Strategy
Roam Mobility released new plans
As part of their recent network upgrade to LTE, Roam Mobility has spiced up their plans. The new Text+data plan is an interesting option for people who don't really use their smartphone for calling (which is a surprisingly high number). Now my caveat. Anytime you see unlimited data, it is on the T-Mobile 2G network which is painfully slow and has spotty coverage across the US. It is enough to [very slowly] download emails but, during my tests in New York and Vermont, it was too slow for GPS navigation or web browsing on my iPhone 5s using Safari or Chrome.
4 characteristics of super learners
Back in the day, you went to school to learn a skill and then performed your skill for the next 40 years. Times have changed and anyone working today knows you never stop learning. As a guy who started in IT as a technical specialist, it seems I was asked to pick up new skills every week. Over the years, this drive for constant learning became a way of life which I keep until today. As a business leader, I try to instill this same desire in all of my employees but some complain that they are “bad learners”.
Archives: Modern Science Of Employee Motivation
I will be posting links to older articles that seem to be fairly popular. Hopefully some of the newer readers will find the articles interesting and helpful. This was a 2010 article about the real science of employee motivation. It reveals the truth (what works) and challenges the myths (wasted effort). You can read the full article here.
Archives: The YOU brand
I will be posting links to older articles that seem to be fairly popular. Hopefully some of the newer readers will find the articles interesting and helpful. A 2010 blog post that explains what the You brand is and how to use it to succeed. You are only as successful as your personal brand so this should make for some pwoerful reading. Read the full article here.
Archives: A New Model To Consider When Hiring Employees
I will be posting links to older articles that seem to be fairly popular. Hopefully some of the newer readers will find the articles interesting and helpful. A 2010 blog entry that discussed the rent before you buy employee hiring model. Although this isn't anything new, many readers found it useful and some even started to apply this in their own companies. You can read the full article here.
Archives: Leveraging The Paradox
I will be posting links to older articles that seem to be fairly popular. Hopefully some of the newer readers will find the articles interesting and helpful. A popular 2010 blog entry about companies using the paradox strategy of management to drive competitive advantage. Read the article here
Clench your hand to improve memory
A study published in journal PLOS One indicates that clenching your right hand (aka making a fist) may help improve your memory. Later clenching your left hand will help remember that memory. "The findings suggest that some simple body movements -- by temporarily changing the way the brain functions -- can improve memory," Ruth Propper, researcher, Montclair State University. Additional research will have to be conducted to determine if this action can help with other functions.
Apple losing its customer support edge
ForeSee, a business analytics agency, is reporting that Apple lost 3% during a holiday period customer survey. Even with the slide, Apple still ranks as one of the best when it comes to customer satisfaction. How was it calculated FireSee surveyed 24000 customers from US thanksgiving to Christmas. Interestingly this is one of the biggest drops ForeSee has seen in years and it is Apple's lowest score in 4 years. Why ForeSee CEO told AllThingsD that "The luster of Apple is fading a bit, and keeping up with consumer's rising expectations is no easy task.
Should you keep your goals private?
My last article about goal setting can be found here. A researcher has an interesting proposition... KEEP YOUR GOALS SECRET.... What? this goes against everything we have heard in management theory for the last 20 years. Watch the above video and let me know what YOU think
To to handle interruptions at work
With the economic realities we have been living with since 2008, companies are forcing employees to do more with less. Not only are companies asking employees to be more creative and use less resources, they are also asking less employees to do more work. An interruption is anything that distracts you from the primary task at hand. Common workplace distractions are emails, phone calls, drop-in meetings, etc This means that most people you talk to, working in a corporate environment, have too much to do and not enough time.
Crowdsourcing design work with 99designs.com (a review)
If you are planning to start a new small business or have a small business that requires some design services, you may be tempted to try out one of the newer crowdsourcing websites. The first time a customer asked for my advice about these sites, I had no idea. As a manager in a larger organization, I have never used these types of services but decided to check them out. I asked my network of contacts and found a handful of individuals that provided their real-world experiences.
4 Tips to remember when Outsourcing to China and beyond
I have spoken and written about outsourcing to China for a couple of years now. Although China does require special handling, many of the high level recommendations are the same as regardless of where you decide to outsource. So here is a summary style high level overview of some of the important considerations: Ask Why: Ask yourself exactly why you are outsourcing. It is because you want to reduce your costs, access specialized skills or as a risk management exercise? Understanding exactly why you want to outsource should be your first question.
Weather Trends 360 predicts weather 1 year out
My local news station weatherman seems to have a 50/50 success rating predicting the 5 day forecast. Imagine my surprise when I learned about a company called Weather Trends International that claims to provide weather prediction for up to 365 days into the future. At first I thought this was another fly by nights hocus pocus type website, then I checked out their client list. It includes names like Walmart, Loblaws, Target, Coca Cola, Heinz and many more. The prediction
Management versus Leadership
As people read the new authorized Steve Jobs biography, they are realizing that although he was one of the greatest thinkers of our time, he seemed to lack “management skills”. This brought up an interesting management debate about which is more important for the success of a company: management or leadership. What is Management? Management is the art and science of controlling people, processes and technology to deliver maximum value through the prism of corporate values and beliefs. What is Leadership?
Forrester says companies should support Apple Computers
When we thing of Apple computers, we usually think graphic arts departments or young hipsters but what would you say if a major research organization endorsed it as a productivity tool? Could it be? Has that day come. Oh yes my friends it has… Forrester Research calls Apple users within corporations “Highly Empowered and Resourceful Operatives”. They claim that this 17% of the corporate population is the one that pushes the most innovation. For non subscribers, the report costs $500 but you can read the most important snippets on this blog.
The Getting Things Done Workflow (GTD)
Life has a way of always getting more complicated so I am constantly searching for the next tool, technique or methodology that will make my life easier. A couple of years ago, I stumbled on David Allen’s Getting Things Done book and I knew I knew this was something special. I had gone through many other time management techniques from ABC prioritization to the Eisenhower method. Nothing else seemed to be as simple or powerful. I have also referred to it in previous posts here and here.
DEALING WITH CHINA (PART 3)
The importance of “Saving Face” Having spent many years in Asia, I quickly learned the importance of maintaining “face” when dealing with Asian businessmen. This becomes important when engaging in negotiations (for example). You must always allow the other participant to have a little wiggle room [even after submitting their best offer]. Even tough the new offer may be only minimally better, it should allow the Chinese participant (whether customer, partner or other) to have the final say and maintain face.
DEALING WITH CHINA (PART 2)
... continuation Intellectual Property The previous paragraph highlighted the difference between laws “on the books” and the extent to which business people are willing to bend them for profit. As a foreign company entering into the Chinese market, you should be thinking about how you will protect your Intellectual Property. A common example of this is that of Will-Burt. Will-Burt is a company that manufactures and sells Night-Scan telescoping masts for police or military use. They entered the Chinese market and sales boomed.
Dealing with China (part 1)
If you have spend any time at a multinational company, the one topic that comes up is how to benefit from the rise of the dragon (aka China). Over the next couple of entries, I will provide some information about China that I hope you will find useful. The socialist impact Although it is easy to overlook China’s socialist political system, it is important to understand that it influences every aspect of their business style. As an example, they have very little creditor protection.
Risk Management when outsourcing (part 2)
This is a multipart discussion that will be posted over the next several days. Understanding how your company seems risk and the different types of risks will allow you to frame your risk management efforts with the proper light. Defining whether your risks are endogenous, exogenous or both is also critically important. Managing Risks The next question that comes up is “how do I handle risk?” For the purposes of our discussion: Do Nothing Hedge the risk by investing in risk mitigation processes, technologies and tools Transfer the risk via insurance or securitization Switch to a provider with a “better” risk profile Exit the business or relationship generating the risk The debate about outsourcing