Better Call I.T.

07/08/2026

Fight the Flame® is now participating in Walmart’s Spark Good Round Up program.

If you shop online at Walmart or through the Walmart app, you can round up your purchase total and donate the change to Fight the Flame. Those few cents can add up and help us continue providing education, support, hope, and research funding for people affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

To select Fight the Flame:
Sign in to your Walmart account.
Click on your name and select “Account.”
Scroll down to “Giving & Impact.”
Search for and select “Fight the Flame.”
After that, Walmart will give you the option to round up at checkout.

I’m so grateful to be part of such a supportive local business community. Thank you for always encouraging Fight the Flame and the work we do.

-Beth

30/07/2026

TEKnowledge Worldwide is celebrating 5 years of impact.

We’ve been to
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore, MD
Charlotte, NC
Nashville, TN
Providence, RI

And now we’re coming back to Philadelphia to celebrate by completing our most ambitious project to date – the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

Our plan is to provide RMH with Access Control, Upgraded Structured cabling, Complete Network overhaul with new Routers, switching and Access points as well as an upgrade to their camera system – at both of their Philadelphia house.

We need your help!
If you’re in IT Join us in Philly for the install! There’s no better networking than being shoulder to shoulder learning from seasoned veterans.
If you’re a manufacturer of tech product and you want to donate? We need you.
If you’re looking for a corporate sponsorship? We’ve got options.

Be impactful change.
Be what TKW has stood for 5 years strong.


Are you in?
teksgiving.org

instagram.com/reel/DbbogIyzCnk?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&…

https://facebook.com/events/s/tekmeet-lake-tillery-nc/3530426810428334/

TEKSGiving 2026 Join 100+ TEKS from across North America October, 23-25th Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia Register Now! Donate Now Press Release Sponsorship Opportunities Book Hotel Annual TEK Upgrade TEKnowledge Worldwide, a collective of like-minded individuals in the technology ind...

28/07/2026

**When Is It Time for Automation?**

Most businesses go through the same progression:

**1. Manual Processes**
👤 A person does everything.

* Copy/paste data
* Send emails manually
* Enter invoices
* Schedule appointments

If it only happens occasionally, that's fine.

⬇️

**2. Mechanization**
🛠️ Use tools that make one person's job faster.

* Dual monitors
* Barcode scanners
* Templates
* E-signatures
* Password managers
* Copilot writing emails

You're still doing the work—just faster.

⬇️

**3. Automation**
⚙️ Systems perform repetitive tasks automatically.

* New website lead → CRM
* Invoice paid → Accounting updated
* Employee hired → Accounts created
* Forms → SharePoint
* Appointment reminders sent automatically

If you find yourself saying, *"I do this every single time,"* it's probably ready for automation.

⬇️

**4. AI Assistance**
🤖 AI helps people make better decisions.

* Summarize meetings
* Draft proposals
* Analyze spreadsheets
* Answer customer questions
* Search company knowledge

AI assists the human.

⬇️

**5. AI Agents**
🚀 AI doesn't just help—it completes multi-step work.

* Reads emails
* Decides what needs action
* Updates systems
* Contacts customers
* Escalates exceptions
* Reports back

The human supervises instead of doing every step.

# # # The rule of thumb:

* **Do it once?** Manual.
* **Do it often?** Mechanize it.
* **Do it every time?** Automate it.
* **Need help thinking?** Use AI.
* **Need work completed with oversight?** Use AI agents.

**Bottom line:** Don't start with AI because it's trendy. Start by identifying repetitive work. Businesses that first simplify and automate their processes get far more value from AI than businesses that try to use AI to fix a messy workflow.

22/07/2026

**💡 BCIT Tuesday Tech Tip: Is Your SharePoint Just File Storage... or Your Company's Brain?**

Most businesses use **SharePoint** to store files, but they miss its biggest strength: an **intranet**.

A well-designed SharePoint intranet can:

* 📚 Preserve tribal knowledge so it doesn't leave when an employee does.
* 🎓 Speed up onboarding with training materials, SOPs, and checklists.
* 📝 Keep policies and documentation in one searchable place.
* 🤝 Improve collaboration across departments.
* 🔍 Help employees find answers without asking the same questions over and over.

If your team relies on "Go ask Susan, she knows," you have a documentation problem—not a people problem.

Turn your SharePoint into a central hub for knowledge, training, and communication. Your future employees (and your future self) will thank you.

15/07/2026

**💡 BCIT Tuesday Tech Tip: Be Careful with Amazon Sponsored Listings**

Shopping on Amazon? Don't automatically buy the first result you see.

Many of the top listings are **Sponsored** ads. While some are perfectly legitimate, they're not always the best match for your device or the product you were actually searching for.

A few examples:

* 💻 Laptop chargers that look identical but have the wrong voltage or connector.
* 🖨️ Ink cartridges that claim to fit your printer but can trigger errors, produce poor-quality prints, or even cause printer issues. Some manufacturers may also deny warranty claims if damage is linked to incompatible supplies.
* 🔋 Batteries, cables, and power adapters from unknown brands that may not meet safety standards.
* 📱 Accessories that fit "most" devices—but not yours.

Before clicking **Buy Now**:
✅ Check the exact model number.
✅ Make sure the compatibility list includes your device.
✅ Read recent reviews—not just the star rating.
✅ Verify who the seller is.
✅ Compare with the manufacturer's official product if you're unsure.

A few extra minutes of research can save you from buying the wrong item—or damaging an expensive device.

Call now to connect with business.

08/07/2026

From Beth Feir Stillitano at Fight the Flame

Hi friends.

Fight the Flame® is looking for local business sponsors for our 2026 Fight the Flame 5K & 1K Family Roll & Stroll, taking place on September 27 in Charlotte.

This event brings together people living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, families, caregivers, runners, walkers, volunteers, and community supporters for a morning of awareness, connection, and hope.

If your business is looking for a meaningful way to give back locally, we would love to partner with you. Sponsorship helps us raise awareness for CRPS, support patients and families, fund education and research, and continue building a stronger community around those affected by this painful and often misunderstood condition.

There are several sponsorship levels available, and we would be so grateful for your consideration.

Learn more at: FightTheFlame5k.org

Thank you for supporting local nonprofits and the people they serve.