Gmail accounts and mobile #s

If I’m interested in you, personally or professionally, I really only need two essential pieces of contact information from you. Your Gmail address and your preferably your Google Voice and/or your mobile number (even better if I know you have a smart phone).

• Google Reader: Your Gmail address means that I can probably convince you of the incredible utility of Google Reader. So if I’m interested in you, I’m interested in what you read, what publications shape your opinions and form your ideas. Even more importantly, I’m interested in what you’re reading, and your comments about a particular article or concept. These can be easily be shared via Google Reader. The thought leaders I admire most in business and technology use Google Reader. While it may come across as arrogant to insist upon this usage, there is no more efficient way for geographically dispersed people to share and discuss what they are reading. If I’ve reached out to you and showed you this methodology, and you haven’t taken advantage of it, how willing do you think I am going to be to engage in dialogue in-person? I love the in-person discussions I have with my colleagues and classmates who use Google Reader, we can instantly delve into deep discussions about a particular concept or article we’ve both read.
• Google Voice: If you use this properly, it means you'll answer the phone when I call, regardless of location or phone service you use.  If you can't for whatever reason, I speak slowly so the voice transcription works, and you'll get an email or SMS with the accurate translation.  If you're smart, you'll switch your mobile phone voicemail to Google Voice for the same benefits, and you won't get the "the caller you dialed has a voicemailbox that is full".
• Mobile: I’m interested in your mobile phone (especially an iPhone or other smart phone) because the kinds of people I want to associate with are generally not staff droids sitting at a desk. Most of the time people carry their mobile with them, so when I make a telephone call, I want to talk to you. Not to your voice mail. Not to your admin assistant. Not to your spouse. I don’t want your home number because your time at home is your time with spouse and family. Not to mention I don’t want to explain why I’m calling to your spouse or kids, or leave a message. I want to talk to you. I’m exceptionally judicious with my use of one’s cell phone number, and don’t call for idle chit-chat or because I’m bored. When I call it means I have business for you, and if I can’t reach you within 1-5 hours, chances are I’ll move on to the next most qualified individual and send them the business. I am also a huge fan of SMS in Gmail, and while I've been known to bring the iPhone Thunder, I'm much better typing SMS than actually pecking them.
  

Your chances of successful interaction with me are markedly increased when I have your Google Reader articles and cell phone number.

They’re significantly diminished when I don’t. Choices, choices, choices.
Again, I apologize for this sort of arrogance but as a crusty old Drill Sergeant told me once, "you don't have to like it, you just have to do it".


Update 1: included commentary on Google Voice.

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