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Google GrandCentral Invites

googlegrandcentral-logo.gif
This weekend I was able to get an invite (thanks Adam!) and try out Google’s recent acquisition, GrandCentral which is in private beta.

google grandcentral

GrandCentral allows you to use one number to manage all your phones: home, cell, work, etc. The web interface allows you to manage greetings for each number, archive all voice mails indefinitely, setup notification preferences and many more options. There’s even a nifty phone spam option to filter out telemarketers and other unwanted calls. The basic idea is that if your work or home numbers change, you don’t need to update anyone because they would have your GrandCentral number.

google grandcentral

Once you have an invite, signing up is very easy. You identify an area code and/or city and state, then GrandCentral provides you a list of 5 numbers. Pick one and then you associate your various phone numbers to the main GrandCentral number.Here are more GrandCentral screen shots, a pre-Google acquisition review from Om Malik and plenty of blog coverage on the acquisition by Google.

I have about 6 invites left, so if you’re interested, link to this post and I’ll randomly pick a few blogs from the trackbacks and/or comments to give out the invites.

About Lee Odden

@LeeOdden is the CEO of TopRank Marketing and editor of TopRank's B2B Marketing Blog. Cited for his expertise by The Economist, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, he's the author of the book Optimize and presents internationally on B2B marketing topics including content, search, social media and influencer marketing. When not at conferences, consulting, or working with his talented team, he's likely running, traveling or cooking up something new.

Comments

  1. TJ says

    I’ve signed up for it but haven’t been chosen. I look forward to trying it out. If you have any invites left, I’d like one 🙂
    Thanks,
    TJ

  4. Keith says

    Hey Lee, if you have any left, I would really like to get one. I’m anxious to look at Googles new product.

  5. Mike, The Internet Guy says

    I’ve got a couple invites left if anyone needs one after Lee runs out. A comment and a link would be preferred 🙂

  9. Eric Deutchman says

    Would love an invite !! The blogroll I linked to is my company’s staff blogs. I enjoy them, you might too

    Thanks!

  10. John Keller says

    You knew it was going to happen. Who’d have thought Big Brother would come from a private entity? I guess if you can’t beat ’em you might as well join ’em. Anyone else have an invite left?

  11. rich says

    heya trying so hard to get an invite and having no luck IF anyone would be so kind as to share one with me i would be most greatful!:)
    thank u

  14. TJ says

    Lee, thanks for the invite! I’d like to offer a couple invites as well. If Kevin above hasn’t recieved one, I’ll give him one and the next person who leaves their email.

  15. Eric Deutchman says

    Hi TJ, thanks in advance! eric -dot- deutchman -at- atalasoft.com

    You can, you know.., replace the -dot- and -at- .. haha 🙂

    Thanks again

  17. Mike Rumpole says

    Looking for an invite. Please send one my way. rumpolemyway.com Much appreciated.

  18. Mike Rumpole says

    Let try this again. Looking for an invite – rumpole at myway.com Much appreciated.

  22. Lee Odden says

    Sorry guys/gals, but I’m out of invites. I gave my first invite to Barry Schwartz from Search Engine Roundtable, so you might check there as well.

  23. Lee Odden says

    Sorry, but I’m out of invites.

    I gave my first GrandCentral invite to Barry from Search Engine Roundtable, so you might check there.

  24. Craig Belcher says

    I have had my head buried in client PPC campaigns for the past couple of days and just read about the purchase yesterday. The service looks good and whoever can get me an invite will get credit in my post.

    Thanks in advance,

    Craig

  26. Craig Belcher says

    Repaying the favor (what comes around goes around) Sending an invite to you John and a big kudos to Mike for invite. I haven’t been able to make a post yet but you will get credit.

  31. AdamH says

    Would love an invite as well…I’m pumped to see how GrandCentral takes off. Why haven’t the telecoms been doing this for years? adamh314 at hotmail dot com

  34. Mike T says

    Would love an invite. In the process of switching cell phone carriers and would just as soon get a number I could use with any carrier.

  36. Jonathan says

    Would also love an invite (love/need/am salivating in anticipation for). My email is : badfort at gmail dot com

    Thanks

  50. Joe says

    sunrocket strikes again! i could really use an invite to get a new local #, then i’m thinking of using magicjack, but they don’t have any local #s available where I live.

    would really appreciate an invite for grand central. thanks.

    [email protected]

  60. Jean Claude Arial says

    My 13 try from many websites and blogs to find a invite. Still no luck so hoping this 13th is my lucky number 🙂 I promise to continue the good deed and pass any onwards after.

    Thanks all.

    Bluesfest

  62. Lauren says

    Pretty please if anyone has invites left. Laureningeorgia -at- gmail.com
    I promise I’ll share!

    Cheers!

  63. Chris Fohlin says

    Hey, anyone have any GrandCentral invites left? cdfohlin at gmail dot com, thanks in advance!

  64. Dave says

    In the same SunRocket boat as well. Would appreciate an invite as well. dppeak -at- gmail dot com.

    Thanks!

  65. Jayse Brock says

    I would *love* an invitation if anyone has one. I operate a student-run business in two cities, so you can see my difficulties with people wanting local numbers.

    [email protected]

    Thanks!

  67. jeff says

    thank you david! i just tried, and the site gave me parse error. maybe they are just getting hit hard. i’ll keep trying.

  68. willilam says

    hey all, really itchin for an invide.. please send one my way: pelo88 at gmail.com

  71. jayse says

    I actually just bought one off ebay for 1.39. I got the account and set it up. Its pretty sweet.

  79. jeff says

    i got an invite, please scratch me from the list.
    if i end up with leftover invites of my own, i’ll share them here.

  80. Boris says

    I’m yet another loyal sunrocket customer that got the real deal after prepaying $200 for 2 years 3 monts ago. I’m curious about the GrandCentral project since it’s now backed by Google. I would greatly appreciate an invite. My email is bshajenko at gmail dot com. Thanks guys!

  81. Gary says

    Another Sunrocket refugee — would appreciate an invite. I promise to pass on other invites. Thanks! iflymooney AT gmail.com

  82. Andy says

    Hi guys

    Dying for an invite. Please be so kind to send to andy.b2 at gmail dot com. I promise to return the favour to the next commenters on this blog.

  89. Dave Ness says

    If you have anymore GrandCentral invites I’d love one. Thank you in advance!

    Dave

  93. Brendon says

    If anyone has an invite left it would be awesome if you could send me one Plurrin + at + gmail.com

  98. Todd says

    Lee,
    I know I might be late on this.

    I am desperately seeking a Grand Central account so I can port my SunRocket number.

    SunRocket dropped me like a hot rock after I just paid my annual subscription in May.

    If anyone on the blog who has recieved invites or knows where I can get one….. I would REALLY appreciate it.

    I am truly desperate.

    [email protected]

  99. Joel says

    Hi,

    I hope I can still push my head in, i need an invite for Grand Central

    Thanks
    starjsr at gmail .com

  100. Joel says

    Thank you so much I got an Invite (I don’t know how to delete my post)
    starjsr at gmail .com

  103. Dave says

    If someone could send me an invite, I’d appreciate it. I’ll be more than happy to share the wealth. Thanks!

    dave.reichel (at) gmail (dot) com

  104. Abel says

    If anyone has anymore invites left, I would really appreciate it — here’s my e-mail:

    datdallaseg (at) gmail (dot) com

  111. Oliver says

    Could someone send me an invite…

    olisch (at) gmail.com

    I would really apreciate it …

    thanx

  117. Dustin says

    I would really like an invite into this service. I have a home phone, personal cell, and work cell. It would be nice to try out this service and see the benefits. Please if anyone has an invite send me one.

    [email protected]

  119. Kenny says

    Another SR refugee looking for Grand Central invite. Many thanks in advance. flyersfan(at)linuxmail.org

  125. rodrigo says

    hey, can anybody spare an invite for GC? I’d really appreciate it. Moreover, I’ll give my first invites to whoever you want, so you’ll effectively be gaining some 🙂

    Thanks!

    email: ipinga[at]gmail[dot]com

  133. serg says

    Can anyone that have invites be so kind to send one for me, please? 🙂
    serg_melnik(at)yahoo.com

  136. chris says

    I reserved an number some time ago, but have not yet received an invite.

    If you have an invite left, pass it this way.

    zmithd (AT) gmail.com

    cheers!

  138. john says

    I’m sure they’re all gone, but I would appreciate a gc invite.

    john.ruth AT gmail.com

  139. Michael says

    I would like to give a couple of invites out but how in the heck do I know who already got one and who didn’t? I , for instance, received an invite but can not alter my post to show that I have.

    Michael

  140. serg says

    Hi Michael,

    I haven’t got any yet and would be very happy if you give me one 🙂
    Will post another message when got one.
    Thanks a lot in advance.

    Sergey.

  143. Michael says

    Hold up folks. I feel really stupid as I am unable to log into my account!!! I either forgot my password or username and am waiting for assistance from GrandCentral. Damn, this really sucks.

    If you get an invite in the meantime please post it so that when I get back in I send to people who have not yet received one.

    Michael

  144. serg says

    Hi Michael,

    Hope you’ll get to your account soon. Yet you’re the only person responded to appeals 🙂
    Sure will post when get the invite.

    Thanks and good luck,
    Sergey

  146. Sonny says

    Hi Michael,

    I am still waiting desperately for GrandCentral Invite. I would really appreciate if you can send me an invite and I also promise to come back here and distribute my available invites.
    Thanks a Million
    Sonny

    Sonnykocher at Gmail.com
    bestofall at Gmail.com

  150. Sonny says

    Good News,
    I have 5 more invites and I can send the invites, just let me know as I don’t who already got and who didn’t get. Please email me bestofall at Gmail.com

  151. Michael says

    I am back into GrandCentral and have some invites. As I don’t know who got one and who did not I will start to send to anyone who posts below this one. Good going Sonny I was going to send you one but you hooked up.

    Michael

  155. cl says

    Michael can you send me invite plz

    plz some one send me invitation for GC my email id claz99 at gmail.com

  160. Pete says

    I would greatly appreciate an invite to Grand Central. Thank you for all the information,

    Pete

    fixitpete @ opt online . net

    😉 You know the deal — take out the space. 😉 Thanks again!

  162. Michael says

    Hi Guys I sent evites to the emails below:
    claz99*gmail.com
    matthewjkim*gmail.com
    option282*yahoo.com
    maverickmusic*gmail.com

  173. Vicky says

    Another Sunrocket subscriber (or donator) since they pretty much took everyone’s money and ran (well, rebranded themselves under Telebend or whatever the heck it is called).

    Anyways, if anyone has any invites left I would appreciate one and as usual would pass-it-on back to the board.

    Thanks!

    [email protected]

  174. Raul A. Diaz says

    Goodness, is there anything left? Just heard about this product and sounds pretty cool.

    But hopefully you still have invites left. If you send me one I will send you an invite to GMail. It’s another beta program that Google came out with. It’s their email application.
    (read with sarcasm, in case you think I was serious)

  178. serg says

    Hi all,

    I finally got the invite and have 3 to give.
    Next three people who post about their need of the invite will receive it.

    Sergey.

  180. Shelley says

    I would love to receive an invite, please, for GC!!! It sounds amazing!!! Thank you!!!!

  187. Mike says

    If anyone has an invite is it possible I could get one? If I get in from an ivite I receive from here I will come back here and give out at least 3 invites.

    Thanks,

    Mike

  188. Mike says

    Sorry all didn’t think about this thing not putting my email address on my post–lol

    Mike at SendaGig dot com

  191. Ash says

    Folks – I am an enterprising VoiP enthusiast doing a VoIP project for my Computer Science course. I was wondering if you could help me with a GranCentral invite. I will really appreciate your help and I will return it to others through invites that I receive.

    Thank you,
    Regards,
    Email: [email protected]

  199. T Romeo says

    Would love to have an invite for Grand Central…

    mahalo in advance

    romilar[at] gmail.com

    tr

  200. Tim Row says

    Adding my name to this list, requesting a GrandCentral invite. Will pass out invites if I get any. timrow at arcor.de

  202. Chad says

    Another displaced SunRocket user. Please send me a GrandCentral invite!!

    Thank you,
    Chad

  203. Chad says

    Another displaced SunRocket user. Please send me a GrandCentral invite!! email: a [dot] cattle [dot] dog @ gmail [dot] com

    Thank you,
    Chad

  212. ash says

    could anyone please spare one? I’ll gladly return the favor here. Thanks. xash [at] hotmail [.] com

  213. Amit says

    Hi,
    Can some one please send me a GC invite

    to amit77us at gmail dot com

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    Amit

  214. Gre Horst says

    Would love an invite and will return the favor to other posters-
    grehorst at gmail dot com

  219. Tim says

    I would love a GC invite if anyone has one available… thurst(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks in advance!

  220. Stephen says

    I would really enjoy a Grand Central Invite if anyone has any available. I would be glad to pass my invitations along to other posters.

    Thanks in advance.

  221. Stephen says

    I would really enjoy a Grand Central Invite if anyone has any available. I would be glad to pass my invitations along to other posters.

    Email: [email protected]

    Thanks in advance.

  222. Tate says

    If anyone has another invite, could you please send it to me? Thanks!

    lincolnluxor at gmail dot com

  224. Al says

    Probably a little late to the party, but if anyone has an invite I’d appreciate it being passed along.

    TIA,

    Al

    arw903-m at yahoo dot com

  227. John says

    I would really appreciate an invite also. Been really wanting to try this ride. gkofman at gmail dot com

  248. prasad says

    Thnx for sending invitation for me……i got the invitation

    Very thnx for sending invitation.

  257. Rob says

    I am asking for an invite, I promised my friend one when I get one but after that ill invite anyone here with my remaining invitations!! Good Looks!

  259. Andrew says

    ohh geez there is a big list to fill, but if anyone has a invite hook it up at hosierdaddy at gmail.com

  260. janmo says

    i have pownce invite for anybody that can send me a grand central invite.

    janmo.stuff at mailnull.com

    thanks.

  261. janmo says

    thanks. i got a grand central, but if you invites to other cool services i have invites to grand central and pownce to give. email me.

  269. Brandon says

    It’s a long list, but I’ll throw my name into the pot for a GC invite. None of my friends are interested in GC so I’ll throw the invites back here if I end up getting in.

    supremecommand AT hotmail DOT com

    -Brandon

  273. Adam says

    I would greatly appreciate an invite. In return whomever invites me I will credit 3 invites to whomever they wish.

    THINK ABOUT IT!!!! INVITE 8 people instead of 5.

    Please email kbil4eva [at] msn [dot] com if interested

  274. Aditya says

    Hi If anyone needs Invitation for Grandcentral you are most welcome.

    I have enough invites but you need to pay 99 cents through paypal for each invite.

    If interested can send me an email.

    [email protected]

  281. John says

    Hey I would be so grateful for an invite if anyone has any left. Thanks!

    -JAR

    john.a.reyes at gmail.com

  291. Chris says

    I would appreciate an invitation if any are available. Thanks!! chrisdageek @ gmail .com

    Thanks,
    Chris

  294. Billy says

    I would like a grandcentral invite, my Email is [email protected]

    I really need a local number because my cell phone has an out of state area code and I am looking for work so having a local phone number to put on my resume would be very helplful…

  336. Garrett says

    hey just wondering if anyone might have an invite, have been looking for a couple of days and cant seem to find anyone. If i do receive one i will be more than happy to give my invites away.

    Please email me at [email protected]

    again thanks!! and happy hunting for those looking

  342. Rick says

    If anyone has an invite and would be willing to send one to me, I will commit to share the 10 I receive with members of this blog who have requested one.

    Thanks,

    rick.r.fernandez at gmail.com

  343. Steve says

    I a can’t wait to try GrandCentral … finally a Google service that I really NEED.

    If anyone has an invite to spare, please email an invite to me.

    I will commit to share my 10 invites on this blog.

    Thanks
    stevenericson(at symbol)gmail.com

  345. Boris K says

    Hello, would love if anyone can send me an invite, I will follow the deed in return for anyone who wants to be invited.
    Thanks, boris27 at gmail dot com

  348. Russell Jenkins says

    I was kindly given an invite and want to return the favor…please do the same if i send one to you rjenkins79 at gmail

  358. Rick says

    I guess HAHAHA stands for Heavy A..hole repeated three times. I can’t believe that you would do that to the people to legitimately requested an invite and included their email address. Luckily I am not among them and you never will get mine HAHAHA.

  360. Laura says

    I do not need an invite after all, thank you all the same. GrandCentral sent me an invite directly after just a few hours of entering my request.

  362. Richard says

    Any kind sole wiling to send me an invite for our nonprofit Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics??

    Please send to xman cognitiveliberty com

    much appreciated!

  363. Kelvin says

    Still have a few invites left, e-mail me at artificialard atsign gmail com

    Richard and John, sent you invites, share the love…

  364. richard says

    Hi guys:

    No need for invite. Thanks for the offers!

    I signed up for the invite list at Grand Central and 45 mins later they sent me one. Looks great!

  365. Craig says

    I wouldn’t mind an invite if someone has one laying about after the hoidays…

    craig.morea AT gmail.com

  366. Zooberdeaux says

    If anyone has an invite, it would be great and I would appreciate it. Thanks!

    laptops.reloaded [you know] gmail.com

  371. Susanne Bullo says

    If anyone out there has a spare invite – 1webdeveloper [at] gmail [dot] com

    Thanks and Happy New Year!

  374. Beamur says

    I would really appreciate an invite…will return the favor for others.

    beamur1(@)netscape dot net

  375. Brian Morrison says

    Any invites floating around out there? Ive just recently found this application, and its something I NEED!!!! Please help!

    bojangles027 AT hotmail DOT com

  376. Nick says

    Wow, what a neat app. I would love to check this out. So far google has not disappointed! If you can spare an invite you got a friend for life!

    sirkuz || at || gmail || dot || com

  389. Bill Chan says

    How I feel so late in posting for an invite. I should have signed up when TechCrunch first posted about them a long time ago.

    If anyone would be generous as to offer an invite, please hook it up! chili.sandbox at gmail.com

    Much thanks,

    fellow geek Bill

  391. Joe says

    I hate to be a freeloader, but does anyone have a spare invite? I would appreciate it highly, I am in need of a good voicemail service…

  405. Alec says

    This looks awesome, I would appreciate an invite if someone has a spare. Of course, if someone here gives me an invite, I will distribute mine to those below me 😉
    Send it to: alec(dot)larsen+gc (at) gmail(dot)com
    > ends up looking like ****.******+**@*****.***

    Thanks!

  406. Ruben says

    I would like an invite if anyone is willing to send me one: rub3n(dot)v3ga(at)gmail(dot)com, I too will distribute my invites to those who request below me

  411. Peter T says

    If you have any invites left, I’d really love one…
    jan07 -at- petertheobald -dot- com

  417. Chris says

    If you have one you can spare, I would certainly enjoy using Google Grandcentral!

    mrcrleeATgmailDOTcom

    Thanks so much!
    -Chris

  419. Diane McAdams says

    I offer all of you this joke in exchange for a grandcentral invite. My email address is [email protected] Thanks guys everyone 😉

    A guy meets a hooker in a bar. She says, “This is your lucky night. I’ve got a special game for you. I’ll do absolutely anything you want for $300, as long as you can say it in three words.” The guy replies, “Hey, why not?” He pull his wallet out of his pocket, and one at a time lays three hundred-dollar bills on the bar, and says, slowly: “Paint…my…house.”

  422. Stephen says

    I have an a.viary invite I’ll swap for a Grand Central invite. sdyer03 at gmail com.

    SEnd an e-mail and I’ll respond. I’ll also share an invite from GC.

    Stephen

  423. Sina says

    i would greatly appreciate an invite, i will do the same. thank you sina2b at gmail.com

  427. george says

    can anyone send me an invite to grandcentral please. goshiberu AT gmail DOT com

    thanks

  432. DeSalvionjr says

    George, I would like one Please…
    Thank you very much

    DeSalvionjr[at]gmail[dot]com

  433. Karen says

    George,
    Thank you kindly in advance for any invite you would be willing to send me!
    univerarep[at]yahoo[dot]com

  434. Larry Leach says

    I’m running for a small town city council and desperately need a Grandcentral invite. Thank you in advance!

  436. SO says

    Hey George Mate,

    If you have any invites remaining. Could you send me one as well.

    secretoctober[at]gmail.com

    You the man!

  437. Wade says

    George,
    I would greatly appreciate if you could send invite my way as well, thanks in advance. -Wade

    wadetm(at)gmail.com

  438. Al says

    Late to the ask I know. But maybe you’ve received some more invites?
    If so would you send me one?

    Thanks.

  439. Michael says

    Please Please Please someone invite me to grandcentral. I have been trying to get an invite for a week with no success. I would truly appreciate anyone who would invite me. My response: [email protected]

  440. Michael M. says

    Please, Please, Please someone invite me to grandcentral. I have been trying to get an invite for a week with no success. I would truly appreciate anyone who would invite me. My response: [email protected]

  443. Len Estrada says

    I will place a link on my homepage to anyone’s website or blog who sends me an invite. First person only, thanks. I will also come back here to give out my invites.

  453. Linda says

    I just heard of this..and would love an invite..
    I have tons of gmail invites if you want one..though I think you can sign up at Google.

    Christianagems at gmail.com

  459. Luis says

    if its not too much of a problem could i get an invite?
    i will most def give back.

    worm01010 at yahoo dot com

    thanks in advice=)

  464. DJS says

    If you have any other invites it would be appreciated!!

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

    djs(at)mouse4money(dot)com

  469. Harry Farje says

    I would love an invite if you still have any open invitation. Thank you so much!

  471. Rob says

    I would like and appreciate an invite to Grandcentral.com Please send invite to jerseybayer(at)gmail(dot)com

  480. Larry says

    Just to let everyone know. There are no more invites being given out by Google at this time.. Old invites that were being given out previously have expired. Unfortunately, we will all have to wait on Google to to roll it out.

  484. mark says

    If anyone have a invite i would love to have one so my daughter in the hospital in New York can call without getting a long distance phone bill from the hospital.

    Thank You
    God Bless

    Mark

  499. Patty Da Silva says

    I would be so extremely thankful for an invite. I have been waiting for so long. I would for sure pass on the favor.
    I thank you in advance!!!!!!
    Best luck!

    [email protected]

  504. Kimba W. says

    I heard that Google Grand Central is on hold and they won’t be giving out anymore invites.

    I went to their websites and all you can do is reserve a number.

Trackbacks

  1. wolftrust.com » Blog Archive » Grand Central and Free Phone Numbers. says:
    July 9, 2007 at 1:47 pm

    […] One of Google’s newest acquisitions, GrandCentral is slowly beginning to open up with invitations. I like invitations. The free phone number space has been expanding slowly for at least a couple of years, and it’s nice to see that Google recognizes the value in having one, centralized phone number, and unlimited storage of voicemail messages. Other free phone number services I’ve used or am familiar with include PrivatePhone, Kall8, AIM Phoneline and Lycos Phone, amongst others. […]

  2. Grand Central and Google says:
    July 9, 2007 at 2:14 pm

    […] Google, Google, Google, was how Chris Boggs recently started an article in Search Marketing Standard.  He talked about Google attempting to invade every aspect of our lives, and he was right. Of course they have search, they’ve moved into the business documents business, they have social media sites, email, analytics, etc, and today they’ve purchased an email security firm. In the offline world they’ve been making moves, with varying degrees of success, in TV and print advertising, and now they’re even forwarding your phones calls. Yes, with Grand Central Google allows people to reach you no matter which phone you’re near. The first thing you have to do is get an invite, such as one of those being given out by Lee Odden. Then you log into the system, and tell it where you’d like a phone number from. It doesn’t have to be local, you can pick one from anywhere in the US, you can pretend to be exotic with an Albany phone number, even though you’re in Wichita. Of course, local charges wouldn’t apply. The system gives you a choice of 5 numbers, with the option of generating another set, should you so wish. […]

  3. (EMP) E-Marketing Performance » : » Team Reading List 7.10.07 says:
    July 10, 2007 at 9:17 am

    […] I want a Google GrandCentral Invite, and Lee wants to give it to me! […]