After months of deliberation, analyzing current usage and comparing plans and phones – I did it. I took the plunge and bought an iPhone! Why and now what?

The Case
I’ve had a basic, durable, reliable cell phone from my previous carrier, Alltel, for several years. It suited me just fine. That is, until I started my own business and needed access to contacts, calendar and data. It was time to upgrade to a new smart phone. But which one? A Blackberry something-or-other or an iPhone (or some other brand altogether)?

Alltel Failed
I’m not Ralph Nader and this isn’t Consumer Reports. I’m not a techie. The differences had much less to do with the gadget and more to do with my experience and expectations. Here’s where Alltel had a chance but blew it. I’ve been a “valued” customer for a long time. I’ve never upgraded my phone and I was spending way more than I needed to each month for a plan I seldom reviewed. Yet, as a long-time customer, I got the same deal as a new person walking in off the street. Woo-hoo! (Reminds me of the older son in the story of the prodigal son, but Alltel is not God. I digress.)

I would have been fine with a Blackberry curve or storm or bold or whatever. I wouldn’t have had to go through tons of paperwork or transport contacts. I just wanted Alltel to show me some love. When they didn’t, I decided to look elsewhere.

Tribes Tip Scales
I’m a MacBook user. I LOVE my Mac. Prior to this Spring, I was a PC. I never said, “I love my PC.” My friend Matt loves his iPhone. So does Jimmy Carter, my now go-to-guy for all things Apple. Dozens of other people say they LOVE their iPhones. These people are Apple’s best marketers – Brand Ambassadors whose enthusiasm is contagious. The price wasn’t that much different. The plans were about the same. The Tribe sold me. Seth is right.

Now what?
If you’re an iPhone user, what business applications would you recommend? Why do you love your iPhone? And if you’re not, what smart phone do you have and do you love it? And beyond that, what opportunities do you have to create brand ambassadors for your personal brand or your business?