire page
• And BEST OF ALL, EDIT the image on the fly!

That’s right, I can now avoid wasting lots of time opening Photoshop or Illustrator and trying to figure out how to make my image “talk” to people.

The above image took me about 3 minutes, and I wouldn’t call myself a “professional graphic artist” by any means.

Here are some of the other Add-On’s I currently can’t use with Firefox 8.0:

The Google Toolbar and Firebug were also Add-ons I was disappointed to not have access to, although the Toolbar has been non-compatible for a few updates. The hope is that these Add-ons will recognize the updates and become compatible shortly, but I’m not holding my breath…

What are your thoughts on the new Firefox Updates?

Too many?

Not enough?

Don’t care?

Nate Moller works with businesses who want to improve their online business. For over six years, he’s worked with thousands of companies who are looking for answers in their online marketing journey. Follow Nate on Twitter and become a fan of Moller Marketing on Facebook!

Management is all about connecting with the people on your team. So how do you effectively manage a team? With common knowledge, of course.

How many of you wish you could paste this statement 1,000+ times on your manager’s door/desk/forehead?

Or maybe you’ve been a manager and wish you would have read this BEFORE you were an A$% to your employees…

Before I share a list of some tips for managers, let me say this: management is not all it’s cracked up to be and here’s why:

• Salary SUCKS, especially if you’re motivated to hit goals and exceed expectations. Sure, all “salaried” positions are different I’m sure; but a salaried job that has no perks or bonuses for exceptional effort? Come on managers…
• More hours, more hours, more hours. In my time as a manager, work was something I often took home with me whether I wanted to or not. Deadlines, roll-outs, new launches, whatever – things had to be done before they were really ready to be shared with the world.
• Most managers are really in “middle management” roles; they most likely don’t have the final say. Tell me about your experience in management – I could be wrong on this one.

Now that I have that off my chest, let’s review 51 of the best tips to help managers be less “SHI@#Y”:

51 No-Brainer Tips to Avoid Sub-Par Management

1. Only promise what you can realistically deliver
2. Set clear goals.
3. Organize a team.
4. Create milestones.
5. Keep communication open.
6. Do it right the first time.
7. Make sure expectations are clear.
8. Don’t make your employees come in on days they’re normally not scheduled to work or call them while they’re on vacation.
9. Don’t play favorites.
10. Give credit when it’s due.
11. Don’t micromanage.
12. Don’t interfere with employees’ work.
13. Don’t push unreasonable deadlines.
14. Keep your promises.
15. Reward hard work.
16. Provide motivation.
17. Be open to constructive criticism.
18. Accept responsibility.
19. Know there’s always room for improvement.
20. Explain things simply.
21. Instruct rather than order.
22. Include your staff in your plans.
23. Know your subordinates’ jobs.
24. Be flexible.
25. Get regular feedback.
26. Get the most out of meetings.
27. Focus your energy on things that matter.
28. Do your least favorite tasks first.
29. Make sure employees are well compensated.
30. Invest in solid technology.
31. Update when necessary.
32. Differentiate your products.
33. Remember that the customer is the boss.
34. Retain customers as much as you recruit new ones.
35. Provide effective channels of communication.
36. Provide effective after-sales services.
37. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know.
38. Don’t fight change.
39. Adopt a predictive managerial style.
40. Identify the positives.
41. Be quick to adapt.
42. Keep an eye on the competition.
43. Stand up for employees.
44. Get the facts first.
45. Lead by example.
46. Make a difference to your employees.
47. Gain your employees’ trust and respect.
48. Be unique as a manager.
49. Remember that ethics matter above all.
50. Be on the lookout for new ideas.
51. Get to know your employees.

There you have it!

Which are your favorites?

Why?

Are there ways you can apply these tips even if you’re NOT in management? (ie. running an online marketing company)

What are ways you can help your current manager apply these principles without being looked down on as a “trouble maker” or “negative energy” to your company?

Nate Moller works with businesses who want to improve their online business. For over five years, he’s worked with thousands of companies who are looking for answers in their online marketing journey. Follow Nate on Twitter and become a fan of Moller Marketing on Facebook!

Instant Google Search for Arizona State Sun ...

Just what you want your little kids seeing when they go to Google and check out the scores too huh??? But even more annoying? The “Instant” SERP image result (of these two girls paying swords with their tongues) is almost 3 years old. (look at the arrow) nice job on this Google.

Trash results

I was not “instantly” serves the scores from last nights game, or even given relevant results, instead I was served trash!  I am with Graywolf, I wish we had Google Understand, instead of Google Instant.  I still don’t know the game of the score because I saw this “Instant” SERP result and got distracted and started writing this rant post.  Again, great job Google.  Great job!

Really? That might be the case for a lot of people, but Frank is the highest producing sales person on the entire sales team, has been with the company for over a decade, and understands sales better then anyone I know. YET, they want to threaten him with his job. It is fairly obvious that these Corporate America big wigs have a personality clash with Frank, after stating things like – “sales numbers don’t matter to us”. WTF? Again, I ask … REALLY? When do sales numbers not matter? When does making money for the company that is supposedly struggling NOT MATTER? Idiots…..

If Frank is doing something that is not liked by the boss, tell him, so he can improve (but they won’t). But then again I guess these guys are not looking to improve his performance and sales, as they already said that was not what they wanted. How stupid do you think people are?

If you don’t like a person – stop dancing around and just tell them to their face and fire them. Are you worried about a lawsuit or do you just not have the balls to man up and fire someone? Fire your top producing sales person, because they rub you the wrong way? You don’t like their attitude? You want them to work longer hours? Again – TOP PRODUCING SALES PERSON. What part of that don’t you get Mr. Corporate America Pig?

The real kicker here:

These idiot bosses tried to tell Frank that they do not want anyone working for them that does not want to work more hours for less pay. WHO WANTS TO WORK MORE HOURS FOR LESS PAY? Way to motivate your employees!

I am glad I do not work for Corporate America, but here is my suggestion for those that are running it in this economy – please don’t try to scare your employees into working harder, that is generally not a tactic that will bring you the type of lasting results you want. If times are rough – bring people in and talk about it. Ask for their help sincerely, and leave out the threats.   You might be surprised how much further that approach will go, rather than coming into the office, demanding your employee’s work more hours for less pay, and not-so-gently reminding them  that “if they don’t like it they can leave.”

Here is your sign Mr. Corporate America!

(Ok my rant is over and I feel better now ) THE TRUTH – I do not think ALL Corporate America bosses are idiots, obviously there are thousands of brilliant people heading the great businesses all over this country – but these particular ones are, and recently there have been a lot of Frank-like stories circulating as a result of the general paranoia hitting a lot of Corporate America.