ktoddstorch @ business thoughts

Txt msgs r grt!

Do u txt?  U need 2!  Why? (Ok, I'll start typing correctly now...)

I've been using text messaging quite extensively lately.  Let me explain a couple of ways that really have been helpful for me.

1)  Work:  this is a great way to communicate short, quick messages.  For example, I'll stay connected with people I work with on daily, simple things like:  when I'll be back in the office; call me on my mobile phone; I'm in a meeting, I'll call you right back.

2)  Photos:  same thing with friends and my wife as the first one, but also for photos using my Flickr account (more explanation below)

3)  ToDo lists:  keeping track of simple "to do" list items throughout the day with my Gmail email account (how to explained below)

Ok, don't know about Flickr?  Find out now!  I've been taking quite a few pictures with my mobile phone and sending them to my Flickr account.  What I have done is set up a "filter" in my Gmail account that every time I send a photo from my phone, Gmail automatically files it in a "Pictures" subdirectory and automatically forwards it to my Flickr photo account as a private picture (no one can see it but me).  Then, when I have some time, I'll title the picture and add tags and move it to a public photo album.  This is a great way to take pictures during the weekend of the kids or everyday things that you normally wouldn't.

As far as my "to do" list, Gmail is really an awesome tool when you start using the Filter functions.  What I've done is set up a filter that when I send a text message to my email address, it files it to a subdirectory I've set up called "ToDo".  Then, I've got one place to find these.  For example, I weigh myself every morning as one of the metrics in my Training log.  I just txt message the # to my ToDo folder while I'm getting ready in the morning, then later in the day, I'll update the log.

Gmail allows you to use a "+subdirectory" just before the "@" sign of your email address to categorize to your heart's content.  If you are in sales, this could be a great way to keep track of new prospects when you are out of the office.

So, r using txt?  If so, let me know how!

[help with Gmail filters]
[my Flickr account]

_____
tags:  sms | text messages | lifehacks | flickr | gmail | productivity | lifehack

The Greatness of Google

So many ways that Google can save you time during the day and help you save money as well!

Terry has a great post today recapping some great Google hacks and uses.

[link]

[read] my Google SMS lifehack post

UPDATE
[link] to Paul's 7 Reasons Why Google Will Rule the World post

_____
tags: sms | google | lifehacks

Using Google and SMS Text Messaging as Lifehacks

You can say I'm late to the party on this one, but I know many of you aren't using SMS, or text messaging often, so I wanted to share this with you.

Two great life hacks for you to use with SMS:
1)  Google SMS:  I was running errands this Saturday and wanted to know what Nissan dealerships were close to me.  Why spend nearly $2 to have my cell phone company help out when I can use SMS?

• I typed in "Nissan Dallas TX" as the text
• sent the message to 46645 (or "googl" if you look at the keypad)
• immediately got a SMS message back with 2 area dealerships, how far away they were from me and their phone numbers

2)  I flew to Atlanta last week and wanted to remember where I parked my car (yes, I have roamed for an hour before because I was at the wrong terminal...). 

• I sent myself a SMS message with "B18 A" as the message.  Just kept it in my inbox to check when I returned home.

How are you using SMS?

UPDATE
In the words of Fletch, 'I'm such a heel'.  Much love to my bro Terry for helping me out via cell phone when I couldn't remember how to do the Google SMS this weekend.  Thanks for the Google tech support brotha!

_____
tags: sms | google | lifehacks