TABOO TRUTHS

Yup, I finally got one!  I was using my MacPro for business.  Showing presentations and creative production to clients.  The MacPro is my personal, home computer and I was growing more concerned about it’s life.  Little quirky issues were arising so it was time to have our business buy me a new computer OR come up with another solution.  It needed to be mobile and allow me to effectively work on our clients social media campaigns, check and respond to email and easily showcase new commercials for client review.  The answer?  Apple iPad.

It’s pretty spectacular!  Lots of versitility and easy of use.  But if you’re looking at a iPad as a mini computer…you will be disappointed.  There are apps that allow you to adapt elements to use as a temporary computer substitute, but it is NOT a personal computer.  It works wonderfully for taking note, reading pdf documents and so much more!  In the coming months I’ll be exploring more and more business uses and sharing them!  I hope you all will post your suggestions and comments to help me learn from you!  What do you love about yours?

Related articles

• Video Shows iPad Dropped From Space (myfoxny.com)
• SMBs Have iPads at the Top of Their Wish Lists – Quick Take (biztechmagazine.com)
• The 10 Apps You Need For Your New iPad (huffingtonpost.com)

OK, Ok….I’m a little late.  Our company signed a new client earlier today and we had most the day consumed with being attentive I also attended my Charlottesville Networking Group meeting!  I love this group and I’ll write more about the great people in another TTT.  Today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite app’s!  It’s called Around Me.  I can’t take credit, my guy friend introduced me. 

I’ve used this while traveling, even in my home town Jackson Michigan.  This app is great no matter where you are and what you are looking for.  Around Me allows you to quickly find out information about your surroundings.  How many times have you found yourself in need of finding the closest Gas Station? Or your closest bank location?  Or a restaurant when you’re traveling between Michigan and Virginia?  Once you choose the category Around Me give you the closest locations.  The nearest to further away.  Once you choose the business it reveals details about it and then provides a Google Map showing you were you are and the distance taking you to your chosen destination.

I was in Michigan last fall and couldn’t remember where the closest Bank of America was so…Around Me to the rescue!  This is an app you will really use.  A great tip!  What are some of your favorite apps?

Related articles

• Mario Batali Loves Michigan (passingthru.com)

Yesterday was a big day for me.  I sent in my last car payment!!  The 2006 Grand Prix is officially mine!  (Yipee…… :/ )  I’ve never been one of those lucky individuals that could walk into a dealership and write a check to purchase a car.  Truth be known, I’ve had a “hate” affair with cars most my life.

A vehicle is a necessary evil in my book.  For most of my career I’ve been in sales and with that comes driving.  Lots and lots of driving!  As I watched the miles accumulate hour to hour, day to day, year to year the reality that this metal carriage would hold any value was painful.   In my selling days I worked with many a car dealer, especially in Michigan!  Motor Capital of the world, right?   I’d sell them advertising and in turn give them my business.  My vehicles have always been a slightly used, but new model.  They had to be!  It was a tool used for my business no different than my laptop or cell phone, all requiring reliability.  Not to mention I was a single Mom and need to know my car was dependable.  I could trust the gentlemen I worked with to give me a good deal.  THAT’S how I made the decision to buy a car.  I didn’t fall in love with the color, model or features.

I’ve never purchased a car because I loved it!  Well, except once!  It was my first new car… a 1985 Ford Mustang! God, I loved that car!  It was gun metal metallic grey and had louvers on the rear window, a black bra for the nose and a sun roof!  I use to take my dog Mac who was a Great Pyrenees mix (all 125 lbs of him) for rides removing the sunroof as he proudly perched himself extending his head through the opening.  The dashboard illuminated an orange hue.  I do miss that car.

So I now official own my car.  How did I celebrate?  Bought a bottle of cheap champagne and raised a glass with my guy and daughter.  In truth the only positive element from this event is NO MORE CAR PAYMENTS!  Maybe I should have taken that bottle of champagne and christened the car…..”vital sin”?  Do you love your car?