Description:
Reviews and news about cool tools, gadgets, gizmos and technology resources for sales professionals
6 Podcasts:
 1. SG009-PhoneTag.mp3 (played 15 times)
2. SG010-CRM.mp3 (played 8 times)
3. SG011-Death_of_Voicemail.mp3 (played 16 times)
4. SG012-GPS_for_Sales_Pros.mp3 (played 20 times)
5. SG013-Best_web_browsers_for_sales_pros.mp3 (played 10 times)
6. SG014-Dell_Inspiron_Mini_9.mp3 (played 6 times)
Content:
BlackBerry Storm arrives! Is it the ultimate mobile communications and computing device for sales professionals?
In 2007, Apple gave us the iPhone, and salespeople saw that it was good. Hailed by Time magazine as the “Invention of the Year”, the iPhone provided a leap forward in mobile communications and computing, with an extraordinarily intuitive interface, integrated multi-media support, and add-on applications. However, as a mobile phone for salespeople, the iPhone [...]
We’re back! And we heard you…
You may have noticed that we here at Selling Geek have taken a short hiatus away from our blog and podcast. Thanks to those of you who sent a “Hey, are you OK?” e-mail - we appreciate that you care!
We’ve been delighted with the rapid increase in readers and listeners to Selling Geek since we [...]
Google to provide RSS feeds for web search results; automatic account research potential thrills sales pros
The tech blog Search Engine Land reports that Google intends to provide distribution of web search results via Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds as part of its Google Alerts service, thus allowing continuous and automatic distribution of new online mentions of companies, people or key phrases on websites, blogs or other Internet resources.
Currently, Google Alerts [...]
Microsoft extends XP downgrade deadline to July 31, 2009; salespeople can now easily avoid ever using Vista
Microsoft announced that users of its Vista operating system will be able to exercise their right to downgrade to the older, but far more popular, Windows XP, until July 31, 2009 - a six-month extension over a previous deadline. The reason, according to Microsoft, is to “ensure a smooth transition” for users, ostensibly to Vista.
In [...]
RIM officially announces BlackBerry Storm; still vague about when in November salespeople can buy it
After months of rumors and leaked glimpses, Research In Motion (RIM) officially announced that their new BlackBerry® Storm™ mobile communication device, their first offering without a physical keyboard, will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers in the U.S. and to Vodafone customers in Europe, Australia and New Zealand sometime in November. RIM’s press release [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #14 - Dell Inspiron Mini 9
The tech blog Engadget recently pronounced: “The age of the netbook has indeed, arrived.” According to an Amazon.com list of the best-selling computers, nine of the top ten systems sold in September 2008 were ultra-portable devices. Popular netbooks like the ASUS EeePC 900, HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, Acer Aspire One, MSI Wind and Lenovo IdeaPad [...]
BlackBerry Storm virtual keyboard and screen shots revealed; still no firm release date set; sales geeks squirm with frustration
The niche blog Storm Reviews published clear pictures of the interface for the soon-to-be-released BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s first device with no physical keyboard. In general, the interface looks very clean, crisp, and easy to decipher. The virtual keyboard, which reportedly uses haptic feedback to provide a discernable click when pressing an on-screen key, simulating a [...]
Dell releases M109S pocket projector; sales presenters cheer
Although its existence was leaked during the summer, Dell’s new pocket projector, formally dubbed with the instantly forgettable moniker of “M109S“, has been officially released to generally availability. Weighing only four-fifths of a pound, the ultra-compact 3.6 x 1.5 x 4.1 inches (small enough to fit in the palm of your hand) projector can fit [...]
Google’s Android mobile operating system arrives; how does this affect sales professionals and why should they care?
T-Mobile announced their plans to market the first smartphone based on Google’s open source mobile operating system, Android. The new phone, built by HTC and called the G1, will be generally available by October 22nd in the US (and in the U.K. in November, and the rest of Europe in early 2009), and will cost [...]
T-Mobile introduces the first Android-based phone; salespeople begin seizing up from smartphone coolness overload
T-Mobile USA formally announced the first phone using Google’s open-source mobile operating system, Android, on September 23rd. The phone, manufactured by HTC, will be called the G1 in the U.S. market. It will be priced at US$179, with a 2-year T-Mobile contract.
The G1 is slightly heavier than its primary competitor, the Apple iPhone 3G, and [...]
GM unveils Chevy Volt; traveling salespeople calculate savings
GM introduced the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, its first commercially available electric car, with a home outlet rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Drivers can run on the Volt’s electric motor on an initial overnight charge for short trips up to 40 miles, after which the on-board gasoline generator provides sustained current to the battery, allowing a drive range [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #13 - Best web browsers for sales pros
In this episode of the Selling Geek podcast, we review the top five most popular web browsers, and evaluate them in terms of their utility to sales professionals. We also provide specific web browser recommendations to salespeople using Macs, Linux-based systems, or Windows-based computers.
Links to resources mentioned in this show:
List of available web browser applications
Flock
SeaMonkey
Microsoft [...]
The pico projectors are here! The pico projectors are here! Professional sales presenters dance with glee
While ultra-tiny pico projectors have been released in other parts of the world, like the Aiptek V10 in Australia, we’ve not yet seen any of these super-portable display devices released in the U.S. - until now!
3M’s German division announced that the MPro110 pocket projector will be available worldwide on September 30th. Priced at US$359, the [...]
Apple and Microsoft announce new media players; most salespeople yawn - but they might be missing a great opportunity
Apple and Microsoft both tried to out-announce each other this week, and most of what they revealed was of little value to sales professionals looking to boost their productivity. The two tech giants did, however, show some cool new devices that could offer more than just a little recreation to savvy salespeople.
Apple wants to rock [...]
Airlines install new technology to increase customer productivity; traveling salespeople like it
U.S. airlines have recently installed technology upgrades to improve their customer experience, and others are hurrying to catch up.
First, Delta has streamlined its automated check-in software, by eliminating redundant screens and repetitive verification questions, which will save each customer who uses the system several minutes. The new screens are also more aesthetically pleasing, and are [...]
Looks like mid-November before Verizon releases the BlackBerry Storm; AT&T to launch BlackBerry Bold on October 2nd
According to a source found by the BoyGeniusReport, the Verizon Wireless version of the cutting-edge BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s first device without a physical keyboard, won’t be generally available until “mid-November” in the U.S. Previously, the reported launch target date was mid-October, but testing and bug fixes are taking longer than expected, according to the source.
Meanwhile, [...]
Dell (finally) releases Inspiron Mini 9 netbook; traveling salespeople anticipate immediate reduction in severe back pain
After months of eager anticipation, Dell Computer finally introduced its first true netbook computer, the Inspiron Mini 9. Joining a large number of able competitors in the rapidly growing ultraportable market, Dell clearly intends to seize a significant share of new buyers by pricing the Mini 9 at US$349 for a model with 4 gigabytes [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? Part 6: conclusions and recommendations
Last in a six-part series
In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we summarize our findings and provide sales professionals with some [...]
Just what salespeople really need: yet another web browser; Google releases try-out version of Chrome for Windows XP and Vista
Google made a pre-release version of its newopen source Internet web browser, Chrome, publicly available for Windows XP and Vista users. Curious web surfers can try out the new browser by downloading it here. Designed for reliability and speed, Chrome poses a potential threat to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which currently enjoys about a 75% [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? Part 5: “The Cloud”
Fifth in a six-part series
In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we speculate about what could be emerging as a new [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #12 - GPS for sales pros
In this episode of the Selling Geek podcast, we interview Tim Flight, the moderator of the popular website for information about GPS devices: GPS Review.
Click here for a complete transcription of this interview.
What is GPS? How does it work?
What GPS systems have the best maps?
How does GPS benefit sales professionals?
Advantages and disadvantages of portable, in-dash [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? Part 4: Linux
Fourth in a six-part series
In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on the most commonly-used open source alternative OS.
Linux
Originally [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? Part 3: Mac OS X
Third in a six-part series
In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on perhaps the most visible alternative to Microsoft [...]
New wireless portable speakers from your laptop’s USB connector; a cool idea for salespeople with sound in their presentations
The tech blog Engadget issued a report about TrekStor’s new Wireless Soundbox, which connects decent quality speakers to your computer using a USB-connected wireless transmitter.
“OK, that’s cool”, you may be asking yourself, “but other than for entertainment value, why would salespeople care?”
Ever have to give a demonstration or presentation on your laptop computer that includes [...]
LinkedIn enhances group features; sales professionals should like new social networking capabilities
LinkedIn, the popular business networking website, released new improvements to its Groups feature, making this function easier to use and more helpful to sales professionals looking to forge connections with customers and potential prospects.
In addition to fixing some previously annoying application errors, the latest Groups update now provides a centralized hub page for every group, [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? Part 2: Windows
Second in a six-part series
In part one of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on the most dominant OS in use worldwide [...]
Touchscreen-operated BlackBerry 9530 Storm coming to Verizon
The tech blog Engadget showed the packaging for the new touchscreen-operated BlackBerry 9530 - RIM’s first device with no physical keyboard. Now called the Storm in the U.S. market, the phone will be released on Verizon Wireless later this year. The 9530 will operate globally with a removable SIM card. It will also include an [...]
What will salespeople use for their next computer operating system? (And why the heck should they care?)
First of a six-part series
In order to be competitive today, virtually all sales professionals must use computers. They need rapid access to information about their industry, customers, prospects, competitors, and their own organizations’ products and services, and the computer is the ideal device for finding, storing and retrieving this information.
Most people think of computers in [...]
FYI: Selling Geek changing policies for blog posts and comments
Many thanks to everyone for reading the SellingGeek.com blog, and for listening to our podcast! Since launching officially in May, our numbers have grown quickly, and we’re gratified and humbled by your response. We’re now more motivated than ever to make Selling Geek a useful and entertaining resource for you, the sales professional looking for [...]
FAA computer failure causes massive airline flight delays across entire U.S.; salespeople celebrate their tax dollars at work
On August 26, a failure in network communication to an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer center, located south of Atlanta, delayed hundreds of flights nationwide, as U.S. airlines waited for approval of their flight plans. Dozens of major airports were affected by the failure, especially in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and mid-Atlantic cities.
The FAA had to [...]
Faster, more private Internet browsers coming before end of 2008; sales pros prepare for anonymous, accelerated web surfing
The two leading web browser applications, Mozilla’s Firefox and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, independently announced plans to improve their products before the end of 2008.
Mozilla reported that they will introduce a significant performance enhancement to Firefox, which will be part of the anticipated 3.1 upgrade to be released before the end of the year. This new [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #11 - The Death of Voicemail
In this special extended edition of the Selling Geek podcast, we comment on recent technology news of interest to sales professionals, and we speculate about the possible future end of the scourge of salespeople everywhere: voice mail.
Please give us your comments and feedback on our U.S. toll-free message line: 877-345-7763, or from anywhere in the [...]
Should salespeople buy an Apple iPhone 3G now?
On July 11 2008, Apple released the latest version of their highly successful iPhone - the new 3G model. Seen as the next step in the evolution of the popular device, the iPhone 3G received enthusiastic early reviews for improved performance and functionality.
But just over a month later, the initial glossy sheen on the new [...]
Jott “out of beta” (code for “we’re charging real money now”); salespeople grumble, but open their wallets anyway
The popular voice-to-text service, Jott, which heretofore was completely free, announced that they are now “out of beta”, and they have introduced a tiered services pricing plan. In other words, most users will now have to pay monthly fees to get Jott’s most desirable features. (See our earlier review of Jott, posted here, for a [...]
T-Mobile to sell first Android phones before end of 2008; mobile sales pros prepare to geek out on open platform coolness
The tech blog Engadget reports that T-Mobile will be the first carrier to offer a mobile phone using the open Android operating system. The phone will be built by HTC and go on sale in the U.S. “before Christmas, perhaps as early as October.” The New York Times also reported that the device will include [...]
Verizon tops U.S. mobile service customer satisfaction surveys; sales pros still grumble about less than perfect coverage
In separate surveys conducted by PC Magazine (previewed in our interview with PC Mag’s Sascha Segan) and by J.D. Power, customer satisfaction for mobile phone services is highest for Verizon Wireless, topping all others in overall rankings.
There’s practically no difference between the top-ranked companies, however, with Verizon coming in with a score of 103, Alltel [...]
Dell reshuffles its laptop lineup, introduces instant OS; salespeople should take note, prepare to upgrade
Dell is in the midst of re-organizing its array of laptop computer offerings, and on the whole, we think salespeople will like what they see.
First, Dell is upgrading its venerable workhorse Latitude line - long a favorite of sales pros - by dropping the old “D” series in favor of seven new “E” models. The [...]
Chrysler to offer in-car wireless access on August 25th; road-bound sales pros tempted to surf and drive simultaneously
This Week in Consumer Electronics (a.k.a, TWICE) reports that Chrysler will offer integrated cellular/Wi-Fi Internet connection capability in its cars starting August 25th, under the name “Uconnect Web”. The new device will be compatible with all 2009 Chrysler vehicles and some earlier model year automobiles, and will be available either as a new car [...]
TSA to accept checkpoint-friendly bags Aug. 16; US traveling salespeople hold their collective breath and hope it works
Beginning August 16th, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow travelers going through airport security checkpoints to leave laptop computers in their bags, if they meet newly defined standards.
The new “checkpoint friendly” bag standards include these criteria:
A designated laptop-only section
The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
No metal snaps, zippers or [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #10 - CRM expert Rich Bohn
In this episode of the Selling Geek podcast, we interview SellMoreNow.com’s expert analyst on customer relationship management (CRM) software, Rich Bohn, about:
the state of CRM today
what makes CRM succeed - or fail
low-cost CRM alternatives
the future of CRM
Click here for a complete transcription of this interview.
Links to resources mentioned in the show:
SellMoreNow.com
CSO Insights
Siebel/Oracle
salesforce.com
Oprius
PipelineDeals
Entellium
Zoho CRM
Infusionsoft
SAP CRM
Microsoft Dynamics [...]
Tech-laden cars fare best in J.D. Power vehicle dependability survey; sales geeks already knew this, but it’s fun to have objective proof
As reported by Technoride, for the 14th year in a row, Lexus placed atop the list of J.D. Power & Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures problems after three years of ownership. The comprehensive survey found that cars with a high amount of integrated technology were also the most dependable, in general. This is [...]
“Gain Control of Your Day” podcast features Selling Geek
From our “Toot Our Own Horn” department: the outstanding podcast on time management and personal productivity improvement, Gain Control of Your Day, featured our review of PhoneTag in a recent episode, and also at their sister blog and podcast, the Struggling Entrepreneur, too! We’re flattered and honored - our thanks to both sites for sharing [...]
BlackBerry Thunder to appear Oct. 13th on Verizon? Non-AT&T sales geeks with iPhone envy drool in anticipation
RIM’s new BlackBerry mobile communications device, code named Thunder, is now slated for an October 13th release on Verizon in the U.S., and it will be called the BlackBerry 9530, according to the BoyGenius blog.
The Thunder device is unusual in that it will be the first BlackBerry with no physical keyboard. Users will enter data [...]
Delta to provide WiFi to all U.S. planes by mid-2009
Delta Air Lines says it will provide wireless access to the Internet on its entire domestic fleet - more than 330 aircraft - by the first half of 2009. The new service, based on Aircell’s Gogo service, will cost $9.95 for flights of three hours or less or $12.95 for trips over three hours. Delta [...]
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Selling Geek podcast #9 - PhoneTag
I hate voice mail.
Oh, I remember back in the early 80’s when the software company I was working for first got an automated voice mail system, and we all thought it was cool. You can forward a phone message to group of people, all with a couple keystrokes? Cool. You can retrieve your phone messages [...]
U.S. in-flight cell phone call ban legislation advances closer to law; traveling salespeople just want ‘net access anyway
IDG News Service reports that legislation to ban all U.S. in-flight cellular calls is heading to the U.S. House of Representatives, even though new technologies enabling such calls is nearing readiness. The proposed Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace (HANG UP) Act was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill, designated [...]
Flood of new pocket projectors imminent: professional sales presenters quiver with anticipation
CNET reported that Mint Wireless will be releasing a version of Aiptek’s V10 pocket projector under their brand in Australia and New Zealand in September 2008, at a cost of A$649 (about US$603). The V10 will be the first commercially available pocket projector to be released into a retail market.
The V10 can display a 50 [...]
Dell’s upcoming pico projector leaked: sales presenters drool
Dell recently leaked information about a new “Pocket Projector” — for updated details, see this post.
Rumor central: Apple, Dell, Zune - sales professionals take note, shrug shoulders, then get back to productive work
The blogosphere has been abuzz with rumors - some of them practically promulgated by the manufacturers themselves.
First, Apple kicked off a frenzy of rumor-mongering when their chief financial officer, Peter Oppenheim, referred to a coming “product transition” which would allow Apple to deliver “state-of-the-art new products that our competitors aren’t going to be able to [...]
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 due to arrive by end of 2008
According to the All About Microsoft blog, the software giant has confirmed that a new version of its web browser application, Internet Explorer 8 (IE8), will be released to general availability before the end of 2008. Microsoft’s Senior Vice President of Online Services and Windows, Bill Veghte, mentioned to a gathering of financial industry analysts [...]
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