If this ain’t useful, I don’t know what is: GrandCentral

by blogrdoc

Abstract

GrandCentral is a service that will give you an extra phone number. You can control the redirection of the calls and listen to voice mails on line. In typical web2.0 style, the service is invite only right now. Let me know if you want an invite. In typical ‘beta’ style, invites are no longer available.

GrandCentral

As a novice web micro-entrepreneur, I consider this service a must. In fact, I just received a voicemail from a potential craigslist customer on my grandcentral number.

Here’s a short list of what you can do:

  • Know who’s calling and screen unknown callers
  • One number that rings different phones based on who’s calling
  • Record calls on the fly and access recordings online
  • Receive voicemail notifications via email or SMS

The list of features goes on.
I remember reading about other websites offering a similar service, but I haven’t tried them. If anyone else has, I’d appreciate a comment letting me know what you think of them - and what the url is. GrandCentral was bought out by Google so that’s definitely a strong endorsement. I suspect that the service will not remain free, but I will enjoy it while it lasts. Depending on the rates, I would definitely pay for this service. Using GrandCentral has allowed me to post a phone number online which, I think, improves ‘conversion rate’ to an actual transaction.

From Projectcare:
GrandCentral is commited to helping those in need stay connected by offering individuals a local phone number and voicemail box for life.

Another thing that I think is really cool about GrandCentral is that they help the homeless or those without phones stay in touch with people. Based on their outstanding service, innovation and commitment to contribute to society, this company definitely gets the blogrdoc stamp of approval.

Popularity: 26% [?]

  1. 10 Responses to “If this ain’t useful, I don’t know what is: GrandCentral”

  2. By Tina Russell on Mar 26, 2008 | Reply

    I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.

    Tina Russell

  3. By blogrdoc on Mar 26, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks Tina!

  4. By Steve Mills on Mar 26, 2008 | Reply

    Hey that is a great idea. I wonder if it works for me down here in Australia. Good to see web companies giving back to the community as well

  5. By blogrdoc on Mar 26, 2008 | Reply

    @Steve,

    I just checked and ‘GrandCentral’ is only available for US cities. HOWEVER… I recall Tim Ferriss of 4HWW mentioning a similar service in his book, but he only mentioned the ‘record the call’ service, not the ‘forward and redirect’ functionality.

  6. By Sam Crockett on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    I remember reading about GrandCentral when Google purchased them. I could see the recording capabilities come in handy for phone interviews for papers. At the very least the screen calling would be worth it.

    I signed up for an invite, but as of yet I haven’t received one. Could be they just don’t have open numbers in my area. Maybe an invite would confirm that.

  7. By blogrdoc on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    @sam: I just scoured the GC site and it looks like invites are no longer available! Oh.. the irony … it looks like this post is completely *useLESS* (LOL) If it comes up again, I’ll let ya’ll know.

  8. By steveballmer on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    Interesting blog! You are wrong about everything, but it is interesting!

  9. By blogrdoc on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    @steveballmer: thanks! may I suggest that as far as blogs go, being interesting is more important than being right.

  10. By steveballmer on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply

    You need to come work for me!

  11. By blogrdoc on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply

    @steveballmer: where do I sign up? :)

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