Thanks to @canyonsdave for sharing the link on Twitter.

• Library Systems Need To Adopt The Netflix Model
• LaunchUp #9 Was A Success
• Following Mashable’s Advice On Marketing Your Small Business With No Budget
• Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat
• Book Review: CrushIt!

Last week I read an article from a Twitter link (thanks Zach), about Libraries being a waste. I’ve been thinking about that statement for a few days now, and I must admit I agree. Most library systems are antiquated and cost more to run than they are worth. It’s time for an overhaul.

I’ve been a library user all my life. There are incredible resources available, but the simple fact is most people have no idea what’s there. Libraries aren’t just books anymore. You can find everything from Music CD’s to your local newspapers. More and more libraries are offering digital content, consumable on devices like the iPod or MP3 player. Libraries also offer access to large research databases, this was a surprise to me, and I’ve used this service on many occasions.

But let’s get down to the reality of how most people are using the library these days. Internet access and free video rental (an un-scientific observation). I visited three facilities this week, and at each one, there were more people using the computers, with it’s free Internet access, than were looking for books. I casually walked around glancing at what people were doing, and most were using Facebook, or email, or doing some sort of Internet search.

The next largest congregation of people were in movie and music sections. And as sad as it was to see, very few people were looking at books, except in the books on tape/cd. Here is what I think Cities and Counties should do with their libraries.

Go 100% Digital or Deliver
Almost every book that is published also has a digital counterpart. Libraries could save enormous amounts of money by investing in digital assets rather than paper books. Have you looked at some of the technology books on the shelves lately? I’ve seen books that help someone use Windows ME. What the? While literary books are timeless, the shelves are filled with many books that become irrelevant in a short amount of time. But the libraries insist on leaving them to take up space. Wasted space.

Another benefit to digital is no replacement costs. If a CD/DVD is broken, you have to buy another copy. If a book is torn, or lost, again, you have to buy another copy. Don’t get me started on VHS movies in libraries. Who has a VHS machine? The cost of buying and replacing VHS movies is another cost libraries can do without.

If a library really wants to provide physical books, ones you can’t get a digital version for, I say offer to ship the book to a patron. They could even charge a fee for shipping the book, or turn one of the now vacant libraries into a distribution hub, or a drop/off pickup point. Force everyone to check out books through the Internet, solving the problem of spending money to be an Internet Cafe, and a stale book shelf.

Partner With Content Service Providers
Rather than keep old VHS or even old DVD’s around, partner with a Netflix type of service to offer disk checkout. The cost can’t be much more than paying for hundreds of copies of the same movie. Plus you get the added benefit of the partner managing the distribution. Win! Now patrons can check out Blu-ray disks, and I’m not sure if libraries are even offering Blu-ray movies at the moment. Again, a sign that libraries are falling behind in providing relevant and timely content to the people who pay to keep it running.

As a tax payer, in my City anyway, I think libraries are a wast of money. I would rather check stuff out online, get digital versions, or have something shipped to me rather than spend time running around the library building. Managing workers at the library is another discussion, but I see a lot of librarians, is that the technical term still, sitting behind a counter, usually on the Internet, and waiting for someone to walk up and ask for help. How about being proactive? OK, my intent isn’t to harass the library staff, but their salaries are part of the overall cost of running a library.

Take a page from the Amazon and Netflix book. Streamline the process of delivering content and medium to your patrons.

Photo courtesy of boltron

• Stanford Engineering School Sheds It’s Library Books
• LaunchUp #9 Was A Success
• Following Mashable’s Advice On Marketing Your Small Business With No Budget
• Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat
• 8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year

Local entrepreneur and Doba.com executive Jeremy Hanks put on LaunchUp #9. If you don’t know what LaunchUp is, it’s basically an opportunity for bootstrap early stage companies to give a 7 minute overview of their product or service, then tell the audience what they need to move forward. I’ve attended past events and I can tell you that Jeremy is in the groove. The timing is on, the presentations are sharp, and he has had some great sponsors.

Tonight we heard from three companies; RawData, O-Codes and Pixelture.

RawData
This company is very complex, at least from my point of view. The gist is they track consumers uses and movements between different types of media (?). I say complex because the amount of data they collect is enormous, and will only grow in size. I love the concept, especially from an advertiser perspective, or someone looking to track demographic behavior on one or more types of media. I need to do more research on this technology, seven minutes just isn’t enough time to learn more. http://www.therawdata.com/

O-Codes
The technology created by this company is pretty cool. While the staggering number of people on Facebook and the Internet in general, there are still just as many that consume print media as a form of entertainment or news. O-Codes has come up with a product that will allow companies to place codes on a marketing piece or ad, which a consumer can send via text message (because everyone has text messaging, right?), and in return are sent links and additional information for the product code.

The possibilities are endless here. I like the bridging of non-digital and digital marketing. This type of service doesn’t require an expensive smart phone (although without a smart device, you can’t really do much), and covers the largest portion of the market (IMHO). I’m looking forward to see how O-Codes grows. http://www.o-codes.com/

Pixelture
The concept of the product from this company was hard to grasp as first. I wasn’t real sure what the product was, or the pain they were trying to solve. But near the end of the presentation it finally clicked. I’m not sure I can do it justice, so please visit the web site for more detail information. Basically, Pixelture provides two pieces of software, a client for computer and mobile devices, and a server component. The software allows you to broadcast a screen to multiple devices, almost like a desktop share.

For example, if I was an instructor, I could share my screen with all the students in my class, or I could give students the ability to share their desktop for class room discussion. The service has a much broader application than education, but it seemed the best for the example.

I can see value for this service at large conferences. What if I was out in the hall because I was tired of sitting in the hard chairs, now I can see what the presenter is sharing and participate in the presentation. What about an art gallery that wanted to share pieces of art not on the wall, but you could see on your device from a rotating powerpoint or image slide show. http://www.pixelture.com/

One of the things I like about going to LaunchUp is learning about new companies here in Utah. There are some really cool things going on. I also love the opportunity to network and meet other people interested in building great companies.

Thanks to Jeremy Hanks and all his supporters for making LaunchUp such a great event.

• Stanford Engineering School Sheds It’s Library Books
• Library Systems Need To Adopt The Netflix Model
• Following Mashable’s Advice On Marketing Your Small Business With No Budget
• Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat
• 8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year

The steps in this post are pretty simple, no rocket science here. But, for giggles, I wanted to see how I stacked up against their HOW TO.

There are five pieces of advice given in the article; Become an Expert, Cultivate Super Users, Ensure People Can Find You on the Web, and Offer Ad-Funded Payment Options.

Become an Expert

This may be a good time to answer the frequently asked question about “What do you do?” The short answer is I build software. The long answer is, I’ve been in the technology industry for over 20 years. I’ve worked for large companies, and I’ve worked for boot strap startups. I have filled many different roles, and have a love hate relationship with many of them.

I can say I’m an expert in my field, and I know I can do a better job showing you. The article uses YouTube as an example of a place to show off your talents, and I have to agree. I don’t use YouTube in that manner, but I am going to try and make an effort to utilize it more. I can also stand to do more blogging. Services like Twitter and Facebook have pulled me away from blogging. So it’s my own fault.

You can always learn more here.

Cultivate Super Users

OK, so this piece of advice works well if you have a product, but what if you’re a freelancer? What if you don’t have a tangible product that others can gloat about?

I understand the person when a project is completed to a clients satisfaction they will be happy and tell a few people, but it’s nothing like a few million people gushing about your cool service or widget.

I’m trying to change that by doing less freelancing and more product development. Software and Information products. Something I can offer customers, which will allow me to cultivate super users.

Ensure People Can Find You on the Web

This isn’t a problem for me. Google my name or company and you’ll be directed to the right resource. Since I run a virtual company, I have no physical address. Maybe that is a con for freelancers?

Offer Ad-Funded Payment Options

Again, this is really a benefit for a company offering a product. I’m also not keen on this “buy something from someone else and get my widget for free”. I want to think my products have more value than that. Besides, I don’t have the marketing channel in place to manage this.

Wrap Up

Of all the advice this article lays out, the one thing of value to me was the Become an Expert, which isn’t really something earth shattering or new, it’s just a reality check.

There has to be something better than this. A good solid plan. Share with us your budget mindful marketing ideas.

• 8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year
• Elevator Pitch 1.0
• Show Me What You're All About
• Stanford Engineering School Sheds It’s Library Books
• Library Systems Need To Adopt The Netflix Model

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.

• My Business Wish List For 2010
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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?

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My Business Plans For 2010:

• For PressDev, I want to create new site tells the story much better. I’ve been wire framing something, but now it’s time to implement.
• I want more of my contacts to know and understand what my company does. I want to understand better what my company does.
• I want to bring several new business sites online. There is a small window of opportunity here, I need to strike fast.
• I want to publish at least 3 books under the Complete Geek Guide To: title.
• I want to finish my WordPress Book, I’m Using WordPress, Now What???
• Then I want to write more vertical books on Enterprise Content Management Systems.
• I want to help more people put on community driven events, like WordCamps and PodCamps.
• I want to blog more, and use Twitter and Facebook more strategically.

My Business Wish List For 2010

• I want to speak at more events next year. Do you need someone to speak on WordPress or Podcasting, contact me.
• I want to do less coding and more strategic planning and solution architecting. I have 20+ years in the IT field, it’s not my first rodeo.
• I want to read more.
• I want to create more video content.
• I want to stop using all the excuses that keep me from going where I want to go.

These are just some of the things I want and hope to accomplish in 2010. Most importantly, I want to diversify by creating multiple streams of income. Having all your eggs in one basket can cause some serious problems, as I am finding out right now.

• New For PodCampSLC 2010
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Let me start by saying, lot’s of programmers, designers, and other freelancers, are looking for great projects. They want to be part of something as big and bad as you do. Let’s work together to make that happen. I love bootstrapping. It’s the fastest way to get a company off the ground. Synergy, and a good plan, can overcome most obstacles.

I love exploring new ideas. A few weeks ago I attended the Kynetx Impact Conference, and the ideas were flowing all around me. Everyone seemed to have some idea how they could leverage the Kynetx API. I heard some excellent ideas. I even had one. It didn’t turn out to be something Kynetx was suited for, but I was encouraged to explore my idea thoroughly.

I can always get a sense of how good an idea I have when I run it by a few of my good friends. When they give me the “huh, that sounds interesting” response, I know I haven’t communicated my idea well enough, or it totally sucks and I need to go back to the drawing board.

I’ll use an example of someone pitching me an idea, and how they were successful at getting me on board. It started very out innocent. We met for a lunch. We talked about the idea, we sketched some things on paper, we talked about the holes, we talked about the market, we talked about the competitors. We really didn’t talk much about a product. We talked about a vision and an idea.

Then we met a few days later, this time with the understanding we would discuss a project. After about twenty minutes of hearing the enthusiasm, the passion, the commitment this person has made in getting his project off the ground, I was sold. I would have done just about anything he asked. He even eked out a prototype on his own. Rudimentary as it was, I could tell he had put a lot of thought into it.

I would love to hear your ideas. I would love to help you get those ideas off the ground. I would be glad to connect you with people who have the means and ability to rock your project. I’m committed to helping others succeed. Because when you succeed, I succeed.

• Please Don’t Pitch Me A One Sided Venture
• Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat
• My Business Wish List For 2010
• WordPress 3.1 Has A Feature List
• Why iTunes Ping Will Suffer Like Google Wave

I understand you’re are a programmer? Well, I have this great idea for a product, it will be the next killer app, all I need you to do is sign this NDA, write a few thousand lines of code, and take a five percent equity stake in the company. I’ll do the rest.

That is a one sided venture. Why? Because the programmer is doing all the work, for air, and hoping you can do your job; sell the product to investors or customers.

I get this type of proposal at least once a week, if not more. I’m sure there are many projects that have had success with this model. But for the one that succeeds, thousands never make it off the floor.

I would love to have someone pitch me a venture where I’m offered compensation up front for the work I do, AND a stake in the company. Then everyone has skin in the game. Why do people think programmers should take such a risk? Show me you’ve got something invested in the venture besides the idea. Those are cheap, and I hear hundreds of ideas a year. For heaven sakes, I have hundreds of ideas.

That brings me to non disclosure agreements, or NDA’s. If I can get away without signing one, I will. When a lawyer tells you not to discuss your idea with anyone until they sign the NDA, they are smoking crack. Asking me to sign an NDA really tells me the idea isn’t that solid, or you think you’re the only one on the planet with the idea, which of course probably isn’t true. If not signing an NDA keeps me from accepting a project, most of the time it’s ok with me.

Look, if I had time to steal ideas, you would already know that about me before we spoke, which means you wouldn’t be talking with me in the first place. And if it came right down to me signing one, I would probably ask you to sign an agreement giving me full and exclusive rights to any code written. Seems only fair no?

All I’m asking is if you’re in the market for a freelancer to help get your project off the ground, don’t go in expecting they will fall all over themselves to help you, for free. Use some common sense. Show us that you are serious about the product and business. We’ll play ball if the venture seems legit, and you have a proven track record too.

In full disclosure, I’ve excepted work on speculation in the past, but I’ve always tried to give something tangible back in return. I would never expect to get something for free, and use it in a project I am making money on.

[off my soap box, let the flames begin]

• Please Pitch Me A Win Win Venture
• Making Tech Predictions Is Like Riding A Bike With No Seat
• My Business Wish List For 2010
• WordPress 3.1 Has A Feature List
• Why iTunes Ping Will Suffer Like Google Wave

I’m a programmer, and I run a company called PressDev. We are web designers and developers. We also build iPhone and social network applications, and create customized WordPress sites. This is what I do. And I do it really well.

If you don’t read any further, I’ve shared with you what I do. Without sounding like a resume, I’ll share some details, if you please.

Yes, I’ve done a lot of things. So far I’ve led a diverse life. I’ve traveled the world. I’ve worked for very small companies and very large companies. I spent four years in the United States Marine Corps in the mid eighties. Honestly, that experience shaped who I am today. It’s where I learned to lead by example, work in a team environment, and make decisions quickly.

I’ve spent over 20 years writing computer software. Yes, I write computer code. Most of the time in Microsoft C# and PHP, and even sometimes in Python. I’ve managed small and large teams. I’ve managed offshore development teams. I’ve architected complete software solutions.

In order to be an expert at something, I believe you must immerse yourself in it. Personally I’ve spent years building a career network. I think that’s why I find so much value in services like Twitter, Facebook, and blogging. I was a very early adopter of LinkedIn. I’m an early adopter of most technology. That’s how I stay ahead. And while my business isn’t being an expert in marketing using Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, I spend a lot of time using the social networks so I can help my customers best use the services in their personal or business life.

I also like to speak in technology topics. I’ve spoken dozens of time to small and large audiences. I love the share my knowledge.

I’m also an entrepreneur. My mind never stops thinking though ideas and try getting them off the ground. That may be why some people are confused at what I do. It’s interesting, because if you look at someone like Gary Vaynerchuk, he does a lot of things, but you still think of him as the Wine Library guy. No matter what I’m doing, my core is still the same.

Whew, I’m sure that’s about all I want to share in this post. Go ahead, ask questions. Tell me what you think.

• Following Mashable’s Advice On Marketing Your Small Business With No Budget
• 8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year
• A Question That Haunts Me Wherever I Go
• Stanford Engineering School Sheds It’s Library Books
• Library Systems Need To Adopt The Netflix Model