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Google Cloud Computing For Small Business

Here’s your reminder  to join us for tomorrow’s webinar. Tuesday, August 16th at 8pm est.

 Register now:

Click HERE TO REGISTER

Feeling atmospheric pressure around just what Google Cloud Computing is, why it’s the word on everyone who’s anyone’s lips, and how exactly is it important to the way

you do business? Join John “ColderICE” Lawson and me, JB Brathwaite, as we provide clear visibility for you to see just what’s up in the Cloud, and how you can use Google Apps to work lighter, leaner and smarter than ever before. No smoke and mirrors here–just clear and concise, cut-to-the chase insights on Google Cloud Computing.

Here are some of the features you’ll learn about:

- Google Apps

- Google Voice

- Google Video/Audio Chat

- MS Office Cloud Collaboration

- Google Chrome

- Chrome App Store

- and Google+ (Google’s white-hot new social network!)

Everyone who attends will get an invite to the new (and currently exclusive) Google+ social network. After this webinar, you’ll know just how to use it to your advantage!

Please click on the link below to register.

Click

HERE TO REGISTER

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I will be speaking at the Atlanta Tribune’s 8th Annual Moving Your Business Forward Conference: Part III on Monday, October 18, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (ET) in Atlanta, GA Please see the below flyer for more details. If you would like to attend as one of my guests you may register (http://2010mybf3.eventbrite.com) under the “Sponsor/Panelist/Exhibitor” ticket and enter the promo code: AS10MYBF3-PFFD

Hope to see you there.

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Does everyone remember this commercial from Motorola that aired almost a year ago?

The Motoroal CLIQ was dubbed the fist smart phone with Social Skills.  I was so excited in getting this phone I wrote an extensive blog post about it. ( Santa Brought Me A Smart Phone) Little did I know that purchasing this phone would come with some not so good strings attached.

The main string being that the phone would not be able to have a software upgrade until the first quarter of 2010.
Well that quarter has come and gone an still no upgrade. Here is the official Motorola Android Software Upgrade News

Why is this upgrade important you may ask? Well just like software upgrades for your computer, upgrades for your phone will allow you to have all the new features that come with that upgrade. My Motorola CLIQ is currently on Android version 1.5. The newest version of Android is version 2.2. Google has long released this version and many other Android phones have taken advantage of its use.

One of the main reasons I am frustrated about not having the upgrade is that there are many Android applications that are not available to me. These application are written for Android version 2.1 or higher. These applications are not even listed in the Android application Marketplace on my 1.5 phone.

So what is the hold up you may also be asking? Well thats just it. Motorola is the hold up.

My cell phone carrier cannot force Motorola to release the upgrade. Google cannot force Motorola to release the upgrade.  The upgrade has to come from the manufacture in this case and that responsibility lies solely on Motorola.

So hear is my video Rant.

Please forgive the video quality. I made that via Facebooks video with my web cam.

What makes this situation even more frustrating is the fact that I may have to take this matter into my own hands and look to upgrade my phone manually.  I have since contacted some pretty savvy Android developers via Twitter, who have already upgraded their Motorola CLIQ’s themselves. These guys have even created some Youtube videos that give you step by step directions on how to do it yourself.

Do I want to manually upgrade my own phone and risk doing something wrong and hence damaging the phone for good? Of course not. So I have given myself till the end of the month to either have one of these Android developers upgrade the phone for me or go and get another phone that will already have the Android 2.2 software installed like the HTC G2.

So, my Solo’s, the lesson in this is to choose your smart phone wisely. Make sure you find out what the software upgrade capabilities are before you make the purchase. I will look to do a follow up post on this matter as I go through the dilemma of getting this upgrade to my cell phone.

All the best

JB

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Do you have a 3G/4G USB aircard? I have been debating for a minute on how I can justify getting a wireless aircard to allow me to have Internet service in places where I cannot get free Wifi. My cell phone carrier has a web connect plan that I was considering very seriously. This T-mobile plan costs about $49.00 per month and that’s after having to purchase the USB aircard stick for my laptop.

Tethering

I heard this term about 3 or so years ago from a friend of mine who used to get Free Internet access through his cell phone that allowed him to surf the net on his laptop.  Back then you had to be very careful in trying to create a tethering hack for your cellphone. First off, you could void the contract of your carrier by doing it and second, you could run up a huge phone bill by adding onto the minutes of your data plan.

Android and T-mobile

In doing some research I found out that there were many cell phone carriers that allowed tethering using the Android operating system but my carrier, T-mobile, was not one of them.  I finally found a software company that had just released an Android app that was said to work with my carrier.

PdaNet

June Fabrics Technology, Inc. had already created PdaNet–tethering software applications for Windows Mobile phones, Palm OS phones and iPhones. I was elated that they also had one for Android. But would it work with T-mobile? After a small download of the software on my laptop and then my cell phone, I was up and running.

The Test

My first chance to use this PdaNet tethering software came during a lunch meeting with a potential client.  The meeting location did not have Wifi and part of my presentation needed Internet access to show off some of the WordPress blogsites I had created.  I was at risk of not being able to close the deal due to the lack of a connection to the net.

Tetheriffic

Not only did I have access to the Internet for the close of my presentation but I was amazed at how fast the 3G speed was in the downloading of all the graphics from some of the blogsites I had displayed on my laptop. My client was pleased with what he saw and said that he was impressed with how I used my cellphone to help ink the deal.

Tale of the tethering tape

PdaNet has two versions of its software application for Android phones. There is a Free version and a Paid version. The only difference with the Paid version is that you get to see secure websites. So if you have to pay a bill via a banking website or purchase something from an ecommerce website, you might have some problems if you go the Free route.  I have not had a need to upgrade to the paid version at this time, but I do believe that the $23.95 one-time price would be well worth it. It has already saved me money in not having to get an extra monthly web connect plan from my cell phone carrier.

Have you ever tethered your cell phone to get Internet access for your laptop? As Solopreneurs we need to be able to save every penny we take in, so tethering could really make a difference in one’s bottom line.  Let me know your thoughts on it.

All the best,

JB

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Who has the ultimate Operating System? Windows 7 is making a lot of noise right now. Mac OS X (Snow Leopard) is on the rise.  But what about Google’s Chrome OS where does it sit in this hierarchy of operating systems.  Well if you are looking for a fast booting completely web based application, that needs no explanation to operate because if you know how to use a browser you will know how to use Chrome OS.  If you biggest question is “How fast can I get on the Internet?” then this OS is for you. Especially if you are thinking of purchasing a new Netbook like I am one day.  See the Gadget Lab blog post to find out more  Five Things Google’s Chrome OS Will Do for Your Netbook.

Cost, Speed, Compatibility, Portability and New Applications are the main reasons you would choose Chrome OS over Windows 7 or Mac OS X for  your Netbook. The only drawback to this operating system is that if you are not connected to the Internet you will have problems. This OS is almost entirely dependent on the the Internet so if you have to store anything locally or you have to work offline 95 percent of the time, I would not suggest getting or installing Chrome OS.

So if you want go from 0 to Internet in less than 10 seconds, I totally recommend Google’s Chrome OS. I look forward to purchasing my first Netbook with Chrome OS already installed.

Here is a link to one of the first demos of Chrome OS

Here is a link to Tech Crunch where you read how to download and install Chrome OS

All the best

JB

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Do you have a touch screen phone yet? I don’t. I have been debating whether or not I actually need one at this time.  Even with all of the iPhone craze, I still have not been tempted to have a touch screen phone. Well I have finally found a touch phone that I have literally fallen in LOVE with. What makes this lovefest so amazing is this new touch phone is not even on the market here in the USA yet.

The new Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR won’t be available until the first week in November. Why am I raving about this phone, you may ask? Well this touch phone puts Social Media in the forefront of its main functions. MOTOBlUR gives you the ability to see your Social Media updates on the phone without having to log into each individual website. Not only can you see your Facebook and Twitter updates but your can also respond or reply to these updates.

The Motorola CLIQ uses the Google Android platform. If you are not fond of  having  just touch access on your phone the CLIQ also has a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out of the bottom of the phone. I am really excited about the potential of this phone. My only problem is that I would be looking at going back to a 2 year contract with T-Mobile. I currently have a month to month payment plan with my cell phone provider that has worked very well for me up till now.

After taking a look at the above video please give me your thoughts in commenting on this new phone and let me know what made you switch to your current touch screen phone.

All the best

JB

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If you read my post last year on how much I love Google’s GrandCentral (Solopreneurs Stay In Touch With One Number From GrandCentral) take a gander at all the cool new features Google Voice has to offer. GrandCentral is now Google Voice and yes it is still free. The only change in the cost factor is that you can now make international calls at very affordable rates.

There are still a couple of things not that quite ironed out yet. One is the fact that this upgrade to Google Voice is only available to current GrandCentral users. Another not so great thing is that when you upgrade your account from GrandCentral to Google Voice your GrandCentral contacts and phone numbers are not automatically imported into Google Voice. At this time you have to manually export your contact out of GrandCentral as a .csv file and then import them into Google Voice.  Last but not least you still cannot port your current phone number to become your Google Voice number therefore you will have to give out a new number to take advantage of all the awesome Google Voice features.

Take a look at some of the videos of just a few of the Google Voice features. Enjoy!

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Google is not just about search and email. Google has many online tools that can help your Small Business or Solopreneurship get 2 The Next LEVEL of Success. I have listed the 10 Google tools I use the most.

1. GrandCentral
2. Google Analytics
3. Google Adsense
4. Google Docs
5. Google Reader
6. Google Bookmarks
7. Google Notebook
8. Google Alerts
9. Google Checkout
10. Google Apps

1. GrandCentral: I have written about GrandCentral before in my blog post Solopreneurs Stay In Touch With One Number From GrandCentral With GrandCentral, you can be reached with a single number, answer a call at any phone you want, seamlessly switch phones in the middle of a call, and even know whether a call is important before you take it.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

2. Google Analytics: Use Google Analytics to learn which online marketing initiatives are cost effective and see how visitors actually interact with your site. Make informed site design improvements, drive targeted traffic, and increase your conversions and profits.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

3. Google Adsense: Earn money from relevant ads on your website Google AdSense matches ads to your site’s content, and you earn money whenever your visitors click on them. AdSense for content automatically crawls the content of your pages and delivers ads (you can choose both text or image ads) that are relevant to your audience and your site content—ads so well-matched, in fact, that your readers will actually find them useful.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: YES
Can it save you time: Yes

4. Google Docs: Create and share your work online. Upload from and save to your desktop. Edit anytime, from anywhere. Pick who can access your documents. Share changes in real time. Files are stored securely online. It’s FREE!

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

5. Google Reader: With Google Reader, keeping up with your favorite websites is as easy as checking your email. Stay up to date Google Reader constantly checks your favorite news sites and blogs for new content. Share with your friends Use Google Reader’s built-in public page to easily share interesting items with your friends and family. Use it anywhere, for free Google Reader is totally free and works in most modern browsers, without any software to install.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

6. Google Bookmarks: With Bookmarks, you’ll be able to save time with quick links to your favorite websites. Use Web History to find the sites you visit frequently and bookmark your favorites. Use the Google Toolbar for quick access to your bookmarks and to easily create more. Get your bookmarks on any computer. No matter where you may be surfing the web, your bookmarks can stay with you just by signing in. Keep your bookmarks organized. Add searchable labels and notes to your bookmarks to find them easily and keep them organized.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: No
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: No
Can it save you time: Yes

7. Google Notebook: Google Notebook help you clip and collect information as you browse the web. Clip useful information. Add text, images and links from web pages without leaving your browser window.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

8. Google Alerts: Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic. Some handy uses of Google Alerts include:

* monitoring a developing news story
* keeping current on a competitor or industry
* getting the latest on a celebrity or event
* keeping tabs on your favorite sports teams

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

9. Google Checkout: Find it with Google. Buy it with Google Checkout.

Want a faster, safer and more convenient way to shop online? You got it. Stop creating multiple accounts and passwords.

With Google Checkout^TM you can quickly and easily buy from stores across the web and track all your orders and shipping in one place. Shop with confidence.

Fraud protection policy covers you against unauthorized purchases made through Google Checkout, and we don’t share your purchase history or full credit card number with sellers. Control commercial spam.

You can keep your email address confidential, and easily turn off unwanted emails from stores where you use Google Checkout.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: YES
Can it save you time: Yes

10: Google Apps: Software-as-a-service for business email, information sharing and security

Whether your business is moving everything to the cloud, just wants an affordable email solution or struggles to give employees access to critical information, Google Apps will help you stretch resources and work smarter.

Messaging
Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Talk are powerful tools that can save your company money and time.

Collaboration
Google Docs, Google Video and Google Sites complement traditional office software to make teamwork easier. Companies or departments can use these apps on their own to be more productive.

Security for on-premise email
Email security, archiving and encryption, powered by Postini, complement Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes and other solutions. Web security is also available.

Why should Solopreneurs or Small Businesses use it:
Can it save you money: Yes
Can it make you money: Directly: No, Indirectly: Yes
Can it save you time: Yes

In future post I will go more in dept of how and why I use each of these Google Tools. For now I just want to list the ones that impress me the most.

All the best

JB

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Since I use most of these sites to help me run my business I wanted to list them so that you can make mention of some of the Web 2.0 sites that help you run your business. I have given a brief description on how I use each of these sites.
Please post comments on your top 10 Web 2.0 sites.

1. Zoho.com
2. PayPal.com
3. WordPress.com
4. Google Apps
5. Facebook.com
6. iContact.com
7. Logmein.com
8. Microsoft Live Small Business
9. Skype.com
10. Picnik.com

These 10 Web 2.0 website are actually in order of importance to my business. Your top 10 may look totally different and also might not be in the same order as mine. The top 5 are website I use daily. I do have many others that I use as well but these 10 are the ones I cannot do without.

1. Zoho.com (CRM, Spreadsheet, Word Processor,  Presentations, Database, Project Management, Organizer, Web Conferencing and many more)
Even though Zoho.com has not been around to long I still see it as my number one because of the way it helps me run my business. I mainly use it for the awesome and yes Free CRM but its all in one running a business capabilities are literately outstanding.

2. PayPal.com (Online Credit Card Payment System)
I have used PayPal.com the longest, going on 8 years now. I will talk more about PayPal.com in coming blog entries but for now I will only say it is a must have for any Solopreneurs business person that wants to get paid for their service or product via credit card today.

3. WordPress.com (Blogging)
This blog is using the WordPress.com technology. If you are just starting out in the blog world I suggest you start with Google’s Blogger.com but for a more professional and state of the art look and feel I would recommend WordPress.com.

4. Google Apps (Gmail, Google Doc + Spreadsheet, Google Calendar, Google Notebook, Google Adsense, Google Adwords, Google Anylitics, , , and many more)
Google Apps is a combination of Applications and Tools that can have a very big impact on your business. Gogge Apps could be considered a number one for most Solopreneurs and should be in most cases. It may move them up on my list in the coming months. In the mean time I will keep them here because my top 4 have just a little more influence on how my business runs everyday.

5. Facebook.com (Social Networking)
Facebook has taken everyone buy storm. If you don’t have a Facebook profile page get one today. Social networking is the future of business marketplace for Solopreneurs and business owners alike. Myspace is for the kids, dating and entertainment. Facebook is for those of us who want to market and promote our business to millions of like minded people.

6. iContact.com (Email Marketing)
Email marketing at its best. All the features your business needs to send out professional email campaigns. Remember email is still the most inexpensive and fastest way you can market your business to your targeted prospect and customer.

7. Logmein.com (Remote Support and Training)
I use this service both as a way to remotely log into my home computers when I am on the road or at a client site. I also use it to remotely train my clients without leaving the comforts of my home office. All you need is a quickly installed plugin and a Fast Access connection to the Internet on both ends.

8. Microsoft Live Small Business (Websites, Email, Online Advertising, CRM, Chat)
I can’t say enough about Microsoft Live Small Business because I regard it as the Best way a Soloprenuer can start out on the web. Where else can you get a starter website with domain name and branded email all for Free. Please see my previous blog post “Don’t Already Have a Website For Your Business? With Microsoft You Have No More ” for more information.
 
9. Skype.com (Long Distance and International Phone Calls, Chat, Video Conferencing)
Skype is the future of Internet Communication as far as I am concerned. I use it for making calls all over the united states and the world. Skype to Skype call are always free and Skype to land lines are really inexpensive. It is also a great video conferencing tool that will work with most of your existing web cam software.

10. Picnik.com (Graphics Editor, Photo Editing and Alteration)
Here is a great site for those of you who don’t want to pay an outrageous price for some of these photo and graphic editing software. Think of it as “Web 2.0 PhotoShop” without the cost and installation.

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