After a few frustrating show I was flying back to my old home of San Diego reading the ever so popular Sky Mall. Side note: Does anyone really ever buy anything from Sky Mall? Anyway, I was flipping through the electronics section only to find a new device from NComputing. It claimed you could turn 1 computer into 30 unique terminals just by adding their boxes and all the the necessary peripherals to include mouse, keyboard, monitor and speakers.

This sounded too good to be true. While the advertisement was targeted at educational institution and parents to reduce the cost of computers I instantly saw that I could reduce the cost on internet, computers, labor and weight of load in. I mean if this really does work I could save $5-7k per show.

So buying the product was a cheap gamble and a few days later my shipment from Sky Mall arrived. Yes, in answer to my own question I bought something from Sky Mall. I was amazed by the small size of the terminal box. It fits behind a monitor when the monitor is mounted to a wall. I quickly loaded the software to my most powerful computer and hooked up my first terminal station.

To my amazement it worked incredible. On hindsight the only thing I would have done different is I would have not got 22″ monitors. The resolution provided by the terminals is mediocre and I would recommend 20″ monitors or less.

So this is now our third show running just one computer, powering 8 stations and paying for only one internet connection. If you have a use for multiple computers such as a trade show or maybe even an internet cafe this is a great way to do it if you have to pay per internet hookup. I will never do a trade show or expo again without this system.

If this helped yoiu save some money leave me a comment below.

The room filled fast and we had to bring in extra chairs. At 8 am sharp David welcomed the crowd of 100+ and we were off. I had only 15 minutes to explain the Money Merge Account System so I opted to use the 15 minute video created by United First Financial. Just as I was starting, we found out the video was not going to work. So without any visuals at all I jumped in and proceeded to give a detailed presentation. I was very humbled to be complimented by Greg on how well I was able to recover and land a stand up presentation. We wrapped up the event a little late being it was the first one.

After having lunch we packed the rental car and Steve, Michael from Arch and I were on our way to Portland. It was only a 3 hour drive but I was unable to make the whole trip so I interrupted and asked to stop at the next location. We were in the middle of no-mans land. We finally saw a freeway exit that advertised the Fireside Cafe and a Campground. We assumed it would be right off the exit. Boy were we wrong. A mile down a small two lane service road we pulled into the campground and the Fireside Cafe. As we approached the door we noticed a sign that read no public bathrooms. GREAT. We entered anyway. It was a quaint little place with only a few tables and seating for no more than 20. The workers were nice and welcoming and allowed us to use their facilities so in return we sat and had a drink before we continued on.

Arriving in Portland it was raining as usual. I was unable to get a room at the Portland Sheraton where we were presenting the next day so I had to go with the Ramada down the road. Thursday comes and we are back at it. This time we are a little better prepared. We start on time, the movie worked and we were able to end just about on time. We had a crowd of just under 100 and everyone was happy they attended.

The next Thrive Seminars event is in Dallas on May 20th and Houston on May 21st. We hope to see you there.