Google 411

I really wanted to share this with you all. At this point I think I should be paid to be a spokesperson for Google!

Google has some amazing features and one of them is Google 411. It is developed utilizing advanced voice recognition program to identify your inquiry (much like Bell’s Emily). You call 1-800-Goog-411 (1-800-466-4411) and tell them the business name, city and province, and it will find you the establishment and connect you to it directly. There is no charge. It’s FREE.

I was going through our company’s cell phone bill and many of our employees on the road sometimes require using 411. They use it and we’re charged $2 per call because they charge for the service and the service of texting you that number.  I know I’m being picky but at $2 per call you’re 5 cents away of being able to drink a grande pike at Starbucks!  Think about the savings. As a business, few calls a month to 411 made by each employee could add up to thousands of dollars a year. Why waste money on something when there is an equivalent, if not a better option, available to you for free?

Technology can break down, accidents and unfortunate events can occur at any time – basically what I’m saying is that crap happens. It can be an inconvenience to anyone, but many insurance professionals are in contact with several different vendors at any time. They are, especially adjusters, are on the road quite often. Sometimes a vendor needs to be reached, and if those events occur on the road, adjusters will be highly inconvenienced and it can affect their work day.  Instead of fretting, calling Google 411 and identifying the establishment, city and province, an individual can now make that important phone call.

What I really like about Google 411 is that it will directly connect you for free. I hate how 411 texts you the number and then you have to fetch it and call. Google 411 is a great option if you are driving and you own a blue-tooth headset. New laws prevent drivers using their cell phone for calls, texts or emails. Bless my cheap heart, but my biggest problem with 411 is the $2 fee, but other than that, 411 texts you the number you are inquiring about, and if you are driving, it will be problematic as driving laws prevent drivers from using their phone (don’t forget the hefty fee and the possibility your insurance premium going up. To read more about the law click here on this news article.  Google 411 eliminates it because they will connect you directly to the establishment of your choice.

Google 411 was only available in the United States and now they have rolled the service over to Ontario, Ottawa, Montreal and other provinces across Canada. The ONLY downside of the service is that if you are looking for a small company or business, you may have some trouble. My feeling is that companies not registered with Google’s business directory will have difficulties being found on Google 411. But that’s okay, it’s still a new program in Canada and I know Google will expand its data quickly.

Now that you know, will you being using Google 411?

Here is a video about it:

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