CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-23 16:25:54 (6 comments, 8 reshares, 14 +1s)

The most popular mistake in Marketing

I hope you are not yet tired of my rants, but I have a message for those of you struggling with your marketing and communications efforts. 

What I am about to describe is something that we ALL have done, and I am actually purposely doing it in this post to help drive home the point. 

If you are having problems with conversion, I want to make sure that you understand that this mistake I am going to describe, is more often than not the reason why you are failing. 

Are you ready? 

YOU DON'T GET TO THE POINT. 

People are busy. Before they pay close attention to what you have to say, pitch, explain, market, or share, they need a REASON TO LISTEN. 

You have between 10 and 30 seconds to convince your target that you are not wasting their time. Note that the headline to this post tellsyou w... more »

2013-05-23 05:01:23 (13 comments, 3 reshares, 29 +1s)

Well, its all coming apart for Apple, isn't it? The Samsung hate must be chewy in Sunnyvale. As if Samsung was somehow responsible for Google Now. What a bunch of rubes. 

2013-05-22 15:09:54 (34 comments, 26 reshares, 41 +1s)

"Ninety percent of everything is crap."
--- Theodore Sturgeon

When it comes to content marketing, I am sad to say its even worse. 
Now that "Content Marketing" is all the rage, you and I are being deluged by the most god-awful articles imaginable in pursuit of the all-mighty SERP (search engine results pages) ranking, CTA's and Landing pages.  

How bad is it? 

Well, last week, someone wrote 1500 words on Business2Community about the best Social Media sites for Business, and the article does not choose one, but only asks the reader to decide.  

This is cowardice and malpractice.

It is cowardly because the writer was more concerned about offending others with her own opinion, and it was malpractice, because the article misleads as informative, when it was in fact a long winded preview to an opensur... more »

2013-05-21 14:20:56 (13 comments, 2 reshares, 19 +1s)

A moment with Krishnamurti... 

"You know, it is really very important while you are young to live in an environment in which there is no fear. Most of us, as we grow older, become frightened; we are afraid of living, afraid of losing a job, afraid of tradition, afraid of what the neighbours, or what the wife or husband would say, afraid of death.

Most of us have fear in one form or another; and where there is fear there is no intelligence. And is it not possible for all of us, while we are young, to be in an environment where there is no fear but rather an atmosphere of freedom - freedom, not just to do what we like, but to understand the whole process of living?

Life is really very beautiful, it is not this ugly thing that we have made of it; and you can appreciate its richness, its depth, its extraordinary loveliness only when you revolt against everything -... more »

2013-05-21 00:53:08 (11 comments, 5 reshares, 63 +1s)

You and I don't have any problems.

Not today we don't. While working today, trying to solve what I THOUGHT were problems, I did not watch television. I was in a bad mood, huge workload, all these things I worry about from day to day. 

I noticed it was 5pm, and turned on the news, and now I feel sick. 
There are dozens of children who went to school today in Oklahoma that are not coming home tonight. 

I think sometimes we get caught up in our lives, and think our problems and challenges outweigh anything going on around us. The fact is, on tonight, compared to these families, we don't have any problems. 

Please join me in sending your positive energy in whatever way that you or your God allows, to the families of those dead and missing children. I am not a parent, so I cannot imagine the kind of pain and anguish these families areexperie... more »

2013-05-20 22:11:11 (33 comments, 9 reshares, 35 +1s)

Why the Yahoo-Tumblr deal is doomed to failure.

Well, this one you could see coming a mile away.  I had high hopes for Marissa Mayer, but I guess that’s over now.  My guess is that Mayer took a look at the books, the estimates and earnings forecasts for the current Yahoo, and simply panicked. 

Over the coming days, you are going to hear all sorts of glowing things about Tumblr. I want you to pay attention to only two things: operating costs and earnings. No matter what anyone says positive about Tumblr; the company was 2-3 months from being completely broke. 

“what-What-WHAT?” 

Yes, for all the positive things you hear about Tumblr, they could barely make any money. Now, this is fine, because there are plenty of cool companies around that can’t make a dime, right? It’s all about hope, people.  The only problem with a business model based onhope, is that h... more »

2013-05-20 11:43:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Attn: San Diego Plussers!  Have you tried Amazon Local? There is a deal going on right now for 6 more days, for limo service to Lindbergh Field for up to 4 people for only $35 dollars. That is cheaper than a single person on SuperShuttle, and you dont have to cram in the van and ride for hours. Sure, its a promo, but if you are flying out of San Diego, there is no expiration on the deal, but you have to buy within the next 6 days.  I just saved a few bucks; you might want to check it out. 

2013-05-19 11:30:07 (19 comments, 2 reshares, 20 +1s)

I must apologize to everyone regarding "Copy". If you installed this app based upon my recommendation, please know I am sorry. 
It turns out that "Copy" is one of the most buggy, and not-ready-for-prime-time applications that I have ever seen. On top of the nice-looking but dysfunctional control panel, upload and syncing speeds are beyond ridiculously slow.  

Do not bother with "Copy", it completely sucks. 

2013-05-19 02:10:23 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

John Blossom was tagged in J.C. Kendall's album.

2013-05-19 02:08:31 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Seattle IT Worker: "Why should I care if Unions make it more expensive for Boeing to do business in Washington State? I'm in IT, and we are not Union workers..." 

2013-05-19 00:54:39 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 34 +1s)

Hello Samsung Galaxy S4 ! Goodbye Apple iPhone !

2013-05-18 21:25:30 (13 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

My *Star Trek "Into Darkness" Review  (Danger SPOILERS)*

Because nobody on Google+ matches my Trekkie cred, its only right that I let you know how I feel about the latest Star Trek movie, from a lifelong Trekkie point of view.  If you don't want the movie spoiled, then don't read below the fold, its that simple. Do not gripe at me after the fact for not reading the headline. Nobody can give a decent review without mentioning the damn movie, so here goes. 

Ready? 

If you are like me, someone who supported the original timeline and story line behind TOS and TNG, then this movie is not for you. 
The movie is a lazy attempt to rewrite the story of Khan, and frankly it fails miserably. If you are not a Trekkie, and know nothing about the legend of Khan, or the supporting "Wrath of Khan" movie, (the best of the genre) then youprobab... more »

2013-05-18 20:41:57 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

This is downright nasty..(in a good way) Love me some Chaka. 

2013-05-18 18:26:05 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 23 +1s)

The Best Thing about Google All Access Music?

What I really dig about All Access, is the way it generates playlists of like-music off a single song choice. This morning, I played one Stevie Wonder tune, and for the past couple hours, All Access has me swimming in a pool of Motown goodness. Songs I've not heard in years have me rocking in my chair while I work. 

I'm sorry for the moment, you need a U.S. credit card to sign up, but when its ready in your country, you gotta get this service.  Marvin Gaye playing currently, and as I look down the list, there's Aretha coming up, the Sly and the Stones, the Temps, then Chaka and Curtis Mayfield. 

Come on...

2013-05-18 18:17:06 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

The thing that brought me to tears at a staff meeting

2013-05-18 16:22:17 (19 comments, 3 reshares, 46 +1s)

Last night, Google Now told me where I could see either Iron Man 3 or the new Star Trek movie, along with playing times and directions to the theater. I never asked, it was just there.  

Last week on Google+, I mentioned my favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Google Now knew I was in California rather than Canada this week, and after the movie stuff, it showed me directions and driving times to Las Quatro Milpas. 

If Google Now can convince some local baker to drive past my house and throw Croissants at my front door, and then charge my Google Wallet for the privilege,  I will kiss whoever programmed it.

Add coffee, and its tongues, baby...   

2013-05-18 14:36:29 (5 comments, 5 reshares, 34 +1s)

"If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, 
-is it true?"
-is it necessary?"
-is it kind? "
--- Buddha

-if not, shut the fuck up." 
-me

2013-05-18 13:54:36 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 19 +1s)

*The secret to making your service firm stand out from the crowd*

When most firms in your industry look pretty similar (actually almost identical) then why should people bother to buy from you when they can buy from the competition?

Most service firms, PSFs (Professional Service Firms) and businesses in general make life very difficult for themselves.

The really small ones have no idea how to run a business; they spend most of their time struggling to find clients; the larger ones may be more successful but also struggle to keep clients in an ever-changing world where the clients, competitors and staff seem to be constantly changing their behaviour. etc etc

2013-05-18 00:14:49 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

From left to right:

+Gord Wait +Randy Sagoo "Mr. Obnoxious" +Howard Suissa and +Allan Barry Laboucan at our White Rock HIRL at Jan's on the Beach. 

2013-05-17 23:29:02 (13 comments, 0 reshares, 21 +1s)

Yes, I'm afraid I can...

2013-05-17 23:13:30 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

Looking down at Port Townsend, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca on a flight from Victoria BC to Seattle. 

2013-05-17 17:52:39 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 34 +1s)

Okay, Google. 

After I/0, we've decided to make it official, +TekPersona Corporation, after almost a decade of MS Office,  has made the move to Google Apps for Business. 

There is no truth to the rumor that we did this in order to have more money left over for candy, either...

2013-05-17 16:04:00 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

You guys know I don't do a lot of circle recommendations, but I've got one for you today. +Michael Bennett is a young, very smart guy, somewhat new to Google+.  He's a good writer with an infectious enthusiasm. Check him out...

2013-05-16 20:53:05 (18 comments, 5 reshares, 17 +1s)

The following is one man's experience in moving his business from the US to Canada. His views are his own, but I would encourage everyone to read his perceptions, and take note at the business-friendly attitude he discovered up north. 

2013-05-16 19:24:12 (13 comments, 6 reshares, 27 +1s)

I wrote this piece for +Jesse Wojdylo's web site, because this is something I feel very strongly about. The world is rapidly changing, but not rapidly enough for information's sake. We currently live under the scourge of Corporate and Government interests, which determine FOR you, what, when, where and how you have access to the world's collective information. They build walls and fences to keep you captive to one or another's less than adequate solution. 

Along come Google and Samsung with technologies to free us from this data prison, and the world will never be the same. I hope you like it. 

2013-05-16 03:28:32 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 49 +1s)

Attn: New Stream Haters. 

Do not EVER use the "More" section to return your stream to single column. I feed off of your uninformed whining, and it is good for my attitude. Maybe, if you can keep up the bitching and moaning for an entire week, we can call the Guinness people and make you famous?

Never change, I beg you.  

2013-05-16 02:47:19 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 31 +1s)

I ran the auto enhance tool on my cover photo. This is the result. 

Not too shabby, I'd say? 

2013-05-15 22:08:31 (15 comments, 1 reshares, 51 +1s)

Here is a Google auto enhanced Panorama from my Note II. It was already good, but now, WOW. 

2013-05-15 21:45:26 (62 comments, 9 reshares, 38 +1s)

Now that pretty much everyone has had access to some or all of the new toys from Google, lets take a poll on which new thing is your favorite by +'ing the associated post or adding one of your own. 

2013-05-15 21:40:00 (9 comments, 2 reshares, 38 +1s)

So, how awesome is Google Play All Access Music? 

I picked ONE song from Esperanza Spaulding, then clicked the "Radio" option, and it returned this kickass list of streaming songs from the same genre in about .2 seconds. 

I'm having another geek birthday, baby...

2013-05-15 21:15:45 (13 comments, 4 reshares, 89 +1s)

Keeping my word

Thank you, Google. I've been long waiting for this opportunity. 

Now on to the play store! 

2013-05-15 19:59:50 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Screenshot of the new Hangouts app on the Note II

Much much improved over the former "Talk" application. It actually makes sense now, especially for mobile users. 

2013-05-15 19:19:13 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 31 +1s)

Example of Auto Awesome

Picture is a photo I took of Victoria BC from an airplane on the right. 
Auto Awesome treatment on the left. Wish I could show you the actual images in HD, but the changes are so apparent in the previews, its just unreal. 

2013-05-15 18:57:47 (11 comments, 4 reshares, 28 +1s)

Okay, Google I/O, after the new Google Maps? 

Its not a show anymore. Its a natural beatdown.
It's violent in nature, literally SPANKING their competition. 

We got a new Android Development environment,
A kick-ass new Google+
Wonderful new Hangouts app
Totally awesome photo features
Google Now, is THE killer app. 
And an incredible new Google Maps...

And its NOT EVEN NOON yet today. 

Remember when George Foreman knocked Joe Frazier across the boxing ring with a single punch and sent him to his knees? 

"Down goes Apple!"
"Down goes Facebook!"
"Down goes Twitter!"

2013-05-15 18:48:08 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 15 +1s)

Google+: New How-To Videos

1. Google+: How to get started

2. Google+: About circles

3. Google+: Fun with Hangouts

4. Google+: Reading and responding

5. Google+: Sharing

6. Google+: Set Up Your Profile

7. Google+: Find people you know

8. Google+ Communities: A place for whatever you're into

9. Google+ Events: Introducing a new way to get together

10. Meet the new Google+: A stream with style and smarts

11. Google+ Photos: Great photos, in less time

Also:
Bring your conversations to life with Hangouts
Google+ pages

2013-05-15 18:38:37 (18 comments, 9 reshares, 46 +1s)

I wish I owned a Liquor store near the Apple campus today. I could retire. 

2013-05-15 18:32:29 (15 comments, 0 reshares, 21 +1s)

Okay, I have to keep pausing Google I/O to actually do some work, but dammit, each new feature is better than the last. Google Now? Its freaking crazy good already, BUT NOW? Holy Moly! 

They are not just sending diapers to Sunnyvale, but Maalox and Vicodin too. 

Damn, its gotta hurt. 

2013-05-15 17:37:04 (18 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

The new Google+? Freaking incredible. 
OMG it is SO GOOD!

2013-05-15 16:47:29 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Here we go... Streaming MUSIC!!!!!!!

bye bye, Spotify. 

2013-05-15 16:39:01 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

There is no truth to the rumor that an emergency shipment of adult diapers has been been rushed to Sunnyvale, California, but...

I/O is kicking ass from the get go.

2013-05-15 16:32:18 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

The public speaking skills improvement from last year to this at Google I/O has improved 1000 percent. Good job, you guys. Congrats +Vic Gundotra, it is totally noticeable that the speakers are all so much better, clearer and poised than last year. Well done.  

2013-05-15 14:51:28 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

I would like to begin the morning with a tribute to +Matt Cutts, for the latest updates which are causing indigestion throughout the world of backlink buyers and other nefarious Black Hat SEO types. 

Matt, you complete me, baby....

2013-05-15 04:57:04 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

O  M  G

This was not supposed to happen. (so glad it did) She was counted out (and deserved it) but three horrible commercials by Adrian Dix apparently scared the hell out of everybody. 

What a comeback! 

2013-05-15 00:09:31 (21 comments, 3 reshares, 23 +1s)

Google to launch Spotify-like streaming service

Hm....

2013-05-14 21:32:07 (23 comments, 4 reshares, 28 +1s)

What's wrong with America?

Since I've been back in the states this week, I've been witness to the various media gyrations regarding the various supposed Washington scandals. What  should have each of us concerned, is that no matter which network you monitor, one thing is clear; their is only concern is between who wins between the Left and the Right, and not a rats ass of concern about you and I. 

The media are commentators in a political boxing match while the Colosseum is burning down around them. To them, this is nothing but entertainment. It has absolutely nothing to do with the original mission of the press, which was to be a watchdog on attempts to infringe upon our civil rights. 

The media are now basically cheerleaders for one side or the other, keeping score, predicting the next series of plays, color commentating on "who won theweek... more »

2013-05-14 14:30:05 (17 comments, 3 reshares, 23 +1s)

Gal says to a guy:

"You are arrogant, you think you are right all the time, you put everyone down, and hold others to an impossible standard. Nobody likes you." 

Guy says to gal:

"You knew I was an engineer when you met me, so shut up." 

2013-05-14 19:18:51 (19 comments, 13 reshares, 56 +1s)

Why Tech Media hates Google+

Because I have wondered about this for some time, I have decided to undergo extensive research to determine exactly why the Tech Media continues to write negatively slanted stories about Google+. Through a ton of reading, analysis and examination, I have come up with an undeniable conclusion. This is complicated, so you might want to read it twice. Are you ready? 

The large majority of technology media journalists are stupid.

Did you get that? Let me say it a bit slower, in case you are a technical media journalist:

THE LARGE MAJORITY (inhale and exhale) OF TECHNOLOGY MEDIA JOURNALISTS (breathe again) ARE STUPID. 

Most of Tech Media are not technologists at all, but Journalists. There is only one college degree easier than a teaching credential: Journalism. We are talking about a crowd of people who would likelyf... more »

2013-05-14 01:04:11 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 58 +1s)

Only a badass can re-define the way it's done forever

+Chris Hadfield is just such a badass. I want to personally thank him for renewing my interest in space, for being a teacher and a communicator, and a leader for others to emulate. 

He not only made the ISS interesting for generations young and old, he did so with a child's curiosity and a advocate's zeal. 

Thank you, Commander Chris Hadfield, you talked the talk and walked the walk. Well done, sir. 

2013-05-14 00:49:38 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

+Eli Fennell, my friend, you have seriously arrived. Well written, and right on point. 

2013-05-13 20:56:22 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

In other words, when all else fails, just make your SERPs worthless...