Web 2.0 Summit 2010: Mary Meeker, "Internet Trends"

Mary Meeker is definitely somebody with some powerful insight. If you are curious about her thoughts on the mobile market watch this video

Using Traditional Media and Text Messaging Together

I was watching the Mavericks and Rockets play last night on FSSouthwest and came across a very cool campaign.  It looks like On The Border is teaming up with the Mavericks to give away some game tickets.  This is a great way to connect with fans of the Mavericks and On The Border.  I would love to get some tickets to a Mavericks game so I sent "OTBMAVS" to "777111".  The only problem was that I didn't receive anything back, so I don't know if my information was received or if the campaign is still valid.  I can't imagine them showing this during the game if it wasn't, so hopefully I can win those tickets!!!

Best Buy using Text Messaging for Product Information

I was in Best Buy over the Thanksgiving weekend and came across the new Sony Google Internet TV.  It is really impressive and what really caught my attention was how they are using text messaging to deliver product information.  If you are interested in receiving more information text "1275675" to "332211".  Yes you can read the information on the label but its nice to read it on your phone as well. 

FREE LASIK for texting???

I listen to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning and Big Al and Kelli have been promoting a pretty interesting text campaign involving LASIK surgery.  Basically you text "winwin" to "51737" and you can win a free procedure if you are chosen.  Key-Whitman Eye Center is running the campaign and its a great way to increase their prospect list.  If people are interested in free LASIK surgery they are probably interested in paying for it if they don't win. 

SMS Marketing?

I have had several conversations with my wife about whether companies should be more interested in creating a "app" or using SMS.  I am a firm believer in the power of text or SMS.  Mashable just published an article - Why SMS Marketing Still Makes Sense for Small Business, and it was really interesting.  We carry our phones with us everywhere, and we feel completely lost when it is not with us.  It is intimate and because of that reason an incoming SMS message usually means something to us.  We want to read it and and more than likely reply immediately.  How many other forms of communication create that same sense of intimacy or urgency?

LAZ Parking using Texting for Recruiting?

Anybody interested in a valet job?  Check out LAZ Parking!!  Actually you can text "LAZValet" to "HireMe" and find out more about their Valet Jobs they currently have available.  This is a great way to connect with candidates, especially since they can advertise this information in so many places.  If you are looking for a job in the DFW area send them a text!

Mobile Technology and the DFW Housing Industry

DFW is a great market for the mobile community.  It is a huge market and people always seem to be on their cell phones, even when you are driving past them.  A recent report by Trulia found on Mashable has shown why those in the DFW real estate business should make it a priority to have their websites optimized for a mobile experience.  Another cool company helping the housing sector is Drivebuy Technologies.  I was recently looking for a house and used the internet and my mobile phone to look at different houses.  It was irritating when you would drive by a house and no paper information was available.  I know if more homebuilders or realtors used this technology they would definitely see an increase in their business. 

Daycares and Text messaging

I have two children in daycare and life is hectic when the weather is great.  When the weather is horrible and our daycare is closed for the day, nothing is worse than driving up and reading a sign that says the daycare is closed for the day.  Yes, many of them post it on their website or even have the local news announce their closure, BUT I would personally like a text message from my daycare announcing their closure so we can prepare for the rest of the day.  They could even use a text messaging service like Ez Texting to let parents know about picture day, special events, or anything else they want parents to know.  I am sure they would notice an increase in participation and ultimately a more engaged parent.