My Favorite Web sites

I spend plenty of time online.

My entire professional career has been spent working with Web sites, Web site technologies, and e-mail communications. I've seen the good, the bad, the ugly when it comes to product launches, project teams, and cross-functional teamwork.

I wanted to take a step back and write about my favorite 3 Web sites (non-work related).

(Hopefully, you can visit these sites and find some enjoyment as well.)

1. MSN Money: I am quickly turning into a Personal Finance junkie. Much of my personal reading these days is dedicated to the area of Personal Finance, investing, and money management. Being a communications major, this is way out of my comfort zone (trust me..)

The site has insightful content on banking, investing, taxes, and money management. My favorite: the detailed profiles that accompany each stock (fundamentals, analyst ratings, SEC Filings, and stock screeners. There's basically anything and everything you'd need to make an informed investment decision.

2. News.com: It is literally impossible to keep up with the ever-changing technology space. CNET's News.com has been coming close to mastering this quest for a number of years. I think I remember visiting this site back in 1999. (Wow, how time flies...)

The site has it all covered: Media 2.0, Blogs, Gadget Reviews, and CNET TV. My favorite: The Gadget reviews. These reviews are a must-read before any large or small technology purchase. My recent laptop purchase was heavily endorsed by the staff at News.com; this was a BIG factor in my purchase decision.

3. Golf512.com: I love golf. If only I had more time to play...

Golf512.com is a local online tee time reservation service for the Central Texas market.

You really have to watch your wallet with the game of golf. If you are not careful, you can easily throw down $100/round.

Golf 512.com provides discounted rounds from all areas around Central Texas. Never again do you have to wait until morning to make that tee time. Log on and its done. My favorite course at the moment: Forest Creek Golf Club in Round Rock, Texas.

I'd love to hear from you about your personal favorite Web site.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Learn to be well-liked: Read the Likeability Factor

Everyone on the planet has read Carnegie's, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" -- haven't they? Seriously though...If you haven't read that classic, pick it up tomorrow.

For a nice change of pace, however, pick up Tim Sanders', "The Likeability Factor".

The Likeability Factor touches on this one simple fact: The more you are liked—or the higher your likeability factor—the happier your life will be. Sanders touches on enhancing 4 critical areas of your personality:

1. Friendliness: Are you really giving off an aura that says, "I am friendly"? Or are you subconsciously pushing people away by your actions?


2. Relevance: It is one thing to have someone tell you they like your shirt (yes, this is friendly). How about being extremely relevant towards other by tapping into their wants and needs on a personal or professional level? Think: How can I help this person pursue their dreams?


3. Empathy: Can you recognize someone else's feelings? Instead of saying, "I know how you feel, I've been there." Go the next level by being there on a consistent basis when that person needs a listener and helper.


4. Realness: We all know a 'fake' when we see one. Be authentic in thought, word, and deed. The smallest things can have the biggest impact. Keep your appointments, promises, and committments. If you do, you will stand out from the crowd.

There's nothing truly revolutionary in this book, but I found it a sterling reminder and a good read for anyone who is interested in becoming more likeable.

Enjoy.

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner