Category: Tech Tips

Do You Know That Delivery Robot?

Posted on November 16, 2020 by - Tech Tips

Do You Know That Delivery Robot?

Dax the delivery robot has been making deliveries around Philomath. If you live around Philomath you might have seen him making his way down main street on a delivery, or coming out of La Rockita with a burrito for a local customer.

Most people seem to think that Dax is connected to or owned by Alyrica. This might be because Dax is so friendly that people instantly connect him with friendlier internet, but more probably it’s because Alyrica shares a parking lot with Nova Dynamics, the R&D company that makes Dax, so Dax is always coming in and out of Alyrica’s parking lot. Local business owners who haven’t worked with Dax yet even give Alyrica CSR’s messages for Dax, and this has led to some pretty convoluted paths for messages finally finding their way to their final destination.

Dax seems partial to Alyrica, but a more direct way to contact Nova Dynamics about Dax is through Dax the Delivery Robot’s Website, which has all of Daxbot’s contact info on it, including a telephone number that’s picked up by real people (yay people!!).

Several businesses in Philomath are working directly with Dax, including La Rockita and Eats and Treats. You can call them to order food and get it delivered within Philomath city limits. You could even order a surprise delivery to some of Alyrica’s hard working CSRs, although at this time they’re mainly working from home. Maybe just use the service to get some burritos delivered to your door or something.

Finding Facts Online (Spoiler Alert: Not everything you read online is fact!)

Posted on May 22, 2020 by - Tech Tips

Finding Facts Online (Spoiler Alert: Not everything you read online is fact!)

The conversation with my grandma

“Jason, did you read this?!?!!”

There I was, at church, when my grandma hands me a stack of papers she had printed off about a subject she was passionate about. I’ll be honest, this was several years ago now and I don’t even remember the subject we were talking about; but at the time it was a big deal to her!

As I looked through the stack of papers, reading some of the content, there were several things that didn’t sit well with me.

After a little while I looked up and asked my grandma, “Where did you get this?”

“I got it online!”, she replied.

“I see you got it online grandma, but where? What source did this come from?”

It was then we had a good conversation about the reality of the internet; not everything you read online is factual.

This was several years ago and I think most people are now aware that we need to check the source of where the content came from. Even then, it is easy to find positions that agree with our bias to things, especially if they are controversial. Since I’m not one known for being controversial, I’ll leave that one alone!

What to look for when you are finding facts online

“Jason, did you read this?!?!!”Here is a great video on how to fact check news online:

A great to remember how to validate stories online:

  • Always evaluate the author and source.
  • Be skeptical.
  • Check sources for accuracy.
  • Don’t forward until you fact-check

Teaching from the Trenches

When it comes to fact checking a story it is a little more straightforward; but what about when it is personal experiences and lessons learned?

I was challenged a few years back on this subject when asked what relevant experience a person had in relationship to what they were communicating. A great example was someone who ‘knew’ about running a business vs someone who actually was running a business. One might have the theory and head-knowledge, but the person who is actually running that business is the one that has the credibility.

This isn’t a knock on education at all, quite the opposite.

I heard John Maxwell say once when he was asked about the hurdles that young leaders have to overcome say, in essence, that the hard part in being a young leader is that you ‘know’ more than you have experienced.

That isn’t a bad thing, in fact it is a great thing, because when you ‘know’ something and then experience it, the lesson is ingrained. When you experience something without the knowledge of what you are going through, you learn the lesson the hard way (and the hard way is not my favorite way personally).

These experiences that people learn and pass on to others is true in tangible things (don’t put gasoline in a diesel engine for example) but they apply to soft skills as well.

As I am on the sales and marketing side of Alyrica there are soft skills that I have learned and teach our team about working with people, conflict resolution, leadership and management.

There is plenty to talk about on those subjects, but I’m going to leave that alone for now.

What are you able to pass on to other people from your experiences?

I challenged folks at our webinar a couple weeks ago to take a look at who they are mentoring and in what areas that can mentor.

The things that you think are mundane because you do them everyday are the things that someone else is trying to learn. I challenge people to pass that along to someone else somehow, some way. That is what we want to explore in our webinar coming up. The past 2 webinars have been incredible and we hope you join us this week!

Leading the Way

Topics we will be covering:

  • Becoming an Expert in your Field
  • Thinking Globally, Not Just Locally
  • Staying Ahead of the Change Curve

May 28 @ 1PM PST.
Questions?

Feel free to reach out to me via email: jason.richards@alyrica.net

Prepare for Re-Entry: Getting Back to Life After COVID-19

Posted on May 5, 2020 by - Tech Tips

Prepare for Re-Entry: Getting Back to Life After COVID-19

Oregon is going to start opening up again.

Friday last week, Governor Brown outlined the testing strategy being implemented to allow a phased re-opening of the state. From earlier statements, it sounds like with these guidelines in place, the reopening plans will be outlined this week.

I don’t think anyone can predict this ‘correctly’, but I do think people are doing the best they can with what they have in front of them; from the business owner, to the teacher, to the city official, to the parents out there.

Here is a good visual a friend shared with me, and I think it does a good job of explaining the spectrum of the issue depending on how the pandemic proceeds. This is a complex, changing situation and it is hard to pin down where it lands!

Chicken Little Matrix

Life won’t be the same after this

This is just the reality of the situation; the world changed after 9/11. The world changed after the financial meltdown of 2008. The world has changed through COVID-19.

Things won’t go back to how they ‘used to be’, that’s not how the world works. History shows this time and time again.

The only constant in life is change.

Heraclitus

Stop looking back; start looking ahead!

When I talk about life not being the same; I don’t mean that in a negative sense at all. While there will be many trade-offs, I think there are also many positive things that will come of this!

Personally, I am glad that we don’t travel across the country in a covered wagon (shout out to the Oregon Trail though!); we can travel via car, airplane, etc. I don’t know what incredible inventions, creations, technology is going to come from this time, but I can’t wait to see and be a part of it!

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…

Paul the Apostle

What is life going to look like for YOU moving forward?

We are all headed into an unknown; what is this going to look like in a week or month or year from now? No one knows that answer to that question; so let’s change the question.

What do YOU want life to look like in a week or month or year from now?

Change isn’t comfortable, but what changes are you needing to make now to set you on a path for the future that you want?

  • What are your growth goals?
  • What training would you like to attend (virtually, in person)?
  • What training could you teach to others?
  • What new skills would you like to acquire?

Who is in your ‘inner circle’, helping you, pushing you, cheering you on to get better?

I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I need help following through on my goals.

It’s probably just human nature; it’s a lot easier to go to the gym when you know you have a friend waiting there for you. It’s a lot easier to change your diet when you have people who are doing it with you.

This season of life we need help changing and pushing forward as well.

Who to look for in an ‘inner circle’

When I refer to the ‘inner circle’ I am talking about people that are in your corner and have your back. They care about you doing the very best you can in life. I like to break it down into 4 categories; Mentors, Coaches, Teammates and Cheerleaders.

Mentors

These are the people who have gone ahead and have some wisdom and insight into an area that you want to grow in. I have had mentors that have helped in all areas of my life; my professional life, business life, family life (raising kids is tough, it’s good to get advice from people who have done that well!)

An example of a mentor of mine (who passed away a few years ago) was Alan. Alan was an incredible business leader, husband and father. I would take him to lunch and pick his brain about how he raised his kids. These lunch meetings were before we even had kids, and the lessons he taught me in those lunch meetings have stuck with me. I am so grateful for Alan and I draw from those lessons every day.

Coaches

Many people think that a mentor and a coach are the same thing. At times, they can be the same person, but they have different functions. A mentor pours wisdom in someone, a coach draws the best out of a person.

I played sports growing up and have had some great coaches. Some of my best coaches were the ones that made me mad. They saw potential and greatness in me that I didn’t see and wanted to help draw that out of me. I’m forever appreciative of the coaches I’ve had in my life.

Teammates

These are the ‘brothers-in-arms’ of those that are on the same path, working on the same goals, together. This is the friend who is going to the gym with you in the morning; pushing you to get better and to grow!

Cheerleaders

These are the people that aren’t on the same journey you are, they are not mentors or coaches. These people love you and want to see you win. We all have these people in our lives and it is nice to know they are there cheering us on toward our goals!

Where do I find these people to put in my ‘inner circle’?

I would start with making a list of people that you admire. Who you would like to emulate in one area of life or another? Put them on a list of potential mentors or coaches. The next list would be of people that you are on your team or you want them to be on your team who will help encourage and/or go on a growth journey with you.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There are so many more things to touch on here, but hopefully this is a good place to start!

Alyrica is putting on a webinar series for people that are looking to grow through this challenge.

It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner figuring out how to adapt your business to stay relevant and profitable through these changes, or you are a stay at home mom now turned full-time teacher.

Adapting, growing, changing is required for everyone these days; so I encourage you to be intentional about it!

I encourage you to share this with friends, co-workers, teammates that you know are desiring to be more intentional in changing and growing.

Join us; together we can create the community that encourages and inspires one another to become who we desire to become!

UPDATE 5/8/2020: Governor Brown Released the Reopening Framework

Here is a well put together sector by sector breakdown, courtesy of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. Also see another post related to this topic, Adapt: From the Old Routine to a New Frontier.

Alyrica Working Remotely – What we’ve learned about being a virtual team during the first 72 hours

Posted on March 26, 2020 by - Tech Tips

Alyrica Working Remotely – What we’ve learned about being a virtual team during the first 72 hours

Being an Internet/IT company, many people think that becoming a completely virtual team would be easy! Right?!

Nope…

Technology is our friend

From a technology standpoint, most of us at the office are very comfortable with technology; especially the technology that we have to use everyday at the office. Adjusting to new technology (like constant web meetings) hasn’t been that hard either for most of us, but it is an adjustment.

Isolation is not

We are a local, family owned company. As such we are a tight knit team and I personally love coming to work to see everyone. That is true not only for our team, but also for our customers as well!

The biggest piece of adapting for us has to do with not being able to jump up and head over to the cubicle of a co-worker to just bounce something off of them, or ask if they watched the game last night? (Hint: There are no games right now. Nowhere. Not a question that can be asked right now. Can you tell I’m having some sport competition withdrawal? Alright, done with this side conversation now…)

This goes for being able to stop into businesses that have our service to; most office environments have had to move completely remote as well. I’ve had plenty of conversations with people from doctor’s clinics, to concrete mix companies where I am talking with them on the phone and can hear a kiddo or a dog in the background. (I think it’s kinda cool actually!)

I miss the personal interactions that we have grown accustom to. I had to check and see if I was the only one or not.

Feedback from the team on 1) the challenges and 2) the things they enjoy about working remotely

The Customer Service Team

When you call the office, you will talk to our Customer Service (CSR) Team. These are the folks that can answer questions, help you fix your router, and help order pizza if you need (long story; thanks Matt!)

Customer Support Team

Viggo – CSR Manager

“I miss more face to face interactions. It’s also a bit challenging with kids at the house, but that’s not unexpected.”

Robert – Tier 2 CSR

“1. I miss getting up and bothering my co-workers while they’re trying to work.
2. I really appreciate the peace and quiet, I feel that I’ve been far more productive working from home.”

Matt – Tier 1 CSR

“Can I second what Robby said?”

Stephen – Tier 1 CSR

“1. Being able to ask questions directly and get answers without having to call people back multiple times. 2. Not wearing pants.”

Morgan – Tier 2 CSR

“1. The biggest challenge has got to be the communication change. It was always easy to just stand up and walk around to whomever I had a question for, see if they were busy and ask my question. 2. So far probably the biggest thing I appreciate, I get to work with my cat on my lap, that and my own personal restroom is only 5ft from my desk 🙂.”

Nathan – Tier 1 CSR

“1: Coffee walks and seeing all my lovely co workers.
2: I have a lot of friends back home in GA working in restaurants and they all have been laid off with no income. So I’m SUPER grateful to being working for a company that offers remote work!!”

Other answers from around Alyrica

Sam – Chief Technology Officer

“1. Coffee Walks. 2. Walking the dog on breaks.”

Patty – Office Administrator

“I miss seeing my Co-workers. I really like seeing my husband and parents more. I feel like I am not as in touch with all that is going on.”

Will – Network Administrator

“1. quick and easy access to inventory and server room. 2. free and plentiful coffee

Shane – Inside Sales Representative

“I miss a solid handshake or massive fist bump after a face to face conversation with a co-worker or supervisor.”

Kevin – CEO

“1. Lack of easy visibility on progress/ roadblocks 2. Hanging out with kids”

Brooks – Project Coordinator

“1: I miss the personal connection between co-workers and being able to bounce ideas or glean information by getting up and walking to someones desk.
2: Enjoying the ability to incorporate small, few minute exercises periodically throughout my day.”

Josh – Chief Financial Officer

“1 – impromptu conversations and idea sharing 2- better able to work on projects requiring stretches of high focus.”

Daniel – Software Development

“1) Personally, I miss face-to-face interaction with co-workers. It strengthens relationships on the friendship level and allows interaction with co-workers that I don’t have official business with. I miss that. I also miss hearing the general office chatter which allows me to keep up on what others are dealing with and step in to help when I feel I have something to offer.

2) I certainly appreciate the lack of commute and reclaiming 1 hour of my day. With my line of work being development, working away from the office usually reduces the amount of distractions and allows me to focus better on my projects.”

Press into the uncomfortable, working remotely is everyone’s new reality

Those that know me well know that I don’t mind pushing people to challenge themselves, their thinking, to grow, adapt and change. I have been encouraging people around Alyrica (and all over the place in small business) to embrace the change. Sure it’s uncomfortable (my kiddo is playing Lego very loudly right behind me while I type this).

Things I’ve learned when I worked from home exclusively for 3 years

Things I’ve learned when I worked from home exclusively for 3 years

Before I came to work for Alyrica I worked for a software company which was done completely remotely. Some of my first ‘offices’ were less than ideal! My first desk was in my bedroom with 12 inches to spare between my desk and my bed. I had to sit in my chair and spin into my desk; I wasn’t able to back up!

It was at this same 2 bedroom apartment in Seattle that I had a conference call with the head of a large federal government agency. Since my bedroom wouldn’t work for a backdrop I had to find the only blank white wall in the apartment which happened to be in the hallway.

Yep, if you look closely… those are slippers I’m wearing during my very important video conference call.

Jason’s thoughts on working remotely

1. Be okay with interruptions: I have kids and had kids when I worked from home for those 3 years. Yes, they will make noise and interrupt you. Co-workers make noise and interrupt you too… the interruptions are just different!

2. Work when you’re going to work: Disclaimer: I’m not very good at this; I like to work and find myself drawn to my desk more than I need to probably.

3. Have grace on each other: If you share an office with a spouse or child or roommate; patience is a virtue especially now! Since everyone is working remotely, customers understand if there is a dog or kid in the background. Don’t take it so seriously.

Working remotely isn’t as scary as we may initially think

This is true for business owners, managers and workers alike. If you have never done remote work it is an adjustment. BUT it isn’t that scary is it?

I’ve personally relaxed into it quite a bit. The last 10 days brought some much change that no one knew what was going to happen next. Now that we are all working remotely and we know the schools are closed until April 28th at least; we can start to relax (and even enjoy it a little?)

Local, family owned company; that’s Alyrica!