Microsoft Publisher 2010

Ok, I promise to stop after this but I am having a lot of fun checking out these videos and well most of this stuff is pretty cool to a geek like me. But seriously.  Having been forced to work in publisher since I've become more involved in marketing.  I'm here to say its cool but can be frustrating to work with.  These new features look intuitive and helpful.  I'm sure I'll still get anxious when I have to put together an ad in publisher but maybe my finished product will look a little better.  Please comment.  I'm interested to hear what you think.

Microsoft Office Communicator 2010

I've had a chance to start working with Unified Communications.  The office 2010 integration into Microsoft's Unified Communication strategy will make it a powerful platform.  Since I've been using Heads Up Display from Fonality I really think its increased the efficiency of my communication in the office.  This new office platform from Microsoft looks to be a great move on their part.

Microsoft Outlook 2010

Google would like everyone to think they've got Microsoft on the ropes. This video gives me the impression that they don't. The new features in outlook 2010 will really bring value to the way people live and work today. Check it out! 

What can you tell from a funeral?

Last weekend I attended the funeral of my Stepfather Dr. Robert White.  When I attended his funeral I was blown away by the amount of people that showed up to honor his life. I was saddened greatly by his loss because it was sudden.  He was raking the lawn and fertilizing the day before he went into surgery.  His death was not expected.  I won't go into the details of the illness because I want to respect his privacy but lets just say he was not critically ill before he went into surgery.  We all expected him to make it.  He was 69 and was constantly on the move.  He loved to help out with outside projects whenever he could.  Especially when it came to trimming bushes.  We joked that he is up in Heaven right now trimming the bushes for God.

He was a Chiropractor for some 40 + years. If anyone was not a user of technology, it was my stepfather.  He ran is practice without a computer all of that time.  He and my mother did not even own a mobile phone.  They had no internet at their house.  How and the world did they survive?  Pretty well!  Stepfather was exceptional at showing up.  What I respect about him is that his actions matched his words.  He was not one of those people were all talk and no action.  Quite the opposite in fact.  One year while we were on vacation he chopped up our bushes while we were away.  We had only mentioned it  in passing.  Action!  Thats what most sales people and business people are missing these days.  Thats an ethic that the current generation will have a challenge grabbing hold of with all of their electronic communication.  I have always worked for companies that were focussed on getting out with people "belly to belly".  This is what Bob excelled at.  He had life long relationships with his clients who followed him wherever he went.  I remember him heading to work on Saturday mornings to help patients out of pain.  He did this almost every Saturday.  I prefer sleeping in.

Some 500+ people showed up to his funeral.  I don't even think I know 500 people.  And I work at it every day. These were people who's lives he had touched.  He did not use email, chat, or mobile phones.  I don't think he ever made a cold call.  He just met people where they were at.  Every day.  I hope this blog honors his memory.  I'd better get out in the yard and start trimming the bushes.

~pz

I'm Back!

Hello out there.  Sorry I have not blogged for quite a while.  I was gone on vacation for 2 weeks where is intentionally did not blog.  I also had just started my new role as Director of Managed Services at Advance Integrated Technologies just before I left on vacation.  Well.  When I returned from vacation my Step-Father went in to surgery and unfortunately he passed away about 2 weeks ago.  My brain was full of thoughts and information.  I wanted to blog but could not straighten it all out.  So...I hope you'll keep reading because I'm going to keep blogging.

Thanks for waiting.

~pz

Timing is everything

I work with companies in all different phases of growth and I'm fascinated with how the timing of technology events is different for every type of company. When I was new in tech sales I'd talk with a new prospect and they would share with me their timeline and I might get super excited if they told me the work had to be done right away.  When I ran my IT company I had a different perspective.  it was all about putting projects in the pipeline so we could do excellent work while still meeting the customers timeline expectations and not work our engineers to death.  In growing businesses the timing of implementation is also effected by cash flow of the company.  They may know exactly what they want to do.  They may want to do it now but they may not have the financial resources.

I think it is crucial that timing and budget are part of the initial conversations for any company looking to take on a major technology initiative.  The problem is that many buyers are afraid to show all of their cards early in the process.  That only makes sense.  Many companies and individuals have been mistreated by sales people and consultants who are self serving and inexperienced.  It's because of those bad experiences that many people find their trusted advisors through personal recommendations.  That's usually a good place to start.  It's also important to make sure to further qualify the provider by asking for references and like experiences.   Also, gut feel is important too.  If the consultant is not respectful or if they are arrogant.  They are not getting my vote.

So I think that I've learned to respect the customers time line, no matter what it is.  I've also learned that it can shift quickly and I need to be flexible.  I must consider the life cycle of the company as well.  Younger companies don't usually have as much cash to work with.  This requires a sub set of solutions that won't break the bank.  Fortunately there are lots of options in a large price range.  I'm grateful to be part of the solution for a company as they grow and change.  If I'm smart I'll keep their needs and priorities in front of me when making recommendations for their projects.  I'll never forget that its their company, their money and their sacrifices.  I'll know when to tell them to move on from me when we are no longer the right fit.

When I had my own company I learned that some times you can jump too soon when diving into a new solution.  It is hard to survive if your technology is too expensive and you can't afford to pay the employees.  I also learned that the right solution can be priceless.  It can allow your business to grow and flourish, unhindered by technology. In the final analysis, though, its people who make a business run.  If your not sure about your technology decision.....give it some time.

Thanks for reading
pz  

Android SIP/VoIP Client

This is a fun video that demonstrates a SIP (session Initiation Protocol) connection between mobile phones. Basically 2 mobile phones using their internet connection to make a call to each other. Lots of fun implications for VOIP.