Learn, live and inspire
Three women out to change the world share how technology helps them succeed
Meet Linda, a mother of five who is mentoring educators on the other side of the Atlantic; Nicole, a popular hairstylist who is taking the plunge and opening her own salon; and Neima, a university student who is tackling her final and most important year at school.
What do these three women have in common? They use mobile technology to stay in touch and on schedule.
Moving toward the real world
Monday, March 16
Neima Shahidy — Student, University of Waterloo
This is my last semester in school and it’s becoming really difficult to stay focused.
My friends and I are planning a celebratory post-graduation trip, and we’re split between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. I’m for Jamaica and have been taking every opportunity to sway the masses. I’m on my smartphone all the time, forwarding my friends enticing photos and research. (To be fair, I’ve signed up for travel deal alerts for both locations.)
Meanwhile, as I wrap up my Science and Business program at Waterloo, I’m learning more and more about the importance of technology.
I don’t think I ever realized the extent to which technology is integrated into my life until I had my smartphone. I walk in and out of buildings every day connected to the outside world. I send messages to my friends and family. And I’m constantly receiving updates on the latest mergers and acquisitions.
The instant access the phone affords is unmatched. Whether I’m reading e-mail, an attached file, the latest news or MSN Messenger, my smartphone eliminates lag time between me and the things I want to do. I can streamline my daily activities and I’m always connected, regardless of where I am.
I can only imagine how much the smartphone will help me when I move into the “real” world.
Neima’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Diamond that runs on Windows Mobile.
Growing the business
Monday, March 9
Nicole Manzer — New salon owner
I can’t believe Manzer Hair has been open for six months! I count myself very lucky for everything I’ve accomplished, especially during this economic crisis.
With the new year came two new moves. The first was going on vacation. I have to say I was worried about being a sole proprietor and leaving the business for a week. It’s hard to relax in the sun if you’re fretting about whether you’ll have any work when you get home.
But with the smartphone I was able to check my e-mail while in the Caribbean, respond like I was at home and book clients for the week I returned. The smartphone saved me time and money. I didn’t have to splurge on an Internet cafe or miss precious time in the sun.
The second new move was hiring my first employee. To introduce Debbie to my clients and have her clients find her, I needed to put her information on my web site. I took a photo of Debbie with my smartphone and asked her to e-mail me a brief bio. I edited the bio on my smartphone while travelling by transit, then sent everything off to my web designer. Presto! Done. And no time wasted.
I truly believe my business is running smoothly and effortlessly because of my smartphone.
Nicole’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Pro that runs on Windows Mobile.
The learning journey
Monday, March 2
Linda Armstrong — Roots of Empathy trainer
Learning a new technology takes time and patience. Sometimes, after we get comfortable using the basic tools, such as the phone or e-mail of the smartphone, we forget about all the other practical and fun applications just waiting to be explored.
On my trip to the Isle of Man in January, I learned how to take pictures with my phone. I usually carry a camera with me, but on this trip I read my phone manual on the plane and learned a few tricks. It’s really cool what that phone can do. You can take multiple pictures at once, rotate shots with a sweep of the finger and e-mail photos for easy downloading.
Although I won’t return to the Isle of Man until next September, I’ve already decided to plan the whole trip on the phone. All my destinations (and sightseeing) will be plotted on a map and the GPS will be my guide. That way I won’t miss the scenery while trying to read a map.
Cool tools aside, my smartphone remains an extension of my computer. All of my mail, contacts, bookmarks, etc., are synchronized with my laptop.
I can no longer live without my smartphone’s on-the-go e-mail, GPS and camera. The Isle of Man is so lush this time of year; I couldn’t help but grab some shots and put them on my desktop in Toronto to remind me that summer will return.
Linda’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Dual that runs on Windows Mobile.
Breaking out
Monday, February 23
Neima Shahidy — Student, University of Waterloo
I really don’t know where I would have been without my smartphone over the break.
Case in point #1: Three hours before a final group project had to be submitted online, a crucial part written by one of my group members was missing.
I had to leave for what would be the first of several family Christmas get-togethers, but I didn’t want the team to send in the project without me seeing a complete final version. Then I realized I could open attachments with my smartphone and edit Word documents. As my sister drove, I reviewed the project. By the time we reached my uncle’s house, I was ready to submit.
Case in point #2: I’ve lived in Mississauga almost all of my life, so it’s embarrassing that I still don’t know my way around Toronto. I usually print directions before heading out, but when I’m with friends there’s no point because we change our plans so frequently. Over the break, the same back and forth happened, so when we finally decided on a restaurant, I did a GPS search and got turn-by-turn navigation!
Now back at school, I’m looking forward to using the smartphone’s awesome 3.2 megapixel camera. I’d love to carry my regular camera at all times, but there’s no way I’d remember to take it — or it won’t be charged. But I always have my smartphone. It’s my last term on campus — and it’s time to capture some memories.
Neima’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Diamond that runs on Windows Mobile.
Keeping up with the trends
Monday, February 16
Nicole Manzer — New salon owner
As a hairstylist, I have to know what’s in and what’s out if I want to keep my clients happy and my business a success.
With the smartphone, I can easily check out the latest styles and techniques on a variety of web sites, including Behind the chair. Being a stylist also means keeping on top of what’s going on with celebrities and the business world. Receiving up-to-date news via the phone’s programmed daily newsreel and newsletters from industry insiders is amazing.
That said, the camera is by far my favourite option. I can just snap a photo of a great cut or colour, whether I find it on a billboard, in a magazine or even on a stranger on the street. Then I e-mail the shots to myself and match them up with clients. The next time they come in, I can show them a picture of the style I think would suit them.
My clients really appreciate the effort to personalize their cuts and feel I have their best interests at heart.
Nicole’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Pro that runs on Windows Mobile.
Techno catastrophe
Monday, February 9
Linda Armstrong — Roots of Empathy trainer
Sometimes we forget how dependent we are on technology. And the importance of a simple power cord.
I was on my way back to the Isle of Man in January, four months after my initial visit. After I’d gone through security in Toronto, I bought some gifts at the duty free shop (ice wine, maple syrup) and carried them in my briefcase on board to London.
At Gatwick airport, I had to recheck my bags and forgot about the gifts. Security wouldn’t allow those through, so I went back to check-in, placed the gifts in my briefcase and checked it through.
I arrived on the Isle of Man — my briefcase did not. Fortunately, I had my computer and my smartphone. Both were charged, but I had no cables, and I was forced to play the “how long will they last” game.
The smartphone lasted a long time and really helped me out. I could download important documents from the Roots of Empathy web site without having to turn on my computer and view the dedicated hidden page for trainers. I was also able to e-mail my supervisor in Toronto to give him daily updates on what we were doing, and I could talk to the kids at home every evening.
Still, I had to curtail what I did with the smartphone to save power. Since I was counting on it as my camera, I just kept turning it on and off until I needed to take pictures or check messages. As for my computer, I borrowed a power cord two days into my trip and finally got to work.
After four days, the briefcase was recovered (and everything was intact). But I learned my lesson: never check in a briefcase!
Linda’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Dual that runs on Windows Mobile.
Making the grades — I hope!
Monday, January 5
Neima Shahidy — Student, University of Waterloo
Wow, it’s hard to believe the term is over. I was working around the clock, studying for four back-to-back exams and completing a group research paper that was worth 50 per cent of my mark. I always found that the hardest part about studying was deciding whether it was better to stay at home or go to school. I prefer on campus, but dread lugging my laptop!
That wasn’t such a problem last term because my phone connects to the Internet. While on campus, I was able to check my e-mail. I could also hop online whenever I was stuck in my studying to access course notes or research a particular topic.
Plus, I could still work on my group project; my phone has applications like Word and PowerPoint, so it was really easy for me to give feedback on everyone’s work right away. Just open up the e-mail attachments on my phone, make changes and send back! This cut down on the time all of us spent waiting for one another’s responses and meant we could finish the paper sooner rather than later.
The new term is just getting underway. While I had a great break catching up with friends and family, it’s nice to be back at school. I’m ready to get back to work — with the help of my smartphone.
Neima’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Diamond that runs on Windows Mobile.
Book ’em, Danno!
Monday, December 29
Nicole Manzer — New salon owner
When I opened my salon, I wanted to make booking appointments as easy as possible for my clients and me. The solution: e-mail.
E-mail allows my clients to book at their own convenience whether it’s 5:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. They don’t have to remember to call during business hours or worry about playing telephone tag. My clients can e-mail a few possible dates and times. Then I can refer to my calendar, which is synced to my smartphone, slot them in and get back to them ASAP.
Being my own boss comes with a lot of freedom but many constraints too. With my smartphone, I can answer the phone, reply to e-mail and run errands at the same time. I don’t have to wait at the desk for calls or walk-ins. I can easily play receptionist, stylist and owner. Having the right tools, such as my smartphone, definitely makes owning a hair salon a less stressful job.
Nicole’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Pro that runs on Windows Mobile.
Bridging long distances
Monday, December 22
Linda Armstrong — Roots of Empathy trainer
I much prefer to mentor in person; these long-distance relationships are never easy. It has been a few months since I travelled to the Isle of Man and trained 10 enthusiastic educators as Roots of Empathy instructors. While the program is off to a great start, there have been the usual challenges: rowdy children, uncooperative babies and the occasional interruption from the classroom teacher.
Roots of Empathy is a classroom program that has dramatically reduced aggression in schoolchildren. “Roots” is taught the same way everywhere and has proven itself worldwide. It isn’t always easy convincing teachers and other educators of the necessity of “staying on program,” but it’s important and that’s why we stay in touch.
My smartphone has become a lifeline to our Isle of Man instructors. Because of a 5-hour time difference, their school day comes to an end just as ours begins. The other day, I received an e-mail from an instructor who was looking for a critical Word document. Standing in a classroom on the other side of the ocean, I sent the document immediately from my phone. You can’t ask for better connectivity!
In January, I will return to the Isle of Man to visit our instructors. I recently e-mailed them to set up appointments. I joked that I was a bit anxious about the prospect of driving on the wrong side of their windy roads and roundabouts with very few signposts to guide me. But as the trip takes shape, the appointments are set up and the school locations are mapped out, my anxiety decreases. I can’t imagine doing my job without my Windows Mobile Smartphone.
Linda’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Dual that runs on Windows Mobile.
Keeping up with school — and life
Monday, December 15
Neima Shahidy — Student, University of Waterloo
I’m back at the University of Waterloo for my last eight months on campus. This year, I have a smartphone, and it really lets me get more done in less time. I e-mail while walking to school or while waiting outside class. The QWERTY keypad makes it much easier to type, which is great for full conversations with my friends rather than just whipping off quick text messages.
The smartphone also helps keep me on track. In November I had a midterm, and as I was walking to campus I realized I didn’t know where I was supposed to write my exam. I panicked at first, but then realized I could just check on my phone.
After my exam, I went to the library (midterms never seem to end). I only needed to take my textbook and smartphone. I used to take my laptop to check e-mail, be on MSN or listen to music. But I can do all those things on my smartphone, and it easily fits into my pocket.
When I’m on campus, I’m in what I like to call “the Waterloo bubble.” I don’t really know what’s going on outside campus, and I don’t stay in close contact with friends and family outside Waterloo. This term, I’ve actually turned things around! Having MSN on my phone lets me shoot off quick messages or chat with friends back home in Mississauga, Ont. It also lets me stay in touch with my parents during hours that are convenient for all of us.
I have also set up my phone to receive newsfeeds from Reuters, Bloomberg, Engadget and ESPN. So whether there are important political issues, financial crises, cool new tech toys or updates on the Toronto Raptors, I’m always connected!
Neima’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Diamond that runs on Windows Mobile.
A hair-raising experience
Monday, December 8
Nicole Manzer — New salon owner
I’d always dreamed of opening my own hair salon. But it took a few years of thinking before I sat down and put my thoughts to paper (or computer, as the case may be)!
While writing my business plan, I projected my renovation budget, first-year operating expenses and revenues on a spreadsheet. It was a scary proposition: committing to a lease, renovating, buying equipment and possibly leaving some of my best clients behind. In the spring of this year, I took the plunge. The bank approved my loan, and I found a location that I could afford within a short drive of my previous salon.
I had three months to open. In that time I supervised the renovation, established accounts with suppliers and made the odd hair-emergency house call. I couldn't have managed the transition without my smartphone. The phone was great for taking photos when I was trying to choose fixtures, select paint and buy furniture for the salon. I e-mailed pictures to my contractor, and we worked together to find out what worked best in the new space.
I had been filling a OneNote document with rough ideas long before I wrote the business plan. I continued to refer and add to that document as I ran around the city visiting suppliers. My smartphone synchronized with the Office documents on my laptop, so I kept organized and on budget and I could make snap decisions.
If I had relied only on a house phone, the business would have been delayed by three weeks, and on opening day I would have been sitting around twiddling my thumbs. Because of my smartphone, I was booked solid for the first two weeks of operation. I’m so happy I took the risk and went out on my own.
My next step is to find software that will allow my clients to book online and allow me to handle the accounting for my one-person salon. Wish me luck!
Nicole’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Pro that runs on Windows Mobile.
Making contact
Monday, December 1
Linda Armstrong — Roots of Empathy trainer
The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea at the geographical centre of the British Isles. I had been invited by the government of the Isle of Man to set up a Roots of Empathy program. “Roots” is an anti-bullying initiative that was established in Toronto, Canada, and is now in four countries and growing. It is run by trained instructors who work in selected classrooms for the entire school year.
I travelled to the Isle of Man in early September for three intense days of training. Before I left, I went online and downloaded some maps to help me get around the island. I then loaded the maps and the Word and PowerPoint documents I needed for my presentations onto my smartphone.
I usually travel with a laptop, but for this trip I stored everything on my phone. During the flight, I edited my Word and PowerPoint documents, and on arrival I e-mailed the final presentation to the Isle of Man teachers. I also used my smartphone to keep in touch with my family through text messaging and Outlook, which helped resolve minor emergencies such as finding missing lunch bags and homework from the other side of the Atlantic!
The instructors I am training are wonderful people; it’s inspiring to work with such dedicated educators. Because Roots of Empathy runs the entire school year, I needed to discuss how the instructors and I were going to stay in touch. I must mentor them continually if the program is to be a success. Before I left the Isle of Man, I made sure everyone had my mobile phone number and e-mail address. I also set up a Windows Live Spaces page where we can all share stories, pictures and advice. I uploaded pictures of the instructors to our site before I left; it was a fun way to introduce them to our virtual meeting place!
While I’m looking forward to returning to the Isle of Man in the new year, I don’t feel disconnected from my new friends. In the weeks since my return to Canada, we have kept in touch and grown closer as a team!
Linda’s smartphone is an HTC Touch Dual that runs on Windows Mobile .
