Feed aggregator
Collaborate and edit anywhere with the updated Google Docs for Android
As I was sitting on the ferry commuting to Google’s Sydney office this morning, two thoughts occurred to me. First, Australia is beautiful. If you’ve never been here, you really should visit. And second, it’s amazing how productive I can be with just my Android phone and an Internet connection. I was responding to email, reading news articles, and editing documents--just like I do at the office. Only the view was better!
We want to give everyone the chance to be productive no matter where they are, so today we’re releasing a new update to the Google Docs app for Android. We've brought the collaborative experience from Google Docs on the desktop to your Android device. You'll see updates in real time as others type on their computers, tablets and phones, and you can just tap the document to join in.
We also updated the interface to make it easier to work with your documents on the go. For example, you can pinch to zoom and focus on a specific paragraph or see the whole document at a glance. We also added rich text formatting so you can do things like create a quick bullet list, add color to your documents, or just bold something important. Watch the new Google Docs app in action:
If you want to hear about the latest Docs news or send us feedback on the new app, visit Google Docs on Google+.
Gotta run--I’ve got another ferry to catch!
Posted by: By Vadim Gerasimov, Software Engineer
We want to give everyone the chance to be productive no matter where they are, so today we’re releasing a new update to the Google Docs app for Android. We've brought the collaborative experience from Google Docs on the desktop to your Android device. You'll see updates in real time as others type on their computers, tablets and phones, and you can just tap the document to join in.
We also updated the interface to make it easier to work with your documents on the go. For example, you can pinch to zoom and focus on a specific paragraph or see the whole document at a glance. We also added rich text formatting so you can do things like create a quick bullet list, add color to your documents, or just bold something important. Watch the new Google Docs app in action:
If you want to hear about the latest Docs news or send us feedback on the new app, visit Google Docs on Google+.
Gotta run--I’ve got another ferry to catch!
Posted by: By Vadim Gerasimov, Software Engineer
Categories: Google
Great presentations start with great discussions
Back in October, we released a preview of a brand new version of Google presentations, designed to make it easier to share ideas with others. We've been busy polishing the app based on your feedback and today we're excited to enable the new editor for all new presentations.
We’re also introducing a number of performance improvements and making it easier for you to collaborate by bringing the discussion feature you’ve used in documents to presentations.
With discussions in presentations, you’ll be able to: Comment on a shape or an entire slide to give context to your discussion. Send an email notification by adding someone to a comment.
Resolve comments to let collaborators know that they’ve been addressed, and to reduce clutter in your presentation. Plus, to make it easy to get feedback without giving up control of who can make changes, you can now give others the ability to comment on (but not edit) your presentation.
If you’d like to convert existing presentations to the new version of the editor, create a new presentation and import your slides by selecting Import slides from the File menu. To learn more about how to import your old presentations, check out these instructions.
With discussions and real time collaboration, we hope you’ll love working together in Google presentations. We’re rolling out these changes slowly over the next several hours. If you’d like to give us your feedback live, we’ll be hosting a Hangout tomorrow at 2:30 EST to talk about the latest updates to presentations. Stop by our Google+ page to find out how to participate.
Posted by: Michael Thomas, Software Engineer
We’re also introducing a number of performance improvements and making it easier for you to collaborate by bringing the discussion feature you’ve used in documents to presentations.
With discussions in presentations, you’ll be able to: Comment on a shape or an entire slide to give context to your discussion. Send an email notification by adding someone to a comment.
Resolve comments to let collaborators know that they’ve been addressed, and to reduce clutter in your presentation. Plus, to make it easy to get feedback without giving up control of who can make changes, you can now give others the ability to comment on (but not edit) your presentation.
If you’d like to convert existing presentations to the new version of the editor, create a new presentation and import your slides by selecting Import slides from the File menu. To learn more about how to import your old presentations, check out these instructions.
With discussions and real time collaboration, we hope you’ll love working together in Google presentations. We’re rolling out these changes slowly over the next several hours. If you’d like to give us your feedback live, we’ll be hosting a Hangout tomorrow at 2:30 EST to talk about the latest updates to presentations. Stop by our Google+ page to find out how to participate.
Posted by: Michael Thomas, Software Engineer
Categories: Google
Special Series: Cutting the Cord to Cable TV
With rising cable and satellite bills, thrifty Americans pinched by the recession have considered cutting the cord to cable. The savings can be enormous, even if the tech know-how can be daunting when creating your new cable-free TV-watching environment. So MediaShift has decided to devote a week of editorial to cord-cutting, with our in-depth guide, first-person accounts, and even a defense of cable TV. And we want to hear from you about your experience -- whether you like cable or loathe it. Sharing your setup and your situation as a cord-cutter might help others take the plunge. Here are all the stories in our special series.
Cord-Cutting Posts> Your Guide to Cutting the Cord to Cable TV - Updated 2012 Edition by Mark Glaser
> I'm Mad as Hell, But I Haven't (Yet) Cut the Cord by Dorian Benkoil
Coming Soon
> Thursday: Cord-Cutters Manifesto by Mark Glaser; How Streaming Video Is Changing Distribution for Indie Filmmakers by Amanda Lin Costa
> Friday: Mediatwits podcast on cord-cutting with special guests; Why Cable Companies Are Still Thriving by Seth Shapiro
*****
What do you think about our series? Did we miss anything? What other coverage would you like to see related to cutting the cord?
Mark Glaser is executive editor of MediaShift and Idea Lab. He also writes the bi-weekly OPA Intelligence Report email newsletter for the Online Publishers Association. He lives in San Francisco with his son Julian. You can follow him on Twitter @mediatwit.
This is a summary. Visit our site for the full post ».
(author unknown)Searching for creative young minds
En Français
(crossposted from the European Public Policy Blog)
Are you between 18 and 24 years old and have done something to make an impact in the world? Do you fancy the opportunity to come to the UK and meet some of the great minds of our time?
If so, apply by March 19 to Google's youth challenge, Zeitgeist Young Minds, by uploading a short video telling your story, what matters to you and how you’re making a positive impact on your world. We want to find the most exceptional and inspiring young people who are helping others through science, the arts, education, leadership or innovation.
Winners will meet the leaders attending 2012 Zeitgeist. Previous Zeitgeist speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Black Eyed Peas’ will.I.am, Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, and Google CEO Larry Page.
The inaugural ‘Young Minds’ competition rewarded a series of pathbreakers, ranging from a student who launched free hip-hop dance classes for high-risk youth to a South African AIDS activist to a student who founded an organization offering IT education. A full list of last year's winning projects are found here.
Events agency Livity is managing the contest and will pick the winners. Zeitgeist Young Minds is open to all young people ages 18-24 who are residents of South Africa, Algeria, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Holland, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Russia , Sweden, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Posted by Elizabeth Dupuy, Event Manager, External Relations
====
À la recherche de jeunes esprits créatifs
Vous avez entre 18 et 24 ans et vous avez fait quelque chose pour changer un peu le monde ? Cela vous tenterait de venir au Royaume-Uni et de rencontrer quelques-uns des plus grands esprits de notre temps ?
Si c'est le cas, postulez avant le 19 mars au Challenge Google de la jeunesse, Zeitgeist Young Minds, en envoyant une courte vidéo racontant votre histoire, expliquant ce qui compte pour vous et comment vous entendez apporter votre contribution à votre monde. Nous cherchons à découvrir les jeunes les plus exceptionnels et les plus intéressants, qui aident les autres par les sciences, les arts, l'éducation, leur leadership ou l'innovation.
Les lauréats rencontreront les leaders participant au 2012 Zeitgeist. Parmi les intervenants aux précédents Zeitgeist, citons : l'archevêque Desmond Tutu, will.I.am du groupe The Black Eyed Peas, le PDG de Burberry Angela Ahrendts et le PDG de Google Larry Page.
Le premier concours "Jeunes esprits" (Young Minds) a récompensé une série de pionniers, allant d'un étudiant qui a lancé des leçons de hip-hop gratuites pour les jeunes défavorisés à un militant sud-africain contre le SIDA, en passant par un étudiant qui a créé un organisme offrant une formation informatique. La liste complète des lauréats de l'an dernier se trouve ici.
L'agence événementielle Livity gère le concours et désignera les lauréats. Le concours "Zeitgeist Young Minds" est ouvert à tous les jeunes âgés de 18 à 24 ans, résidant en Afrique du Sud, Algérie, Allemagne, Arabie Saoudite, Belgique, Égypte, Espagne, France, Irlande, Israël, Italie, Jordanie, Kenya, Maroc, Nigeria,Ouganda, Pays-Bas, Pologne, République Tchèque, Royaume Uni, Russie , Suède, Tunisie et Yémen.
Posté par Elizabeth Dupuy, responsable événements, Relations Externes
(crossposted from the European Public Policy Blog)
Are you between 18 and 24 years old and have done something to make an impact in the world? Do you fancy the opportunity to come to the UK and meet some of the great minds of our time?
If so, apply by March 19 to Google's youth challenge, Zeitgeist Young Minds, by uploading a short video telling your story, what matters to you and how you’re making a positive impact on your world. We want to find the most exceptional and inspiring young people who are helping others through science, the arts, education, leadership or innovation.
Winners will meet the leaders attending 2012 Zeitgeist. Previous Zeitgeist speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Black Eyed Peas’ will.I.am, Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, and Google CEO Larry Page.
The inaugural ‘Young Minds’ competition rewarded a series of pathbreakers, ranging from a student who launched free hip-hop dance classes for high-risk youth to a South African AIDS activist to a student who founded an organization offering IT education. A full list of last year's winning projects are found here.
Events agency Livity is managing the contest and will pick the winners. Zeitgeist Young Minds is open to all young people ages 18-24 who are residents of South Africa, Algeria, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Holland, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Russia , Sweden, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Posted by Elizabeth Dupuy, Event Manager, External Relations
====
À la recherche de jeunes esprits créatifs
Vous avez entre 18 et 24 ans et vous avez fait quelque chose pour changer un peu le monde ? Cela vous tenterait de venir au Royaume-Uni et de rencontrer quelques-uns des plus grands esprits de notre temps ?
Si c'est le cas, postulez avant le 19 mars au Challenge Google de la jeunesse, Zeitgeist Young Minds, en envoyant une courte vidéo racontant votre histoire, expliquant ce qui compte pour vous et comment vous entendez apporter votre contribution à votre monde. Nous cherchons à découvrir les jeunes les plus exceptionnels et les plus intéressants, qui aident les autres par les sciences, les arts, l'éducation, leur leadership ou l'innovation.
Les lauréats rencontreront les leaders participant au 2012 Zeitgeist. Parmi les intervenants aux précédents Zeitgeist, citons : l'archevêque Desmond Tutu, will.I.am du groupe The Black Eyed Peas, le PDG de Burberry Angela Ahrendts et le PDG de Google Larry Page.
Le premier concours "Jeunes esprits" (Young Minds) a récompensé une série de pionniers, allant d'un étudiant qui a lancé des leçons de hip-hop gratuites pour les jeunes défavorisés à un militant sud-africain contre le SIDA, en passant par un étudiant qui a créé un organisme offrant une formation informatique. La liste complète des lauréats de l'an dernier se trouve ici.
L'agence événementielle Livity gère le concours et désignera les lauréats. Le concours "Zeitgeist Young Minds" est ouvert à tous les jeunes âgés de 18 à 24 ans, résidant en Afrique du Sud, Algérie, Allemagne, Arabie Saoudite, Belgique, Égypte, Espagne, France, Irlande, Israël, Italie, Jordanie, Kenya, Maroc, Nigeria,Ouganda, Pays-Bas, Pologne, République Tchèque, Royaume Uni, Russie , Suède, Tunisie et Yémen.
Posté par Elizabeth Dupuy, responsable événements, Relations Externes
Categories: General
Be yourself on Google Trader
En Français
Once upon a time, people would go to markets and bazaars to trade and interact with each-other face to face. Online marketplaces have changed that. More choice, faster search, but also more anonymity and less knowledge about the person on the other side.
We wanted to make Google Trader a little bit more personal. So today, for the first time, we’re introducing a way for you to use Google+ on Google Trader.
The next time you log in to your “My Listings” page you can choose to use your Google+ profile on Google Trader. You can then add some more information about yourself to complete your Trader profile. People will be able to see your real name and photo from Google+, together with your listings, and they’ll be able to visit your profile to find more about you before they contact you.
Using a profile on Trader is completely optional. If you prefer, your listings can remain anonymous on Trader, as they have been in the past.
Whether you live in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, or Uganda visit Trader now, connect to Google+ and join the growing community. You can learn more on our Help page and feel free to send us feedback here.
Posted by Dimitris Meretakis, Product Manager
====
Soyez vous -même sur Google Trader
Il n'y a pas si longtemps, les gens se rendaient au marché et dans les magasins pour faire leurs courses et échanger en personne avec les autres. Les marchés en ligne ont bouleversé la donne. Davantage de choix, des recherches plus rapides, mais aussi plus d'anonymat de part et d'autre.
Nous avons voulu rendre Google Trader un petit peu plus personnel. Aujourd'hui, pour la première fois, nous proposons d'utiliser Google+ sur Google Trader.
La prochaine fois que vous vous connectez sur votre page “My Listings”, vous pourrez choisir d'utiliser votre profil Google+ sur Google Trader. Vous pouvez ensuite ajouter d'autres informations pour compléter votre profil Trader. Chacun pourra connaître votre vrai nom et voir votre photo dans Google+, ainsi que vos listes, et ils pourront consulter votre profil pour en savoir plus sur vous avant de vous contacter.
Que vous résidiez au Kenya, au Nigéria, au Ghana ou en Ouganda, découvrez Trader sans attendre, connectez-vous sur Google+ et rejoignez la communauté naissante. Vous en saurez plus en consultant notre page d'aide. Et n'hésitez pas à nous envoyer vos commentaires ici.
Posté par Dimitris Meretakis, Responsable produit
Once upon a time, people would go to markets and bazaars to trade and interact with each-other face to face. Online marketplaces have changed that. More choice, faster search, but also more anonymity and less knowledge about the person on the other side.
We wanted to make Google Trader a little bit more personal. So today, for the first time, we’re introducing a way for you to use Google+ on Google Trader.
The next time you log in to your “My Listings” page you can choose to use your Google+ profile on Google Trader. You can then add some more information about yourself to complete your Trader profile. People will be able to see your real name and photo from Google+, together with your listings, and they’ll be able to visit your profile to find more about you before they contact you.
Using a profile on Trader is completely optional. If you prefer, your listings can remain anonymous on Trader, as they have been in the past.
Whether you live in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, or Uganda visit Trader now, connect to Google+ and join the growing community. You can learn more on our Help page and feel free to send us feedback here.
Posted by Dimitris Meretakis, Product Manager
====
Soyez vous -même sur Google Trader
Il n'y a pas si longtemps, les gens se rendaient au marché et dans les magasins pour faire leurs courses et échanger en personne avec les autres. Les marchés en ligne ont bouleversé la donne. Davantage de choix, des recherches plus rapides, mais aussi plus d'anonymat de part et d'autre.
Nous avons voulu rendre Google Trader un petit peu plus personnel. Aujourd'hui, pour la première fois, nous proposons d'utiliser Google+ sur Google Trader.
La prochaine fois que vous vous connectez sur votre page “My Listings”, vous pourrez choisir d'utiliser votre profil Google+ sur Google Trader. Vous pouvez ensuite ajouter d'autres informations pour compléter votre profil Trader. Chacun pourra connaître votre vrai nom et voir votre photo dans Google+, ainsi que vos listes, et ils pourront consulter votre profil pour en savoir plus sur vous avant de vous contacter.
Que vous résidiez au Kenya, au Nigéria, au Ghana ou en Ouganda, découvrez Trader sans attendre, connectez-vous sur Google+ et rejoignez la communauté naissante. Vous en saurez plus en consultant notre page d'aide. Et n'hésitez pas à nous envoyer vos commentaires ici.
Posté par Dimitris Meretakis, Responsable produit
Categories: General
Want to become a Google Student Ambassador in Sub-Saharan Africa?
En Français
It’s that time of the year again, when we select Google Student Ambassadors (GSAs) in universities in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Last year, we launched the Google Student Ambassador Program in SSA and selected Ambassadors from 28 universities in 6 countries - Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Rwanda. This year is particularly exciting because, in addition to the countries where we selected ambassadors last year, we are inviting university students studying in Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tanzania to apply to the program.
The Ambassador class of 2012 has helped to bring their university communities online, by using Google Map Maker and uploading over 12 SSA universities to Google Maps.
Google Apps Training at Kenyatta University, Kenya Gmail Launch at Mbarara University, Uganda
Ambassadors are student leaders on campus who make it their mission to use technology to make a difference, not only in their universities, but also in their communities. They teach students how to use Google tools, such as Google Apps for Education, Google Search for Educators and in selected markets, YouTube for School to improve their daily learning experience. Over the last year, we have seen a great improvement in how university students in Africa use technology in their academics.
Are you keen? For more information on the Google Ambassador Program and other student opportunities in SSA, visit our University Programs website. We are now accepting applications to the program; eligible students can submit it here before 1st March 2012. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted by Obum Ekeke, Talent and Outreach Programs Team, Sub-Saharan Africa
====
Vous voulez devenir un étudiant ambassadeur de Google en Afrique sub-saharienne (ASS) ?
Comme chaque année, voici venu le moment où nous sélectionnons les étudiants ambassadeurs de Google (GSA) dans les universités d'Afrique sub-saharienne. L'an dernier, nous avons lancé le Programme Étudiant ambassadeur de Google en ASS et sélectionné des ambassadeurs de 28 universités réparties dans six pays : Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ouganda, Afrique du Sud et Rwanda. Cette année est particulièrement enthousiasmante car, en plus des pays où nous avions déjà des ambassadeurs l'an dernier, nous invitons les étudiant des universités d'Angola, du Cameroun, de la Côte d’Ivoire, d'Éthiopie, du Sénégal et de la Tanzanie à postuler au programme.
Les ambassadeurs du millésime 2012 ont aidé à mettre en ligne leur communauté universitaire : avec Google Map Maker, ils ont pu intégrer plus de 12 universités d'ASS sur Google Maps.
Les ambassadeurs sont des étudiants leaders sur le campus, qui se donnent pour mission de valoriser leur université ainsi que leurs communautés grâce à la technologie. Ils apprennent aux autres étudiants à utiliser les outils Google, tels que Google Apps for Education, Google Search for Educators et, dans certaines régions, YouTube for School pour améliorer leur apprentissage au quotidien. Au cours de l'année dernière, nous avons constaté que les étudiants en Afrique ont beaucoup progressé dans leur façon d'utiliser la technologie dans le cadre de leurs études.
Vous êtes partant ? Pour en savoir plus sur le programme Ambassadeur de Google et sur les autres opportunités proposées aux étudiants d'ASS, consultez notre site des Formations et programmes. Nous enregistrons en ce moment les candidatures pour le programme ; les étudiants éligibles peuvent postuler ici avant le 1er mars 2012. Nous attendons de vos nouvelles avec impatience !
Posté par Obum Ekeke, Équipe Programmes Talent & Outreach, Afrique sub-saharienne
It’s that time of the year again, when we select Google Student Ambassadors (GSAs) in universities in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Last year, we launched the Google Student Ambassador Program in SSA and selected Ambassadors from 28 universities in 6 countries - Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Rwanda. This year is particularly exciting because, in addition to the countries where we selected ambassadors last year, we are inviting university students studying in Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tanzania to apply to the program.
The Ambassador class of 2012 has helped to bring their university communities online, by using Google Map Maker and uploading over 12 SSA universities to Google Maps.
Google Apps Training at Kenyatta University, Kenya Gmail Launch at Mbarara University, Uganda
Ambassadors are student leaders on campus who make it their mission to use technology to make a difference, not only in their universities, but also in their communities. They teach students how to use Google tools, such as Google Apps for Education, Google Search for Educators and in selected markets, YouTube for School to improve their daily learning experience. Over the last year, we have seen a great improvement in how university students in Africa use technology in their academics.
Are you keen? For more information on the Google Ambassador Program and other student opportunities in SSA, visit our University Programs website. We are now accepting applications to the program; eligible students can submit it here before 1st March 2012. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted by Obum Ekeke, Talent and Outreach Programs Team, Sub-Saharan Africa
====
Vous voulez devenir un étudiant ambassadeur de Google en Afrique sub-saharienne (ASS) ?
Comme chaque année, voici venu le moment où nous sélectionnons les étudiants ambassadeurs de Google (GSA) dans les universités d'Afrique sub-saharienne. L'an dernier, nous avons lancé le Programme Étudiant ambassadeur de Google en ASS et sélectionné des ambassadeurs de 28 universités réparties dans six pays : Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ouganda, Afrique du Sud et Rwanda. Cette année est particulièrement enthousiasmante car, en plus des pays où nous avions déjà des ambassadeurs l'an dernier, nous invitons les étudiant des universités d'Angola, du Cameroun, de la Côte d’Ivoire, d'Éthiopie, du Sénégal et de la Tanzanie à postuler au programme.
Les ambassadeurs du millésime 2012 ont aidé à mettre en ligne leur communauté universitaire : avec Google Map Maker, ils ont pu intégrer plus de 12 universités d'ASS sur Google Maps.
Les ambassadeurs sont des étudiants leaders sur le campus, qui se donnent pour mission de valoriser leur université ainsi que leurs communautés grâce à la technologie. Ils apprennent aux autres étudiants à utiliser les outils Google, tels que Google Apps for Education, Google Search for Educators et, dans certaines régions, YouTube for School pour améliorer leur apprentissage au quotidien. Au cours de l'année dernière, nous avons constaté que les étudiants en Afrique ont beaucoup progressé dans leur façon d'utiliser la technologie dans le cadre de leurs études.
Vous êtes partant ? Pour en savoir plus sur le programme Ambassadeur de Google et sur les autres opportunités proposées aux étudiants d'ASS, consultez notre site des Formations et programmes. Nous enregistrons en ce moment les candidatures pour le programme ; les étudiants éligibles peuvent postuler ici avant le 1er mars 2012. Nous attendons de vos nouvelles avec impatience !
Posté par Obum Ekeke, Équipe Programmes Talent & Outreach, Afrique sub-saharienne
Categories: General
The Cola Wars
Interesting article: Pepsi and Coke are at the brink of a new marketing "cola war". Pepsi has announced a $600 million marketing investment while Coke says they've slated $650 million for brand building initiatives.
So, more than a billion dollars will be spent between two companies trying to convince people to drink more glorified sugar water. Yes, promoting a crappy product is expensive. If you're an entrepreneur, spend your money making a really good product so you don't have to spend a fortune later trying to convince people to buy it.
Categories: Online Marketing
The Five Question Business Plan
In its most simple form, a business plan is just the answers to five basic questions: why, how, what, who and when.
In brief: Why: As in "why are you in this business?" This is your purpose, your mission. It has to be deeply aligned with your personal values, otherwise you're going to be miserable. How: As in "how do you plan to accomplish that?" This is your strategy, the path you've chosen to fulfill your mission. It has to be deeply aligned with your strengths and skills, otherwise you will most certainly fail. What: As in "what exactly do I have to do?" These are the actions, the tactics, the things you have to do to execute your strategy. They are the day-to-day of your business. Who and When: This is the execution. It's when you establish ownership and accountability. Without execution nothing happens. Two very important points: 1) You have to do all five, and, most importantly 2) You have to start with Why
Categories: Online Marketing
Our team's new Google+ Page
As our product and team have evolved over the past few years, we’ve enjoyed sharing news and notes with you on this blog. In turn, you’ve voiced your experiences with our products via blog comments, forum posts, tweets, and more.
Hearing from you every day motivates us to build better products - that’s why we wanted to give you another more interactive place to join in on the conversation.
Starting today, we’re launching a new Google+ page dedicated to Google Docs. We’ll share info about feature launches, tips and tricks, behind the scenes snapshots, and more. You’ll have opportunities to Hangout with us, too.
We hope that our Google+ page will give you a fun new environment to share your feedback, learn about our products, and most importantly, connect with our team and our community of Docs users. Later today, I'll be doing our first of five Hangouts with members of the team - visit our page and add us to your circles to find out how you can participate.
Posted by: Teresa Wu, Community Manager
Starting today, we’re launching a new Google+ page dedicated to Google Docs. We’ll share info about feature launches, tips and tricks, behind the scenes snapshots, and more. You’ll have opportunities to Hangout with us, too.
We hope that our Google+ page will give you a fun new environment to share your feedback, learn about our products, and most importantly, connect with our team and our community of Docs users. Later today, I'll be doing our first of five Hangouts with members of the team - visit our page and add us to your circles to find out how you can participate.
Posted by: Teresa Wu, Community Manager
Categories: Google
Next Stop for the g|Day Train: Nigeria and Ghana in March!
En Français
It seems like the g|Day train is constantly moving, and while the train is moving away from the stops in g|Tanzania and g|Ethiopia this week, we have already planned our next destination: Nigeria and Ghana!
2012 will be the third year that we run g|Days in Nigeria and Ghana, and so we’re expanding the program to cover topics for all different levels and savviness of developers, webmasters, business professionals and marketers. Sessions will emphasize locally relevant topics and showcase successful developers and businesses.
Besides the usual tracks, there will also be advanced hands-on code labs on Google App Engine and Android development for a limited number of developers. To add to the fun, we are having Google+ Hackathons for the advanced developers. Last but not least, we’re hosting a special panel of successful women at Google and beyond, to bring together women and technology. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by checking the g|Nigeria and g|Ghana websites or by following the event hashtag (#gnigeria or #gghana) on Google+!
g|Nigeria will take place on March 15th and 16th at the Civic Center in Lagos, and g|Ghana will be on March 19th and 20th at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
So, chale, are you excited and ready to come? Sign-up for g|Nigeria [https://sites.google.com/site/gnigeria2012/] and g|Ghana [https://sites.google.com/site/gghana2012/] before all the spots fill up!
Posted by Melina Mattos and Chukwuemeka Afigbo, Program Managers for Google Africa
====
Prochaine escale pour 2 nouvelles journées g|Day : Nigeria et Ghana en Mars !
La locomotive g|Day est constamment en mouvement, et après une toute récente escale pour g|Tanzanie et g|Ethiopie, nous avons déjà mis le cap sur nos prochaines destinations: le Nigeria et le Ghana!
Cette année sera la troisième itération de nos événements g|Day au Nigeria et au Ghana. Nous élargirons donc le programme afin de toucher des développeurs, webmasters, professionnels et spécialistes du marketing de tous niveaux et centres d’intérêts . Les sessions mettront l'accent sur des sujets pertinents au niveau local et sur des développeurs et des entreprises prospères.
En plus des ateliers habituels, nous inclurons, pour un nombre limité de développeurs, des travaux pratiques avancés de codage sur Google App Engine et Android. Mais ce n’est pas tout : Nous organiserons aussi un Hackaton Google+ pour les plus avancés, mais aussi une table ronde regroupant des femmes qui ont réussi, à Google et ailleurs, pour une discussion autour de la technologie.
Restez informé : Vous trouverez toutes les informations nécessaires sur les sites internet de g|Nigeria et de g|Ghana ou en suivant les hashtag des événements (#gnigeria ou #gghana) sur Google +!
Vous tarde-t-il d’y être ? Alors inscrivez-vous sans attendre à g|Nigeria [https://sites.google.com/site/gnigeria2012/] et g|Ghana [https://sites.google.com/site/gghana2012/] pour avoir une chance de voir votre candidature retenue. Au plaisir de vous accueillir bientôt !
Poste par Melina Mattos et Chukwuemeka Afigbo, Responsables Programme, Google Afrique
It seems like the g|Day train is constantly moving, and while the train is moving away from the stops in g|Tanzania and g|Ethiopia this week, we have already planned our next destination: Nigeria and Ghana!
2012 will be the third year that we run g|Days in Nigeria and Ghana, and so we’re expanding the program to cover topics for all different levels and savviness of developers, webmasters, business professionals and marketers. Sessions will emphasize locally relevant topics and showcase successful developers and businesses.
Besides the usual tracks, there will also be advanced hands-on code labs on Google App Engine and Android development for a limited number of developers. To add to the fun, we are having Google+ Hackathons for the advanced developers. Last but not least, we’re hosting a special panel of successful women at Google and beyond, to bring together women and technology. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by checking the g|Nigeria and g|Ghana websites or by following the event hashtag (#gnigeria or #gghana) on Google+!
g|Nigeria will take place on March 15th and 16th at the Civic Center in Lagos, and g|Ghana will be on March 19th and 20th at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
So, chale, are you excited and ready to come? Sign-up for g|Nigeria [https://sites.google.com/site/gnigeria2012/] and g|Ghana [https://sites.google.com/site/gghana2012/] before all the spots fill up!
Posted by Melina Mattos and Chukwuemeka Afigbo, Program Managers for Google Africa
====
Prochaine escale pour 2 nouvelles journées g|Day : Nigeria et Ghana en Mars !
La locomotive g|Day est constamment en mouvement, et après une toute récente escale pour g|Tanzanie et g|Ethiopie, nous avons déjà mis le cap sur nos prochaines destinations: le Nigeria et le Ghana!
Cette année sera la troisième itération de nos événements g|Day au Nigeria et au Ghana. Nous élargirons donc le programme afin de toucher des développeurs, webmasters, professionnels et spécialistes du marketing de tous niveaux et centres d’intérêts . Les sessions mettront l'accent sur des sujets pertinents au niveau local et sur des développeurs et des entreprises prospères.
En plus des ateliers habituels, nous inclurons, pour un nombre limité de développeurs, des travaux pratiques avancés de codage sur Google App Engine et Android. Mais ce n’est pas tout : Nous organiserons aussi un Hackaton Google+ pour les plus avancés, mais aussi une table ronde regroupant des femmes qui ont réussi, à Google et ailleurs, pour une discussion autour de la technologie.
Restez informé : Vous trouverez toutes les informations nécessaires sur les sites internet de g|Nigeria et de g|Ghana ou en suivant les hashtag des événements (#gnigeria ou #gghana) sur Google +!
Vous tarde-t-il d’y être ? Alors inscrivez-vous sans attendre à g|Nigeria [https://sites.google.com/site/gnigeria2012/] et g|Ghana [https://sites.google.com/site/gghana2012/] pour avoir une chance de voir votre candidature retenue. Au plaisir de vous accueillir bientôt !
Poste par Melina Mattos et Chukwuemeka Afigbo, Responsables Programme, Google Afrique
Categories: General
Falling in love with the Google+ API
En Français
Attention developers! Of the 90+ Google APIs, which is your favorite? We know that we fell in love with the Google+ API after we saw the amazing applications built from the Hackathons in South Africa and Kenya. We want to continue spreading the love!
This Valentine’s Day we’re thrilled to announce that we are holding three more Google+ Hackathons with the support of the Google Technology User Groups (GTUGs) in Accra, Kampala, and Lagos.
If you are ready to wow us with your application, please apply for the event using these forms: Kampala on March 10 at the 4th floor of Solis House, Lagos on March 17 at the CCHub Nigeria, and Accra on March 21 at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology.
Remember to start today on getting those creative juices flowing! Familiarize yourself with the API and review these resources. Begin gathering ideas and coding a little. Take advantage of the Google+ Platform Office Hours on the 15th of February. If you have any questions, please address them to us in our Google+ Hangout on February 23. Use the Hackathon to perfect your application and win one of the multiple prizes we will be awarding - including a ticket for the overall winning application to Google’s premiere developer event, Google I/O!
Any updates relating to these Hackathons and the Hangout will be posted on Google+ (of course!) using the hashtag #hackgplus. Stay tuned!
Posted by Melina Mattos, Program Manager for Google Africa and Bob Aman, Program Manager for Developer Relations
====
Tomber amoureux de l'API Google+
Développeurs, cela vous concerne ! Parmi les plus de 90 API Google, quelle est votre favorite ? Nous savons que l'API Google+ embrase tous les cœurs, après avoir vu les étonnantes applications construites depuis les Hackathons en Afrique du Sud et au Kenya. Nous voulons continuer à répandre la passion !
En ce jour de la Saint-Valentin, nous sommes heureux d'annoncer que nous organisons trois nouveaux Hackathons Google+ avec le soutien des groupes d’utilisateurs de technologies Google (GTUG) à Accra, Kampala et Lagos.
Si vous êtes prêt à nous surprendre avec votre application, inscrivez-vous à l'événement en remplissant ces formulaires : Kampala le 10 mars au 4e étage de Solis House, Lagos le 17 mars au CCHub Nigeria et Accra le 12 mars au Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology.
N'oubliez pas de laisser dès aujourd'hui libre cours à vos talents créatifs ! Familiarisez-vous avec l'API et découvrez ces ressources. Commencez à collecter des idées et à coder un peu. Profitez de la plate-forme Google+ Platform Office Hours le 15 février. Si vous avez des questions, posez-les-nous lors de notre Hangout Google+ le 23 février. Utilisez le Hackathon pour parfaire votre application et gagner un de nombreux prix que nous décernerons, dont, pour l'application gagnante, une invitation pour l'événement des développeurs, une première de Google, Google I/O!
Toute nouvelle information sur ces Hackathons ou le Hangout sera postée sur Google+ (bien sûr !), à l'aide du hashtag #hackgplus. Restez branché !
Postè par Melina Mattos, Directeur programme Google Afrique, et Bob Aman, Directeur programme Relations avec les développeurs
Attention developers! Of the 90+ Google APIs, which is your favorite? We know that we fell in love with the Google+ API after we saw the amazing applications built from the Hackathons in South Africa and Kenya. We want to continue spreading the love!
This Valentine’s Day we’re thrilled to announce that we are holding three more Google+ Hackathons with the support of the Google Technology User Groups (GTUGs) in Accra, Kampala, and Lagos.
If you are ready to wow us with your application, please apply for the event using these forms: Kampala on March 10 at the 4th floor of Solis House, Lagos on March 17 at the CCHub Nigeria, and Accra on March 21 at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology.
Remember to start today on getting those creative juices flowing! Familiarize yourself with the API and review these resources. Begin gathering ideas and coding a little. Take advantage of the Google+ Platform Office Hours on the 15th of February. If you have any questions, please address them to us in our Google+ Hangout on February 23. Use the Hackathon to perfect your application and win one of the multiple prizes we will be awarding - including a ticket for the overall winning application to Google’s premiere developer event, Google I/O!
Any updates relating to these Hackathons and the Hangout will be posted on Google+ (of course!) using the hashtag #hackgplus. Stay tuned!
Posted by Melina Mattos, Program Manager for Google Africa and Bob Aman, Program Manager for Developer Relations
====
Tomber amoureux de l'API Google+
Développeurs, cela vous concerne ! Parmi les plus de 90 API Google, quelle est votre favorite ? Nous savons que l'API Google+ embrase tous les cœurs, après avoir vu les étonnantes applications construites depuis les Hackathons en Afrique du Sud et au Kenya. Nous voulons continuer à répandre la passion !
En ce jour de la Saint-Valentin, nous sommes heureux d'annoncer que nous organisons trois nouveaux Hackathons Google+ avec le soutien des groupes d’utilisateurs de technologies Google (GTUG) à Accra, Kampala et Lagos.
Si vous êtes prêt à nous surprendre avec votre application, inscrivez-vous à l'événement en remplissant ces formulaires : Kampala le 10 mars au 4e étage de Solis House, Lagos le 17 mars au CCHub Nigeria et Accra le 12 mars au Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology.
N'oubliez pas de laisser dès aujourd'hui libre cours à vos talents créatifs ! Familiarisez-vous avec l'API et découvrez ces ressources. Commencez à collecter des idées et à coder un peu. Profitez de la plate-forme Google+ Platform Office Hours le 15 février. Si vous avez des questions, posez-les-nous lors de notre Hangout Google+ le 23 février. Utilisez le Hackathon pour parfaire votre application et gagner un de nombreux prix que nous décernerons, dont, pour l'application gagnante, une invitation pour l'événement des développeurs, une première de Google, Google I/O!
Toute nouvelle information sur ces Hackathons ou le Hangout sera postée sur Google+ (bien sûr !), à l'aide du hashtag #hackgplus. Restez branché !
Postè par Melina Mattos, Directeur programme Google Afrique, et Bob Aman, Directeur programme Relations avec les développeurs
Categories: General
How To Give Praise
Praising others for a job well done is a powerful motivator. The key to do it right is to make it short and not to include any qualifiers.
For example, telling someone: "Great first quarter! Now let's make the second quarter even better", is not the right way to praise. Neither is: "Great presentation, but perhaps next time we can make it a little bit shorter". This is much better: "Josh, that was a great presentation. Thank you." If you want to praise somebody, just do that. If there is something minor that they could have done a little better (and there always is) mention it some other time. It's easy and very effective. Try it. Image credits: Articularnos.com
Categories: Online Marketing
Selling The Idea Before The Execution
This is a powerful tip from a book I just read called The Art of the Pitch by Peter Coughter: sell the idea before the execution.
I'll give you an example: suppose you're a graphics designer trying to sell a new business card design to a real estate agent. You want to do something different, so your design doesn't include the customary agent's picture. If you show the agent your new designs up front, the first question she's probably going to ask is: where's my picture? You can try and explain why you didn't include it, but at that point it will sound more like damage control than a genuinely good idea. If instead you first sell her on your theory that agents' pictures in business cards are ineffective, unoriginal and overdone, then it's just a matter of showing her your designs so she can pick one. Our best ideas are usually the most controversial ones, so they need to be sold first. If we do that, selling the execution becomes easy.
Categories: Online Marketing
What Do You Recommend?
One of my pet peeves is hearing this conversation:
Waiter: what would you like to order? Diner: uhhh, I don't know, what do you recommend? People usually do this not because they're feeling adventurous, but because it's easier to burden someone else with the decision. It wouldn't be a big deal if this happened only in a restaurant setting, in the context of ordering a meal. The problem is that small habits like this are often indicative of how we make more important decisions. Making decisions (and acting on them) is hard work, that's why so many people just go through the motions, letting others decide for them. If our default reaction when facing a decision is to ask others "what do you recommend?", then let's not complain if what we get is not what we were expecting.
Categories: Online Marketing
Arriving Early
I am not a gregarious person, but at the same time I recognize the importance of networking. That’s why I’ve developed a few habits and tactics to make my networking efforts easier.
One of them is arriving early. Whenever I go to a meetup, I make it a point to be one of the first ones to arrive, usually when there's only a couple of people there. It's easier to strike a conversation with them and take it from there, than coming in late and trying to break into large groups where conversations have already started. There is also an added benefit: if there is a presenter, he'll probably also arrive early (to set up the projector, size up the room, or meet the audience). You have a better chance of introducing yourself and have a quality conversation before the presentation than at the end, when everybody is trying to approach the presenter at the same time. Image credits: Romina Santos
Categories: Online Marketing
Sleeping Well At Night
Proclaiming yourself a guru can get you followers.
Trashing your competitors can get you votes. Stirring controversy can get you traffic. Management by fear can get you results. Yes, behaving like an a**hole can be effective. That doesn't mean that you need to become one, or that there aren't other, better ways to be successful.
Categories: Online Marketing
Your Ideal Customer
I regularly visit Ramit Sethi's site. Ramit is a personal finance guru for the twentysomething set, and also a powerful personal brand who has mastered the art of defining, finding and serving only his ideal customers.
Ramit's ideal customers are those who take action as opposed to those who just talk or "think about it". To make sure he attracts the right people he has implemented a few hard rules and procedures, to which he adheres religiously. For example, he doesn't record his teleclasses, even when they take place at odd hours. He firmly states that if you're really interested you'll find a way to make it. His most expensive courses feature a rigorous application process, through which he rejects most applicants for not having the right mindset. Does this super selective strategy hurt him in the short term? Yes. I'm sure he's leaving some money on the table. Does it make his brand stronger, which brings him more money in the long run? Absolutely. Most brands fail because they try to be all things to all people, instead of narrowly defining the kind of customer they're uniquely qualified to serve. Think of it this way: our real job is not just to sell goods or provide services; it is to build an army of fans.
Categories: Online Marketing
We're Missing Data!
Back in the day, when I was in college studying Industrial Engineering in Peru, my classmates and I would regularly wrestle with tough math and calculus problems.
Once in a while a sadistic professor would give us a problem that was impossible to solve. Of course, we didn't know...Only after a long struggle the brightest guys in the class would suspect something was wrong, until finally one of them would muster enough courage to raise his hand and utter the words everybody was waiting for: we're missing data!Ah, the beauty of exact sciences... For every problem there is only one solution, and all the other variables have to be given to you.Only after I graduated and ventured into the real world did I learn (sometimes the hard way) that life's problems have more than one answer, and that you never have enough information. However, raising our hand and shouting: we're missing data! is not an option.Life is about taking action in the face of uncertainty. If we wait until all the lights are green we'll end up with a nice repertoire of excuses, but we'll never accomplish anything.Image credits: whateyesee13
Categories: Online Marketing
Where did that promotion go? The importance of Post-Click Marketing Personalization.
It’s been awhile since my last blog post, and that’s not due to my lack of inspiration but more due to the fact that it’s been quite busy over here at Sitebrand. With new customers coming on board weekly, the support team and myself have been swamped getting customers live and ready to conquer the world of personalization! Working with new customers is always rewarding because it allows us to tackle new problems and trigger segments that we don’t normally deal with on a day-to-day basis. Definitely one of my favorite parts of the job……
Email has traditionally been one of the largest marketing initiatives with any online retailer, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s encouraging to see retailers reaching out to their shoppers with upcoming promotions and seasonal sales. I’m definitely guilty of subscribing to over a 100 different email newsletters, and this isn’t just because their our clients! I do enjoy getting the latest deals, but I also like to see how retailers are approaching their shoppers and what type of message they’re trying to portray. Only recently I received a large number of ‘Mother’s Day’ inspired email newsletters from a number of different retailers, which reminded me that it’s about that time of the year. I enjoyed reading through all the witty one-liners and clicking on the different promotions that were being offered, but when I clicked through the newsletter I was sadly disappointed in the post-click marketing efforts these sites were making.
When I get a ‘Mother’s Day’ email newsletter promoting a 10% of coupon, it gets me interested and entices me to click through to the site but once I get there……where did my promotion go? Retailers are making the cardinal mistake of leaving the promotion or message in the email and not following through bringing the consumer to the actual site.
With Sitebrand’s Segment&Serve, retailers are able to use our URL Parameter rule to target and recognize email newsletter readers and help create the same message from the email newsletter to the site. By using a Sitebrand content space with the same message that was being displayed in the email newsletter, Sitebrand empowers retailers to create a seamless transition from the inbox to the site. By having this piece of content locked in for the duration of that email readers visit, Sitebrand is able to help reinforce the urgency of the email promotion and remind the shopper of the coupon code once they enter the cart process. This type of continuity will help the shopper forget that they even left their inbox to chase that ‘Mother’s Day’ promotion, and ultimately help convert yet another shopper.
We have a growing number of clients using this new method of post-click marketing personalization with astounding success. This Sitebrand functionality is definitely one that online retailers will want to consider for today’s ever changing marketplace.
A perfect example of how to target your shoppers once they click through from an email newsletter.
Alok Ahuja
‘The Road Less Travelled’
Categories: Online Marketing
