Webjugate

STEP 1 - Stripping
Start by pulling out about 12 feet of bulk network cable to making the process a little easier. Carefully remove the outer jacket of the cable exposing about 1 1/4″ of the twisted pairs. Be careful when stripping the jacket as to not nick or cut the internal wiring. After removing the outer case you will notice 8 wires twisted in pairs and a rip cord (white thread).

STEP 2 - Inspecting
Inspect the newly revealed wires for any cuts or scrapes that expose the copper wire inside. If you have breached the protective sheath of any wire you will need to cut the entire segment of wires off and start over at step one. Exposed copper wire will lead to cross-talk, poor performance or no connectivity at all. It is important that the jacket for all network cables remains intact.

STEP 3 - Preparation
To prepare the wires and to make them easier to work with, you can untwist the pairs so they will lay flat between your fingers. The white piece of thread can be cut off even with the jacket and disposed.

STEP 4 - Layout
Now based on the wiring specifications you are following you will need arrange the wires in a certain pattern. There are two methods set by the TIA, 568A and 568B. 568B is the most common network cables, widely used for computer networks and digital phone systems. So for our demonstration we will use that. Starting from the left-top side of the RJ-45 plug, the wiring should be in the order shown at the right.

STEP 5 - Jack Preparation
Again, press all the wires flat between your thumb and forefinger as shown in step three. Verify the colors have remained in the correct order. Using a pair of scissors, cut the top of the wires even with one another so that they are 1/2″ long from the base of the jacket. Ensure that the cut leaves the wires even and clean; failure to do so may cause the wire not to make contact inside the jack.

STEP 6 - Wire Insertion
Ensuring that the wires remain flat and in order, push them into the RJ-45 plug with the flat surface of the plug on top. The white / orange wire should be on the left looking down at the jack. You can tell if all the wires made it into the jack and maintain their positions by looking head-on at the plug. You should be able to see a wire located in each hole, as seen at the bottom right. You may have to use a little effort to push the pairs firmly into the plug. The cabling jacket should also enter the rear of the jack about 3/16″ to help secure the cable once the plug is crimped.

STEP 7 - Crimping
Now place the wired plug into the crimping tool. Give the handle a firm squeeze, you should hear a ratcheting noise as you continue. Once you have completed the crimp, the handle will reset to the open position.

STEP 8 - Testing
Once your new cable is completed, it is not a bad idea to test the cable to ensure that it will function in the field. It is vital that all eight wires have connectivity and are in the correct order. Mis-wired network cables could lead to headaches down the road. In addition, with power-over-ethernet making its way into the market place, crossed wire pairs could lead to physical damage of computers or phone system equipment; making it even more crucial that the pairs are in the correct order. A simple cable tester can quickly verify that information for you.

You can find these instructions with pictures Here

Comtrad Cable

Professional business cards are a must if you want to network at social events, trade shows or business meetings. You know about handing someone your card and saying, “Call me,” but is that all there is to it? No. There are some proven ways to make the most of your business card networking, including:

1. Always carry more professional business cards than you think you need. Many opportunities have been lost because someone forgot to bring along just one extra business card.

2. Attach professional business cards to any written correspondence between you and a current or prospective client. Having a business card handy will increase the odds they’ll think of you when thinking of the service you offer.

3. Make sure you have the best quality business cards you can possibly afford. Your business card will speak for you in your absence, and having great quality business cards ensures you always make a good impressioneven when you’re not there.

4. Hand out more than one card at a time. Often the person you’ve met might lose the card afterwards. Or better still, they may know someone else that might use your services, and having an extra card ensures they can pass one along and still have one for them.

5. Make your cards unique. They should not only provide relevant information, but they should catch the eye immediately and be stylish without going overboard.

By following these simple tips, you can help make the most of any business opportunity. Happy networking!

Jonathan Bowalsky handles news and information for Jontal Printing. For more information on business cards or custom postcards, visit http://www.jontalprinting.com.

Networking does not just mean attending business breakfast
meetings and handing out business cards, although those
meetings are effective too.

Networking is a powerful way of marketing your business because
it’s based on building relationships with people. When people
know, like and trust you, they’ll be more likely to use your
products and services. Plus they’ll happily refer their friends
and relatives to you (of course it helps if you offer high
quality service).

This word of mouth aspect of networking makes it very
cost-effective as a marketing strategy.

So how can you become a natural networker?
Here are a few suggestions.

a)Attend as many social events as you can.
They don’t have to be strictly business events either.
Even your child’s Parent Teachers Association meeting is
an event that you can use to your advantage (be creative
but not obnoxious).

b)Have a definite aim for attending each one. Your aim
could be to meet 3 new people and exchange details, or
it could just be to make some new friends. Either way,
don’t just go there aimlessly. Go with a purpose, and
spend your time there achieving that purpose.

c)Be genuinely interested in other people and their
businesses or occupations. People love talking about
themselves, so get at least 3 people to tell you about
themselves.

In most instances, this approach makes the other person
ask *you* to then tell him about yourself (what you’ve
been itching to do all evening!). Since they’ve talked
about themselves, they’ll be more receptive to what
you have to say.

d)Ask people how you can help them promote their business or
otherwise make their life better. Even if you can’t help
them directly, you may know someone who can.
If you’re talking to a business owner, ask them to tell
you exactly the sort of customer/client they’re looking
for. Let them know you’ll be looking out for clients for
them.

Again, this usually triggers a reciprocal offer.

e)Ask for their contact details. Get business cards from
business owners, and promise to keep in touch (which
promise you’d better keep or you’ll look bad:))
Offer your card/details also.

f)When talking about your business, don’t talk much
about yourself. Talk more about the benefits of your
products/services to others. That tends to get people
interested in what you’re saying, as they’ll be
thinking of anyone they know who might benefit from
your offer.

The trick about being comfortable in a social (read
‘networking’) event is to be genuinely interested in the other
person. Ask them about themselves. Focus on others and how you
can help them.

That way you’re not self-conscious, but you come across as
comfortable, confident and caring. People will want to know
more about you and do business with you, all because you
showed interest in them first.

Next time you’re in a social gathering, try the above tips and
see how easy it is to become a natural networker.

Dr Kem Thompson is a Success Coach, Speaker, Author.
She can help you achieve better results at work, business,
play, spiritual or in your social life.

For resources you can use today to create a better life,
sign up for her FREE ezine (and get a thank-you gift)-
‘Days of Success’ by submitting the form at http://www.successeminars.com/