Sales Technology Report

On Assignment

2007-12-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

As of the end of December I will be away on a consulting assignment and won't be writing on SalesTechnologyReport.com.

For more information you may contact me at tomk@closemoresales.com

TK

Windows Vista... Wait a Year or Two

2007-11-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Recently I lost the video input on my Dell laptop and I decided to try a new Toshiba unit. I was excited to try a new laptop product line, and especially interested in using Windows Vista for the first time...

So after 2 months, I can tell you without hesitation, that Vista is not a stable operating system. I am not sure how Microsoft makes an operating system, but I do expect it to work fairly flawless! From a business position, I think Vista is too much too soon and much to do about nothing. I have used NOTHING in Vista that has enhanced my sales productivity that wasn't already present in XP.

In addition, Vista start up and shut down is a dicey endeavor. It takes forever and it often runs me through a system safe-mode/restore routine. Hit the wrong button and you can lose everything. Vista also runs me through error messages on a daily basis. Add to that the security issues it presents in browsing and I call it a lame product.

This isn't a bash Microsoft post. I have a desktop unit and three other laptops in my office that run on XP and it is extremely stable.

Only one thing is more stable... my 24 inch iMac running Mac OS X.

TK

Wireless Access in Hotels

2007-09-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

USA Today had an article in the GREEN Section today on wireless access availability in major hotel chains. The key word - WIRELESS.

There's nothing worse than being tethered to a desk in your hotel room just to have Internet access. Many chains have had wireless access in lobbies and some cafes, but not the rooms. That's changing. The other issue after access is money. Some hotels charge $9.95 a day or more to connect and others are free.

The Hyatt Place product seems to be the sales travelers best bet. All locations have wireless access in rooms and lobbies. Best of all - access is free. Hilton Garden Inn's match Hyatt Place with the free price but not all locations have wireless access in rooms. The article states "Majority of Locations."

Also according to the article usage of in-room Internet access has grown by 255% in just the first half of 2007. That's huge and outpaces airports and cafes - other top connection spots.

What sales people and other road warriors want is instant, free access. No registration and no hassles. Start promoting that service and I'll book a reservation in that hotel first.

TK

Constant Contact

2007-09-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

One of the best products I've found in the last year is called Constant Contact and it's a website designed to manage your email advertising to your clients.

Constant Contact allows you create email campaigns for your database including newsletters, announcements, press releases and thank you messages. You have the ability to begin working with numerous templates and make all types of adjustment including uploading logos and photos.

Here are some of the uses I've implemented with CC:

1. Newsletter - I send semi-monthly newsletters to my clients.
2. Event Reminders - I send reminders to clients of upcoming seminars.
3. Surveys - CC has a survey feature that allows you to send surveys to your clients.
4. Press Releases - I use these to announce new products and events.

It's extremely easy to insert links and direct readers to others sites. Constant Contact tracks all the clicks and each email that you send can be evaluated in multiple ways.

If you're collecting email addresses you need to take a look at Constant Contact. Check them out at www.constantcontact.com.

TK

Multitasking for Sales People

2007-09-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

I don’t recall the first time I heard the word, or of the concept, but multitasking is the topic of today’s post. Multitasking is the concept that has made disciplined people “production machines” and normal people “hit or miss” in their performance.

The moment pagers began leaving an instant text message along with a phone number multitasking has been a blessing and a curse for sales people. Spinning our wheels with multiple pieces of technology suddenly became an acceptable endeavor if we simply said “I’m multitasking.”

According to an article in the Arizona Republic, writers Christia Gibbons and Andrew Johnson “Whether it’s text messaging during a meeting, emailing while writing a report or calling from the car, recent studies have shown that multitasking can lead to a loss of focus and a decline in work quality.” It makes total sense to me. If your mind is focused on one thing then the ability of that same mind to focus on something else is diminished.

Should we be able to skillfully use different forms of technology? Of course. Should we be expected to compose an email, talk with a client on the phone and text our spouse back that Chili’s is a great place to meet for lunch, all at the same time? Nope.

Here’s some advice from someone who multitasks when needed but knows when too much is too much:

1. Never do anything with a mobile device when talking face to face with a client unless you are both waiting for a call, email, text message.
2. Don’t surf the Internet when you’re on a call with a client unless you are reviewing something that pertains to the call. Just don’t do it. Go to your desktop and stare at a blank screen.
3. Don’t text and drive. This is crazy and just became a primary moving violation offense in Arizona.
4. Be very careful when driving and talking. When you’re supposed to be driving – drive. Try taking a call then saying this to your client “hey this call is so important and I’m driving. Let me pull over and I’ll call you right back.” Then do it. You look good and deliver on a small little promise too.
5. Work in “day-tight compartments.” In other words when you launch a project, large or small, don’t start doing something else until that project is done. Need to write a letter? Don’t take a call until it’s done. Need to make an important call? Don’t check and respond to email until you’re off the call.
6. Turn off the automatic send and receive on your email. Check when you’re free. What if the mailman brought your mail throughout the day one piece at a time… would you run to the mail box every time he threw a letter in the box? No, you’d wait until he was done delivering the mail. If you’re expecting an important message, hit the send and receive message until you get it.

These are only a few ideas. Be careful out there, the world of technology really is a blessing and a curse. Make sure you’re on the right end of the dilemma.

TK

Google Docs & Spreadsheets

2007-09-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

I've given dozens of presentations on the topic of using technology to be more productive in selling. One of my favorite websites has always been Google and the various products they have created to help users solve their technology problems.

It amazes me that their various software solutions are free. Don't get me wrong, I understand the business model, but it still amazes me how cool it is that the average consumer (and sales professional), get so much benefit for nothing.

One of the products I've been using lately to work on writing projects and proposals has been Google Docs. I actually stumbled onto the product when my laptop crashed and I needed to put the finishing touches on some writing I was doing. Like all Google products, Docs is a web-based program that allows you to create documents and spreadsheets.

Using my desktop at work with my laptop down, I would write all day and then simply save my work in Google Docs. Later in the evening I would log back into Google Docs and pull up my project exactly how I left it. Sound simple? Good solutions usually are... Check it out at Google.

TK

Mobile Phone Maniacs

2007-08-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Every day I see too many people acting like idiots with their mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets. When is the last time you saw and heard someone talking on their mobile phone that was being rude? Yesterday? Today? A minute ago?

Rudeness is on the the rise according to a survey by the Pew Research Center... 86% of respondents have said that they are occasionally irritated by other people conducting "loud and annoying" mobile phone conversations. This survey, and a 2004 survey done by Sprint, imply that those saying they see and hear rude mobile phone talkers don't believe they themselves are rude when they use their own mobile phones.

Hmmm. Doesn't seem to make sense. Obviously we mobile phone users think we're courteous when we're talking on the phone and most everyone else is rude and disruptive.

Where's the truth?

The truth is we all have a little bit of a mobile phone maniac in us. To purge the maniac in you, stop doing these three things immediately.

1. Stop making calls, and only take important calls, on your mobile phone when you are in a restaurant, using public transportation or in a non-private office setting.

Too many times when we're waiting for someone to join us for lunch or dinner we grab our phone and call someone, anyone. Just give us something to do instead of making us wait, alone, in a restaurant. Try this instead of making a phone call - look at the menu. Ask for crayons if you have to, but give the phone and everyone around you a break.

2. Stop having private phone conversations in public settings. No one cares about your personal business, but that doesn't imply they want to hear it. Walking through the mall talking about inappropriate topics isn't okay just because no one knows who you are.

3. Stop using "I'm multi-tasking" as an excuse for being rude when interacting with a human being and technology at the same time. Here's a simple rule of thumb - the human comes first! Multi-tasking when you are working alone may be a good thing... but even that is debatable. There is no debate when you are talking with someone face to face and you suddenly just grab your phone or activate your Bluetooth headset and start talking to the person one the other end of the phone. That's called being rude.

Try these three things. The noise level in the universe will decline and you can purge yourself of some poor behavior at the same time!

TK

Zoho CRM

2007-08-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for a web-based CRM product that you can make some minor modifications I'd like to suggest Zoho CRM.

My friend Jeff Nelson turned me on to Zoho and I jumped into it and set up one of my clients on it to boost their sales and marketing efforts. It worked. It was up and running in less than an hour and they were able to begin managing contacts that day.

I've done a few CRM implementations in my career... the success ratio in the industry is about what I've experienced - 50% fail! That's after you've spent thousands of dollars on software, hardware and customization costs.

So to have something that you can just plug into and start using the same day is a welcome change. One of the things I like best about Zoho is it's FREE - free is good in the CRM world.

After helping my client get up and running in Zoho I decided to put my own data into ZCRM and have been equally impressed. Perhaps one of the best reasons to use a web-based CRM product is the ability to log on anywhere you can grab an Internet connection. Of course that's a double-edged sword. No connection - no information.

Overall I like this product and if you're an independent sales professional and have the responsibility for managing your own database check out Zoho at http://www.zohocrm.com/.

TK

Watch What You Do at Work

2007-07-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I read this article from Judith Kallos blog, www.netmannersblog.com and the title was NSFW. Read below:

"I was interviewed recently on my view in regard to the use of the acronym NSFW. Apparently some felt that an acronym noting “Not Safe For Work”, is necessary when sending e-mail to those they knew were at work to warn them that the content or links contained within were of a questionable nature and not proper for the work environment.

My reaction was there is no need for such an acronym. By virtue of having to type it should tell any astute person that they should have enough common sense and respect to not send e-mails with questionable content to someone’s work e-mail.

And, to those who have others sending you e-mails that need this acronym noted to warn you, you should be a responsible employee and tell the Sender to no longer use your business e-mail address for anything not business related. At that time you can also provide your personal e-mail address for e-mails of that nature.

It amazes me in this day and time how we spend so much time creating ways to justify things we know we shouldn't be doing in the first place. Using company e-mail for anything other than company business should include this acronym: IUE (Irresponsible Unreliable Employee)."

Judith's final paragraph is relevant, but may be too much to ask of employees in today's society. Life is moving really fast and sometimes to be a great employee - you need to be "being" a great spouse and a great parent. Those two jobs NEVER end and answering a personal email sent to your work email doesn't make you unreliable.

I do get the point though so thanks Judith!

TK

Selling and Technology

2007-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

It's been my unique opportunity to manage sales people at all levels of technical experience. Some were pretty savvy and some were techno-illiterate.

I've implemented CRM software (failing more than succeeding), and taken people from zero experience to proficiency through training, cajoling and demanding. Have you ever heard of a salesperson in a company you've worked for say something like this:

"Just let me sell! I'm not good with the computer and can't you pay someone to do my computer work?" When automation was sweeping its way through every level of every company this was not uncommon. Today it's less likely to be heard as younger generations take over the workplace.

No matter what your perspective, if you use technology to manage your sales efforts, you'll be further along than if you didn't. Here's a quote that's posted just to the right of this article...

"Selling today is driven by technology. Show me a sales professional that doesn't embrace technology, and I'll show you someone that is not reaching their full potential."

I said this a few years back when I began teaching training sessions to salespeople from all industries on the topic of using technology in their business. It was true then and it's true now. The challenge many of us have is that we don't use the tools we have because we don't practice the "Law of Application."

In relation to sales technology, the Law of Application would imply that if you use any of the tools you've been given, you'll get a certain result, and the more intensely you use the technology, the greater your result. Consider using a contact management program such as Microsoft Outlook...

If you use Outlook for email and calendaring you'll be more organized than if you used nothing, and the more faithful you are to planning and entering data, the more organized you'll be.

iPhone Debut in Phoenix

2007-07-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is... you know I didn't get her name, but she was the first one in line at the Biltmore Apple store in Phoenix who would let me take her picture.

She was actually the second person in line for the recent release of the iPhone. This first person wouldn't let me take his picture. Whack-job. He was a nice enough guy, talked to me why he was willing to camp out and be first in line - just didn't want his picture taken. (Maybe he's wanted by the law.)

This woman was from Maine and was visiting Phoenix in some work capacity which I don't recall all of the specifics. Her mother was number three in line, but only as moral support, the mom wasn't going to buy the iPhone. She obviously didn't think about getting a few and posting them on eBay!

There were plenty of people staying busy in the line that wrapped around the back of the building by 9am. Not sure where it went after that, but despite the fact that it reached 100 degrees there is no nicer place to hang out than the Biltmore in Phoenix! A few trips to the bathroom at Neiman Marcus and a couple of conjugal visits (to visit the iPhone) inside the store before 6pm and time would fly by...

This was the last guy in line and he was a lot more talkative, yet I don't recall his name either! I need to work on this reporting thing. I'd say when this photo was taken there were less than 100 people in line. The Biltmore grounds staff were putting up umbrellas for these folks to have some shade which was very cool on their part.

You can tell he was having fun, all alone, ready to wait nine hours in line for the iPhone. When is the last time a non-gaming tech product caused such anticipation? The iPhone will be big and Apple, Inc will reap big rewards for the rest of the year.

TK

Device Etiquette

2007-06-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

I really like Judith Kallos and her writing on etiquette. Occasionally, with her permission, I repost her articles. Here is something she posted on June 20th on "Blackberry Etiquette" where she reminds us, etiquette is the same no matter which mobile technology we’re using.

Thanks Judith!

TK

Blackberry Etiquette

“Is Blackberry Etiquette any different than E-mail Etiquette? Nope. However, for some reason I get e-mails daily asking about Blackberry Etiquette as though by virtue of the device, courtesy doesn't apply. Mainly the checking and responding to e-mails while in a meeting.

If you think about it, Etiquette in general is just a way to behave when taking into consideration how your actions (or lack thereof) could have an affect on others. Technology use, whether it be e-mail, Blackberrys, IMs or even cell phones does not mean you do what you want, how you want or when you want without consideration for proper practices and for others. Sadly, all too many think that with technology anything goes. Wrong.

Regardless of what tool you are using, you simply need to be aware of how to use it properly with consideration for others. This means not answering e-mails on your Blackberry when in a meeting. Or talking loudly on your cell phone where others are privy to your conversation whether they like it or not (movies, restaurants, etc.). Or sending/forwarding e-mails exposing all your contact's addresses to strangers.

To hide behind technology as an excuse to not be courteous because the other side isn't there for you to be accountable to, is self-serving at best. To reply to e-mails on your Blackberry while in a meeting clearly reflects your lack of business savvy and professionalism. Your full attention should be on the meeting.

Courtesy and perception go hand in hand. Without courtesy, the perceptions you leave in your wake will tell people exactly what they need to know about you -- and it probably won't be positive.”

Check out Judith's Tech Etiquette Blog at http://www.netmannersblog.com/.

iPhone Prepares for Debut

2007-06-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

June came quickly and the iPhone is ready to debut at AT&T and Apple stores all over the country. The 29th is "iDay" and we'll see how high Apple, Inc. stock can go!

There is no doubt that this phone is a huge technological achievement and like all Apple products... a work of art. Functional art. I'm not sure how many people will be buying the iPhone on the 29th or what sales will look like in December, but the smart phone market will never be the same with Apple in the mix.

The main challenge the iPhone faces will be it's hard drive capacity. It may have some bugs, and there may be some minor design modifications in the first six months (I'll wait for those before purchasing one), but the major challenge is the lack of storage space.

If I'm going to spend $599.00 on a phone that's supposed to take the place of my iPod - it better have more than 8 gigs of storage.

TK

Live Phone Help

2007-06-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

One of the most frustrating experiences in dealing with technology is not having access to live human beings to assist with challenges.

PC Magazine gave out a few phone numbers that I wanted to pass along including a website that details phone numbers for 500 different companies. The site lets you search a number of different categories. Here's a few of my favorites:

Apple - 800-275-2273
Dell - 800-624-9896
Toshiba - 800-457-7777
Amazon - 800-201-7575
eBay - 800-322-9266
Netflix - 888-638-3549
PayPal - 888-221-1161
Sprint Mobile - 877-349-4413

Check out the Get Human 500 Database for a list of companies, their phone numbers and prompts that get you to a living, breathing English speaking humanoid!

TK

Vonage V-Phone

2007-05-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

VI don't know why I get so excited about stuff like this, but the Vonage V-Phone is really a cool concept phone. The photo you see to the left is the new Vonage V-Phone. Vonage is the VoIP provider that has a huge advertising push on and is finally getting traction.

You've seen their commercials... I like the one with the woman who sees dolphins out in the ocean and wants to jump in and swim with them (unfortunately they happen to be sharks), and even a Vonage box to the head doesn't stop her from jumping in the water - people do stupid things - like not use Vonage. That's the pitch. Check out YouTube for all the Vonage commercials - they really are hilarious.

The V-Phone is essentially a USB Drive with a headset that plugs into it. The drive has storage capacity for the things you usually float to an external drive, but more importantly, the drive contains the software that works the "phone" and a speaker/headset that simply plugs into the device.

This is the type of device you can wear around your neck and plug into any computer that has a high-speed Internet connection and you are ready to talk - and talk - and talk! The cost of this little gizmo is what I like to call "EASY" at $39.99 for the phone and $24.99 per month for UNLIMITED calls anywhere in the US and Canada.

VoIP Technology is only getting better and better and this device is perfect for parents with students out of state or business people who need a back up phone option. Check one out.

TK

Mobile Phone Backup

2007-04-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

If you're not using a smart phone yet I suggest you get one. However if you're like most salespeople, you don't like other people telling you what to do, not even your manager!

So who am I to force you into something as trivial as a smart phone? The same person that's going to suggest you do something to back up the data on your current mobile phone.

Anyone ever lost their mobile phone along with all of their contacts?

If you're using a standard mobile phone there are programs for backing up your data. Verizon, Sprint, Alltel and Cingular all have programs for backing up your contacts. There are fees associated with each service and some are reoccurring monthly fees.

Two other options I recommend are the CellStik and Backup-Pal.

The CellStik runs $39.99 and plugs into the bottom of your mobile phone to receive data from your phone and a USB connector on the other end to deliver data to your desktop or laptop computer. CellStik comes with the software needed to save mobile phone contacts with the push of a button. CellStik is available for LG, Samsung and Motorola phones. Unfortunately it's not compatible with Macs.

Backup-Pal removes the need for a desktop or laptop in the backup equation. Backup-Pal plugs directly into your mobile phone via phone-specific adapters and again, with the push of a single button saves all of your contact information. Again this device is picky about the phones it wants to work with... Nokia, Samsung and Motorola models are the only devices that get to play with Back-Up Pal.

In the end my advice is for you to embrace the future and grab a smart phone whether it be a BlackBerry, Treo, Moto Q or one of a dozen other smart phone products. These phones are designed to be backed up A LOT because they carry your calendar, tasks and CONTACTS.

TK

d_skin Disc Protectors

2007-03-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I run across a product that really is useful for every day applications and the d_skin Disc Protector product is that type of product.

d_skin is a clear protective piece that goes over your CD's DVD's and games and prevents scratches and the ultimate demise that typically fall upon the disks we have in my house. I could show you DVD's in our movie collection that not only will no longer play, but look like they were a prop from the last Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. I'm not sure what my kids do with these disks... all I know is it makes me cringe to turn them over.

The d_skin works like this:

Simply snap on the skin over the readable part of the disk. The design actually has the ability to go over the disk and "snap" into place - you'll be surprise at how it stays on - and it does stay on. After that you simply play the disk... the d_skin stays on indefinitely because the d_skin is laser transparent. If something happens to the d_skin (scratches, peanut butter etc.), simply snap it off and put on a new one. The disk... stays as new as when you first touched it. d_skin is available just about anywhere electronics are sold or you can check them out on the web at d_skin.

TK

Crackberry.com... Seriously!

2007-03-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

It had to happen - a group has created a website dedicated to those who have become addicted to their BlackBerry devices... http://www.crackberry.com/. Seriously.

I registered.

Not that I'm an addict, I've actually trained myself not to wear my phone... most of the time it's clipped to my briefcase. So what kind of content would you expect to see on a site dedicated to BlackBerry addicts? More than you might expect. I expected a comedic approach with little else. Instead I found a fun comedic approach with serious content and very useful information.

One of the best articles on the front page came from the Wall Street Journal and deals with parents using BlackBerrys when they should be spending time with their children. Click Here for the article which was written by Katherine Rosman.

Also on the site, the 13 Steps to beating the CrackBerry habit... here they are:

1. Admit we were powerless over our CrackBerries

2. Admit to the universe, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our CrackBerry addiction

3. We must come to believe that only the greater power of wireless-lessness can restore us to sanity.

4. We must make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the power of unconnectedness and eschew knowing if someone is mailing us at this very minute.

5. Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of our CrackBerry use

6. Make a list of all persons we have harmed through our rudeness, inconsideration and pretentious self-involvement, and make amends to them all.

7. Turn off the CrackBerry. Now.

8. Realize that you are not the center of the universe.

9. Set limits on BlackBerry use.

10. Turn off the BlackBerry during all meetings, classes, presentations, weddings and funerals.

11. Know that the world actually functioned before BlackBerries and that people managed to survive with ancient tools like phones and desktop computers.

12. Having fulfilled these steps know that you control the CrackBerry.

13. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, carry this message to all CrackBerry addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Great site. Nice graphics and solid content. CrackBerry was the word of the year in 2006 (who has that thrilling job), and now it has it's own website. Well deserved. Check this site out... even if you carry a Treo!

TK

Sprint Gets the Moto Q

2007-02-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Finally Verizon loses its grip on the Motorola Q and the yellow screen to to the left tells you Sprint got the goods!

I've been using Sprint for years and I love one thing about the service - it's pretty cheap (as in low cost for those of you using Verizon.) I use Sprint's BlackBerry 8700 product and love it, and the Moto Q is a welcome addition to the choices Sprint smart phone users now have to choose from.

Unfortunately Sprint is following the same BS other carriers do when it comes to current, loyal and satisfied clients... they jack up the price! If I want this phone I'll pay $449 buck rogers to get it. That's because I'm a Sprint card-carrying advocate. Quite the reward huh.

If you're a customer of one of the other mobile phone carriers what will you pay? $99.99 plus a two year lock on your business. I know this is what all the carriers do but that doesn't make it right - so they must think it's smart business - I don't get it.

Give me great service, competitive pricing plans and the top phones to select from and I'll never leave your service. I'd be a customer for life, and with 5 phones on my plan, I'd think that I'd be worth something too!

Give me a new Moto Q Sprint. I want to try it and I'll renew my plan for another two years, but I don't want to pay $449 for it!

(Don't forget the Q is a killer phone and I've written positive reviews on it in the past.)

TK

VoIP Phone Technology

2007-02-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

When I recently opened a new office in Phoenix it was suggested that I try VoIP service for our business lines. I was a bit skeptical because the technology hasn't really caught on and in fact, at the time, I don't think I understood how the technology worked.

VoIP is short for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and simply put, you plug your phone into an Internet connection and it works just like it's a phone line. Now I understand the technology and I like it. I like it a lot.

My company uses service from business VoIP provider Packet 8. (Packet 8 is like Vonage except for business.) Vonage has the bucks behind it to advertise like CRAZY and you see them all over TV and the Internet. Packet 8 doesn't advertise, but it does allow my firm to have a large company phone system at a fraction of the cost. Their product is called "Virtual PBX" and after having used the phones and the features of Packet 8 I'm extremely pleased.

Some of the features I like about the Virtual PBX product are:

1. Unlimited phone calls - once I purchase a phone system (about $100) there is a flat usage fee per month. Call all day and all night for $40 bucks.
2. The phone can be anywhere in the country and it functions like it's in the next office. I can transfer calls and intercom the phone just as if it were 10 feet away.
3. Each unit has a direct line and is part of my system. So I can let me clients bypass an automated attendant and get me direct.
4. When I miss a call and a voice mail message is left for me, the system sends me an email with a sound file so I can listen to the message instantly without calling into the system.
5. Finally, I can add lines as needed and the system just continues to grow. If I want to add employees to the system and they don't need a phone, they simply receive a "Virtual Extension" and are added to our voice mail. Incoming calls can be transferred to the virtual extension and the call will be forwarded to any phone anywhere in the country.

My company is still playing with the Packet 8 product and their are some downsides... your phone system is at the mercy of your Internet service. If Internet goes down - phone goes down. That's happened once in the last 90 days. Not a big deal... yet.

Overall - thumbs up to VoIP.

TK

CET OVERLOAD!

2007-02-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

I coined the phrase "CET" (an acronym for Call, Email, Text) referring to the three communication functions routinely performed on smart phones last year when I became "too much" of an expert at using my BlackBerry. CETing has reached overload for some users and I believe the challenge has become so severe, that the smart phone has brought on an onslaught of Adult ADD!

Seriously. If you can't refrain for more than 10 minutes from continually grabbing your Treo and checking your email account (I have two email accounts on my BlackBerry - so I have an excuse), checking for missed calls or seeing who sent you the last text message then you've got serious focus challenges.

In an effort to help resolve this matter I offer this advice - first and foremost, refrain from CETing during important sales activities, such as initial contact, presentation and final closing opportunities. Don't grab that device and even think of looking at it when you should be paying attention to a client.

I also recommend that you refrain from CETing at the dinner table, in church or while ordering your Tall, Decaf Mochachino. There are so many things to do on your smart phone that you might forget that the world continues to spin while your thumbs are moving a mile a minute. If you're in line anywhere, don't CET without occasionally looking up.

Snap out of it! Business and life will happen without you weighing in on every issue and event so chill out. As my mentor Jim Rohn says "where ever you are - be there."

TK

Tech Etiquette Revisted

2007-02-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Last year I added the subject of "Etiquette" to my technology training seminars. I wanted to revisit the topic and update the information. So here's the original post with some important additions.

I am no Emily Post, but someone needs to lay down the law on what is appropriate when it comes to using technology and conducting business at the same time.

With so many "gadgets" flooding the marketplace, and with many of us carrying multiple devices (I count six on my desk and in my bag at this moment), the line between what is acceptable business behavior and poor business behavior has blurred a bit. From a business perspective, I have a few ideas for using technology:

Mobile Phones
The challenges we currently face with technology all started with mobile phones... pagers were not that bad; however when mobile phones saturated the marketplace, not only could you look at an incoming number, but you could instantly interact with the person attempting to contact you.

The advent of instant answering triggered an onslaught of etiquette fop as such as answering your phone during an important business meeting or sales presentation. You'd never do that... that's good, but it happens everyday in business.

Here's my simple advice that hundreds of business professionals have embraced - NEVER bring your phone to an initial contact opportunity, presentation, final closing or any other important meeting. I really mean that you DO NOT HAVE YOUR PHONE ON YOUR PERSON. I didn't imply that you put your phone on vibrate, stun, quiet mode or even turn it off. Do not bring it with you period.

Creating rapport, building a relationship and giving your presentation are the most important things you can be doing. Don't risk diminishing your intent to build a solid relationship (or your specific message by having a phone ring or vibrate.

If you forget to heed this advice and your phone does "go off" never look at a ringing, vibrating mobile phone when presenting or in a meeting - ignore it all together.

If you really want to make points with a client or friend and have forgotten to NOT bring your phone to a meeting, take it out or remove it from your hip and turn it off in front of your client or future client and throw it in your bag, briefcase or purse and tell them "this meeting is important and I am going to turn off my phone so it doesn't bother us. (Nice touch.)

Refrain from engaging in important conversations when driving for the same reason. If you're concentrating on driving then you can't concentrate on the important points of selling. Casual calls are fine (if your state has no laws against using mobile phones while driving), but important calls are not cool. Try this the next time someone calls you or calls you back and you're on the road:

"Jim, this is really important and I can't give you the attention you deserve because I'm not at the office yet. Let me pull over and I'll call you right back and we can cover everything." Again, nice touch. I don't risk ramming the car in front of me, I get to focus on my relationship with the caller, and as a bonus, I just projected an image of responsibility and caring to the other party.

As a side note, don't carry on long-term conversations on your mobile phone in waiting rooms (doctors, dentists etc) or waiting in lines (banks Taco Bell etc), no one cares about your idle conversations. Take the call, do your business and order your Big Mac.

Custom Ring Tones
These things drive me crazy. My boys change the ringer on the phones at our house and every time the phone rings, I think bad thoughts...

Seriously, don't use custom ring tones if your phone is for business. I know most people won't care, but the few that think your phone blaring out Aerosmith's "Walk this Way" when it rings is unprofessional could be a future client. Is it possible that would create an unprofessional image in the mind of someone else?

Blue Tooth Headsets
I have finally found one of these I really like and that I really use! Simple etiquette tip - use them as a convenience and not as a fashion or status statement.

Laptops
I have three computers in my office. A desktop that I do heavy work on and a laptop that I interview and research with and another that I travel with. If I have someone walk in my office while I am typing and there is always a slight delay before I look up and acknowledge them. Depending on who it is and what they want, I may not even look up... and just continue to hammer the keys... not good.

Always close your laptop when talking with someone who is not on their own laptop, i.e. someone walks into your office and interrupts you. It shows respect for the person and their issue. You don't have to close it all the way, by just shutting it enough where you can't see the screen you can now focus on the person and show the other person you are interested in them and the conversation.

Email
I really believe email will put the last nail in the coffin of the business letter this year. Simply stated - what you used to do on letterhead and slap a postage stamp on is now done via email. So writing an email should include the correct use of grammar. Using all lower case, ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, abbreviations and "code" such as LOL - (whatever that means), is no longer acceptable. Don't put anything in writing that you don't want others to see... anything.

Working with Email
A major issue in our company is getting people to respond to email. Since email is almost like a conversation, always respond to insure that both parties know where the "conversation" stands. For example, if I say "I'll meet you tomorrow morning at 8:30am" and you don't reply. How do I know you read the message? Always respond: "Got it" "I'll be there" "okay" etc. Don't over do it, just do it!

Email Privacy
Don't send or forward emails that show other people's email address. This happens all the time and when you do this you're violating everyone's privacy. If you are going to send an email to a group of recipients types the addresses in the Bcc Field and the recipients will see only their address.

Text Messaging and Instant Messaging
No need to use proper grammar when sending text messages or instant messages. Fire away and do it quick! Be smart when using text messaging in a business setting. Don't digress 20 years and think your passing notes in chemistry class, remember, don't say anything in a text message that you don't want someone else to see. Like email, text messages can be forwarded to other people, printed or saved for a later date.

You don't want to be forced to decline your party's presidential nomination because you asked Sally in the next cubicle something stupid while sending a text message. STAY FOCUSED ON BUSINESS.

Here's a toast to a new you and I hope some of these ideas help you manage the onslaught of technology while you do business and just try to live. Now if your phone is attached to your head and you have to make a call every time you get in your car, go see a professional, words alone will not cure you.

TK

How to Handle Dropped Calls

2007-01-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on an important call, where you were in the middle of a long conversation, only to discover that the person you were talking to is no longer on the line? Ever had a call drop?

Duh. This happens DAILY and it's extremely frustrating for both the person speaking and the person trying to listen. Try this the next time you drop a call... just pick up your call where you lost it.

Simply start talking from the point where you were cut off, if your not sure when you lost the other party, ask "where did I lose you?" Then keep talking. There's no need to say your name again, or say hello again or describe the tunnel you passed through, or describe how tall the buildings are where you're walking, or how the cellular service "sucks" with Cingular, Sprint or T-Mobile. Blah Blah Blah.

Doing so wastes time and worse than that - you'll lose your train of thought or the passion of the topic being discussed. Just get back to business! The person on the other end of the phone will appreciate your directness and be very surprised... why? Because they are used to hearing this:

"Tom, hey it's Bill I lost you." [Duh.] "I don't know what happened, I'm outside of the city and I just passed through this long tunnel [Maybe it was the tunnel genius], have you been out to the east side in the last few months?" "No Bill I haven't" [And I don't care, get back to telling me about the topic we were discussing.] "It's incredible Tom, I haven't seen so many homes built so fast, you'd be blown away." "Bill, I'm sure it's the most incredible site - I can't wait to get out there." [And I really can't wait to get off this call!]

What could be worse? Tom actually encouraging the dialogue. You can see that after 120 seconds of this kind of dialogue, most people wouldn't even remember why they called each other in the first place!

So, next time you lose a call, call the person back, and start talking from the point were the call was dropped. Not sure when you lost the other person? Ask "where did I lose you?" Then get to the point.

Do this and you'll maximize your time and minimize the frustration that comes with dealing with technology.

TK

Treo 750... Have Phone Will Travel

2007-01-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

The new Treo 750 is out and Palm keeps making these things better and better. I love the fact that they have eliminated the stubby antenna, and they have packed this with the tools you need to literally do business around the world.

Palm is saying the 750 meshes the Windows Mobile platform with the "ease" of Palm enhancements... with an international network. Sounds excellent to me - what could be better? They say it feels "great in your hand" due to a "new soft-touch finish." Sounds even better.

One of the things I like about smart phones is that they are literally a computer that can fit in the palm (no pun intended), of your hand. Better yet, they have instant on and instant off functionality - no booting up or down required. Better yet, it eliminates your mobile phone and allows you to work from anywhere you'd like to work. So what's different about the Treo 750 that wasn't available in the Treo 700 series of units or the newer BlackBerry phones or any other smart phone for that matter? Let's take a look.

First and perhaps foremost, the Treo 750 is able to function as a phone while you perform other tasks such as sending an email, text messaging a co-worker or surfing for information on the Internet. This is not the case with my BlackBerry 8700 smartphone. If I'm on a call, email traffic stops. If I'm surfing the web, phone traffic stops. If you're a power user on email and on the phone then not being able to multitask between Internet and phone functions will slow you down.

The Treo 750 solves that challenge. You can talk and transmit data at the same time on the Cingular network. This is a huge feature.

The productivity applications that come with the Treo 750 really work... in other words you can not only view files - you can create and edit them. The Motorola Q let's you view Word, Excel and PowerPoint files but you cannot create or edit. Lame.

There are a ton of other great features of this phone. It's only available at Cingular (which bugs the heck out of me), but will roll out to other carriers before you know it.

Check it out and get a feel for the phone and see if it might be your next productivity tool.

TK

Apple Does it Again - The iPhone

2007-01-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

It just doesn't get any cooler than this people. I know this is a Sales Technology Blog, but can anyone miss the selling going on over at Apple, Inc? (That's right - Apple, Inc. is a new name - they dropped the "Computer" from the corporate name because they are SELLING more than computers - much much more.)

Once again, Steve Jobs has garnished the attention of the entire business world (even though everyone has been expecting this announcement for more than a year) with the unveiling of Apple's new mobile phone - the iPhone.

You can watch Mr. Job's himself display the iPhone and its functions at Apple's website and get a first hand look at this device. In fact, I can't even describe everything this phone will do, and if I tried, I'd never get it right or cover it all. You must go to Apple's site and check out the keynote address Job's gave a Macworld. I promise you this - you've never seen a mobile phone do things like an iPhone. It makes even smart phones look retarded.

I will register this one disappointment. Early press was suggesting that the iPhone would be an "open device," meaning that you could purchase it from Apple and take it to any mobile phone carrier for activation. That didn't happen. Cingular scored the iPhone. Hopefully that won't last long...

My prediction for Apple, Inc and the iPhone - rising stock price and mobile phone market penetration.

Finally, I see this device a win for the sales professional who is into technology and likes to take their music, movies and other entertainment on the go. The iPhone will replace one of your iPod's (most likely your Nano) and of course your mobile phone - smart or not.

TK

2007 - The Year of Email

2007-01-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

I really think this whole email thing is catching on... 2007 is definitely the year in which proper grammar and usage will be the norm with email communication.

Judith Kallos is my source for online etiquette. You can check out her blog at NetMannersBlog.com and read her yourself. I've mentioned her before and I'll use her creative talent again - read her and buy her book on the subject of online etiquette. She has 10 resolutions for the new year on how to use email more professionally. I pass them on to you and as always... take the best and leave the rest!

1. I will not forward an e-mail unless it specifically applies to the person I am sending to. I will include a personal note to that person so they know why I am forwarding that particular e-mail their way. If I must send or forward the same e-mail to a group of contacts, I will do so only when I put their e-mail addresses in the BCc: field to protect their privacy (especially if they don't know each other).

I will also set a good example by removing any visible e-mail addresses within the body of the forward from previous irresponsible forwarders who did not feel the need to protect their contact's privacy. I will also make a point of down editing my e-mails to remove text that is irrelevant to the ongoing conversation.

2. I will take the time to make sure that my sentences are complete, capitalized and include proper punctuation. Using proper sentence structure and taking the extra time to ensure that my intent and tone are clear, will do nothing but reflect positively on me. Making these efforts will go a long way to ensuring communicating with me is easy while having the added benefit of helping to avoid any misunderstandings.

3. I will not send an unannounced large attachment of any kind, even the ones I think are very special photos of [insert here: my grand baby, my new car, sales flyer, Power Point presentation...], until I ask first when would be the best time to send it to the intended party. This way, I do not fill their e-mail box without notice causing all their other e-mail to bounce. The fact is I do not know what the other side's e-mail activity is like to assume my attachment will not cause any unnecessary problems for them. Think of the other side, not just of what you want to do.

4. I will ensure that the Subject: field will include a brief and concise description of the content of every e-mail I send. I will modify or change the Subject: field when necessary to better display what my e-mail contains.

5. Every e-mail I send will be courteous and include a proper greeting and closing which includes my name. Typed properly too! Names in small case or all caps reflect either a lack of education or tech savvy; neither of which is a good thing. Nice greetings and closings avoid my e-mails coming off as demanding or terse and reflect that I understand common courtesies.

6. I will not copy or use any text, graphics or content from another Web site or author without their explicit permission to do so. The online world, contrary to popular belief, is not a public domain environment! I will not use another author's writings in whole or in part without them being aware of exactly what I am doing and where I will use their information. I will not post e-mails that were sent to me privately for any reason in a public forum without the original sender's permission. These are all serious copyright and privacy issues that I need to be aware of, practice and respect.

This is why I site Judith's work and don't just cut and paste...

7. I will be very respectful about how I use my employer's technology resources understanding they are paying the bills and I am on their time. I also understand that I should not assume any level of privacy while using company equipment, connectivity or e-mail resources. I will make a point of reviewing my employer's policies so that I am familiar with them so I can avoid any future problems.

8. I will refrain from formatting my e-mails with colored text, bolding and/or italics because I know it may not look as I intended when received on the other side. I also understand by making the extra effort to add emphasis with formatting, it may be taken the wrong way or even over-emphasized by the recipient. I will learn to relay my thoughts clearly with the written word rather than having to rely on formatting. I understand if I take the time to choose my words carefully and reflect on how I use them, formatting is not necessary.

9. When I sign up for a Web site service, newsletter or am sending an inquiry, I will take the time to add that site's e-mail address to my address book, white list or approved senders list so that the response can get through any spam blocking software my ISP, online service or that I may have in place. I understand that if I don't make this effort, the response to my request or subscription may not make it to my inbox.

10. I will make a point of understanding each online service or Web site I choose to use by reading their Frequently Asked Questions, Terms of Service and Help area. I understand that I need to eliminate my actions or lack thereof as a possible cause of a perceived problem before pointing fingers at others. If in fact something does appear amiss, I will e-mail with courtesy asking for assistance in resolving my difficulties rather than making blunt demands or accusations based on my assumptions alone.

Good advice from someone who studies this stuff all day. Let's commit to make 2007 the year of the email - and make yourself look better with your online communications.

TK

Google - Master of the Universe

2006-12-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Google is taking over the world and soon the universe. At closing Friday the stock sat at about $460 a share. It's high for the year was $513 so it's "down" a little... bummer.

I'll take that bummer any year. If you just sat on it all year then you're up about thirty bucks from January 1, 2006, but there was a lot of money to be made in this stock. The 52 week low was $331.55 so there was quite a bit of movement.

What I like most about Google is not it's stock price (because I don't own it), but the products they are putting out and the products they are making better. The site I use for all of my blogs, blogger.com is a Google product. My back up email (tomkauffman@gmail.com) is also a Google product.

Google is all over my computer starting on the desktop. Google Desktop keeps me on time, tracks my stocks and the market, gives me the weather report for four cities I'm tracking all the time, tells me how strong my Wi-Fi signal is and how much battery power I have left. It also searches for any document on my computer.

I use Google as my search engine. I also use Google Earth, Google Finance, Google Images (for my blog posts), Google Alerts and Google Mail.

Other great products introduced this year were Google Calendar and Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Each allows you to do your work anywhere you can get an Internet connection.

This company is worth 141 billion dollars and have billions in cash to invest in new ideas and new companies. Look for more great things from Google in 2007.

E-mail Etiquette Matters!: Stay Away from Sarcasm in E-mail

2006-12-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've received my share of nasty emails over the years and have made an art of crafting them! (That means so nasty from my end, recipients don't even get that I'm slamming them. I don't recommend it.

However, one of the worst things you can do is write an email laced with sarcasm. Judith Kallos writes about email etiquette and she posted this article on the topic of sarcasm in email on her blog. Check it out:

E-mail Etiquette Matters!: Stay Away from Sarcasm in E-mail

The challenge using sarcasm in spontaneous writing (such as email), is that it is not easily detected. The written word is void of tone, gesture and a quick opportunity to add clarifying comments.

"Say" something wrong in an email and you may have an upset recipient for a longer period of time than you'd like. There are symbols such as :) or ;) that aid in disarming sarcasm, but they don't appear to be very professional to me.

My advice - skip the sarcasm is business related email and use it sparingly in all other email correspondence.

TK

Cool Stuff Every Salesperson Should Own

2006-12-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

As the holidays come into full swing I have been thinking of the key pieces of equipment every salesperson should own. Of course "key" denotes you've got to have it to do business and that would be impossible. So by switching to the word "cool" everyone has permission to own these things even if only for their own personal pleasure! Here's the list:

1. Smart Phone - Yes this implies your other phone is dumb. If you can't retrieve email from multiple accounts and hit the web for critical information you need a new phone! A smart phone should feel like a little computer in your hand that doesn't have to be booted up an powered down. This includes your calendar, contacts, tasks and various notes. Get this first!

2. iPod - This device may be the coolest piece of technology you ever own. There are multiple models that serve multiple purposes. I own three and use two heavily. The other one was swiped by my middle son (who's getting one for Christmas so I can get my Nano back.)

The iPod is more than just a music player. I use my iPod to listen to daily podcasts on business, finance and politics. No matter what industry you're in... there's a podcast that can help you become more informed and more proficient at what you do. In addition, my entire personal development library is housed on my 30 gig video iPod. I can listen to the icon's of personal development for days without hearing the same message twice. If you don't have one - get one!

3. Headset - I just wrote an article on a new wireless headset (the Samsung WEP200 that I am still impressed with) and am recommending any type of headset for any phone that you use on a daily basis. Work, mobile and even your home phone. See how much freedom you can feel by removing the handset from the side of your head! Who can you trust? Plantronics is the most trusted name in headsets. Go with them and you won't get ripped off.

4. Small Digital Camera - Snapping pictures and throwing up pictures on your website, blog or just having them on your computer is a worthwhile thing.

5. High Capacity Storage Device - If you've ever lost your data then you know how painful an episode it can be... BACK UP YOUR DATA. There are devices the size of a deck of cards that can back up your entire computer. Get one and use it weekly.

Well that's five things. Number five may not be cool but it is essential. Merry Christmas!

TK

Giving Bluetooth Another Shot...

2006-12-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

I've tried Bluetooth headsets in the past and like many users haven't been impressed - so I tossed the Jabra piece of junk I had and gave up... it was like throwing away a hundred dollar bill.

I haven't had a wireless headset since, even though the world continues to buy them and the army of "mobile phone cyborgs" grow and grow and grow in number!

This all came to an end today when my Samsung WEP200 arrived in the mail and I took it for a spin. up. This little jewel is the most compact wireless headset I've ever seen... it's one of the entries in a new slew of supercompact headsets hitting the market.

This little baby measures only 1.5 by 0.5 by 0.5 inches (translation - it's really tiny), and fits perfectly in the ear canal. Easy buttons located in just the right positions. The unit comes with an equally small carrying case which also serves as the charging unit. I like the setup because when the unit is charging it is totally protected, but don't lose it - without the case the headset cannot be charged and I don't care how long the talk time is (4 hours by the way) or the standby time is (3 days)... without the charging unit you are toast.

I would rank the call quality as high and the way this unit works with my BlackBerry 8703e from Sprint can only be described as "harmonious." Sure they are both jet black and look like a match made in heaven, but add to that the ease in which I can answer calls and end calls without ever taking my phone out of it's holster - that's... harmonious too!

Getting excited about a wireless headset device may make me appear like I'm a technology neophyte - well I'm not - this little unit has me back in the Bluetooth headset game because it works and all of the manufacturers out there are building better products. Best of all... I look like a Navy Seal instead of a Terminator/cyborg wanna-be.

You'll like the look, the feel and the sound of the Samsung WEP200.

Wired Magazine's Best

2006-12-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Wired Magazine is a great publication if you like to look at magazine covers. For me it's kind of like album art. You may not have any interest in the music but the cover can generate a lot of emotion.

The best thing I've seen from Wired in some time is it's 2007 "Test Wired" edition which is on news stands now. Wired has tested and rated over 300 products... Laptops, mobile phones, home audio, cameras, satellite radio, MP3 players and many more products.

Also in this issue is a list of the top 10 gadgets that changed the world. Number One... the RCA 630TS which arrived in 1946. Guess what it is? Television. The price in today's dollars would be $3,600 bucks! Where's the record player, I'll use that for a few decades and let the Japanese get their electronics juggernaut going.

I think the iPod should be on the list but not a single Apple product is listed. IBM gets the number 9 spot for it's 5150 personal computer.

There's also a great piece on how to pick a mobile phone service provider (page 043), and the winner is... Verizon!

This is a must have read if you're into technology so grab an issue before they are all gone.

BlackBerry Pearl is a Bit Thin

2006-12-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

The BlackBerry team has delivered a very thin product with its new Pearl... too thin for my liking. I recently checked it out at Cingular Wireless and I don't know that it is capable of handling the rough work of business. It's pretty delicate unit.

BlackBerry ships the phone without any type of carrying case to protect it and the shiny outer appearance is bound to get wasted within a few weeks. I'm sure aftermarket products are already available and more on the way.

I currently use an 8700g and I love it. The major challenge other than the size of the unit and its delicate appearance is the keyboard layout. Without a full size QWERTY keyboard I can't imagine this unit being the workhorse BlackBerry fans are used to hammering away at.

The Pearl loses the scroll wheel and uses a "joystick" to maneuver through its menus. It's a little awkward but I'm sure the feel for it comes quickly. It comes with a camera and an MP3 player, but that's not why I choose BlackBerry products. Leave the fluff to Treo et al.

Check out the Pearl at a Cingular store near you.

TK

My Product Advisor...

2006-11-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Surfing for the greatest technology innovations in the marketplace (in a single bound), led me to review a site called My Product Advisor.

The website allows you to pick a general product category, answer questions regarding usage and features that are important to you, then receive recommendations on products that fit your needs.

According to Smartphone and Pocket PC Magazine, My Product Advisor "offers a great interactive guide to help you choose a PDA. It lets you state your preferences in seven different categories, and then makes a recommendation. In each category you indicate the importance of a particular feature via sliding scales."

Once recommendations are made you can view the products that fit your specifications and review prices via Price Grabber.

Check it out.

Spokane Technology Briefing

2006-11-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in the Inland Northwest (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar) at the Coeur d' Alene Resort.

Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards (Bonus Site)
www.superherocards.com
We didn't cover this site but it reall is a cool idea. This product that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using: Google Alerts?Google Desktop? Google News? Google Gmail? Google Earth? Google Calendar? Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in the Phoenix area (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizonwww.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextelwww.sprint.com
TMobilewww.t-mobile.com

Business Card Scanning Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog (Bonus Site)
www.blogger.com
We didn't cover this site either, but blogging is HUGE and is good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours... just pick one and DO IT!

TK

Email... Reply Please!

2006-11-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs to read on a weekly basis is written by Judith Kallos called "Because Netiquette Matters!" - check it out and you'll pick up great ideas on technology etiquette (it's a book too.) Some of my best received speaking content is based on the ideas generated by Judith... she just makes sense!

Email etiquette is critical to communicating in today's selling environment. Every interaction with a client is an opportunity to make a positive impression or a negative impression. What I find is that what may be a minor issue to you or I can be a major issue to someone else. I occasionally become frustrated when emails that I have sent to team members or clients are not responded to in a timely manner - or at all.

You see to me, intuitively, communicating via email is just like having a conversation, and I cannot imagine having someone not answer or respond during a face to face interaction. Similarly, I can't imagine ending a conversation without the courtesy of an "okay," "got it," "sure thing" or "talk to you later." Check these people out... let's assume they are talking about business or perhaps they are talking about something personal at a business function - you pick the topic. Can you just imagine one of them making a statement similar to this... "hey that sounds great Michael, I'll meet you at 8am" and Michael just staring at the other person, suddenly turns and walks away. Bizarre right?

You bet. If that happened you'd be wondering... "did he hear what I said" or perhaps you'd just think the person was not really interested in meeting you at 8am. Either way, you are left wondering where things stand.

Here's the point... that happens every day with email. Here are some examples:

1. You receive an email on a new company product offering and a training meeting to cover the details that is scheduled for next Thursday. Do you respond?

2. A client replies via email to an order stating "this looks good, let's move forward." Do you respond?

3. Your manager emails you the time and place of your upcoming quarterly review. Do you respond?

The answer to each question is absolutely you respond! Here's the test - instead seeing these as email messages, picture the interaction as face-to-face. Would you respond now? Of course.

Remember in selling it's not what you think is inappropriate, it's what your client or perhaps your manager thinks is appropriate that counts! Reply to all the emails you get and ask for others to do the same.

TK

Phoenix Technology Briefing

2006-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Phoenix (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards (Bonus Site)
www.superherocards.com
This is the site that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using: Google Alerts?Google Desktop? Google News? Google Gmail? Google Earth? Google Calendar? Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in the Phoenix area (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon
www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel
www.sprint.com
TMobile
www.t-mobile.com

Business Card Scanning Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog (Bonus Site)
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours... just pick one and DO IT!

TK

New Treo 680 - Finally Loses the Antenna!

2006-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Palm is about to roll out a new Treo (the 4th new model this year), The Treo 680, that finally loses that annoying stub of an antenna! Check this photo out... it's not cut off at the top - the stub is gone and from an esthetics perspective, I think this phone just elevated to an entirely different level!

Supposedly the 680 will sell for a mere $199... so something must be missing, besides the antenna. You don't cut the price of your new phone by close to 50% unless you cut something else too - at minimum your margin! Maybe the 680 is tasked with creating so much volume that the retail price cut won't make a difference? That's exactly the plan... Palm is cutting costs in its operations to make up for the diminished revenue. Palm plans to use two Chinese manufacturing companies to produce Treo models hoping to negotiate better deals on production costs.

Creating a Treo that targets the consumer market rather than the business market is a smart move too, considering the fact that the business market for smart phones is only 25% of the total non-business market. Palm is relying on the "we'll make it up in volume" strategy.

Lose the stubby antenna and make the body of the phone some cool colors and show teenagers how they can get their email on their phone... WINNING COMBINATION.

Palm needs the boost too since their stock is down more than 30% since April and since it won't take long for Palms original market, hand-held organizers will be totally dead. I don't know of one forward thinking individual who is buying a PDA and a mobile phone. It just doesn't make sense.

I think this phone is a winner and it might be my next purchase - lookout BlackBerry.

TK

Salt Lake Technology Briefing

2006-10-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Salt Lake City (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards (Bonus Site)
www.superherocards.com
This is the site that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using: Google Alerts?Google Desktop? Google News? Google Gmail? Google Earth? Google Calendar? Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in Salt Lake and beyond (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel www.sprint.com
TMobile www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scanning Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog (Bonus Site)
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours... just pick one and DO IT!

TK

Mobile Phone Maniacs

2006-10-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you saw and heard someone talking on their mobile phone that was being rude? Yesterday? Today? A minute ago?

Rudeness is on the the rise according to a survey by the Pew Research Center... 86% of respondents have said that they are occasionally irritated by other people conducting "loud and annoying" mobile phone conversations. This survey, and a 2004 survey done by Sprint, imply that those saying they see and hear rude mobile phone talkers don't believe they themselves are rude when they use their own mobile phones.

Hmmm. Doesn't seem to make sense. Obviously we mobile phone users think we're courteous when we're talking on the phone and most everyone else is rude and disruptive.

Where's the truth?

The truth is we all have a little bit of a mobile phone maniac in us. To purge the maniac in you, stop doing these three things immediately.

1. Stop making calls, and only take important calls, on your mobile phone when you are in a restaurant, using public transportation or in a non-private office setting.

Too many times when we're waiting for someone to join us for lunch or dinner we grab our phone and call someone, anyone. Just give us something to do instead of making us wait, alone, in a restaurant, alone. Try this instead of making a phone call - look at the menu. Ask for crayons if you have to but give the phone and everyone around you a break.

2. Stop having private phone calls in public settings. No one cares about your personal business, but that doesn't imply they want to hear it. Walking through the mall talking about inappropriate topics isn't okay just because no one knows who you are in the mall.

3. Stop using "I'm multi-tasking" as an excuse for being rude when interacting with a human being and technology at the same time. Here's a simple rule of thumb - the human comes first! Multi-tasking when you are working alone may be a good thing... but the topic is debatable. There is no debate when you are talking with someone face to face and you suddenly just grab your phone and start talking to the person one the other end of the phone. That's called being rude.

Try these three things. The noise level in the universe will decline greatly and you can purge yourself of some poor behavior at the same time!

TK

Business Podcasts

2006-09-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

Are you listening to podcasts? If you're not, I'm not surprised. Here's another question - are you recording television shows using TiVo or a similar DVR device? I bet that you are or soon will be.

Podcasts are like recording television programs to TiVo... except that they are automatically recorded and posted to a website for you to download when you want them. Even better, you can use a subscription service like iTunes and even the downloading can be automatic.

The best part? You get to listen to your content when and where you want. Listen on your desktop, laptop or sync your MP3 Player and take the content anywhere you want to go.

Two of my favorite business podcasts are...

1. Buzz Out Loud - Great podcast on technology and what's happening in the business technology world. Always informative and always fun.

2. Meet the Press - That's right, Meet the Press. If you know what's happening in politics then you'll have a better perspective about what's happening in business.

There are great podcasts on a variety of topics that can keep you informed on current business issues and especially technology issues. Best source in my book - check out iTunes.

TK

The Case for Smart Phones

2006-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

In my sales technology seminars I focus a major portion of my presentation on making the case for owning a smart phone as opposed to a regular mobile phone.

The essence is on being more efficient as a sales professional and using a smart phone to help you do it. If you're doing all the right things in selling, and you become more efficient, you should close more sales. Pretty logical.

The Treo is only one example of a smart phone. There are different models of the Treo and there are many other manufacturers. BlackBerry is an example. The fact is that for business professionals, especially sales professionals having all of the information that a smart phone instantly provides is a huge advantage if used for the right purposes. Here's a few great ways to maximize your efficiency with a smart phone:

1. A smart phone is like having a computer in the palm (no endorsement here) of your hand only better. First of all, it powers on INSTANTLY and off INSTANTLY. There is no "boot up" process with a mobile phone. Like a computer it can run contact programs like Outlook along with other programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It really is a computer in the palm (no endorsement here) of your hand.

2. With the access provided by your mobile carrier your phone is also connected to send and receive email. A realtor I met in Chicago told me about a sale she made that paid her $15,500 in commission. How did she do it? She did what she normally does, got the listing, provided great service and made the sale. How did she get the listing? She answered an email within seconds on her smart phone. When the client received an instant response, they gave the listing to her just as quickly. If she had checked her email the next day, or a few days later, someone else would have got the listing because it was a quick move.

3. Back to number one... Because you have Word or similar programs on your smart phone you can instantly email clients sales related documents. Marketing pieces or contracts can be on clients computer in minutes.

4. Web access is possible on every smart phone out there. The key is to use it to be efficient and not just screw around. Driving directions would be a great example of productive usage.

5. Some devices have all the bells and whistles and I believe that the same rules of efficiency apply. If you have a digital camera or a video camera on your phone use it for business to get more done.

In a few years one out of every four phones in America will be a smart phone and sales professionals should be carrying the majority of them.

Riverside Technology Briefing Notes

2006-08-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Riversdie (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards (Bonus Site)
www.superherocards.com
This is the site that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using: Google Alerts?Google Desktop? Google News? Google Gmail? Google Earth? Google Calendar? Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in the Inland Empire (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel www.sprint.com
TMobile www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scanning Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog (Bonus Site)
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

Chicago Technology Briefing Notes

2006-08-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Chicago (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards
www.superherocards.com
This is the site that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using:Google Alerts?Google Desktop?Google News?Google Gmail?Google Earth?Google Calendar?Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in Chicago (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel www.sprint.com
TMobile www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scan Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

Seattle Technology Briefing Notes

2006-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Seattle (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Selling Power Magazine
www.sellingpower.com
Selling Power is THE magazine for sales professionals. If you don't subscribe to this magazine then you are missing out on a major tool of the selling industry.

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the greeting and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our other featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Super Hero Cards
www.superherocards.com
This is the site that takes a picture of you and turns it into a Super Hero "playing card." This is definitely for the "fun" type of sales person who is looking to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using:Google Alerts?Google Desktop?Google News?Google Gmail?Google Earth?Google Calendar?Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.comThis is the website that lists different locations in Seattle (and around the country) that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel www.sprint.com
TMobile www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scan Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick! Check eBay for the best price on this product.

Start Your Own Blog
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

Super Hero Business Cards

2006-08-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine these individuals as sales people? Superman getting to appointments - no problem. Batman over coming objections - whose going to tell the bat no? And last but certainly not least, Wonder Woman. The deal is done - she doesn't even need to present her product or service. You are going to say yes.

There are a ton of other super hero's in this picture that I just don't know, what I do know is that us mere mortals could use a little Super Hero help once and a while. I've found it...

Actually my partner Ron found it and I checked out Super Hero Cards on the web www.superherocards.com. These things are cool and definitely different! Different with business cards is HUGE when prospecting and making initial contacts. Check this lady out... I don't even know what she does but I'd buy something from her!

Super Hero Cards will a photo that you provide along with some key details about you and produce a fun card that works with people who like fun things. You may not give this card out to everyone... so you have your regular business cards (that should stand out somehow too) that you give to the stiffs.

You design the card right on Super Hero Cards website and then they send you a PDF proof of the card for your review. They have some designs on their site that give you an idea of what other people had done.

Here are some interesting names for sales people who wish they were really super hero's... a top 10:

10. Super Sales-Man (very obvious)
9. Wonder Sales-Woman (again, rather obvious)
8. Bat Closer
7. Spider Networker
6. I give up... it's late.

You get the idea... you can be anyone and they super-impose your face over a comic graphic that makes you look better than any picture you could submit of your body.

Check it out.

TK (AKA Techno-Man)

Cingular "Taking You for a Ride"

2006-07-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Do you know what you paying for dialing 411 on your your mobile phone? I recently opened my bill from Cingular Wireless to find an annoucement that said beginning August 11th, every time I dial 411, the charge will be $1.79. Is that just WRONG or what!?

I feel like Cingular is taking their mobile clients for a ride! Quick, jump out - you notice I'm not in the backseat any longer...

Next time you're out driving and you have to use directory assitance from your mobile phone, just remember it's costing you a pretty penny! Don't leave home without Googling where you are going!

TK

Stuffbak.com - You've Got to Have It!

2006-07-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

I posted this in February but I'm bringing it back... this product is so dang handy you've got to get it and use it! Read first - buy later... later today!

Some time ago I was in Salt Lake City for a training program and as we wrapped things up and headed home we had to return our rental car.

As we pulled into the rental car return line and grabbed our luggage I noticed my computer bag was a little "light" so I opened it up and presto - no laptop! Freaking out... I threw my luggage back in the car and sped back to the hotel (to the objection of the Avis rep who was shouting something about stolen car status) to locate my precious cargo.

12 minutes later I pulled into the Sheraton Hotel and ran to the spot I recalled leaving my laptop. It was gone... but good fortune and a good Samaritan had found me and my computer. After a BIG thank you I raced back to the airport and caught my plane with time to spare.

Question 1 - What if I couldn't recall where I'd left my laptop and the same good Samaritan had picked it up? With my super-spy password protection they would never have been able to contact me...

Question 2 - What is available to help nice people return valuable stuff?

Answer 1 - Bummer

Answer 2 - Stuffbak.com

Stuffbak is a cool looking label product (very official visual - see below) that lets you plaster all your stuff i.e. laptop, mobile phone, PDA, MP3 Player etc. with an 800 phone number. When someone finds your goodies they call the phone number and Stuffbak arranges the return of your item.

Place these little babies on all your cool stuff...

The process is easy. For just a few bucks you can buy the labels from Stuffbak. Once they arrive you go to their website and register the labels. The best part is your phone number, physical address and email address are safe from public view - very confidential.

Then place the labels on all your important business and personal stuff that you don't want to lose - permanently.

Stuffbak makes it FREE and easy for finders to return your lost item. You pay nothing until a lost item is found - and then you only pay a $14.95 handling fee, plus the cost of shipping.

Check out www.stuffbak.com and place these things on everything but your kids! I've labeled my car keys, laptop, mobile phone and brief case. Still have some labels so the children may not be out of the question!

TK

Email Efficiency

2006-07-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

Technology is doing great things for individuals and for business. Efficiencies are created when technology is applied the right way, and when utilized, we can realize more time and be more organized.

One way to realize these benefits is to handle email more efficiently. I have a routine that I engage in every few evenings a week. After arriving home and dropping my bags I go to the place where our U.S. Mail is stashed. Once found, I spend the next five minutes determining which pieces are non-junk and junk.

It’s getting tougher to determine junk from the good stuff… can you relate? I have to open mail to determine if it’s something important that I wasn’t prepared to see or if it’s just the next hot design by a firms marketing department. After that step then I make piles for monthly bills, things my wife needs to see, things that I need to respond to that are not monthly bills.

This is my life – well five minutes a few times a week anyway – and technology can’t fix this... yet.

However, my other mail experience, email is much cleaner and I get 10 times the amount of mail online than I do from the postman. Here are a couple of things I do and recommend to you:

1. Use a SPAM filtering service. My company uses Spam Soap and I highly recommend it. Spam Soap is a service where you register your email domain name and after doing so, every email that is sent to your address goes through SPAM SOAP servers before it can get to you. Every day they send you ONE email that reports the messages that have been filtered.

My quick estimate is that 99% of the crap that could come my way – doesn’t. Once in a while I’ll open the email they send to check and see if anything I’m looking for has stalled on their servers and sometimes I catch a newsletter… but it’s rare that a normal email from someone doesn’t make it through. Huge recommendation for Spam Soap.

2. Turn off your automatic retrieval of email. This may sound crazy, but think about this, what if every time a piece of mail was available to you the mailman drove by your house and but it in your mailbox and you were required to go out and get it. Every time…

What a waste of energy. Every email that arrives that you open immediately means something else you were working on just got the “mental shaft” and you have to start focusing all over again once you’ve read and dealt with the email. If it happen once a day that would be one thing, but what if it happens 30 to 50 times a day?

Turn off automatic send and receive and check mail at predetermined intervals and watch your productivity improve.

If someone is asking an important question and you feel a conversation starting up over email – pick up the phone and spend 2 minutes going over the details. Save your time and their time!

3. Create subfolders in your email program and set rules for incoming mail. I’m surprised at how few people use this important feature. When I open email in the morning I can actually watch 20 to 30 messages being sorted into the right “sub” mail box. Anything message left in the “main” Inbox is something I wasn’t expecting. Everything else is in its own box sorted by group or individual.

Try these three suggestions and see if you don’t become more efficient working with email.

TK

Free Business Cards on the Web

2006-06-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

I found a company on the web today from a person who was visiting my office. He handed me a "personal" business card and said that he found the cards online and they were free... I like free.

The name of the company is Vista Print and their website is www.vistaprint.com and it's worth taking a look at if you are in need of printing your own business cards. Vista also prints other products like stationary and envelopes.

By simply entering your contact information you can build a business card with Vista Print's online tools within about 60 seconds. The first 250 business cards are FREE and you only pay $5.25 for shipping. Not bad if you're starting your own little business or just need another solution for your business card supplier. If you need your job rushed, they can do a 3 day turnaround. From my experience with printers - 3 days is quick.

As you begin to finalize your transaction and sneak off the site with 250 FREE cards Vista Print throws all of these other items at you that may want to add to your order, and since you've entered all of your contact information, they personalize each item and you see how they would look with your name on them - things like notepads, stationary etc.

It may sound crazy, but it didn't bother me a bit to have to go through what might seem like a gratuitous add on sale display to someone else. To me it was like I was shopping for office supplies... and who doesn't like shopping for office supplies? Show me someone who doesn't like Staples or Office Max and I'll show you someone that isn't actually ALIVE.

Vista Print may have a solution for you. Check it out.

TK

Ventura Technology Briefing

2006-06-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Ventura County (held in conjunction with our Becoming a Top Producer seminar.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Nightingale-Conant
www.nightingale.com
NC is THE name in the personal development industry. Check out their website and you'll discover an entire world that you didn't know existed... dedicated to improving your sales career and your life!

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in interest rates and financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the card and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using:Google Alerts?Google Desktop?Google News?Google Gmail?Google Earth?Google Calendar?Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Anchor Free
www.anchorfree.com
This is the website that lists different locations in Ventura that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel www.sprint.com
TMobile www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scan Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick!

Start Your Own Blog
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

June Tech Review - Apple Video iPod

2006-06-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Last year I amassed too much money into my PayPal account in an attempt to buy tickets to the USC vs. Notre Dame football game. I won the tickets I was after, but the payment end of things didn't work right... I paid twice and still had to send the seller a check.

The result... my son Chris and I saw one of the greatest football games in college football history. I also had about $1,500 bucks in my PayPal account that had to be used up. So I went on a shopping spree.

One of the items I picked up was the Apple 30 GB Video iPod. Have owned a number of MP3 players and an iPod Nano I wanted to check out a full-sized iPod and see what all the hype was about. Was "video" and 30 GB really that impressive and really needed? The answer - a resounding YES!

First and foremost, the 30 GB unit does a complete backup of my music library. I don't have to management my sync list like I do on my Nano... hook it in and my entire music collection is not only backed up and safe, but ready for me to use. How long does it take - let me check - 40 seconds to back up 16 GB of content. Not bad... (of course it's only updating new content such as recent music purchases and Podcast updates.)

In all of my previous music players I had to pick and choose what content I wanted to sync and what had to be purged. Not every song could come along for the trip. 30 GB fixed that challenge.

What's the other cool feature of the video iPod? The video. Not only do I have my music, I have some of my favorite shows such as LOST and 24. The screen is small but when you put the iPod like 8 inches from your face - looks like a big screen - no joke.

I need to figure out how to get movies onto the iPod. Does anyone know how to do that? If I could take just one or two classic flicks on every trip I could be occupied the entire time!

TK

Motorola Q Hits the Market

2006-06-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

After lengthy delays the “Moto Q” has hit the market and is available on the web from Verizon Wireless and only Verizon Wireless. Once again a really cool phone is locked up by one major carrier – I hate that!

Beyond my disgust for the evil workings of the mobile phone industry and my Motorola stock shares laying stagnant for the last six months - I think the Q is a winner.

It’s thin (like a Razor), doesn’t have a stylus (like a BlackBerry) and runs Windows Mobile 5.0 (like a lot of other new devices.) Back to thin… it’s as thin as a Mont Blanc pen at .45 inches. Only the BlackBerry 8700c comes close. The Treo 700 units are bricks compared to the Q.

Unfortunately what the Q lacks in thickness it makes up for in length. The Q is 3 feet long… okay not true. The Q is long though, measuring over 4.5 inches in length it’s just a hair too big. I took an eraser to it and it looks better like this:

Even though it is “super-sized” the scroll wheel makes operating the Q with one hand a possibility. Just like a mouse on a desktop or a touch pad on a laptop, all smart phones are going to feature a scroll wheel for easier navigation.

Of course one feature that you get with Windows Mobile 5.0 is the mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and a host of third party software that has been, and will be, developed in partnership with Microsoft. This is a huge advantage over BlackBerry devices. Word and Excel files transfer easily and require no third party software assistance.

I like the mobile version of Windows Media which easily plays music files and video. I wouldn’t ditch my iPod if I started using the Moto Q… but it would be nice to always have a few tunes in your pocket.

QWERTY key board and high speed access to the net make the Q a player in the smart phone marketplace. It’s $199 with a two year service agreement with Verizon. $110 a month gets you 1350 minutes of talk time and unlimited data usage. I’d give it a try.

TK

May Tech Review - Google Earth

2006-05-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

In my technology briefings that I do across the country I feature a host of Google products including Google Earth and ask the rhetorical question... "how do these guys make money?" For a company that has stock price that continually flirts the with the number "400" ($400 dollars this is) I'm amazed that everything it puts out is FREE (and in beta too.)

Google Earth is a cool product that's for sure, but it has a number of great business applications too. For example, I was offered an opportunity to rent a beach house in the San Diego this summer. Let's just change the word rent for the word BUY... Okay, I have a real estate deal (I can use the word buy and deal now - for all you Results team members) to invest in some beach front property in Imperial Beach just south of Coronado Island. Sounds great.

However, I've spent A LOT of time in San Diego and don't recall ever sun tanning on Imperial Beach. So I grab a map and find out that Imperial Beach is the southern most beach in the continental US... only 3.5 miles from Tijuana, Mexico. That seemed a little scary to me considering I have little ones that will be running around the place. So I checked out Google Earth and here is what I saw...

Amazing. I saw beach and that was enough for me! Actually with a few zoom features and measuring tools I found out the place was only a few miles from the Hotel Del Coronado. With neighbors like that, the location can't be that bad.

So I'm only renting... maybe some day I'll have a home on the beach. Google Earth is a great tool for anyone in the real estate industry or anyone who is interested in real estate investing.

There are some great tools in this program too. You can lay in roadways, borders, eaterys, banks etc. Directions and measurements are easy in Google Earth. You have to use this program to experience the coolest feature... "flying" from one destination to another. Try this, start at the White House and then fly to Buckingham Palace... You'll move across the Atlantic Oceans in seconds and be staring down at the Queen before you can say "Fish and Chips."

Check it out. I'll be featuring a number of Google freebies this month.

TK

Las Vegas Technology Briefing

2006-04-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our Sales Technology Briefing in Las Vegas (held in conjunction with the Results Seminars Top Producer program.) Here is a list of the products, services and websites that we reviewed during our event:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Nightingale-Conant
www.nightingale.com
NC is THE name in the personal development industry. Check out their website and you'll discover an entire world that you didn't know existed... dedicated to improving your sales career and your life!

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in interest rates and financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the card and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using:
Google Alerts?
Google Desktop?
Google News?
Google Gmail?
Google Earth?
Google Calendar?
Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Metro Free
www.metrofreefi.com
This is the website that lists different locations in Vegas that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access:
Verizon
www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel
www.sprint.com
TMobile
www.tmobile.com

Business Card Scan Product
www.cardscan.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick!

Start Your Own Blog
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

April Tech Review - Send Out Cards

2006-04-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Check out http://www.sendoutcards.com/ if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to stay in touch with your clients. Send Out Cards is a product that my friends Jeff and Adam Packard turned me onto last year. I’ve used it and also witnessed it become a better product.

A quick overview of the service…

Send Out Cards allows you to take your contacts from Outlook or some other database and import them in their online database. Once your contacts are on the Send Out Card servers you’ve got a back up of your data – nice side benefit.

From the website you can select a contact and send a card to them using the automated selections for the occasion, the type of card, the type of message and other cool features. Some of my favorite customizations are my own custom message, adding photos and even using my own handwriting!

My handwriting? Yep – simply fill out a form and fax it to SOC and they’ll scan your own handwriting and you can choose to make a card look just like you wrote it. Pretty sweet.

The cards come with a stamp (a real stamp) and are mailed out of Salt Lake City and are the closest thing to real I’ve ever seen. I’m pretty discriminating and they do look good. If they didn’t, I wouldn’t be recommending them.

Want to send a gift card? Send Out Cards can throw in a Starbucks gift card (along with others) that is sure to be a hit – even if your card doesn’t get read!

If your interested check them out on the web or give me a shout at tomk@resultsseminars.com and I can point you in the right direction.

TK

Apple Runs Windows... Oh My

2006-04-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hell has frozen over in the tech world, and I'm not the first person to use that phrase to describe Apple's recent announcement to run Windows XP on its hardware.

Why is this a big deal? Well there are many reasons, but for me, the top reason is that my Windows programs may soon be running on cool Apple hardware. Some people love Apple's operating system and some love their unique programs. I don't care about that stuff, I want one of those beautiful white iMac's on my desktop. White (like my iPod) and nothing under my desk. Nothing.

I last used an Apple desktop in college. The business school at my university had IBM units by the hundreds down in the basement. They ran WordStar and VisiCalc and some programming languages. Pretty blah.

One day someone turned me on to the fact that the architectural college had these computers called "Macintoshes" and they ran programs called "Word" and "Excel" and they were the BOMB. The gooey operating environment was something I'd never seen before. It had a mouse (there were no mouses to be found over at the business school.)

Those were the days. I bought my first Mac the month I graduated from college... I also received a PC for graduation. So without ever opening the boxes, I sold my first Mac to my brother-in-law. It was close to 20 years later before I bought another Apple product.

Although the Nano and the 30 gigabyte video iPod I bought recently are very cool, nothing has hit me more than the iMac. The 20 inch iMac is the coolest piece of computer hardware I've ever seen. Beautiful and functional. BIG yet a footprint that is INCREDIBLY small. I played with one of these last year in Chicago at the Apple Store on the Miracle Mile. I sat there forever staring at the screen and wondering "why can't Dell make something so functional and stylish."

If the new Windows operating system, which is called Vista, ever comes preloaded on the iMac... I'll buy it immediately.

From a business perspective, Apple stands to gain if others think like I do, they want their PC apps to run on Apple Hardware. I think the potential is huge for the consumer market, but what about the business market? Would large corporate clients invest in Apple iMacs? Perhaps. I can think of one company that might pull the trigger on a few thousand units - Disney - perhaps this will be Steve Jobs' first piece of business on the Disney board.

TK

John McCain Doesn't Do Technology?

2006-03-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

This is a technology blog, not a political blog; however, I was reading an article in Fortune Magazine about how successful people work and John McCain was profiled.

Senator McCain made some statements regarding technology and I found his postions intersting considering the fact that he MAY be running for POTUS in 2008.

Check this out... in the article Senator McCain made the following statement regarding his use of technology:

"I read my e-mails, but I don't write any. I'm a Neanderthal--I don't even type. I do have rudimentary capabilities to call up some websites, like the New York Times online, that sort of stuff. No laptop. No PalmPilot. I prefer my schedule on notecards, which I keep in my jacket pocket. But my wife has enormous capability. Whenever I want something I ask her to do it. She's just a wizard. She even does my boarding passes--people can do that now. When we go to the movies, she gets the tickets ahead of time. It's incredible."

I have a few points I'd like to make on the senator's comments considering the world we live in today and the important role that technology plays in the military, business and in the everyday lives of the American people.

1. Communicating via email is a common event for most Americans. Whether it be from a business perspective or family life perspective. Email (and the Internet) have good and bad ramifications on the people of this country. Government leaders need to know how to use this technology to know what it's all about.

2. Everyone needs to know how to type. In today's world, saying "I don't even know how to type," is like saying "I don't know how to write." You can't say "I have people who do that for me" and then try and inspire a country to be on the cutting edge of education and technology.

3. The New York Times (online or offline) is biased news. Find a more objective source for news. Try Google News... that way you can get the best of both worlds.

4. No laptop - no Palm device. This possible presidential candidate prefers note cards. Mr. McCain would find it hard to function in the business world without "staff" to type and send his emails and track his appointments. Can you imagine a young person entering the workforce today saying "I don't type and I don't know how to use a laptop. I don't even have a Palm Pilot - but you should see my notecards!" Wow, I want that person to join my company...

5. Luckily for the country Mr. McCain's wife knows how to surf the Internet. Did you know that you can print a boarding pass for an airline flight and even buy movie tickets online? According to the senator, "It's incredible."

Incredible is right. I think this whole technology thing is catching on and we need to jump in and embrace typing and all of those other cutting edge skill sets. The way I see it, Mr. McCain has about 30 months to go buy "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" and head to his nearest New Horizons Computer Learning Center and take a few classes (go to www.newhorizons.com senator - or have a staff person do it.)

All fun aside... our young people need to know how to type, they need to know how to use technology (for the right and productive reasons), and they need leaders that set a positive example. To imply that you don't use technology and that it's okay, is a weak position. To brag about it, is just stupid.

What staffer approved that article?

My suggestion... read www.salestechnologyreport.com and have Mrs. McCain make the senator get his own dang movie tickets online. That would be "incredible!"

TK

March Tech Review - eNook

2006-03-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

I found this product in PC Magazine's December 2005 issue on "What's New for 2006." I thought it was a cool concept and design and wanted to review it this month.

Here's some of the copy from the advertising piece on eNook:

"A Gas Station for your Gadgets and a Work Space for You - it charges, it stores and it fits where you don't have a lot of room. It's called eNook, and it's a very multi-talented workspace. eNook has channels for you to plug in and charge all of your electronic gadgetry, like your laptop, cell phones, PDAs and digital cameras. Flip it up to store your laptop and lock it out of sight. Or flip it down and you have a handy desk."

That about says it all... except for the benefits of standing up while you work. I know two people who use this approach to managing their work day. I personally don't have a stand up desk, but when I have to make an important phone call, I stand up. When I want to convey energy and excitement, I stand up and when I want to put my best foot forward (the left one), I stand up.

According to the website, www.standupdesks.com (seriously), here are 3 good reasons to move to a stand up desk:

1. Working at a stand up desk brings immediate relief to lower back pain sufferers.

2. Stand up desks pay for themselves quickly with both increased and improved productivity.

3. Stand up desks will leave you far less fatigued at the end of the day as a result of improved circulation and exercise.

Beyond the benefits of standing up, this is a great product for managing your technology. As much as convergence is taking place with the devices we carry around to sell and do business, I bet most of us still have at least three pieces of technology (be it a mobile phone, smart phone, PDA, laptop, digital camera or MP3.) That's a lot of cords and a lot of recharging going on.

With the eNook you can manage all of your devices in one stable location - while you work. One of the best features of this product is that you can fold it up and lock it shut. If you have little ones running around at home (or the home office), or teenagers grabbing your charging cables for their iPod, this security feature of folding and locking is awesome.

The outer features can be customized with different laminates and trim to match your decor. Check it out at www.anthro.com/enook

BlackBerry Signs Peace Accord

2006-03-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

What can better than a half billion dollars buy you these days? Well if you make it $612.5 million dollars it can buy you peace (piece of mind) and settlement of a damaging PR nightmare.

RIM's failure to settle last March cost an additional $162 million dollars. Not a bad return on investment for 12 months for NTP. RIM was losing business, both large and small customers were leaving the service and potential new customers were holding their ground until a resolution was assured.

RIM is out a few bucks... but hey, they have a billion dollars in cash in the bank so they'll be okay. Sales will be picking up quick and their stock was up 14% today in after market trading. That's a big day.

Who else won today beside corporate and individual clients? All 435 members of US House of Representatives and 100 US Senators and their staffs. If the service was shut off these folks had a "free pass" which would have kept their service up and running. Sound good?

Not really. They would have been vilified in the press and rightly so - the world suffers and yet the US Congress gets a free pass? That wouldn't have gone over so good, and the argument that the BlackBerry was vital to the operation of our government is a bunch of bull. There was always the Treo...

Treo (PALM), is perhaps the only loser today. Their stock is down almost 4% in after market trading and the possibility of picking up BlackBerry clients will most likely subside.

Well it's all over now... in a week this will no longer be a story. The good news for everyone is that BlackBerry will hopefully continue to make their product smaller and add a few more key features such as voice activated dialing. Soon the 8700c will spread to other carriers and BlackBerry will have an even stronger position in the market.

Peace - Out.

TK

Who is Buying PDA's?

2006-03-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Remember when this was the bomb in personal technology? They called it a Personal Digital Assistant. The PDA would keep your calendar, contacts and tasks all on one handy little device. It really was a bomb, it literally blew up the growth of companies like Franklin-Covey that were selling paper planning solutions. People began switching from paper to PDA's. I didn't think I could survive a day without my Classic size, Monticello style, Burgandy leather binder from FC - but I did and I'm glad I did.

My first PDA was not a Palm-Pilot like the one above... it was an HP unit called an "IPAQ." I don't know what that stood for but it was pretty cool. It ran Windows software and included versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and played MP3's. It was pretty handy and I never went back to a paper system. Eventually my laptop became my primary source of planning and rather than using a PDA, I switched to a smart phone which I have used for the last 3 years.

Technology being what it is today I have to ask... who is buying PDA's? It makes no sense to carry a PDA and carry a mobile phone. Two devices instead of one means:

Two devices to lose
Two seperate power cords (I don't like cords...)
Two seperate power cords to lose (I really don't like to lose things)
Two devices to carry around
Etc.

That's a long lists compared to just carrying one device around that serves as your phone, calendar, address book and tracks your tasks.

The new Treo 700w (top of the line device) at Verizon Wireless runs $399 with a two year contract. A new Palm "LifeDrive" runs $449... there are more economical choices from Palm all the way down to the Z22 for 99 bucks. (Now with the Treo 700w you have an agreement that you have to enter into, but you'll have that same obligation with the mobile phone you have to carry in addition to a simple PDA.)

Go with the smart phone...

Who is buying PDA's? There are people who have special software for PDA's such as realtors who use the Palm to access MLS information and other necessary tasks, but why not use the Treo 650 and have the phone feature integrated into the device that does so much?

It may also be that those people you still see carrying around a day planner are moving slowly into technology and trying a PDA. One feature that a PDA or a smart phone really won't give you - that little check mark when you accomplish a task. There is nothing like taking a real pen (not a stylus) to paper and making that small downward flick followed by a long upward stroke. It just feels like success...

BlackBerry Bull$#@&

2006-02-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

After all of the hype, all of the pontification and all of the published stories the judge does nothing in the NTP vs. RIM case. Nothing.

Within five minutes of the news breaking RIM stock was up 10% and tech analysts were scratching their heads. The one outcome that couldn’t happen – happened. That is the judge that has been pushing both parties to settle their dispute came out with the BIG HAMMER and said, “settle your dispute, and I mean it this time.” What is up with that? He’s already said that and NTP has already won a judgment against RIM.

Maybe I’m way off base. I’m not an attorney and I didn't go to law school, but it seems that with all the hype leading up to today, that a concrete course of action should have been determined and enforced by now.

I believe all consumers (both large corporations and individual users) were expecting a definitive answer in this case. Communicating with a BlackBerry device is not only addictive, it’s a NECESSARY business tool. Forget the jokes about “crack” and "thumbs,” this little device is my computer when my laptop is not on or in reach.

It’s also my phone, calendar and insures I can find anyone, at any number, in my little world. I deserved an answer today and so did anyone else carrying a BlackBerry product. If the new Motorola Q was on the market I’d go buy it and dump this 8700c in a minute. When an answer to this case does come, do I have an hour of connectivity? 30 days? No one knows.

I’m ready to move on and I wouldn’t mind having the service turned off at this point. I’d have a story that I could tell all around the country “where were you when BlackBerry service was shut off?” After sharing war stories I could then turn to my new Motorola Q with mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and listen to my favorite tunes in Windows Media 10 too.

I've done it before and I can do it again, as long is I can check, reply and send an email with one hand, I have to have that feature...

TK

BlackBerry Friday or Just Black Friday?

2006-02-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you've ever watched the movie Ben-Hur there is this scene when Judah (played by Charleton Heston) and Messala (played by Stephen Boyd) are about to start the chariot race and they meet up just prior to the start.

These guys hate each other and someone isn't going to come out of the "circus" alive... as Messala passes by Judah Ben-Hur he gives him this evil look and says "today is the day Judah" and Judah stares back at him and says "yes, today is the day." I love that movie and that scene is awesome. (Ben-Hur is the winner of 11 Oscars.)

Anyway, "today is the day BlackBerry..." This could be a huge business story or absolutely much to do about nothing. No prediction here, but check out this link to read more about what is happening from CNET News:

http://news.com.com/BlackBerry+getting+squeezed/2009-1047_3-6042243.html?tag=nefd.lede

Nick Fletcher in our group has already changed his phone just in case something happens today. It's definitely a prudent move and I salute his vigilance. We will know more by the end of the day. Good luck all you BlackBerry people!

TK

BIOPRO Product – Check it out

2006-02-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine was showing me his mobile phone at lunch today and it had this round gel looking thing on the back.

It turns out to be a flexible resin Mylar product that reduces the electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones and other consumer electronic products.

Not sure how it works, but the link between mobile phone usage and brain cancer has been studied very closely and articles can be found all over the web.

If you’re concerned about this topic, check out the website at http://www.mybiopro.com/ to read more about this product and find links to some interesting articles.

TK

Jacksonville Technology Briefing

2006-02-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of websites that were shared with everyone attending the Jacksonville Sales Technology Briefing held in conjunction with the Results Seminars Top Producer program:

Results Seminars
www.closemoresales.com
This is our official site that tells you where we are going with our events and what's happening in our group. Check it out!

Nightingale-Conant
www.nightingale.com
NC is THE name in the personal development industry. Check out their website and you'll discover an entire world that you didn't know existed... dedicated to improving your sales career and your life!

Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com
Everyone who deals in interest rates and financing should bookmark this site! What is happening on a daily basis in interest rates is kept up to date for you by Bankrate.com.

Send Out Cards
www.sendoutcards.com
This is a cool site dedicated to helping you stay in touch with your clients. Pick the cards that you want to send and this group lets you customize the card and even sends it for you. This is a truly automated BUT personal process. You have to see it to believe it.

Stuffbak.com
www.stuffbak.com
This was our featured site. Stuffbak makes a label product that you can attach to all of your personal effects (keys, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) This is a no brainer. Buy these and put them on everything before you lose it and some nice person keeps it because they don't know who the heck you are!

Google
www.google.com
Have you heard of this company? Duh. Of course you have... but are you using:
Google Alerts?
Google Desktop?
Google News?
Google Gmail?
Google Earth?

Remember, it's all FREE and all capable of assisting you be more efficient.

Clearwire
www.clearwire.com
This is the group here in Jacksonville that sells Wi-Fi access throughout the city.

Metro Free
www.metrofreefi.com
This is the website that lists different locations in Jacksonville that offer FREE access to Wi-Fi.

Broadband Access in JAX:
Verizon
www.verizonwireless.com
Sprint/Nextel
www.sprint.com
TMobile
www.tmobile.com

Laptop with Broadband and Wi-Fi Built in...
www.sony.com

Corex Card Scan
www.corex.com
This is the cool business card scanning product that can scan cards directly into your Outlook or other contact management software. You can type in 100 calls in 4 hours or scan them in 10 minutes. You pick!

Start Your Own Blog
www.blogger.com
Good for staying in touch with clients and getting your presence on the Internet. Remember - this one is FREE.

Remember... 5 things in 72 hours!

TK

Tech Etiquette 101

2006-02-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am no Emily Post, but someone needs to lay down the law on what is cool and NOT cool when it comes to using technology and conducting business at the same time.

With so many "gadgets" flooding the marketplace, and with many of us carrying multiple devices (I count four on my desk and in my bag at this moment), the line between what is acceptable business behavior and poor business behavior has blurred a bit. From a selling perspective, I have a few ideas for using technology while doing business. Check it out:

Mobile Phones
It all started with mobile phones... pagers were not that bad, all you could do was look at an incoming number and pretend like you were Jack Bauer (the president is calling, terrorists have taken over the lunch room and drank someone's Mountain Dew, can you come take them out, maybe torture them a little bit so they won't go in the fridge again.)

When mobile phones saturated the marketplace, not only could you look at a number, but you could even answer the phone and tell the caller you were in an important meeting and you needed to call them back. (You'd never answer your phone during an important meeting would you? Yes you would. It happens everyday in business.)

Here is my advice... never bring your phone to an initial contact opportunity, presentation, final closing or any other important meeting. DO NOT HAVE YOUR PHONE ON YOUR PERSON. Notice I did not say put your phone on vibrate, stun, quiet mode or even turn it off. Do not bring it with you period. Your presentation is the most important thing you could be doing. Don't risk diminishing your message by having a phone ring or vibrate.

Never look at a ringing, vibrating mobile phone when presenting or in a meeting. If it does ring, turn it off but don't look at the incoming call number! If it does vibrate, ignore it all together.

If you really want to make points with a client or friend and have forgotten to NOT bring your phone to a meeting, take it out and turn it off in front of them and throw it in your bag, briefcase or purse and tell them "this is important and I am going to turn off my phone so it doesn't bother us. Nice touch.

Refrain from engaging in important conversations when driving for the same reason. If you are concentrating on driving then you cannot concentrate on the important points of selling. Casual calls are fine (if your state has no laws against using mobile phones while driving), but important calls are not cool. Try this the next time someone calls you or calls you back and it's important:

"Ron, this is really important and I can't give you the attention you deserve because I'm not at the office yet. Let me pull over and I'll call you right back and we can cover everything." Again, nice touch. I don't risk ramming the car in front of me, I get to focus on my client or future client and as a bonus, I just projected an image of responsibility and caring to the other party. Try it.

As a side note, don't carry on long-term conversations on your mobile phone in waiting rooms (doctors, dentists etc) or waiting in lines (banks Taco Bell etc), no one cares about your idle conversations. Take the call, do your business and order your Chulupas... life moves on.

Laptops
I have two computers in my office. A desktop that I do heavy work on and a laptop that I travel with and use for email and to write with. Everyday I have someone walk in my office while I am typing and there is always a slight delay before I look up and acknowledge them. Depending on who it is and what they want, I may not even look up and just continue to hammer the keys... not good.

Always close your laptop when talking with someone who is not on their own laptop, i.e. someone walks into your office and interrupts you. It shows respect for the person and their issue. You don't have to close it all the way, by just shutting it enough where you can't see the screen you can now focus and project that you are interested in the conversation.

Email
Don't put anything in writing that you don't want others to see... anything. Don't use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and don't use all lower case letters. I think this whole email thing has caught on as a major business form of communication, so use correct grammar. (Save lower case, abbreviations and "code" such as LOL - whatever that means, for Instant Messaging where almost anything is acceptable.) LOL.

A major issue in our company is getting people to respond to email. Since email is almost like a conversation, always repsond to insure that both parties know where the "conversation" stands. For example, if I say "I'll meet you tomorrow morning at 8:30am" and you don't reply. How do I know you read the message? Always respond: "Got it" "I'll be there" "okay" etc. Don't over do it, just do it!

Text Messaging and Instant Messaging
No need to use proper grammar when sending text messages or instant messages. Fire away and do it quick! Be smart when using text messaging in a business setting. Don't digress 20 years and think your passing notes in chemistry class, remember, don't say anything in a text message that you don't want someone else to see. Like email, text messages can be forwarded to other people, printed or saved for a later date. You don't want to be forced to decline your party's presidential nomination because you asked Sally in the next cubicle something stupid while sending a text message. STAY FOCUSED ON BUSINESS.

"CET" Overload
This one is for all you Treo and BlackBerry users out there... I coined the phrase "CET" for Call, Email or Text. Refrain from "CET'ing" during important activities, such as initial contact, presentation, final closing, at the dinner table, in church or while ordering your Tall, Decaf Mochachino. There are so many options on your device that you might forget that the world continues to spin while your thumbs are moving a mile a minute. Snap out of it! Business and life will happen without you weighing in on every issue and event so chill out. As Jim Rohn says "where ever you are - be there."

Here's a toast to a new you and I hope some of these ideas help you manage the onslaught of technology while you do business and just try to live. Now if your phone is attached to your head and you have to make a call everytime you get in your car, go see a professional, words alone will not cure you.

TK

Treo 650 Product Review

2006-02-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

I first reviewed the Treo 650 in May of last year after I began using it. Since I referred to it in my posting last week I thought I would throw it up again for review. Check it out:

Last year I reviewed the Treo 600 after using a few other smart phones... I liked it, but the email function was weak and after I experienced a couple of glitches I took it into Sprint and was ready to trade it in on an old reliable flip phone.

However before I could pull the trigger, a friend of mine picked up the newer Treo 650 and I had a chance to give it a real good look - and I liked what a saw. The improvements from the 600 to the 650 make me salivate for the 700! Here's what I like best:

1. The Graphics - The graphics between the two models is unbelievable. The 650 makes the 600 look like it was a black and white. You can talk in terms of pixels, but why? The 650 just kicks butt.
2. The Email Function - Sprint's VersaMail program rocks. It works perfect and syncs automatically. With VersaMail the Treo is equal to the BlackBerry in every way. Leave a copy of incoming messages on your server and they are always on your laptop or desktop for later review.

The Improved Treo 650

3. Documents To Go - This 3rd party application works great on PDA and smart phones. It allows you to view, edit and even create Word, Excel and other documents. With the improved graphics even large spreadsheets can be viewed with clarity (if you know where to find your data).
4. Favorites - I have a favorite button for my bank website, google and even one that emails my entire company. In about 20 seconds I can email my entire team from anywhere in the country.
The real test of the Treo 650 was filling in for my laptop. A few months ago my laptop went "tango uniform" and I couldn't get it back from Gateway in time for a business trip. There was no way I was going to buy a new laptop so I hit the road with my Treo 650... and it did EVERYTHING my laptop would have done.

I bought a keyboard and with the exception of printing I was covered. I took two other trips while I waited for the laptop and each came off without a hitch.

If I had to recommend one piece of technology for 2005 it would be the Treo 650. Check it out at www.palmone.com/us/products/smartphones/treo650.

TK

February Tech Review - Blackberry 8700c

2006-02-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love the new Blackberry 8700c and I want to tell everyone from the start - I wasn't always a BlackBerry fan. I used to make fun of Blackberry units and their users... the "CrackBerry" comments didn't originate from me, but I threw the term around pretty frequently.

Before the 8700c I owned a Treo 600 and then a Treo 650 and I was dedicated to the fight against the BlackBerry. The 600 was pretty weak, but the 650 was a beefy smart phone that did everything and more than I needed. It worked like a charm and allowed me to change the way I carried and used my mobile phone - I was liberated!

Then on a late night drive from Los Angeles to Scottsdale the unthinkable happened. After a pit stop at a McDonald's I mistakenly placed my Treo into a cup holder that had just the slightest amount of condensation from a Coca-Cola... and my Treo was gone. Dead. I was devastated.

The only thing worse was having the boneheads at Sprint tell me I didn't buy the insurance on my phone and that I would have to pony up another $500 for a new unit. Unhappy, but satisfied that I was only a synch away from having my entire world "right" again, I was dealt the knockout blow... they didn't have any in stock.

BOOM I hit the mat. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and I was up off the ground. Dazed but not unconscious I took the first "regular" phone off the shelf and left. I never got used to it. I didn't know how to program it and didn't want to learn. I wanted my Treo and I wanted it NOW. After 12 days of frustration and wandering around lost in the technology wilderness I took the phone back and headed to Cingular Wireless to cross over to the "dark side" of the CrackBerry.

I walked into the store and was immediately greeted by a sales person. (At Sprint I always had to sign in and wait, so this was an improvement. Maybe things wouldn't be so dark after all.)

I inquired about the new Blackberry 8700c and if they had them in stock, "yes we do" was the answer. I hadn't heard that at the Sprint store very often so I didn't know what to say. "You do? I'll take it." That was it. I was buying.

The 8700c has not disappointed. It is lighter than the Treo and the overall footprint is smaller than the Treo without the dopy antenna at the top. The screen is crisp and bright - very bright. "How many megapixels Tom?" I don't know, just remember crisp and bright.

Speaker phone - check. Contacts - check. Calendar - check. Camera, video recorder and MP3 player - nope. Question though... who cares? The Blackberry is my business communications tool. I fooled around with the camera on the Treo, same with the video recorder and MP3 player. After figuring them out, I never used them again. Ever.

Now if your business does call for snapping a quick picture of something or recording a quick video then the Treo 650 is the bomb. It's just not something I need or ever used. I have a Canon Powershot SD400 for my pictures and my Nano for my music. No phone needed.

Two other great features of the Blackberry are the scroll wheel and the clip on case. The scroll wheel truly makes the 8700c a one-handed device. I can check email and make quick responses with one hand. Same with text messages. I can answer phone calls and check missed calls (and then return them) with one hand. You could check with the Treo, but responding was a two handed function which means you can't drive and answer email at the same time.

Finally I dig the carrying case. It works. It knows the phone. It hangs up calls. Best of all it was FREE. I went through three carrying solutions with the Treo and finally just didn't use one.

Bottom line - buy the Blackberry 8700c. It's only available at Cingular which bothers me, but I moved for it and you can too. Don't count Treo out for long though. Rumor has it that Palm will be pushing out a number of new models and one of them is bound to match the 8700c. I've also heard of some lawsuit that may threaten Blackberry users... anyone have anything on that rumor?

TK