Dual Perspective Monitor
How does the sound work?
How does the sound work?
What is yield management? Well, it’s the process of understanding through the use of computers and the internet how to anticipate consumer behavior to maximize revenues. It’s starting to be used by dicount airline companies and other perishable goods.
I wonder how this could be used in the B2B software sales world…
It’s official. We know have 10 planets in our solar system. Dubbed Xena, the new planet is said to be much bigger than Pluto. That makes it 75 years since we last discovered a planet which is pretty amazing. (Pluto was discovered in 1930)
(Source: NASA)
Of the top 100 private companies listed in the May 2005 Utah Business magazine, 71% were not listed for their main keywords on Google. It must be worse in other states due to the fact that Utah is extremely ahead of it’s time in the tech sector.
That’s a sad thing given that 84% of internet users use search engines to find the goods and services they are looking for. Guess what else these companies lack. A performing website and database to track, save data, close sales, and increase productivity. I guess it can’t get any worse.
Check out www.zopa.com. Apparently you can bank with other people now. 6% return for good credit lenders, 9% for the riskier ones. Seems like it makes sense, but it will be interesting to see if it can take off.
I’m all for cutting out the middle men.
Want to get your hands on a copy of the “CEO’s Secret Handbook?” We’ll, you can’t buy it in stores, but you can order it FREE at Raytheon’s website.
I’ve read through it, and it provides some very good and useful insights into good business management. While most of the 40 some suggestions are in fact common sense, they are great reminders and maybe even some new things you’ve overlooked in your career.
This is amazing. A Danish company has started selling hologram advertising to several European countries. The ads have gathered huge crowds to catch a glimpse of the oh so catchy and un-cluttered entertainment while simultaneously being pitched to.
See the ad here by clicking on the first video.
A lot of companies are merging these days. I was taught in business school that this is bad for competition. In the old world I agree. In the new world of peer-to-peer networking, I think the idea is outdated.
The eBay’s, Amazon’s, and even the Kazaa’s of the world will make sure that merging companies stay in check. No more monopolistic pricing and lack of innovation. We the consumers will stay connected in a peer-to-peer environment and force them to behave.
What makes all this possible? The internet. It changes how we access information, run businesses, and even work. Griffio is currently developing a web application for a new client that will cut their operational costs by 95%. It sounds crazy I know, but it’s true. From 20 hours to 1 hour of work time. That alone will help us compete with the big boys.
Who does the sports media work for? Here’s a hint. The fan. And that’s a problem because it’s seems like sports writers, broadcasters, and other media outlets always sympathize with athletes. A majority of ESPN writers even say they would still vote Mark MacGuire into the hall of fame knowing he took steroids. What? Yeah, and Ben Johnson should still hold the world record in the 100m dash even though he was juiced at the time.
I recently read an article in which the author compared athletes that use steroids to rock stars that are under the influence while writing songs. He cites that the Beatles are widely believed to have been high while writing many of their songs. Here’s the problem with that horrible analogy: there’s no evidence that being high allows a musician to write a better song. On the contrary, pumping steroids into your bloodstream will increase your strength, allow you to run faster, and even time a 95mph fastball more precisely.
Mass media along with their archaic writers drive me crazy. Long live internet news via weblogs.
For all you salesman out there (which is just about anyone who tries to influence others), here are three of the most consistent prospecting methods:
There are lots of other ways to build your pipelines, but hopefully this will prioritize them and remind you of what works.
[Source: Power Prospecting by Patrick Hansen]
Tradition is back and hopefully with a little luck, so is a good football team. Let’s see if these new BYU uniforms, along with a new coach, can get the team out of it’s recent funk. At least it’s looking like it could be good year for college football.
Long live the bowls!
This documentary was a surprise to me. It is extremely well done and the cinematography is fantastic. It’s a heart-felt story of how Empire Penguins migrate and breed during the cold winter months in Antarctica. You will be amazed and impressed upon seeing what it takes to give birth to a baby chick and how family oriented Penguins can be. Very good story and it helps to have Morgan Freeman narrate.
Overall: B+
Forget the Cola Wars, search wars should really be interesting when Microsoft releases their new Operating System dubbed Vista next year. I’m guessing MSN search will be tightly integrated.
Funny how Microsoft are just following everything Google and Yahoo does though. I guess their strategy is just to bank on their next operating system.
A weblog can be an excellent tool for business. However, it must be done in an effective manner if you wish to impress your prospects, clients, and vendors and maybe even gain their trust. Here’s some helpful hints.
There you have it. Take a different approach and have fun with your writing. If you do that, “they will come.”
Jared Hess, writer and director of Napoleon Dynamite, has announced his new comedy featuring Jack Black. Dubbed Nacho Livre, the movie is about a priest (Black) that tries to save his orphanage from closure by becoming a Mexican wrestler by night. The film is set to be released in 2006. Hopefully Hess can overcome the oh so famous sophomore jinx.
I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Heinz. I believe that all great companies do just that. They take something that’s common, and just do it right. Microsoft didn’t invent Windows or even DOS. They made the operating system easy to use for the consumer. Google was about 4 years late after Yahoo in the search engine market. However, they developed better search technology and the rest is history.
I can rarely think of a different case, and it’s the same with our company. We sell databases. Those are very common and have been around for a long time. But if we develop them in an intuitive way, we’ll continue to find success and hopefully one day become great.
I recently stumbled upon this ad while perusing craigslist.org:
“Average looking women needed for Photography this Summer $$$ “
This has to be the least flattering thing I’ve ever seen. Average looking women? Who in their right mind is going to respond to that… “I guess I’m only average looking. Sure, I’ll apply and make $$$.”
Hats off to Lance Armstrong and his current lead in the Tour de France. We shall see if he can win his 7th consecutive title this Sunday as he looks again to make history.
The US Men’s Soccer team has just been bumped up to 6th place in the overall FIFA world soccer rankings their best ever position. This means the governing soccer body deems the US group a better team than France, England, Spain, and Portugal based on current performance. It should be noted, however, than on many foreign clubs, the big boys don’t show up to play unless it’s the World Cup. None-the-less, it’s signs of improvement.
[Source: ESPN]
Why can’t web companies make up their minds? Far too often they try to be everything to everyone. They do hosting, graphic design, print media, cd’s, multi-media, websites, business cards, manufacturing… Okay, maybe not the last one, but c’mon. What do you really do?
If a web company, or any company for that matter cites multiple areas of expertise, that should be a red flag. You’re better off doing business with a company that is willing to commit to one area of focus that it does well.
Business Week has an interesting article on how companies with good IT have revenue growth upwards of 30% better than their competitors. Not that these companies necessarily spend more money on IT, but they consistently have many more IT projects going on. These include mobile technologies, internet, and web services that increase productivity and cut costs.
This is great news for Griffio as that is our main focus: increasing productivity and cutting costs through web services.
You know what I would do if I had a billion dollars and magical powers? I would reform the US health insurance industry. Lofty? Yes. Possible? You bet. Here’s how:
Until then, back to making billions and working on acquiring magical powers…
I found the below pick at Russell Davies’ Blog. He’s always posting fascinating pictures like this one from a while back. He claims it is real, and it looks incredible.
There sure are a lot of good candies and sweets out in the world. Very few are better than the simple goodness that are Tootsie Rolls. I like the usual treats, but as far as shear consumption goes, I could tare through a whole bag of the chocolate chews in one sitting.
I also hear they’re a healthy candy, if that’s even possible. Regardless, keep ’em coming.
Now there’s a question that has been answered in a million different ways. Here’s my take:
Most small businesses fail because owners overextend their personal payroll. They pay themselves too much when the first few checks start coming in. Now some may argue that “No, if you don’t have a good product or have poor management skills, that will doom a company.” While this is true, I believe staying conservative in your payroll can buy you time to learn anything, be it improving/changing your product, and learning better management skills.
Robert (my partner) and I don’t pay ourselves as much as we could. We’ll start once we are sure the company has hit the growth stage and we can cover all our expenses over an extended period.
Did you know that not too long ago Microsoft and Dell claimed that Apple Computer would die out? Guess again. The company has been tearing up the computer industry for a solid year now thanks to the beloved iPod. (I love my Mini.)
Guess what happens when people buy iPods? They start buying Macs, thus taking away precious dollars from BillSoft and Dell.
When you deliver a product that just works and is exactly what the public wants, wonders take place. Parabens Apple! Now if we can only get you to design a two-button mouse…
File this one under who knows, but apparently this toilet bar is found in Taiwan. It’s interesting to see the types of restaurants and businesses that actually get started. Any other weird ones you’ve come across in your day?
(Thanks to Chris for sending the image)
Have any of you ever seen those SlimFast drinks? While the chocolate shakes sure are delicious, I find the near indestructible cans rather odd. I wonder why they just don’t use standard aluminum ones.
Do they think overweight individuals will inadvertently crush the cans until they loose some weight?
Robert and I are currently working with an excellent company from Salt Lake City. We are putting the finishing touches on a product database for them and are looking forward to providing additional work in the months to come.
I must say, they have been a pleasure to work with over the past several months. They have also helped me realize my appreciation for good clients versus the bad ones. Here’s why (feel free to exchange the word clients with people):
Surround yourself with good clients. Life’s too short and just not worth it to work with bad ones.
I’ve recently taken a liking to Frisbee Golf, Disc Golf, or as George Castanza calls it; Frolf. Having not played the game since about 11 or 12, it was great to get out again with professional discs. I think I’ll start taking it up again.
For a list of courses, click here.
I just got done watching 2001 for the first time since my youth. Artistic? Yes. Good movie? Not really. Let it be known that I’ve got beef with Kubrick though upon realizing it was he that also created the horrible Clockwork Orange, AI, and other tasteless movies such as Eyes Wide Shut. I think he should have stuck with photography instead of using controversy to fuel his cult Hollywood following.
Either way, the movie has great cinematography, and I enjoyed the classical soundtrack combined with it’s slow pace.
I came across a great website that helps you find FREE stock photos for any use. Some are good, some are bad, but it sure beats the rather expensive “rights managed” images.
Also for you designers, be sure to check out the classic Lorem Ipsum text generator. It’s been the dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry since the 1500’s.
McDonalds has just launched an in store DVD rental service call RedBox. For just $1/night, you get access to over 40 new release titles via credit card. Just pop in your card select a movie, and presto! Instant movie.
You can even get one free rental per visa card by selecting the “rent with promo” button on the RedBox kiosk. Just enter in the code “FREE” and you’re good to go.
Lindsey and I have been getting free rentals on all our debit/credit cards and plan on using it as a cheaper and easier alternative to Blockbuster. Try it out at your nearest McDonalds. Very cool.
Do me a favor. Don’t go see War of the Worlds. Don’t give Spielberg and Cruise your money cause it’s not worth it. Granted, the first hour of the film was very intense and really well done. That last half? Horrible. Boring. Holes fill the story and by the last scene, the entire movie collapses.
The movie should have never been made, but they released it anyway to exploit public pockets with a big name director and actor. This stunt makes me loose respect for the both of them as artists. (4/10)
Google’s new software program is really quite nifty. Dubbed Google Earth, it’s the better version of their recently released Google Maps. The program allows the working class access to satellite photos from space. Very nice.
It’s only a matter of time before Google takes over all of our computers…
American Andy Roddick will play against Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean in the Wimbledon quarterfinals tomorrow. Being the only other competing American besides the 35 year old Agassi, Roddick is all we have on the horizon to keep the states winning in pro tennis. Plus he’s a classy kid.
Here’s to victory Andy! [Update: He won. On to the semis.]
This just looks silly. Peter Jackson has got to be the most overrated director in Hollywood right now. Whatever happened to directing new and original movies instead of classic remakes? Has this guy ever directed his own film? And don’t get me started on his poor character development.
For those who know me, you know I’m a late 90’s techno junkie. I still get a rush listening to trance music of not so long ago. Fortunately for some, I could never convince others of the rhythmic and vocal-less goodness that is electronic music.
Enter Chicane. This English DJ produces beautiful, light, bass-heavy music that is great for any occasion. The best two of his albums are 1997’s Far From Maddening Crowds and 2000’s Behind the Sun. Check them out and see if I can finally convert those close to me. (Doubtful, but I’ll never give up.)
In addition to Smooth Harold, my personal, work, and business blog, I run a Nintendo Blog on the side to stay young at heart. Dubbed Infendo for “The Nintendo Informant” the site focuses on news and speculation related to upcoming software and hardware released by the Japanese company.
Last week the blog caught on like wild fire. We received an anonymous tip about a speculative advertisement. Being the first to break the story, gaming sites and blogs couldn’t stop linking back to us. Last Friday alone, we had almost 5,000 visitors up from 46 the previous Friday. The blog has been averaging around 2,000 visitors since then and looks to keep growing.
What’s the take-away from this post? Blogging is about mixing news with opinion and then sharing it with others. With a little luck, some publicity, and good postings, thousands of people can take an interest in what you say. Now if I can only get Smooth Harold a jumping. But alas, how interesting can the rambling of a 25 year old web consultant be…
Because it’s written for already good companies. A majority of US businesses being run by entrepreneurs have yet to prove themselves. Therefore, I would like to see From Nothing to Good. Then I’ll focus on taking my company the rest of the way.
I only got through half his book, but plan on finishing it once I’m good.
I’ve seen lots of Genworth Financial commercials on ESPN as of late. The basic premise of this ads is that GE admits that investing and insurance is complicated. This makes me wonder, is it complicated by nature, or do companies such as AIG, Smith Barney, and GE make it that way to increase profits.
It sure would be nice if someone could come in and renew that archaic dinosaur of an industry. You know I need it.
If someone comes a knockin’ on your door trying to sell you a Flash site, run as far away as you can and quickly. Adobe wants to own the internet realm the way Microsoft owns the OS market. Flash is sticky, hard on search engines, and it’s ActionScript is just not as scalable as other dynamic languages. Granted, we use Flash elements for nice graphical effects, but even AJAX (think Google maps) is starting to do what Flash has always done.
Flash is good for niche websites and only if in parts on others. Pay closer attention to XML, JSP, and of course, PHP.
Today is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere while the Sun is farthest north. Consider this a useless tid-bit of information.
I’m gonna come right out and say it… A-. That’s what I give the recent Warner Bros release based on excellent character development, captivating story, truthfulness to the overall comic genre, and shear entertainment. It must be noted, however, that of all the comics I liked as a kid, Batman was my favorite. He is the only super hero that doesn’t have any super powers. Well, unless you count the earnest desire to combat evil and a plethora of money to build nice toys.
Hitch was a fun and entertaining movie. However, I liked the insight it shed on the consulting industry even more. In the movie, the main character Hitch, played by Will Smith is a dating consultant. He helps couples successfully get past the third date and fall in love. He does it all covertly as to not ruin the relationship.
At the end of the movie, his cover gets blown and people start coming down on him. In one scene, one of his client’s girlfriends is expressing her frustrations on him. She can’t believe he trained her boyfriend to accidentally spill mustard on his shirt and dance crazy. In other words the things she loved about him. Hitch replied that he hadn’t nothing to do with those things and didn’t endorse them at all. She then proceeds to ask him, what exactly did he do, to which he replies, “I guess nothing.”
I am an IT consultant. Sure I help clients with technical issues the same way Hitch helped his clients work on their smoothness, but in the end, we really don’t do much. The true value of the consultant is derived by his/her solely being there for the paying organization. A teacher. A coach. A support group. A friend. We assist and help in areas where the company may struggle, but the success is really all the client’s.
Consulting (or professional assistance) is to business as weights are to a weight lifter. Both are necessary if the client wants to progress rather than plateau-ing. But it is the weight lifter that is the true winner.
Lindsey and I had a great trip to Seattle. Some of my favs include lunch at the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Falls, Lake Sawyer, the ferry ride, Discovery Park, and of course the Mariners’ game. It’s an excellent get away and we look forward to going back soon.
Click here to view my Flickr slide show.
“I learned to climb trees in the Pacific Northwest.” – Newman
Smart Folders, developed by Blinkx, offers a user-friendly way for people to do what the more technically minded among us have already done with RSS feeds. SmartFolders work like a regular folder on your desktop, only that a web survey pushes information and media directly to your folder. Pretty nifty. Now for those of you who aren’t already working with RSS, do it now! You will love it. (I recommend SharpReader. It’s link is to your right.)
The latest issue of CMO Magazine has a great book excerpt from All Marketers Are Liars by Seth Godin. The premise of Mr. Godin’s book is that marketers don’t sell a product or service, they sell a story. What matters is what the consumer believes, not if it’s factual or not. He goes on to say that Marketers profit because consumers buy what they want, not what they need. You tell the consumer a story, and the consumer buys the story, not the product.
He gives an example of how a young lady purchases a pair of high end Puma shoes for $125. She didn’t care about support or the durability of the uppers. She was imagining how she’d look when she put them on and how her appearance would dramatically improve her life once other people saw how cool she was. The way Stephanie felt when she bought the Pumas was the product. Not the sneakers made for $3 in China.
He ends by saying that marketers have great power, but that doesn’t mean we have to lie to successfully sell products. He claims a story that works, combined with authenticity builds a brand and a business for the ages.
Best line from the book: Average people are good at ignoring you. Average people have too many different points of view about life, and average people are by and large satisfied. If you need to water down your story to appeal to everyone, it will appeal to no one.
Ebay is good, but I’d be interested in knowing if there is any open source version in development. Or maybe, a company that just charges a listing fee of like $.50 regardless of the product. Could this work?
Are you addicted to email? I am. I have a problem. Since I work from a home office, I’m always popping by my desk to see if I have a little surprise in the inbox. Is there any way to combat this?
