I was once an iPhone fan. Oh yes, I had the device for a while and loved the simplicity. From the amazing design to the apps at a fingertip. There is something more than just the device, it seems as though one is part of an exclusive community of users. The UI via iTunes can be a bit annoying but using a telephone has never been more amazing.
That is, until the first monthly bill arrived. At less than 700 daytime minutes, texting and data the $115 per month really got on my nerves. This is especially because of what's been reported of late - AT&T service is horrid. Of course, part of the penalty, er bill, came in part due to New York municipal taxes. Still, over the course of a lifetime this will be an incredibly expensive means of communication. That's right, once you step forward into the civilized light of smartphones going back is nearly unheard of.
I know because after my iPhone was stolen I gritted my teeth and "saved money" using Boost service for over 3 months. (Cringes) Let's just say some text messages didn't arrive for 72 hours.
Currently, the myTouch is my phone of choice. Frankly, the cost of unlimited everything is less than the limited voice package with AT&T. I don't mind paying for the phone over 20 months because I still pay less than the unlimited packages at Verizon or AT&T. The Droid interface is extremely personable and the app number is almost at 20,000. T-mobile has introduced remote mobile backup, a must-have, and the thing actually takes video footage. On the horizon is the Google Nexus which will reduce to a paltry sum the number of people ordering that hideous device known as the Shmoid, er, Droid.
If Google releases the Nexus not tied to a carrier that will be not just an iPhone, but carrier, killer.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Clarity for projects when priorities shift often
In the business world, new opportunities often come with a tangled web of tasks. One document is sent with a list of where energies should focus. Minutes later, this has been altered due to a review. How does a freelance employee work through this mess to develop an orderly sense of priorities?
One of the first lines of fire is an immediate superior. When there are diverging interests does one ask or assume that silence is approval? I have recently learned the hard way, again, because a project requiring email, phone and other contacts has been through several revisions. I thought a comment was made about outsourcing the creation of a contact list. Without being sure, a file was opened (about two weeks old) containging a "To Do" list with this activity in the number one position.
Sadly, instead of communicating with the CEO first, collation of the materials was started only to find out I was right. There is a fine line at which there is too much communication and the door is opened to begging for micromanagement. I have a strong need to avoid this at all costs. Sometimes, however, ensuring the vision of the overseer matches my own is quite productive.
One of the first lines of fire is an immediate superior. When there are diverging interests does one ask or assume that silence is approval? I have recently learned the hard way, again, because a project requiring email, phone and other contacts has been through several revisions. I thought a comment was made about outsourcing the creation of a contact list. Without being sure, a file was opened (about two weeks old) containging a "To Do" list with this activity in the number one position.
Sadly, instead of communicating with the CEO first, collation of the materials was started only to find out I was right. There is a fine line at which there is too much communication and the door is opened to begging for micromanagement. I have a strong need to avoid this at all costs. Sometimes, however, ensuring the vision of the overseer matches my own is quite productive.
Focusing on projects regardless of outside distractions
With all of the never ending interruptions from outside events, focusing on projects can be very difficult. The same is quite true when operating inside of an office environment. There are conversations which take place that are not essential to business, political games to play and endless rounds of communication.
Prioritizing what needs to be finished is an essential skill. However, this alone will not get the job done (pun definitely intended). It is also important that outside noise can be muted. Multitasking does have its place, but turnaround can be aided by sticking to a singular task. In our current labor force, many employers cite the need for multitasking but the skill of focus must not be forgotten.
For those who are in the freelancing or consulting business this noise can come from family. Ironically, those who we know the most tend to exert the most pressure on our behavior and saying "No" becomes quite difficult. This was true last night when a request was put in for me to help someone with their resume. I didn't have the time because I needed to focus on a task with a deadline. Instead of just listening to my need for work my family member became quite irate. My development in the business, and overall disposition, allows a disconnection from such irrational speak.
In all things, boosting someone elses credentials while hurting your own is a delicate game.
Prioritizing what needs to be finished is an essential skill. However, this alone will not get the job done (pun definitely intended). It is also important that outside noise can be muted. Multitasking does have its place, but turnaround can be aided by sticking to a singular task. In our current labor force, many employers cite the need for multitasking but the skill of focus must not be forgotten.
For those who are in the freelancing or consulting business this noise can come from family. Ironically, those who we know the most tend to exert the most pressure on our behavior and saying "No" becomes quite difficult. This was true last night when a request was put in for me to help someone with their resume. I didn't have the time because I needed to focus on a task with a deadline. Instead of just listening to my need for work my family member became quite irate. My development in the business, and overall disposition, allows a disconnection from such irrational speak.
In all things, boosting someone elses credentials while hurting your own is a delicate game.
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