The Red Case » Lists

17 applications I must have

Mark Payne — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:17:35 +0000

Following on from my post about why I have moved towards web apps/SAAS (see here), I’ve reviewed my software use to consider how my use has changed – a couple of points to note:

I switched last year from a lifetime of Windows to Mac:)
I work on a number of simultaneous projects with multiple clients
I combine remote working with a lot of travel.

So in no particular order my thoughts and observations….

1. Email
I was a “disciple” of Outlook and ran my life though it (email/tasks/appointments….driven by categories!) After moving to Mac last year I tried Apple Mail and Entourage before I switched to GMail. Although it’s not as functional in all areas, by using it in combination with some Flock extensions, the apps below and IMAP, I’ve now almost totally moved ‘online” (iPhone client!)
Cost - now free

2. Calendar
After a few months with iCal (great) I then moved to Google online which works perfectly with my iPhone and other apps.
Cost - free

3. Tasks
I used Omni Focus for a while but couldn’t really get used to it so I tried the Google option before settling on rememberthemilk .com, an online app that works great and has an iPhone option. For project/client tasks I also use the built in functionality of Basecamp and Salesforce – this is an area I am still not 100pct happy with and still searching for the “holy grail” that can combine them all and share data!
Cost - free

4. Contacts
I’ve always struggled to have one system – to combine personal and work – and for several years used Outlook. When I moved my last company to Salesforce I took advantage of the great functionality for all my personal contacts as well. Now I am independent again I have moved to HighRise online which is simpler, cheaper and ideal for my needs.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month – Highrise

5. Blogging
After using BlogJet for a number of years, last summer I moved to ecto on the Mac. However I recently started using the very easy inbuilt posting tool on my browser – Flock
Cost – free

6. Project Management
Long time user of MS Project and still have to use when clients require, but I am a huge fan of Basecamp which is a simple and very flexible online application. I am currently experimenting with a new service – Goalkeeper.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month – BaseCamp

7. Relationship Management (CRM)
At various companies I’ve used a combination of ACT, Maximizer, MS and bespoke internal systems. These have all but been replaced by services like SugarCRM and Salesforce and the flexibility they offer. At a simpler level I use Highrise which is another proven service from 37 Signals.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month Highrise

8. Syncing
I know there are lots of free/cheaper options around but the effortless reliability of MobileMe has got my vote! I was recently introduced to DropBox and I still evaluating it.
Cost - 99 usd per year

9. Back Up
There are numerous options here and I’ve tried several! Currently using a combination of MobileMe, IDrive AND a Time Machine – very convenient, multiple options and works seamlessly.
Cost – 4.95 usd per month + Time Machine purchase:(

10. RSS
Used Newsgator/FeedDemon for a few years before moving to NetNewsWire (both very good) but switched to Google Reader about a month ago and this works great and links with my Iphone!
Cost – free

11. Notes/Researching
Confess I did miss OneNote when I switched to Mac, but recently started using Evernote which is both on my desktop and online – works great and ideal for multiple projects/tagging.
Cost – free

12. Presentations
Still working on PP but just started experimenting with the new Adobe online system which has some real potential. I KNOW….everyone tells me I HAVE to switch to Keynote!
Cost - MS office

13. Financial
I still manage all business and personal maters through desktop applications (Sage/Quickbooks) – still looking for an online option ….perhaps security is still in my mind?
Cost - 100 usd Quickbooks version 2 years ago

14. Spreadsheets
I get to see, build and work with a LOT of business models in Excel. Many require complex modeling, multiple workbooks and database linkages so I guess I consider myself a fairly advanced user. I’ve looked at a few online options but nothing comes close to the functions I use offline – so far…..
Cost - MS office

15. Word Processing
After years on MS Word I guess I am still tied to it! I am currently “playing” with Google Docs but not finding it sophisticated enough for the client reports and presentations I often need to prepare.
Cost - MS office

16. Image work
I am a long time Photoshop user and although I’ve found a few online options for simple image work I am still “hooked” to PS for graphical work, mainly due to functionality and speed – but the options are getting better all the time!
Cost - Creative Suite…I would rather not think about it!

17. Music
Still firmly fixed with my offline “solution” of iTunes. I’ve experimented with a few online options but with over 40,000 tracks I need a lot of space!
Cost – free

When thinking about this I came across an interesting observation – my newest passions both require desktop/device applications! I could certainly not survive Twitter using only a web client and can you imagine an iPhone only using the browser and no apps!

I wonder if, in another year or two, I will have no desktop software other than a browser?

Is this the same for you? What do you use? I would welcome suggestions for areas I’ve missed or better solutions/applications.

Living in the clouds – 6 Reasons Why

Mark Payne — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:57:39 +0000

Last week I started to use an online password manager.

This got me thinking about how my use of software has moved from the desktop to the web over the past few years.

This has not been a conscious or deliberate change and I’ve been analysing what has driven this:

Development Technologies - have improved to allow web applications to be created more quickly and with more functionality and usability
Infrastructure – lower costs have made deployment environments with great reliability possible
Cost – reduced cost of development and deployment has resulted in low (free!) cost online applications
Mobility – my work has required access to information, data and applications wherever I am, using multiple devices
Confidence – I have more “trust” in the security and longevity of providers
Accessibility – the proliferation of “good” web access at home, work and roaming WiFi has made access almost a given
Risk reduction – whether it be data backup or replacement applications I have a combination of simple “standby” options that will keep me operational whatever happens.

Although there are few areas where I still need my powerful notebook/desktop I wonder how long it will be before I move to the latest generation of Netbooks and desktop applications are a thing of the past?….

Are you the same? What issues stop you or are you already a web based Netbook worker?

The “Right” way

Mark Payne — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:44:00 +0000

I think there is a “right” way to run an organisation and lead people – some thoughts inspired by Tom Peters

Too often I see the extremes: on the one hand, cut-throat operations that have little care for those who don’t put in 15+ hours work a day or dare to have a home life, whilst on the other hand, the so called “caring” employers who simply remove any form of monitoring or accountability, allowing people too often to do as they please.

For some reason, “softly softly” organisations appear to feel that avoiding issues of non-performance or lack of commitment is acceptable and even appreciated by staff! On the flip side, I see people sidelined, left behind and eventually pushed out for lacking the so called “right attitude”.

In both cases, the so called “leaders” are only fooling themselves.

We spend the majority of our adult life in organisations and I feel we should start off with some facts as I see them:

Enjoyment - people would rather enjoy coming to work than dread it
Entrepreneur – I believe everyone has it in them to contribute, to add something and everyone starts off wanting to do so
Expectation – people deserve to know what is expected of them and how they fit in
Every role – if their role does not contribute to the organisation, then it’s better to question why and deal with it
Everyone - if you have a workforce of 64 people, then 64 people should be involved, consulted and rewarded
Excellence – if you don’t want to strive to do an excellent job in everything you do, then go and do something else!
Explain – people must be told what is happening – good and bad – with the organisation and their contribution
Educate – always invest in helping people improve their skills and contribution

I believe the right way is to create an environment where everyone buys into the “Cause”, where you continually strive for excellence, where everyone has a part to play and knows what it is, where everyone is helped to develop themselves – maybe even enjoy doing it!

Surely it’s better than the alternative?

Must haves for success

Mark Payne — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I was recently lucky enough to see Tom Peters live – it was the 5th time I had seen him speak and as always I came away inspired!

From the numerous things he said I added my own interpretation and came up with a short list of MUST HAVES for success:

The “Cause” - the organisation (department or team) to understand and believe in
The Location - somewhere people want to come to with the space to do things
The People (right) – realise you are not Tiger Woods – you need others to do that stuff
Plan – short term detail/longer term concept – get the balance right
Do stuff - “FIRE” – quick wins and keep moving
Learn/change/adapt - do more stuff
Consult everyone - a team of 60 is a TEAM of 60 – always!
Decency - give respect, grace, integrity
Communicate – personal!
Persevere
Support - at every stage – financial/administration …..

All sounds so simple!

www.tompeters.com

….he also said…..

A Leader…..MUST be determined to create a legacy of earthshaking transformation in their domain create/must necessarily create organizations which are …no less than Cathedrals in which the full and awesome power of the Imagination and Spirit and native Entrepreneurial flair of diverse individuals is unleashed … In passionate pursuit of jointly perceived soaring purpose and personal and community and client service Excellence.

Think!

How do I decide?

Mark Payne — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:42:12 +0000

I’ve been working through a couple of proposals from businesses I am trying to decide if I should get involved with (possibly invest in)…..so I got to thinking, how do I decide? (apart from the obvious financials)

I guess it’s a simple process which I try to apply:

Vision - must have have a vision(s) I can relate to and love – feel passion!
Plan – must have set challenges – know what’s required to succeed
Involvement - I must see where (if) I can I add something
Complete - will I be able to achieve?
Satisfaction – will I enjoy it?
Fulfillment – a MUST

I also…..

Often use this approach in day to day areas
Aim to take fulfillment from each step – ALWAYS – or don’t even start

Kevin Roberts’ Credo

Mark Payne — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:17:09 +0000

Kevin Roberts is Chief Executive Officer Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the world’s leading creative organizations, employing over 7000 people in 83 countries

He has a great list to follow:

1. Ready. Fire! Aim.

2. If it ain’t broke … Break it!

3. Hire crazies.

4. Ask dumb questions.

5. Pursue failure.

6. Lead, follow … or get out of the way!

7. Spread confusion.

8. Ditch your office.

9. Read odd stuff.

10. Avoid moderation!

Worth thinking about

www.saatchikevin.com

How to be “Radical”

Mark Payne — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:56:34 +0000

In Radical Marketing, Sam Hill and Glenn Rifkin give some pointers on how to be a successful “radical” marketing company.

1. The CEO must own the marketing – how often do I see the top person ignore this!

2. Keep the marketing team small and flat – avoid large/layered organisations

3. Maintain direct contact with customers

4. Be careful with market research

5. Hire missionaries not marketeers – love this one

6. Love and respect customers – not numbers

7. Create customer communities

8. Rethink the marketing mix

9. Use common sense and be fresh and different

10. Be true to the Brand

Interesting ideas and certainly food for thought

www.samhillonline.com

10 things you can do if you’re too busy

Mark Payne — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:58:29 +0000

Interesting list from Bings Blog today of 10 things you can do if you’re too busy.

1. You can cancel all meetings with aggravating people right now unless they are your boss.

2. Never write a long e-mail if a gnomic BlackBerry message will do. It’s incredible how many chunks of work can be tossed over the side with a short electronic piffle like, “OK, let’s do that. Can you handle?”

3. Close your door and tell your assistant that you will only be disturbed by a) your boss or b) somebody who is bringing you a hot pastrami sandwich, and nobody else.

4. Take lunch. You won’t be less busy, but you will FEEL less busy.

5. Don’t go on conference calls unless your boss is on it. Isn’t there somebody junior to you in your area?

6. Schedule an occasional offsite for yourself. Every city has conventions, gatherings, symposia about new technology and other BS you can glom onto.

7. Don’t be so friggin’ reachable.

8. At about 4:15, take a look at your To Do list.

9. Schedule a meeting with your boss to “go over things.”

10. Work faster. Concentrate harder. Clear your platter aggressively. Then rest. Rest is work, too, particularly for those who take it seriously.

I am a real believer in number 8….I make sure I plan the next day before I go home ….it makes the evening far better! and I would add that…..

You should only have things on tomorrow list that you can actually DO TOMORROW…..

A list of 50 items is not a to do list is a straight reminder of impending failure!

The full article is at >>>>>>>

Top 5 bookmarking services

Mark Payne — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Top social bookmarking services

This is a good explanation of the top bookmarking services – provides a short explanation of the features and links to various sites.

I am a long term del.icio.us user!