I've been in some interesting discussions lately about Twitter and social media. I believe Twitter has grown because it's easy to manage for Adults - send it quickly from your phone or use it promote your blog, meet more people regionally or just vent. This blog post from the NY Times supports some of my theory.
I'm fond of Twitter because it completes a social media plan. Facebook can help you develop your medium level circle of contacts while tools like LinkedIn help you create a mini social network that is business related. Twitter can drive traffic to your site daily with fresh tips and bits about you and your services or products in between your rants about Sunday football. I think YouTube is an excellent way create your own broadcast about you and your products and introduce yourself in a more personal manner. Why not create your own weekly interview with experts on your staff?
My point is have a complete plan - all your eggs in one basket is not a good idea when it comes to social media.
Connie
Here's the NY Tims blog post:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/why-adults-have-fueled-twitters-growth/
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Evaluate your website
Evaluate your website – The five big don’ts!
As 2009 comes to a close take some time to evaluate your web site. Is your site helping your business to grow? Are you participating in any social media that will help increase your web traffic? Are you avoiding the basic web no-no’s? Did you start with a business development plan in mind when you started your site? (Goals)
Website No-No’s
1. Music or sounds that automatically load when someone visits your site. Sound should be used very sparingly on a web site. Misuse of this is sure to drive people away.
2. Make certain all browsers can view your site. Internet Explorer is not the only browser used on the web 80% of Mac users do not use Internet Explorer. If you are trying to draw a demographic of 24-38yrs this is important. View your site in all browsers and review how it downloads and error messages. Download these other browsers and take a look at your site. (Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome)
3. Automatic pop up ads – just don’t do it. No one likes it – this is a huge turn off.
4. Unclear navigation. I was on a site the other day for a company that promotes family events and it made me dizzy trying to figure out what was a web link and when I did click something it was not what I wanted. Keep it simple! The fewer places I have to click the better.
5. Blogs that have not been updated for five months – if you cannot post something once a month then don’t have a blog – use an e-newletter that is quarterly instead.
The process of website design however, is the actual designing of the website including the layout, the look and feel as well as how that website needs to interact with the site's visitors. By planning out your website development first, you will make the website design an easier process to perform because you will be able to leave room for those potential add-ons later on in the life of the website.
This is the perfect time of year to evaluate your site and make a new plan for improvement for 2010. If you would like a free 30 minute site consultation email me today connie@iconnie.com I can help you with the development strategy.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Are we more isolated socially due to technology?
The Pew Foundation released an interesting study this week on social isolation and technology. I think there is a general belief that due to technology we are more isolated - in a hurry and not making connections. The study has interesting findings:
This the link to the study if you would like to download it:
http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Tech_and_Social_Isolation.pdf
- Americans are not as isolated as has been previously reported. We find that the extent of social isolation has hardly changed since 1985, contrary to concerns that the prevalence of severe isolation has tripled since then. Only 6% of the adult population has no one with whom they can discuss important matters or who they consider to be “especially significant” in their life.
- Social media activities are associated with several beneficial social activities, including having discussion networks that are more likely to contain people from different backgrounds. For instance, frequent internet users, and those who maintain a blog are much more likely to confide in someone who is of another race. Those who share photos online are more likely to report that they discuss important matters with someone who is a member of another political party.
- Internet use does not pull people away from public places. Rather, it is associated with engagement in places such as parks, cafes, and restaurants, the kinds of locales where research shows that people are likely to encounter a wider array of people and diverse points of view. Indeed, internet access has become a common component of people’s experiences within many public spaces. For instance, of those Americans who have been in a library within the past month, 38% logged on to the internet while they were there, 18% have done so in a café or coffee shop.
This the link to the study if you would like to download it:
http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Tech_and_Social_Isolation.pdf
Friday, October 16, 2009
The coming boom for boomers
I love studying generational trends and shifts. And I have been increasingly interested in the growth of entrepreneurship. Economic struggle can create opportunity and new markets can emerge. The question for most people is how you will manage the change? Thriving? Or Surviving? The thriving requires a shift in thinking, focus and willingness to reinvent yourself.
If you don’t enjoy reading studies like I do let me summarize this report by Dane Strangler on the generational shift in entrepreneurship:
•Growth is not just about the swift and the young and in fact the young have not taken full advantage of creating pursuits as entrepreneurs. Not every 23 year old is out creating Facebook.
•The Baby Boomer generation is about to create the largest growth as single entrepreneurs in 60 years.
•This growth wave is at the beginning.
•This is an amazing time to take stock in what you might pursue if you are a baby boomer and you should take advantage of what technology has to offer you to create and launch something new.
For those of you that do love to read report here is the link to the report
http://www.kauffman.org/uploadedFiles/the-coming-entrepreneurial-boom.pdf
I’m looking forward to what will be created next.
Connie
Saturday, September 26, 2009
No cost marketing tips
During this recession when cash flow is tight most small businesses tend to stop doing any kind of marketing or sales to save money for daily essentials of operation(payroll and supplies come first).
But there are things you can do that are no cost or low cost they just take strategy and intentional action.
1.Decide on what you need most right now -retention of clients or acquisition of new clients or maybe both. For some businesses they have a steady group of clients but those clients might be spending less right now. If acquisition of new clients is essential for you right now then you might be up for a word of mouth campaign and use of some social media to introduce your business to new networks of potential clients.
2.Retention and referral campaigns. Instead of costly print ads consider coming up with program to reward current clients. If someone new signs up for your service through a referral give the person that referred a discount on their next bill. Everyone appreciates reward!
3.Are you trying to break into some new networks of people? Don’t forget the degrees of connection we have with other people. If you are using LinkedIn (and you should be) you can see how with a small list of connections you can meet and introduce more people to your business and services. This networking must be intentional – checkout this word of mouth worksheet. It will get your brain thinking about how you can move into new networks without spending any money. And don’t forget that true networking is about giving – so make certain you are promoting other people.
4.Use free social media sites to let people know who you are and what you do. Then develop a campaign to do it – this is all about constancy. Twitter has just been valued at 1 billion dollars they must be doing something right. If you need help with a Twitter campaign or social media campaign. I give free 1 hour consultations on how use social media to help you marketing. Email me and set-up a time to talk. It’s free! connie@iconnie.com
5.Share your expertise! Send out what you know – share with the collective community. Be seen as a resource. Light under a rock can go nowhere. I meet small business owners all the time that have amazing stories and expertise that they are sharing with no one – that is not a growth strategy.
Spend an hour this week planning to be more intentional with your marketing – during this recession there are actually businesses that are growing. If you don’t know any do some research what you learn will surprise you.
But there are things you can do that are no cost or low cost they just take strategy and intentional action.
1.Decide on what you need most right now -retention of clients or acquisition of new clients or maybe both. For some businesses they have a steady group of clients but those clients might be spending less right now. If acquisition of new clients is essential for you right now then you might be up for a word of mouth campaign and use of some social media to introduce your business to new networks of potential clients.
2.Retention and referral campaigns. Instead of costly print ads consider coming up with program to reward current clients. If someone new signs up for your service through a referral give the person that referred a discount on their next bill. Everyone appreciates reward!
3.Are you trying to break into some new networks of people? Don’t forget the degrees of connection we have with other people. If you are using LinkedIn (and you should be) you can see how with a small list of connections you can meet and introduce more people to your business and services. This networking must be intentional – checkout this word of mouth worksheet. It will get your brain thinking about how you can move into new networks without spending any money. And don’t forget that true networking is about giving – so make certain you are promoting other people.
4.Use free social media sites to let people know who you are and what you do. Then develop a campaign to do it – this is all about constancy. Twitter has just been valued at 1 billion dollars they must be doing something right. If you need help with a Twitter campaign or social media campaign. I give free 1 hour consultations on how use social media to help you marketing. Email me and set-up a time to talk. It’s free! connie@iconnie.com
5.Share your expertise! Send out what you know – share with the collective community. Be seen as a resource. Light under a rock can go nowhere. I meet small business owners all the time that have amazing stories and expertise that they are sharing with no one – that is not a growth strategy.
Spend an hour this week planning to be more intentional with your marketing – during this recession there are actually businesses that are growing. If you don’t know any do some research what you learn will surprise you.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Social Media FAQ by Connie
Frequently Asked Questions - Social Media©
Q: I started a Facebook page and nothing happened. Does this really work?
A: All social media needs direction and specific goals. Just adding friends is not going to add value and help you with networking.
Q: I barely have time to answer my email - how am I going to find time to send Twitter updates?
A: A managed campaign for 30 or 60 days will create content, and distribute that content and draw people to you. After the campaign you can maintain and grow your connections with minimal effort.
Q: What’s the difference between Facebook and MySpace? My kids use these.
A: Facebook and MySpace operate on the same principle of networking through connecting your profile to other friend’s profiles. Both have over a 80 million people using the profiles. Facebook has more business profiles and groups. MySpace has more artistic profiles in the music and film industry. So it depends on who you want to network with.
Q: How do I use LinkedIn? I get requests all the time to add connections – what’s the benefit.
A: LinkedIn has turned out to be a great place for professional groups and individuals to connect. LinkedIn allows you to post more of an online resume. You can recommend people and they can recommend you. LinkedIn is terrific for those looking for employment.
Q: Is social media marketing expensive?
A: For pennies a day you can participate in social media marketing. But you do need a plan so you can measure your results. Right now Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn are all free along with hundreds of other social media outlets. So join and participate while it’s free.
Q: I’m a small business are there other small businesses have found good results with this kind of marketing?
A: The power of social media is that is allows small businesses to create content and participate just as much as large companies. Here is a link to a news story about small businesses that have used social media successfully.
http://tiny.cc/smbizsocialmedia
If you would like a free consultation on how social media can help you email connie@iconnie.com
Q: I started a Facebook page and nothing happened. Does this really work?
A: All social media needs direction and specific goals. Just adding friends is not going to add value and help you with networking.
Q: I barely have time to answer my email - how am I going to find time to send Twitter updates?
A: A managed campaign for 30 or 60 days will create content, and distribute that content and draw people to you. After the campaign you can maintain and grow your connections with minimal effort.
Q: What’s the difference between Facebook and MySpace? My kids use these.
A: Facebook and MySpace operate on the same principle of networking through connecting your profile to other friend’s profiles. Both have over a 80 million people using the profiles. Facebook has more business profiles and groups. MySpace has more artistic profiles in the music and film industry. So it depends on who you want to network with.
Q: How do I use LinkedIn? I get requests all the time to add connections – what’s the benefit.
A: LinkedIn has turned out to be a great place for professional groups and individuals to connect. LinkedIn allows you to post more of an online resume. You can recommend people and they can recommend you. LinkedIn is terrific for those looking for employment.
Q: Is social media marketing expensive?
A: For pennies a day you can participate in social media marketing. But you do need a plan so you can measure your results. Right now Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn are all free along with hundreds of other social media outlets. So join and participate while it’s free.
Q: I’m a small business are there other small businesses have found good results with this kind of marketing?
A: The power of social media is that is allows small businesses to create content and participate just as much as large companies. Here is a link to a news story about small businesses that have used social media successfully.
http://tiny.cc/smbizsocialmedia
If you would like a free consultation on how social media can help you email connie@iconnie.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Breaking the fourth plane of marketing
In the film and television industry there is a practice by actors of not looking directly into the camera or speaking directly to the audience. If you do it’s called breaking the fourth plane. The goal is to not be too personal with audience to perform without including the audience or engaging them.
Marketing practices by larger companies have operated by this same principle for a long time. Approach the client but do not engage them in two way dialogue. Commercials, print ads, radio all keep within the fourth plane principle. Social media is about breaking this plane and creating a two way dialogue with clients. I think it’s important for small businesses to evaluate which marketing direction they have taken the more traditional like large businesses or the new social media? I believe the more interactive social marketing is a natural fit for small businesses – it’s about interaction. The greatest challenge for small businesses is managing the interaction. For solo entrepreneur’s there is not marketing department, and even small businesses with a few employees struggle with managing day to day operations and have little time for marketing.
Find what’s natural
Social marketing has many options for growth and development – but finding what’s natural and developing it is the challenge. Do you use Twitter and why? Is Facebook worth the time? What about blogging? Right now there are endless choices. I’ve learned to go with what seems most natural and then work to measure the results. Not participating at all keeps your business behind the fourth plane and you may be missing opportunities for development. Review the options for social media think about what comes naturally for your business and personality this will help with development direction.
Development is the key
Transitioning from the more traditional to newer social media means you need a plan for development. Is there a group you have not reached that social media can help you develop? Can you use social media to share more of your expertise with your clients or new potential clients? Some of the more important elements of social media involve adding to the collective community of expertise (see my blog post on web 3.0) Finding other small businesses using the social media tools effectively is an excellent place to begin and finding expert help to aide you with transition and setting up these media tools is another important aspect of development.
I have friends that are solo entrepreneurs who I have encouraged to use tools like Twitter because they are natural at sharing information – they are natural “Tweeters”. Are you the kind of person that loves presentations and public speaking? Think about podcasting as a way to reach clients.
Go ahead – look into the camera and develop new ways to reach out to current and potential clients.
If you would like a free consultation on social media development email me today and I’ll be happy help you. connie@iconnie.com
Marketing practices by larger companies have operated by this same principle for a long time. Approach the client but do not engage them in two way dialogue. Commercials, print ads, radio all keep within the fourth plane principle. Social media is about breaking this plane and creating a two way dialogue with clients. I think it’s important for small businesses to evaluate which marketing direction they have taken the more traditional like large businesses or the new social media? I believe the more interactive social marketing is a natural fit for small businesses – it’s about interaction. The greatest challenge for small businesses is managing the interaction. For solo entrepreneur’s there is not marketing department, and even small businesses with a few employees struggle with managing day to day operations and have little time for marketing.
Find what’s natural
Social marketing has many options for growth and development – but finding what’s natural and developing it is the challenge. Do you use Twitter and why? Is Facebook worth the time? What about blogging? Right now there are endless choices. I’ve learned to go with what seems most natural and then work to measure the results. Not participating at all keeps your business behind the fourth plane and you may be missing opportunities for development. Review the options for social media think about what comes naturally for your business and personality this will help with development direction.
Development is the key
Transitioning from the more traditional to newer social media means you need a plan for development. Is there a group you have not reached that social media can help you develop? Can you use social media to share more of your expertise with your clients or new potential clients? Some of the more important elements of social media involve adding to the collective community of expertise (see my blog post on web 3.0) Finding other small businesses using the social media tools effectively is an excellent place to begin and finding expert help to aide you with transition and setting up these media tools is another important aspect of development.
I have friends that are solo entrepreneurs who I have encouraged to use tools like Twitter because they are natural at sharing information – they are natural “Tweeters”. Are you the kind of person that loves presentations and public speaking? Think about podcasting as a way to reach clients.
Go ahead – look into the camera and develop new ways to reach out to current and potential clients.
If you would like a free consultation on social media development email me today and I’ll be happy help you. connie@iconnie.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Are you operating within web 3.0?
I watched closely the other day when Twitter the online micro blogging site was buzzing with news from Iran. A country with closed media and yet people all around the world sharing the experience of thousands of Iranians protesting and wanting a fair and open election. The pictures and texts went around the world in an instant. And the Iranian government could not figure and cannot stop it.
Welcome to web 3.0 and the next movement and really revolution on the web. It has a foundation of four areas and these areas make it different and show the evolution of the web.
First there is Sharing - people are showing a willingness to share information professionally and personally. It’s a higher level of the new communal agreement. This agreement means that you openly share what you have with the community. You share knowledge and expertise, photos, you pass on information. If you are participating in web 3.0 it begins with sharing. How are you sharing your expertise with the community and how can that benefit yourself and more importantly the community.
Sharing is possible because of Cooperation - There are sites like Digg and Delicious that people contribute and cooperate with one another far beyond what they maybe actually getting in return, but the collective knowledge created through the cooperation is astounding. This cooperation is also lending it self to people having more a voice and opening conversation. If I use StumbledUpon and let others know about something good and of value others will respond. I have been amazed that there is so much available on YouTube through cooperation. An event happens and from around the world others can see what happened in an instant and through out cry and support change the direction of a government.
I’m personally learning daily through the Collaboration from what is being produced through open source programming and code sharing. WordPress.org has allowed and created an avalanche of potential for custom and progressive blogs and it is free. If you are willing to learn and teach yourself, share your knowledge with others you can begin to produce. There is even an available suite of programs for free to replace the expensive MS.Office suite, it’s called OpenOffice.org. The story of it’s development is fascinating and encouraging if you have an idea. I consider OpenOffice.org and act of revolt and an alternative for those who cannot afford the expensive programs and don’t want steal software. If you know me you know I am a huge fan of Apple products some call me the Apple Evangelist. Apple’s move to share with developers launched thousands of new start-up companies who have developed product for the iPhone. I had the opportunity to see one of these companies born in Zhiing.com the brain child of Jon Ziskind who was an America’s cup racer and knew the value of navigation. From your iPhone through this product you can share your location and find locations - brilliant. And the technology Zos Communications created is now going to be available to other companies wanting the technology.
The fourth foundation of web 3.0 is Collectivism. It’s by no means perfect but what is available through Wikipedia and it’s digital networking for me is democratic leaning towards equality. The next evolution of Wikipedia will need to have a greater way to sort information for error but that will happen organically and I’m certain will create more evolved method for fact checking. But it is the thought that adding to collective knowledge so openly that is web 3.0.
It takes time to participate and for those that became socialized to not participate the change might be difficult. But as you think through these points and examples that create web 3.0 ask yourself - what is there to gain by not participating?
Follow me on Twitter: ChakaSB
Welcome to web 3.0 and the next movement and really revolution on the web. It has a foundation of four areas and these areas make it different and show the evolution of the web.
First there is Sharing - people are showing a willingness to share information professionally and personally. It’s a higher level of the new communal agreement. This agreement means that you openly share what you have with the community. You share knowledge and expertise, photos, you pass on information. If you are participating in web 3.0 it begins with sharing. How are you sharing your expertise with the community and how can that benefit yourself and more importantly the community.
Sharing is possible because of Cooperation - There are sites like Digg and Delicious that people contribute and cooperate with one another far beyond what they maybe actually getting in return, but the collective knowledge created through the cooperation is astounding. This cooperation is also lending it self to people having more a voice and opening conversation. If I use StumbledUpon and let others know about something good and of value others will respond. I have been amazed that there is so much available on YouTube through cooperation. An event happens and from around the world others can see what happened in an instant and through out cry and support change the direction of a government.
I’m personally learning daily through the Collaboration from what is being produced through open source programming and code sharing. WordPress.org has allowed and created an avalanche of potential for custom and progressive blogs and it is free. If you are willing to learn and teach yourself, share your knowledge with others you can begin to produce. There is even an available suite of programs for free to replace the expensive MS.Office suite, it’s called OpenOffice.org. The story of it’s development is fascinating and encouraging if you have an idea. I consider OpenOffice.org and act of revolt and an alternative for those who cannot afford the expensive programs and don’t want steal software. If you know me you know I am a huge fan of Apple products some call me the Apple Evangelist. Apple’s move to share with developers launched thousands of new start-up companies who have developed product for the iPhone. I had the opportunity to see one of these companies born in Zhiing.com the brain child of Jon Ziskind who was an America’s cup racer and knew the value of navigation. From your iPhone through this product you can share your location and find locations - brilliant. And the technology Zos Communications created is now going to be available to other companies wanting the technology.
The fourth foundation of web 3.0 is Collectivism. It’s by no means perfect but what is available through Wikipedia and it’s digital networking for me is democratic leaning towards equality. The next evolution of Wikipedia will need to have a greater way to sort information for error but that will happen organically and I’m certain will create more evolved method for fact checking. But it is the thought that adding to collective knowledge so openly that is web 3.0.
It takes time to participate and for those that became socialized to not participate the change might be difficult. But as you think through these points and examples that create web 3.0 ask yourself - what is there to gain by not participating?
Follow me on Twitter: ChakaSB
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
To tweet or not to tweet?
To tweet or not to tweet?
Everyday I hear about another person adding themselves to Twitter.com. If you are thinking about how to use this social media tool or just wondering what it is - here are some tips and tools to help you manage what's happening in the world of Twitter.
Twitter is micro-blogging. With short sound bites people are sharing information that promotes themselves and or their business. News agencies are using Twitter to post new information and drive traffic to their web sites. Sports teams are using it rally fan support and sell more tickets. Even Barbara Walters is using Twitter to promote her shows and projects.
Twitter is the fastest way right now to promote your business and your brand. There are tools available to help you manage what you post. You can "tweet" from a cell phone, or a the web.
Twitter Resources: (Things I am using)
I currently tweet for several businesses. (yes, people hire other people to tweet for them)
To tweet from your cell phone:
iPhone applications (available in the App Store for free)
Twittelator
TwitterFon
Twitterific
For the Blackberry users:
http://www.orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/
One of the ways people are using Twitter is to share information they find on the web - posting links in their twitter updates. There are a number of programs that make it easy to share information and manage your account.
I am fond of Hoot Suite. You can quickly post what you find on a website in one or two clicks and manage multiple Twitter accounts. Check out Hoot Suite.
But how do you find or add people that might have the same interests as you on Twitter?
1. Add your Twitter account to your email signature and you will instantly add and announce that you are using Twitter.
2. Check out Twellow a database of people who post a profile about themselves. It has great search resources.
If you want more information how Twitter can help you and your business email me and I am happy to set-up a Tweet coaching session for you. connie@iconnie.com
And follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ChakaSB
Everyday I hear about another person adding themselves to Twitter.com. If you are thinking about how to use this social media tool or just wondering what it is - here are some tips and tools to help you manage what's happening in the world of Twitter.
Twitter is micro-blogging. With short sound bites people are sharing information that promotes themselves and or their business. News agencies are using Twitter to post new information and drive traffic to their web sites. Sports teams are using it rally fan support and sell more tickets. Even Barbara Walters is using Twitter to promote her shows and projects.
Twitter is the fastest way right now to promote your business and your brand. There are tools available to help you manage what you post. You can "tweet" from a cell phone, or a the web.
Twitter Resources: (Things I am using)
I currently tweet for several businesses. (yes, people hire other people to tweet for them)
To tweet from your cell phone:
iPhone applications (available in the App Store for free)
Twittelator
TwitterFon
Twitterific
For the Blackberry users:
http://www.orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/
One of the ways people are using Twitter is to share information they find on the web - posting links in their twitter updates. There are a number of programs that make it easy to share information and manage your account.
I am fond of Hoot Suite. You can quickly post what you find on a website in one or two clicks and manage multiple Twitter accounts. Check out Hoot Suite.
But how do you find or add people that might have the same interests as you on Twitter?
1. Add your Twitter account to your email signature and you will instantly add and announce that you are using Twitter.
2. Check out Twellow a database of people who post a profile about themselves. It has great search resources.
If you want more information how Twitter can help you and your business email me and I am happy to set-up a Tweet coaching session for you. connie@iconnie.com
And follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ChakaSB
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Visual Impact of Words
This was a really interesting - getting a visual impact for what I write about and what my services are about. This came from the site http://www.wordle.net/ Go check it out give your words some visual impact.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Zhiing Road Tested
My 7800 mile journey
There are very few times you get to road test a products claim. The mobile application Zhiing has, as it’s a motto “It’s a Big World, Don’t Get Lost”. On January 5th I set out on a trip across the country to attend the inauguration and film a documentary. Our film is called Barack Nation the Journey for Change. And our band of 6 people would be in places we had never been before trying to make a film. Having as many tools as possible to help us was really important. Jon Ziskind from Zhiing was helping us with technology for this trip.
I used my Zhiing app everywhere and everyday. There are things that come up everyday while traveling:
-Where to eat?
-How to find the Hotel?
-How to find the people you are meeting for business (or filming)
-How to find the rest of the group you are traveling with?
What I have learned about myself with technology applications is that they need to fit into my daily or weekly habits, make something quicker and simple that has annoyed me and be something I like sharing with friends. So the only applications for my iPhone I used on my trip were Zhiing and Urban Spoon. I wish Zhiing was part of Urban Spoon. The directions on Spoon are not very good.
After a week or so of using my Zhiing in all these unfamiliar places I noticed that instead of arriving at a new place and feeling uncomfortable knowing that I had my application with me I felt more secure. I am a proactive person and I like to know what’s happening and plan for it – this application was a great assistant for my style on the road.
We had one day on the trip when we could not use our Zhiing. It was the inauguration day and our group got separated on the Metro in D.C. The second group did not have the other iphone. Trying to find one another without the Zhiing in that crazy city was impossible. We had become use to just zhiinging one another. We met up hours later but I know we all had a new appreciation for easy Zhiing makes finding someone in strange city.
Returning home I see some app’s in the iTunes Store that do separate functions of LBS needs. Finding you a cab etc. My wish list is for Zhiing to put it all in one place for me. Using 5 different LBS app’s is not appealing.
It’s not very often you can test something on the road this way – it was terrific and it actually works.
There are very few times you get to road test a products claim. The mobile application Zhiing has, as it’s a motto “It’s a Big World, Don’t Get Lost”. On January 5th I set out on a trip across the country to attend the inauguration and film a documentary. Our film is called Barack Nation the Journey for Change. And our band of 6 people would be in places we had never been before trying to make a film. Having as many tools as possible to help us was really important. Jon Ziskind from Zhiing was helping us with technology for this trip.
I used my Zhiing app everywhere and everyday. There are things that come up everyday while traveling:
-Where to eat?
-How to find the Hotel?
-How to find the people you are meeting for business (or filming)
-How to find the rest of the group you are traveling with?
What I have learned about myself with technology applications is that they need to fit into my daily or weekly habits, make something quicker and simple that has annoyed me and be something I like sharing with friends. So the only applications for my iPhone I used on my trip were Zhiing and Urban Spoon. I wish Zhiing was part of Urban Spoon. The directions on Spoon are not very good.
After a week or so of using my Zhiing in all these unfamiliar places I noticed that instead of arriving at a new place and feeling uncomfortable knowing that I had my application with me I felt more secure. I am a proactive person and I like to know what’s happening and plan for it – this application was a great assistant for my style on the road.
We had one day on the trip when we could not use our Zhiing. It was the inauguration day and our group got separated on the Metro in D.C. The second group did not have the other iphone. Trying to find one another without the Zhiing in that crazy city was impossible. We had become use to just zhiinging one another. We met up hours later but I know we all had a new appreciation for easy Zhiing makes finding someone in strange city.
Returning home I see some app’s in the iTunes Store that do separate functions of LBS needs. Finding you a cab etc. My wish list is for Zhiing to put it all in one place for me. Using 5 different LBS app’s is not appealing.
It’s not very often you can test something on the road this way – it was terrific and it actually works.
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