"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! ;)