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My 365 Photo Project For 2010

Thom Allen — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:54:49 +0000

For the past several years, I’ve tried a 365 Photo Project. You know, take one photo a day and post it somewhere. I’ve failed at this endeavor, but vowed to win this year.

The other day someone asked me what I hoped to accomplish with the project. Honestly, I don’t really have an agenda other than to take 365 photos of myself with my iPhone, doing something I do in my everyday life.

I guess if I had to choose something, I would see myself getting thinner, you can always see it pictures. So maybe that’s one thing I’ll take away.

You should be able to see the project here http://bit.ly/5IXWon

Random Posts

Facebook Pushes Out New iPhone App

Thom Allen — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:58:36 +0000

A long awaited update to the very popular Facebook iPhone application was pushed out to the App Store today. This new version has several new features which you may or may not like; Push Notifications, and contact syncing.

The contact syncing is a great new feature that pulls data from your Facebook friends, and adds or updates there information in your iPhone Contact app. I like that it includes the photo of the person, because I always forget to take a profile pic when we meet. This new feature also elminates the need for a second app I was using to do a sync.

The other major feature is push notification. The little popup messages that notifying you that of an update on Facebook. There are a couple of issues with push. It’s a great way to stay informed, which means I don’t have to check Facebook to see what is going on. But the way Push Notification works, it generally requires you to respond to the notification before you can do anything to the screen under it. This can be annoying if your playing a game, or typing a message. So you’ll have to see if push works for you.

This application is so good you could bypass using the web at all. Get it on your iPhone through the App icon, or through iTunes.

Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat

Thom Allen — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:00:02 +0000

I’ve been reading a lot of posts lately about tech predictions for this year. I even wrote about some technologies to watch. But trying to actually predict what is going to happen is like riding a bike with no seat, one bump and you’re done. Predictions are pointless. And even more pointless, are the year end wrap ups to see how well you did. Who gives a crock.

In previous posts, I thought I would be cool and make some predictions, call out some technologies, and get on the band wagon. But I was wrong. Instead of predicting what MIGHT happen, why not contribute and MAKE things happen. I’d love to see even a tenth of the people making predictions actually build something of value.

One thing I always try and do is see things through rose colored glasses. Why not? I don’t think I’m being naive, no has ever been hurt by encouragement. Through all the blogging, tweeting, facbooking, youtubing and what ever else is going on, I want to see you actually do something.

Several months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting, and talking with Josh Peters. Our discussion was around sharing our knowledge with other in the form of workshops. Guess what; Josh went out and did it. He created the workshop he envisioned, and it was a success. He also wrote a book on the subject he’s passionate about. He also has the coolest tattoo.

You might not know who Jason Alba is (no, he’s not related to Jessica, although he might want to be), but this man has been a real mentor to me. We haven’t created any formal partnerships, or coaching agreements, but he’s shown me how one man, with a passion, and a red hot poker coming towards you at mach ten, can accomplish. He’s always questioning me. Asking me why I am doing something, and why am not doing something else. He’s made his own path, and I like that about Jason.

I kind of got off track there a little. My point in sharing what Jason and Josh have done, is point out what happens when you actually do something. The only thing I can predict about the tech world is it’s ability to be unpredictable. If you’re only creating words, stop it. Create something real, it’s a lot more challenging and believable.

FourSquare Finally Makes Sense

Thom Allen — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:00:05 +0000

If you’re on Twitter or Facebook, you’ve probably seen posts like these “Thom A. @ Sonic (123 Main) at 9:30PM”. This interesting app let’s users “check-in” at some location, and share that with their online friends. No one should feel left out because they offer an iPhone, Android and BlackBerry version.

At first I didn’t get it. Fact is, until this afternoon, I still didn’t get it. But then this little message popped up when I checked in at Chick-Fil-A in Sandy, Utah.

After I saw this, it hit me, the untapped value of an application like FourSquare. What a strategic opportunity for businesses or events to push an announcement to the person checking in. Here I am checking in at Chick-Fil-A and I get a note to check out Fudruckers, about 50 feet away. I could possibly have been given a code to use for a discount on a meal.

I’m going to target a few places and see what I can come up with. My first attempt will be to add information on PodCampSLC 2010. If you check in at places around Neumont University, I’m going to suggest you check out the site.

Podcasting Is A Cinch

Thom Allen — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:58:06 +0000

A few months ago I started using a great service called Cinch, from BlogTalkRadio. It’s really a small footprint mobile podcasting system. But I’ve found many different uses for Cinch. You can visit my Cinch page here.

You can create audio casts three ways; an iPhone app, your computer, or dial in number. You have to pre-configure your phone number so Cinch recognizes who is recording, and posts right to your account.

I’ve used Cinch a couple of different ways. One is to record quick notes for myself (sent to a non public folder), as a backup for audio podcasts I’m recording via Skype, and as a quick way to capture podcasts on the go.

Jesse Stay has been using it to record a daily journal. I’m sure there are dozens of unique ways to use Cinch. I would love to know how you are using Cinch.

*Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for writing this post. U simply think Cinch is a great tool and wanted to share.

Book Review: CrushIt!

Thom Allen — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:00:47 +0000

Lot’s of people have written reviews of CrushIt! by Gary Vaynerchuk. Here is mine.

This is an easy read. What I mean by that is the book is somewhat short, and Gary does a great job of explaining himself and his ideas. this book could have easily been two or three times as big.

If the first chapter was the only one in this book, it would be worth it. Passion. You gotta have it. Without it, there’s little point.

If you’re a Vayniak, someone who is a a Garyvee fan, you’ve probably heard a lot of what’s in this book. But even so, now you have everything at your fingertips. I also recommend you get the Vook; a digital enhanced version of the book including videos.

I like how he talks about a few tools, but mostly, find what your passion is and talk about it, through audio, video or blogging.

Have you read it? Tell us what you thought.

*Disclaimer: I didn’t receive any compensation for this review.

8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year

Thom Allen — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:46:08 +0000

Today Laura Beulke (@VPG_Printing) on Twitter, zinged out 8 great marketing ideas for the new year. I wanted to share them with you. I’m not a marketing expert, but these are pretty good.

1. Update your image with a new business card
Funny, I just did that a few weeks ago. I added some social links like my Twitter name and LinkedIn profile URL.

2. Send out your new business card to potential clients or customers
This is a great idea. I’m adding it to my marketing plan.

3. Hold a weekly drawing on your blog or website
Hmm, this one may be a challenge. I will have to take some time to thing about what to offer. Maybe partner with another site or company.

4. Refresh your website by adding a special area for first time visitors
Doing this too. Great idea Laura. People are always interested in learning more about you and your company, make sure you have a place to blow your horn.

5. Reward return business
I really need to do this. As I looked back on 2009 that is one area I failed miserably. I really need to treat my customers and partners much better. And I will.

6. Launch a new direct marketing campaign
Since I’m not a marketing guru, I’m not sure how to implement this, or if it’s even an avenue for my business. I think it could be, but I need to map it out better.

7. Help your customers with their resolutions
Another great idea. Giving before getting. There will be plenty of karma left over after you have helped others to succeed. My friend Donny Biorge is all about that. I’ve never met a person who has been so concerned about those around him succeeding. He lives what he preaches.

8. Expand your reach; look for clients in places you didn’t think you could find them
This is on my list of things to do for 2010. Try to expand my customer base while streamlining my focus.

These are all great ideas, thank you for sharing them Laura. In full disclosure, I did win a contest Laura had a few months ago. I would have shared these tips in any event.

What are your unique marketing ideas for 2010?

My 3 Words For 2010

Thom Allen — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:15 +0000

I like Chris Brogan. I tend to agree with most of what he writes. I like that he’s authentic, and tries new things. So this year, I want to try a few things that are new to me.

First are three words that will help guide my efforts for the coming year. My words are Write, Engage, and Streamline.

1. Write
I have said this the past few years, but I want to write more; more blog posts, more articles, more ebooks, and more fiction. I love to write. The act of writing is thrilling. I have hundreds of stories in my head (and in my stories to write file). My work tends to get in the way of writing. This year I want to write more. Here is what I want to write more about:

Science Fiction. I have a bunch of stories that I need to be written. I want to take one story and actually finish the entire thing.
I want to more about SaaS (Software as a Service). Services include backing up to an off site server. Running your corporate applications on an off site server that you lease or share. And I want to discover more services that improve mobile devices, like better streaming of you video and audio.
I want to write more about Podcasting. I know a lot of people think Podcasting is a washed up technology. And I’ve even doubted Podcasting in the past. But I would like to discover other ways of using digital media (audio and video) to improve education, improve sales and marketing, and service.

2. Engage
I want to engage with my family more. I want to spend more face to face time with them. Having older children gives us the opportunity to do things that we all enjoy. I’d love to travel with them more, even if it’s weekend getaways.

I want to engage people about my business more. I will spend more time building a more visible brand through event sponsorship, speaking engagements, and writing books that relate to my business.

3. Streamline
This year I want to streamline my life more. When you run a small business, especially a tech business, you tend to become the jack of all trades. Meaning, I try and take on all sorts of projects. That was a goal last year, to try learn new skills, and take on more complex projects that required me to stretch.

This year however, I’m going to back off on that goal, and streamline. I’m going to focus more on the two or three things I know I best. I’m going to write more about those topics, and focus my business in those directions.

I also want to spend less time working. People in the technology field are on 24/7. If someone tells you otherwise they aren’t very truthful. We all take on extra projects, moonlight for extra cash or improve skill set. I have yet to find a better way to improve a technical skill set without actually building stuff.

But I want to do less of that. I want to be able to turn it off. I want to lose weight. I’ve let my professional life distract me long enough. This is the year I want to change the way I live my life.

OK, so now I’ve written the New Years Post. It gives me some things to look at, and gives me some sort of measuring tool for the future. Love to hear your thoughts, encouragements, and ideas.

Sorry, the previous video was broken on YouTube. I had to upload a new version. Hope this works.

My Take On 2010 Technology Predictions OS Wars

Thom Allen — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:38:39 +0000

In my first post I talked about the platform wars, today I want to talk about the Operating Systems (OS) Wars.

There are really only three operation systems on the market people will generally know; Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux. There are a couple of operating systems that are getting some buzz, but most people don’t know they are using them, or don’t recognize the fact they are operating systems. These are mobile or light weight OS’s, like Google’s Chrome OS, Android, Windows Mobile, iPhone, and Palm Pre.

Desktop Operating Systems
Hands down the winner will remain the Windows, specifically, Windows 7. Personally I’ve been using Windows 7 for a few months now, written several blog posts on it, and can say it’s just as stable as Windows XP. Sorry non-windows fan boys, but it is.

Next up will continue to be Apple’s Mc OS X. The real issue most people have with the Mac OS is that it will only run on Apple hardware. Many have tried, some have succeeded, but most fail to run the Mac OS on anything other than an Apple computer. The cost for Apple computers typically keeps the average user from purchasing, and so never get an opportunity to use Mac OS X. Snow Leopard, the latest version, 1.6, is a fantastic operating system. It has all the bells and whistles you could want. But at least in 2010, it will stay behind Windows, and I don’t think Apple cares one bit.

Finally we have Linux. A real geek operating system. This system isn’t for the faint at heart. While distros (that’s what a version of Linux is called, a distro, or distribution package) from Ubuntu and Red Hat slip in consumer features such as a graphical user interface, pre loaded applications, and the ability to manage various hardware features, you still have to have some technical understand of computers, and how to use command line tools.

Personally, I like Linux. I think it’s a solid operating system that stands up to the most rigorous user. But in the coming year for desktop operating systems, Windows 7 will take even a wider market share.

Mobile Operating Systems
As I stated above, several new mobile operating systems will make some waves. I know a lot of geeky friends will want the Google phone to take over the world, it just won’t. There needs to be a lot of baking before that phone will make a huge dent. You will see lot’s of hype, but just as the iPhone hasn’t succeeded in world domination, neither will the Google phone. But it will be cool to see what happens. What I’m hoping Nexus One does, with it’s unlocked phone (meaning it’s not keyed to any service provider) is to push the major manufactures to lower their prices for unlocked phones. People want choices, which is what Nexus One will give them. That will be fun to watch.

The net result of the OS War in 2010 will be negligible. Operating systems have become boring. As long as it’s stable, doesn’t require continual reboots, market shares will remain the same. Companies who produce operating systems make a huge capitol investment, and it takes several years, if ever, to recoup their costs. The average consumer is also averse to change. Updates are considered to be an annoyance, imagine having to upgrade the entire OS every couple of weeks.

I think the next big thing for operating systems will be slimmed down versions built specifically for an application. Linux does this, Chrome could do this. This will be the disruptive play; targeting hardware and applications. It’s happening now I understand, but it will get even more specific over the next year or two.

My Take On 2010 Technology Predictions Part 1

Thom Allen — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

My good friend Kip Meacham asked his fellow propeller heads what they thought about Mark Anderson predictions he gave for 2010 in this video interview with BusinessWeek. Some the predictions I agree with, and others I don’t. I’m breaking this up into a 5 part series, giving my take on Marks 10 predictions for 2010. Here are my thoughts:

Platform Wars
There are more technology options for consumers today than ever before. I really think the three big ones to watch next year will Netbooks, Smart Mobile devices (phones like Android and iPhone), and eBook readers (like the Amazon Kindle).

Netbooks are so cheap, you can almost look at them as disposable computers. With sizes around 10 inches, they almost fit in your pocket. Enough memory and storage to perform basic computing tasks, you can almost get away with using nothing but a Netbook. There are plenty of hacks out there to help you find all the online services you could need, for free, or very cheap.
Smart Mobile Devices, the one device people are never more than a few feet away from these days, will really start to change the mobile computing landscape this next year. Retailers and web site that sell products, really need to step up to the plate and offer mobile versions of their site, with complete e-commerce. This technology is available now, it just needs to be implemented. Don’t miss this huge opportunity.
eBook Readers like the Kindle have come on the market very strong. The Kindle isn’t the only player, in fact I don’t care for the physical device, but I am very excited about their iPhone and PC software versions. Other players in this market will need to catch up.

While smaller devices should increase their market share in the coming year, there is a lot of infrastructure that needs to catch up. One of those is e-commerce and micro payments which I’ll cover in another part of this series.

Another issue is always on Internet access. Today you can get 3G wireless Internet access on Smart Mobile devices, PC or phone, but at a hefty cost. More and more places are offering free or cheap Internet access, like the local coffee shop or library.