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Featured Resource:
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Although I've been "invited" and used Google docs a few times in planning events over the past few months through various networking groups, it wasn't until recently I realized how invaluable using Google docs is. Using the spreadsheet tool is like having an excel doc, but real time, can be used and updated by many and its the perfect tool for keeping things consistent, clean and up to date. You can also use it for straight documents and you can be e-mailed content streams on an ongoing basis. Google docs is the perfect tool if you are planning an event or just keeping a group up to date on all that is going on.
Past Resources:
I would like to make you aware of another geosocial tool, Gowalla. It works pretty much the same way as Foursquare the only major difference is that instead of gaining "mayorships" you gain "leaderboard" status...Why know about two of these tools you ask? Well, remember that just like you, many people out there like different tools to there will likely be different communities on each platform. If you're starting a business or running a business it can be helpful to know what is going on out there in the world. You can also play around with both and see which one you like best and just stick with that one. Part of my job though (as I see it anyway) is to share resources I've found out in the world to be helpful, smart or just plain cool. This is one of them. Now go...walla!
Foursquare - a geosocial/geotagging tool
Foursquare (see Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Annual Brilliant Ideas article) is one of the hottest geosocial tools out there. It uses GPS technology to find places close to you and then allows you to "check in" while there. You can write a short (140 character or less) post and share it with just friends (other foursquare users) or actually post it on your facebookand twitter feeds as well. The tool allows you to connect with other fans of the establishments you patronize, give a shout out to businesses you love, give tips and list things you would like "to do" there next time. The foursquarian who "checks in" the most times, becomes the "Mayor" of the establishment. Savvy businesses are getting in on the game by offering exclusive specials and discounts to mayors and people who check in...this will become the wave soon. All in all, a really fun tool. Geosocial networking is the next huge trend in social media/networking world. You might as well be a trailblazer. Come join the fun. Hey, it gives you something to do while you wait for your table to be ready. See The Escape Hatch™ blog post about Foursquare.
Flowdock - a project management tool
Flowdock is a tool with many uses. Take advantage of a real time chat feature, e-mailing into the program, uploading files, pictures and documents and tagging anything and everything. Being able to tag the chat is a great organizational tool for finding the part of the stream where a certain subject was discussed.
For past "Resource Hatch" newsletter articles click on the links below and scroll down to the bottom section of the newsletter - I have also included links to the actual services or businesses themselves:
Kiva - microlending for entrepreneurs in developing countries (The Escape Hatch™ #12)
MyKnowledgeGenie - a platform for virtually disseminating your expertise (The Escape Hatch™ #11)
Pixability - a business that makes it very easy for you to shoot and add video to your site (The Escape Hatch™ #10)
Meetup - a networking tool (The Escape Hatch™ #9)
Flip Camera - the camera of choice for many entrepreneurs (The Escape Hatch ™ #8)
Stumbleupon - a social media site for discovering new websites that match your interests (The Escape Hatch™ #7)
Yahoo Answers & Aardvark - great sites for answer marketing (The Escape Hatch™ #6)
Biz Naming - a few sites that can help you do just that (The Escape Hatch™ #5)
Apple Service Plans - get the advice of a genius for very little $$$ (The Escape Hatch™ #4)
Apple Workshops - many different ones for free, invaluable (The Escape Hatch™ #3)
Springwise - a newsletter chock full of exciting new biz ideas - get inspired! (The Escape Hatch™ #2)
Misc.
Glasgow Web Design - Pretty Klicks - trade your content for a Social Whisper
Check out my shared items from Google Reader
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