"The Fave Five": Web Services & Mobile Apps

Recently I stepped out of the stone age and into the 21st Century by finally purchasing a smartphone, thank you Telus! Now while I have been using many of these web services before getting a smartphone they have all become deeply ingrained into my daily life by allowing me to work between a computer and smartphone. I wanted to take a moment to share a collection of 5 applications and/or web services that helped me launch DSGN network and Gopherit Online sites. While the mobile applications I reference are specific to the iPhone, there are options - either identical or in a similar category - for most mobile platforms.

5) Wunderlist: http://www.6wunderkinder.com/wunderlist/

One of the most challenging tasks was, well, managing all the tasks of getting the two sites ready for launch. Even now, Wunderlist plays a major part in my day-to-day task management. In addition to allowing separate lists to be created, Wunderlist easier allows me to sync all my tasks and lists between my computers and iPhone. No matter where I am, I can keep myself focused.

While this web application is available for both Mac and Windows-based PC's, it is currently only available on the iPhone. An Android version is planned according to the Wunderlist website.

4) PayPal: http://www.paypal.ca

PayPal was a no-brainer when it came to my online payment method. Easy to use, great support and a myriad of options allow me to manage and control payment electronically without the costly terminal fees. What I appreciated about PayPal was the ability to scale the solution to my business. Starting off with Email Invoices, now with website integration into the Gopherit Online system, PayPal allows my consumers to purchase with confidence and save me from a potential financial headache.

Like any terminal service PayPal takes a cut per transaction, plus a percentage of the total. The peace of mind: PayPal handles any fraudulent transactions or activity on my behalf, saving me time is welcome. PayPal does have an iPhone application available as well, simple way for me to review transactions.

3) FreshBooks: http://www.freshbooks.com/

Like many other business owners, I don't have fond feelings towards accounting and recording transactions. I recognize the importance of it, but would rather focus my energy on other areas of the business. I also was looking for something beyond just estimates and invoicing. FreshBooks fit the bill!

In addition to a great web interface, FreshBooks allowed me to create an invoice style to keep in-line with the rest of the DSGN network's branding. It easy allowed me to link my PayPal account and emailing estimates and invoices to clients is a breeze. Contractor interactions was the clincher for me. The DSGN network team can easily login, submit estimates to clientele and allow me to track, manage and stay on top of projects and billing.

The applications I am using on my mobile is called Minibooks.

2) Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Are you really that surprised that the platform I am writing from made it on to the list? No, I didn't think so.

I have found Blogger a friendly, easy-to-use platform to blog from. Blogger is of course a Google service which means it can easily tie-in to many of the "Googley" services we all know and love. Blogger also makes it simple to integrate custom HTML for things such as Social Media integration.

So why Blogger over other blogging platforms such as WordPress? To each their own. There are many advantages two both platforms. Anyone looking to get into blogging should evaluate how to integrate their blogging platform of into their Social Media, website, etc. It comes down to what works best for you. The integration that really sold me was having Blogger on my iPhone with BlogPress. While I haven't fully taken advantage of this as of yet it's nice to know I can blog on the go when the inspiration strikes.

So what topped my list...?

1) Dropbox: http://www.dropbox.com

Dropbox, our #1 fave Web Service & Mobile App

Without a doubt, this one web service has become an invaluable tool. I have always hated FTP sites. They tend to be temperamental at best, flaky at worst. I also have always hated having to carry USB flash drives to use on different computers and with smartphones and tablets taking the stage now I wanted an easy way to share and access files across a myriad of devices.

Dropbox does it and does it beautifully!

Shared folders allow the team and clients to share information and files with ease. No more waiting for downloads, or praying the FTP doesn't cack out. Dropbox notifies you of changes on your computer and allows you to view and upload to folders from your phone for later use.

Like many web services, Dropbox allows 2GB of free storage for anyone who signs up. It is a steal of a product for the 50GB or 100GB packages. If you're wanting a create way to have folders available for yourself, and others to collaborate through, look no further then Dropbox.

Dropbox is available for Mac, PC and Linux as well as iPhone, Android and BlackBerry as of this article.

Waterloo Region: The Fate of Public Transportation

There is no doubt about it, public transportation is a hot topic, and a hot button, for many residents of Waterloo Region. There have been delays, public outcries and revision after revision of changes to the transit plan.

One thing is clear though: As a growing Region, and a projected population of almost 3/4 of a million people by 2031, we need to do something and soon. If we don't act, our sprawling suburbs could choke our city cores and as a Region we risk getting trapped in an inescapable (not to mention costly) dilemma of how to tackle an even larger problem years from now.

I am not here to state which solution is right, I want to provide some of the many articles that have come out over this issue. Will Waterloo Region finally have infrastructure from a combination of LRT and GRT to support our growing population and encourage the widespread use of public transportation in our cities?

From the Region

• Region of Waterloo - Rapid Transit - Home
• Region of Waterloo - Rapid Transit - Technical Studies

Facebook Group Supporting LRT

• I Support Light Rail Transit in the Region of Waterloo

More Recent Articles

• Rapid Transit Options Expand to 10 
• ‘Backlash’ against rising transit costs feared by Cambridge mayor 
• Province will fund rapid buses or trains
• Approve Rapid Transit by June

Past Articles

• Rapid transit in Waterloo Region - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 
• Yappa Ding Ding: The Problem with Waterloo Region's LRT Proposal 
• Waterloo Region LRT as a tipping point for transit « Psystenance
• Transit and funding: a love story — News
• The current Waterloo Region LRT project needs work | Paul Stickney 

This is far from a complete list I realise, but it is easy to see how big an impact this issue is having around Waterloo Region. So what are your thoughts on all of this? Which of the newly proposed ten options do you most agree with?

Look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments!

Make sure you're always listening...

Earlier this week I decided to break free from the keyboard and go grab a bite to eat. Sounds regular enough I know, but do read on... I went to a nearby sandwich shop which had a traditional deli combo available: A ham and swiss sandwich, donut and a pop all for about $5 plus tax.  Nothing too wild or crazy - okay, I did ask for some lettuce and mustard - but definitely not a venti, extra hot, double-whip, soy, decaf skinny caramel macchiato - but you get my point.

Let me state up front that I highly respect employees of the retail and hospitality workplace. Having done both before myself, I know it's not wildly imaginative or rewarding work. That said, when I do order something from a business, I do expect to get what I asked for.

The young lady behind the counter greeted me promptly and quickly placed my order. She immediately asked of the upgrades I would like for my ham and swiss, I kindly replied lettuce and mustard. Although "freshly made" was a contradiction of terms as my pre-wrapped sandwich was tossed into a microwave the lady smiled asked what I would like for my beverage - "A can of iced tea, please"

My drink behind the counter, my sandwich now out of it's nuking chamber, toppings and condiments added, a boston cream donut was chosen and my meal was placed in a bag, paid for, and I headed back to eat my lunch.

To my surprise, the contents of the bag were quite different from the order...

My ham and swiss was a roast beef and mozzarella, my lettuce was there but mustard had somehow been replaced with mayo. I found the former the most puzzling as I had distinctly heard the lady serving me state "ham and swiss sandwich" as she was ringing me through.

So what is my point to all of this? I am not writing to complain about my botched lunch order, but wanted to make a point about listening in the workplace. No matter what you do for work, everyone one of us has to receive information and react accordingly to the information we've been given. The next time someone comes to ask you something, or for something; give them your undivided attention! Put down your BlackBerry, step away from the keyboard and listen. Save time and unnecessary repetition and make someone feel a little more valued.

Oh, the donut was fine by the way, as for my iced tea, well, a can of orange juice was probably a healthier choice anyway.

Thanks for listening! ;)

Giving something back, on a personal level

Earlier this year I was approached to help out with the Alzheimer Society's Purse-Suasion event.  They had heard from another client that I enjoy doing email marketing and electronic newsletters and were seeking one for Purse-Suasion itself.

I was more then happy to help out.  For me, it wasn't just about assisting a not-for-profit organization.  For me, Alzheimer has had a very real impact on my life.  While it may be a bit different from my other blog entries I have written for the DSGN network, I would like to share a bit more about why I believe the work that the Alzheimer Society does is so important as it affects not only the suffering, but ails the family as well.

All my life I adored my grandfather, he was the epitome of class, intellect and kindness.  I can remember his laugh, his smile and the compassion and kindness he extended to everyone around him.  Being a minister in the church, he often was called upon to visit members of the congregation in times of sickness and sadness.  While I am sure it took a personal toll on him, he never thought anything of it and gladly helped those in need.

As my grandfather aged, we noticed his memory was slowly starting to dwindle.  Initially, it was the smaller things; groceries, names of people he knew as acquaintances and dates.  Following the death of my grandmother, he was in need of much more regular care and moved into a nursing home.

On my regular visits back to Kitchener-Waterloo, then working myself in Toronto, I would always stop into see him and was greeted with a smile and a warm hug - but the disease had begun to take it's full effect on him.  I was continually transformed from being his grandson to his brother.  While hard, I never wanted to make the situation embarrassing to him, so I affectionally took on the role of his brother and shared in the memories he had.  He had so much happiness recalling the stories of old, so who was I to take that from him.

For my mother, it wasn't so easy.  As the disease worsened he forgot everyone he knew in the present.  He forgot his wife had passed away, forget his daughter and grandson and was left to relive the distant memories of a past time.

The hardest part about watching my grandfather suffer with Alzheimer's disease wasn't about him thinking I was his brother, or reliving the stories I had heard in my childhood.  It was when he had glimpses of how far the disease had taken him and holding him as he wept and is heartbreaking to me to this date.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and it is not easy on anyone.  It robs people of their memories, and ultimately of their life.  It also takes a terrible toll on the family who remains watching as the person they love slowly fades from view.

So again, when the Alzheimer Society asked if I would help out, I was more then happy to assist in whatever way that would benefit them.  I do hope that the electronic newsletter I created was of benefit to them, their volunteers and their donors.  I hope to be able to do more for them in the future on both a professional and personal level.

For those interested in learning more about what the Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo does, please get in touch with them.  I have provided links for both the Society and the Purse-Suasion event they run below:

Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo: http://www.alzheimerkw.com/
Purse-Suasion: http://www.alzheimerkw.com/how-you-can-help/purse-suasion

When culture can be close to home

When I was young and growing up here in Kitchener-Waterloo, I never thought about cultural events locally.  Sure, we have the Stratford Festival nearby, and there was always heading into Toronto to hit up the AGO, the ROM or taking in a play at one of the many theatres, but when it came to finding something closer to home it never registered that something might be available right at my doorstep.

As I got older, I started asking "Why?".  We have the venues, we have the interest locally, why do I have to drive to Toronto to take it some culture?

It appears that the citizens of Kitchener-Waterloo agree!

On the night of September 24th, myself, and over 100 other supporters took to the train for the Steel Rail Sessions event.  The brainchild behind the Steel Rail, the lovely and inspirational Hilary Abel arranged for us all to be whisked away on a train and treated to a fest for the senses.  As we chugged through the autumn evening towards St. Jacob's the passengers were able to enjoy sponsored venues from CAFKA, the KWAG, MFX Partners, Deadbeatblast and the KW Symphony.  We were also treated to the culinary wonders of Nick & Nat's Uptown 21, a visual feast itself.

All aboard the Steel Rails Session

Our evening proceeded to a live concert from Vacuity and a gallery showcase in St. Jacob's before being escorted back on to the train and returning to Waterloo.  The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery opened their doors late in the evening to have us as their guests for an after party where we were able to enjoy some wine and catch up with colleagues and friends to wrap up this spectacular evening.  For a first-timer to the CCGG, I was greatly impressed both by their hospitality as well as their gallery itself, and will be returning as a patron in the near future.

At the end of the night, I laid my head down and smiled.  All throughout the night I kept reminding myself "This is in Kitchener-Waterloo".  This type of event appealed to all ages, appealed to the art, music and theatre lovers.  This type of cultural event is an example of what defines us as a society - and it was found locally.

My deepest thanks for Hilary for arranging the Steel Rail Sessions.  To all the sponsors, corporate and otherwise, who believed and shared in Hilary's vision, again, you have my gratitude.  So the next time you want to check out something great - look outside your window - and I do hope that in a years time we shall see our local galleries thrive and a certain train heading towards St. Jacob's again!

For complete photos of the event, please check out the gallery here courtesy of Bright Lights Photography.  The Record also has posted a video of the event which is available to view here.

Why compete, when you can collaborate?

Many years ago - hate saying that as I feel it ages me - Regardless, many years ago when I was working in film and the concept of the DSGN network was but a twinkle in my eye I came to realise a bad trend within the film industry.

At the time I was working as an editorial apprentice and a freelance editor.  Often, when I was seeking clientele or opportunities to work with a studio I was often met with concern, aggression and quite often rudeness.  Apparently, the only reason I wanted to work alongside someone was to steal their clients and their profits!

When I moved back to Kitchener-Waterloo I felt that the market would be much more open and receptive to collaboration.  I approached many small video and design companies around the area, and to my surprise the response I had received in Toronto was echoed here.  Needless to say, I was a little shocked that businesses could have been so closed minded about expanding their opportunities.

In early 2009 I decided to retire the original name of my multi-pronged business concept and rename it under a more to-the-point DSGN network moniker.  I was determined to find those whom were not afraid of working together to a common end.  Surprisingly, there seemed to be a change in the air.  I started meeting businesses and freelancers who shared my vision.

What has been the foundation of the DSGN network's original concept, seems to now be a rewarding theme in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.  Many businesses, which some would consider to be my direct competition, now are open to the idea of helping me develop the network, and even better, business owners are open to collaborating to improve everyone's company.

So as the title states: Why compete, when you can collaborate?

In the design industry it seems, we all have skills that we consider to be our own strengths.  The downside, and old mantra, is businesses used to try to do EVERYTHING to maximize their revenue.  Personally, this is both counter intuitive, and counter productive.  At the core, I consider myself  a vision person, so branding is what I gravitate towards.  Does this mean I am a web developer? A Social Media consultant? A photographer? Strategist, etc? I think you get the picture.

The answer is no.

Why would I try to sell myself as a jack-of-all-trades when there are talented people out there who DO specialize in those areas? Find someone who you enjoy and can work with to expand your skill set.

Collaborate, don't compete.

The next time that a business, be it the DSGN network, or someone in a completely different industry comes to you and puts forth an opportunity to work together - consider it.  I am not stating that every opportunity is going to be a good fit, or will work, but why not give it a chance? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

At the core of the DSGN network is a heart of collaboration.  I want to succeed of course, don't we all? With the talented freelancers and businesses that I am, and will work with down the road; my success goes hand in hand with your success.  To me, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Is this what the corporate world has really come down to?

You know, I have had this blog for awhile now and have been struggling to find content that I feel would be relevant or interesting to spout off about.  While an event today has provided me content, let me start by saying it comes at a cost that I am not happy with.

"When did I become a number?"

Today, a good friend and colleague of mine was let go from her position.  Let me preface this further: She was let go one week before she was supposed to, on a contract that unexpectedly got condensed by four months.  Apparently to the mucky mucks of the company she worked diligently for, a contract means nothing as long as you're the one who drafted it up.

Strangely enough, today this wasn't the only incident I have heard of unhappiness in the workplace.  Colleagues and friends across various fields and industries all talk about low morale, no personal or professional growth at work and fear of the unknown future.

When did the balance tip? When did the hardworking body of people providing the support, foundation and ultimately, the workload suddenly be reduced to a commodity so easily cast aside?

Years ago I can recall reading an article about employment happiness.  At that point, I myself had gone through a less-then-favourable situation with an employer when I was working in film.  The article spoke to me because the author seemed to "get it" about what the working man needed to be satisfied in the workplace.

1. They have to enjoy the work they do, and to be challenged
2. They have to enjoy the people they work with
3. Monetary gain

Low and behold, money wasn't at the top.  Why is this a concept that eludes so many businesses? It's pretty straightforward and goes something like this: People want to feel important, to feel of value and to feel challenged by their job.  THAT is what gives them purpose in the workplace.  Today, my colleague and friend had those values improperly taken from her.  No wonder she is feeling confused and upset and now has to begin the process of hunting for a new position.

If there is a ray of hope to all of this.  I know my colleague will find another position, one that is worthy of her talents and abilities.  For me, this is a clear line of why so many of us head into the freelance and entrepreneurial world.  We are tired of being hindered.  Told what to do, or how to do it.  We want to carve our own paths and our own vision.  We would all rather work collaboratively with people we want to work with, and who want to assist us in our successes and to share in theirs.

To everyone who has felt unappreciated, demoralized or undervalued - Now is your time.  Just remember, should you one day be the man at the top; never forget about how important everyone of your employees are.