Train Thoughts

Getting Read for the Superbowl

Paul Edmondson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:57:28 +0000

I’m pretty psyched for this weekend’s Superbowl. From the time the Superbowl kicks off, until the the end of the game, I’ll be glued to it. To make this game even better, I should have my new BBQ fired up, and the neighbors seem to be pulling together some great appetizers for the big game.

I have the Colts winning big!

Google Maps vs AT&T Navigator Mobile GPS Service on Blackberry

Paul Edmondson — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:18:46 +0000

I’m a big fan of GPS on mobile devices. I pay a monthly fee for AT&T Navigator. I remembered that Google announced a free GPS service, so I decided to install the Google Maps app on my Blackberry to see how it stacks up.

My first test with Google Maps found my location without GPS service which is a big plus since my Blackberry tends to get crummy GPS reception. It has a cool street view where you see the actual street where you turn. Very cool. I don’t think this looks good for AT&T Navigator.

Google Voice Working with Skype and ATT

Paul Edmondson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:38:07 +0000

I went ahead and got a skype number, added it to my Google Voice account along with my mobile number and made the switch to Google Voicemail. An incoming call rings my mobile and Skype numers. Check. But to answer a call, it takes clicking a few numbers with Skype, but it seems to work fine. There are a few drawbacks. One, if you answer the phone with Skype, it shows a missed call on your mobile. Two, Google Voicemail has to be downloaded to hear it on your mobile phone. With ATT, this can be a pain. The Text messages are nice, but the voice to text is pretty bad.

My second text says “Hi, Sorry, I wanna alright. So hello.” I can’t remember the actual message, but this text has “Hi” right, but that’s about it.

The next thing I need to figure out is how to keep all my contacts synced. I’ve got Google Sync doing my contacts from Google contacts to my blackberry (I love the Google Dedupe), but I need a way to sync them to Skype as well as sync them from My Google for Domains Contacts to my personal contacts.

Google Voice, Skype and AT&T, Will it Work?

Paul Edmondson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:36:16 +0000

I use my mobile phone with ATT service for all my calls. The problem is the service has been so poor in San Francisco that I keep dropping calls which is pretty annoying. So, I started using Skype in the office, which is great for outbound calls, but not so good when someone calls my mobile. So, I thought I’d get a Google Voice number. Have it redirect my calls to Skype and my Mobile, so I can pick it up from Skype if I’m at my desk or my mobile when I’m out. Will this work?

It’s a pain to switch my number, but I think I’ll give it a try. At least I don’t have to give up my mobile number.

Two Types of Successful Sites to Start

Paul Edmondson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:13:27 +0000

I think there are two types of sites that become successful once you start them. The first is the type where you can’t afford to fail. The other is where you love it.

When I look at entrepreneurs that have created successful businesses, the first successful business is often one where they couldn’t afford failure. The second is a labor of love.

When You Can’t Afford to Fail

Paul Edmondson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:07:23 +0000

My good family friend just completed her 20 something year in the restaurant business. It’s been her best year ever. When she put everything she had into a small restaurant in Eureka California, she couldn’t afford to fail. She didn’t have more money, she didn’t have a good paying job to fall back on, she didn’t have any options to support her family if her restaurant failed. It wasn’t easy. For nearly seven years she struggled, but she kept on going. In her mind, she didn’t have any option but to succeed.

I think this mindset is critical for entrepreneurs. You only have one option. That’s to make your business successful.

Lost Bank of America ATM Card

Paul Edmondson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:22:36 +0000

I lost my Bank of America ATM card. Dang. If this happens to you it’s easy to take care of - It took me five minutes. I went to a local Bank of America branch and went to the new accounts department. I told them I lost my ATM card. They asked for ID. Then they cancelled my card. Next, they gave me a temporary ATM card. To activate it I had to use it at the ATM in the bank. Lastly, they are mailing me a permanent replacement card.

The bad news is I found my card when I got home last night, but at least I know how easy it is to get a replacement and the temporary card lasts for 30 days which is very nice while I wait for the new card to arrive.

I See You, Do You See Me?

Paul Edmondson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:39:18 +0000

On social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn, I’m quick to reach out to people I know well or have worked with in the past. As soon as I see them as suggested people to add, I send a quick note requesting a connection. Now, there are a few people that are on the fringe. I may have met them briefly, or been loose friends with them in High School and the systems have identified us as likely connected (LinkedIn and Facebook do a great job of this). These are people I would accept if they reached out to me, but aren’t quite close enough for me to reach out to them.

On Facebook and Linked in, I’m seeing the same faces to connect with. I’ve seen them. I wonder if they are seeing me. Is this a game of invite chicken?

Iphone Email Compared To Blackberry for Business Use

Paul Edmondson — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:02:39 +0000

I had the Iphone, but it lacked calendar sync, contact sync, and email sync. So, I went back to the Blackberry Bold for essentially the ability to sync email, contacts, and calendar.

On the Blackberry, they now support push email for Google mail, but they don’t sync read emails between the blackberry and your email account and vice-versa. So, you are often looking at read emails on your device that you’ve read. This makes the native email on the Blackberry for following a string of emails difficult, but you can download a Google email app for the Blackberry that works. That’s what I use.

The Iphone now has the full repertoire of sync capabilities and push email. Email, calendar, and contacts will all stay synced up across your accounts. This is huge for me. I may be ready to switch back to the Iphone.

Twitter Isn’t MySpace (in a bad or good way) - They’re different

Paul Edmondson — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:52:49 +0000

If you want an easy way to think about the difference between social networks, here is how. First, social networks are about three things. Following, sharing, and connecting.

Facebook is the social network for friends and family
LinkedIn is the social network for business contacts
Twitter is the social network for people you don’t know, but want to follow you when you share a 140 characters.

Now to MySpace and Twitter. MySpace didn’t become irrelevant. It’s like saying MSN and AOL aren’t relevant. Perhaps they aren’t relevant to you, but to millions of people they’re important. Very important.

Products and companies are always looking to become better. To not ask how do we become better questions is irresponsible, just as it is to drive without hands. So what do companies do? They drive the car and discuss how to become better. When they believe they have something better, they turn.

Does Twitter have a business? I don’t know, but think they will. Has the company publicly put growth over monetization. Yes. Does the board of Twitter discuss the strategic direction? Absolutely - even though I’ve never attended a Twitter board meeting, I’m sure of this. Are Twitter and MySpace relevant? Yes. Most of us can only dream of being so irrelevant.