I think a few ground rules are in order. I want everybody to find something good here. Maybe to keep things balanced we'll (really I'll) blog about a techie thing, possibly something non-tech, and also a Non-thing thing. HUH??? I enjoy gadgetry (hence the nickname) but also human interaction. Remember the first blog - as I have learned, some of the best things are not things! So, we will make sure to talk about one every time as well as the interaction of the two if at all possible. So, here goes.
How about starting with interaction and interaction tools. I don't own stock in anything I am speaking about today (although with some of the gadgets, you'd think I did). First the interaction tools: Gmail, gmail chat and talk, and Skype. Gmail is a good email program that you can also have chats on and off line from when you are logged in. If you download the talk program, you can share files, chat, and using a microphone and headphones actually talk. Skype is an excellent VOIP program that is cheap (particularly in the US) to use. In fact I used it to talk practically for free to a friend in Europe. From my cell phone I could call them on their computer and from their computer they could call my cell! Since they were not visiting, they did not have their Skype phone with them (or else they could have talked from their phone to my cell).
How about those interactions? Few things. Do yourself and the other party a favor. Don't talk in public. Life is not that fast that we all have to all of a sudden talk 24/7. When in public, you couldn't possibly be paying the attention the other party deserves. To say it another way, this is one of the times sharing is NOT polite - it disrespects the other party and the community around you. Now for the good things - Be Obvious! When talking, other than some nuance in your tone they can't see body language (tell them "Don't make me frown like that!" or "Ooh, that really makes me weak in the knees"). This is appropriate to use both in personal lives and in business (the action is, but chose words appropriate for the situation). To further help you out, don't buy the $12.95 cheapo headset (if it fits well on the ear and in the ear canal you are more likely to hear better, if it lets in less interference, the other party can hear better). Spend at least $25+ on a headset for your cell (their connection is not and cannot give the clear connection of a good wired connection). Consider the Jawbone by Alieph to hear better with. Remember, the Blackberry and Treo were not made with optimizing your aural experience in mind.
