Business Connections by Adams

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BUSINESS connections
App-titude
for Workplace
Efficiency
Apps can help your small business save time and money, enhance
productivity, streamline communication, improve security, and more.
If you’re not already using the popular apps below, you may want to
download them:
LastPass ( )
Trying to remember passwords for various sites online is now a snap. LastPass is a
secure password manager that allows you to enter passwords into the site. Then,
when you log on to a site like Amazon, LastPass automatically enters the right
information.
Google Drive ( )
Google Drive is a cloud solution that allows you to create and store documents,
then access them from any Internet-enabled device. You can develop and share
text, spreadsheet, image, audio, and presentation files.
Hootsuite )
This social media dashboard helps you manage several social media accounts,
and set up relevant streams within those accounts. Social media sites include
Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Foursquare, and more.
TripIt )
Business travelers will appreciate TripIt, which enables you to create a comprehensive
itinerary that includes all the flight, hotel, and car rental information for one trip.
The app also provides weather updates, maps, and directions to make travel easier.
Square )
Small businesses can now accept credit cards without setting up a traditional account.
For a small fee per transaction, Square allows you to process payments with a card
reader that attaches to your smartphone or tablet.
OpenTable )
This handy app helps you find restaurants, and make reservations at them all within
the same interface. Restaurant categories, such as “new,” “best,” and “available tonight”
help you narrow down the choices.
Yammer )
Created by Microsoft, this app is like a social network for business. You can
communicate via instant messaging within groups, post updates about what
projects you’re working on, or share and collaborate on files.
Employee Profile
Mike Ridder
Chief Operating Officer
Mike Ridder started with Adams
in 2002 as Director of Internet
Operations and later became Director
of Competitive Services. Ridder was
promoted to Chief Operating Officer
in April 2016. Prior to joining Adams,
he spent four years in the Air Force
and also held positions in IT, computer
sales and service, and project
management.
“As COO of Adams, I’m responsible
for daily operations. I oversee about
75 employees in sales, marketing,
support, customer service, network
operations, installation, and construction.
A typical day for me is spent in lots
of meetings, analyzing and coordinating
activities,” Ridder says.
What does Ridder enjoy most about
his job? He replies, “Everything! I love
it so much, it doesn’t even seem like
a job. I like making a difference in
people’s lives—employees, customers,
and community residents.”
Ridder has two older sons and recently
became engaged. He’s completed
three Ironman Triathlon competitions,
and this July he’ll participate in
RAGBRAI—the Register’s Annual
Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.
Notes Ridder, “I like to set big goals
for myself.”