iPhone 6 Plus Review

About once a year I tap into my inner geek and write something exclusively about technology. This post is one of those...very nerdy stuff on the way.

Readers of my blog know that I'm attracted to gadgets of all kinds.  If it's black and shiny, I want it.  Cell phones are definitely in that category and Apple knows how to do things well.  In this post, I'm talking iPhone 6 Plus (that's the big version, 5.5").

My thoughts on the iPhone 6 Plus

• Size is an issue but only if you're coming from a small phone.  I was coming from a 5.2" inch screen (HTC One M8) so the added real estate was no big deal.  Skinny jeans, I will confess, may become a challenge if you like to pocket your phone.  Other than that, it feels terrific in the hand.
• It doesn't bend.  Ok so if you sat on it quickly and hit just the right spot, you might do some damage. Other than that, don't worry.  Very solid device. 
• The camera is fantastic.  Enough said.
• The screen is beautiful and bright.  You'll love watching YouTube videos and surfing the web.
• It's faster than fast.  Worried about whether the phone, with so many pixels to push across that big screen, would lag.  It doesn't and screens through anything you throw at it.
• The best feature: battery life.  It just goes and goes.  1.5 days on average for a charge.

Should You Get a Case?

A while back, I swore that I wouldn't put a case on another phone.  I've changed my thinking and gone minimal, investing in two different cases that I use depending on the day.  While MKBHD swears off casing his phones, you may want to protect your phone with one of these:

Spigen Air Cushion Case for iPhone 6 Plus: lots of protection on each corner plus the back.


Nupro Lightweight Case for iPhone 6 Plus: super thin with less protection but fits nicely in your pocket.

One Final Thought: Apps I Love

I'm loving a few new apps for iOS that I had forgotten about while spending time with an Android Phone.  If This Than That is wonderful for automating social media habits and other tasks.  Workflow is really fun for similar "scripts" that you can configure- each simplifies your life.  I set up one that texts Cary when I'm on my way home from work with my exact location and time to get home- very cool.

The bottom line: the iPhone 6 Plus is working for me.  That doesn't mean it's for you.  What I can say without reservation is that it's the finest smartphone I've every owned, hands down.

Still, you always want to make sure that your productivity tools "fit" what you want to do in life.  Are your tools matching your goals and aspirations for the future?

Why I Bought Domain Names for my Whole Family

As I clicked "Purchase" last week, I was excited.  I had just bought each one of my kids their own domain name.  As we cheered for .coms and .mes that now accompanied names, there was an odd feeling of ... future possibilities.

Do you know someone who has his/her own website?  I could probably count on one hand the number of my own friends who update and maintain their own sites.  Each one of them has a growing "platform" that they use to share their message.  As it turns our, each has seen the following:

• They connect with more people
• They have a healthy income
• They feel as if their work is making a difference

I even recommend to new teachers at work that they build their own website in order to broaden their platform.  

My kids too.  They will, one day, need a domain name if they are going to build their own website and platform. 

What is a platform and why do you need one?

• A platform is a vehicle for sharing your message.   Your message is what you truly believe in and are trying to promote.  
• A platform can consist of social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
• A platform ought to include a personal website (via Squarespace or Wordpress).
• A platform can enable you to interact with others of like-mind, sell product or share your thoughts.

What does my platform consist of?    

1. My personal website (www.mikestpierre.com)
2. My social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, YouTube, LinkedIN, Instagram)
3. Techspiration podcast
4. Speak Digital Weekly Newsletter
5. Public speaking and pro-bono work

Don't just take it from me, hear from the experts!

• Jeff Goins on Platform Building
• Paul Bruns on Personal Branding
• Michael Hyatt Platform Infographic
• Amy Porterfield on Pinterest Tips

So do you really need a website to get your message across and build your brand?  Absolutely!  Think of it as a homebase for your work, your thoughts and your network.  I've been blogging since 1999 and have never looked back.  In each job interview, my site has been talked about.  In each workshop I give, my site has been used as a follow up tool.

You can do this too!  If you need help in getting started on your own site, just email me at mike@speakdigital.org and I will help you begin the exciting process of building your own platform, one step at a time.  

What's holding you back from starting your own website?

P.S. In case you missed my epic interview with productivity guru (and bonsai pruner!) David Allen, click here.

How to Avoid the Pressures of Social Media

Joan has a Twitter account but hasn't uploaded her photo.  Al has a Facebook account but never posts anything to it.  Juan once opened a LinkedIN account but can't remember the login password.

And so it goes... into the social media abyss, fragments of accounts, intentions and plans to be "more engaged" online. 

The question is "why"? Why do so many people feel pressured to open accounts on Pinterest, Facebook and Google Plus and then never actually use them to their potential?   Why do most of us have so many logins that we can't remember all of them?  

It could be because we feel some sort of invisible pressure to be online all of the time, or at least more often than not.  Or, it might be due to ...

Curiosity...

Pressure from friends...

Genuine interest...

The cool thing to do...

Each person has a different reason for going online and doing what they do.  As I thought about this post, I had to step back and really ask myself why I use what I do regarding social media.  Here's what I came up with: 

• Pinterest: for collecting quotes and tips for men's clothing. 
• Twitter: for getting the word out when I post to the blog and engaging with others. 
• Facebook: for keeping up with friends. 
• Google Plus: for tech articles and posting Android smartphone themes. 
• LinkedIN: for establishing a presence in a more professional way. 

How about you? Have you taken the time to do a simple inventory of your social media use?  

The key takeaway is this: use social media how you want and don't let someone else pressure you into something if there isn't the "space" to do it in your life.  There are only so many hours in the day so using them intentionally is vital.  

It's time that we stop feeling guilty for not posting every detail of every day on our Facebook timelines.  It's ok to maintain privacy.  It's normal to share quality time with your family or friends and not be updating your Twitter feed at the same time.  

Life has enough pressures of its own.  No need to let social media add more pressure to your plate.   

*photo courtesy of fdp

Time to Kiss Facebook Goodbye?

Roy is a school leader.  He uses an Android phone, uses an iMac in his office and knows how to run a solid powerpoint.  He doesn't use Twitter.  He has used, I think, Google Plus three times in his life.  As for Facebook, he would ask you where that's located in the library! 

None of this is bad, just stating the facts so you can get a feel for his social media habits.

The thing is, after I spoke with Roy for a bit, that he feels as if he should use social media more often.  He feels as if there's something missing or something wrong with him.

There isn't and there's not.

I've said for a while now that social media is whatever you want it to be.  You want to post pictures of your puppy on a skateboard?  Go for it.  Want to share what you're eating every meal?  Why not!  

Here's some of the wacky photos I've posted on Instagram.  

The "rules" of social media are relativistic and that's part of what makes Twitter, Facebook, et al. so powerful.

For Roy, he's looking for reasons to jump into social media.  For others, there may be times to hit the pause button on it.  Or, you may even need to kiss Facebook and Twitter goodbye for a period of time.  

Turns out, people who use social media say that they are more stressed than those who don't.

These reasons may include:

• You feel overwhelmed by the variety and number of social media outlets.  Part of Roy's struggle is that he doesn't even know where to start.
• You feel exhausted by the constant "checking" for updates, etc.  (turns out that mobile Twitter users are 181% more likely to use Twitter during their commutes; source)
• You want to have a simpler digital footprint.  Less time on social media means more time with your family, more time reading books, and more time doing focused work.

As for me, I'm in a point of flux right now.  LinkedIN is more frequent for me these days while Twitter has taken a back seat.  I actually, in small doses, am finding Facebook interesting again.  Ebbs and flows.  Trial and error.  

The key, as always, is to be intentional.  Be thoughtful about what and how you are using social media.  If it's tuckering you out, change it up.  

Four Reasons Why People Don't Use Twitter

Let's just say I might be married to someone who might have a Twitter account.  Again, let's just say... 

And let's just say that I might have a brother who has a Twitter account. Hypothetically speaking of course...

And to complete the trinity, let's just say I might happen to have a sister in law who has a Twitter account.  Following so far? 

Their commonality isn't me.  What they all have in common is that they have Twitter accounts but don't really use them.   As my three year old would say, "Wait- what?"  It's true, my wife Cary has a Twitter account, (@carystpierre) but she doesn't really use it at all.  Same goes for my other family members. 

And there are millions of other official Twitter users who activate an account and then never actually use the account.  I've found at least four reasons why folks don't use their Twitter accounts, followed by what you can do about it: 

1. They haven't downloaded a Twitter app for their smartphone. 

2. They don't feel like they have anything interesting to say. 

3. They feel like they might use Twitter "wrong" and then be criticized. 

4. They aren't in the habit of publishing what they perceive as "private" matters. 

Do any of these sound familiar? I know that when I began using Twitter, each of these was in my mind.  Still, having been a classroom teacher where you have to think like a reporter (i.e. discovering new things every single day to share with your students), I also found Twitter to be fascinating and fun. 

Michael Hyatt calls it a huge strategic opportunity for leaders. 

So let's respond to the four objections I listed above:

1. They haven't downloaded a Twitter app for their smartphone.   Solution: go to the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) and download the official Twitter app for your phone. If you want to spend a few bucks, I suggest Tweetbot for your iPhone and Fenix for your Android phone- both are excellent and make Twitter even more fun.

2. They don't feel like they have anything interesting to say.   Solution: think of yourself as interesting to those that know you. You don't have to be Kim Kardashian or Bobby Flay to be interesting (although I wouldn't mind cooking like Bobby).  Your friends and family probably find you very interesting.  There are a ton of others out there who might also find your interests to be fascinating.  You do have interesting things to say!

3. They feel like they might use Twitter "wrong" and then be criticized.   Solution: there is no "wrong" in Twitterland so just go for it.  Who cares how you choose to use it? If you want to talk about bananas or Toyotas or the treehouse you're building for your kids... do it. Who cares what others think?  Twitter is what you make it to be.  Post every hour or once a day.  Tweet famous quotes.  Tweet about your favorite TV show. Tweet about how adorable your kids are. Tweet about your relationship with God.  

Here are some surprising and excellent Twitter personalities that you might want to follow and may find intriguing:

-Fr. James Martin: a Roman Catholic priest who is a voice for justic issues and faith (and occasionally appears on late night TV). 

-Erik Fisher: a podcaster who gets to interview some of the best voices in productivity (and loves bacon). 

-Nancy Caramanico: an educational consultant who hosts a weekly Tweet-up called Catholic Ed Chat (and loves the ocean). 

-Joshua Becker: a pastor who sold 50% of what he had and now writes about simple living (and how his wife didn't divorce him in the process). 

4. They aren't in the habit of publishing what they perceive as "private" matters.  The internet has made the lines between public and private very blurry.  I'm not suggesting that you should be tweeting during child birth or as someone is dying.  (although both have been done!)  Solution: post things that interest you.  Don't worry too much about whether they are public or private.   Focus on what captures your imagination and your fancy.  Try different things out.  

This post was a long time coming.  I felt that I had to write it, especially after seeing the people I love try to use Twitter but face common roadblocks.   By testing out the four solutions above, you'll enjoy Twitter more and overcome obstacles that all of us face from time to time.

What do you find most useful about Twitter?  Which obstacles did you have to overcome in order to get more out of Twitter? 

Photo courtesy of fdp

6 Steps Towards a Simpler, Smarter Digital Life

He wants to be fully present to his kids... but Instagram calls out his name.  She wants to be giving her full attention to the drive in front of her... but the chime on her phone signals another tempting text message.  

Sound familiar?  

Tweet this: Millions of folks sign up for social media sites like Twitter every day. Millions of others wish they hadn't. #speakdigital

Millions of folks sign up for social media sites like Twitter every day.  Millions of others wish they hadn't.  Somewhere in the middle are those (like me and you, you know the good looking ones!) who want to live a simpler, saner digital life.  

This week's video is all about how you can take back control of your life online.  It outlines a formula that you can start using TODAY to restore simplicity to daily life.  

See what you think and let me know of future video topics that you'd like me to cover.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to read/see/experience more of what Mike has to offer, join his mailing list, the Speak Digital Network here.