it's funny, the things that change.

I've only had the Blackberry Pearl 8130 for a few months. Upon purchasing it, I seriously wondered exactly how the conversation played out when the first engineer proposed the QWERTY keyboard on a mobile phone. How many people in the world could accurately recall the originally designated number for each letter on the standard telephone keypad and how would that affect businesses that advertise their telephone number as text?

Photo: Tech2

If I operate 1-800-FLOWERS, at what point do I begin to redirect my marketing to Blackberry [and all smartphone/alternative keyboard] users? It seems, at least to me, that it would be a major concern of mine if the name by which my company is known is no longer a contact, as it was [very clearly] designed to be. Granted, anyone who uses a Blackberry or any other internet-capable phone is certainly knowledgeable enough to point their browser to a page that features the contact number, or even order online, but the roadblock still exits -- or maybe 'detour' is more accurate.
It's pretty fascinating though to sit and watch such a long-standing business practice become instantly obsolete. I'm certain I wouldn't feel that way if I had invested millions of dollars to market my telephone number and name as one, but I haven't, so I do.

just thinking...

be critical -- not OF others, but TO others, while keeping in mind that there is someone else capable of doing your job better than you do. that, i think, is what makes you humbly effective.

[not the door on your office, per se]

personalization or convenience, in my opinion

Personalization became a hugely successful business practice about mid-way through my high school career. I remember this because Nike convinced me that having my name and softball number embroidered into my cleats that already featured a non-typical color combination in order to reflect my school colors - was worth the small $30-$40 fee, plus the cost of the shoes and shipping. It was new and unique and totally played into my inclination to be the first to try something, anything.
Six years later, it seems the tables have turned, though in a gradual, slow manner. McDonald's will take your coffee order AND "fix" it the way you like it -- one cream, one sugar and so on. Dell boasts its ability to literally build your computer the way you want it, but their catalogs overwhelmingly advertise packages that are pre-determined. And Einstein's Bagels, the example I personally very strongly dislike, puts the peanut butter on your toasted bagel for you; they charge $1.25 for the peanut butter and apply enough of the spread to satisfy a small army. Although I'm sure the thought is in line with a full-service mentality -- a convenience factor when many things are no longer convenient -- I would rather prepare my own coffee, choose elements for my computer that actually apply to me, and decide for myself how much peanut butter I really want on my bagel.
Starbucks has personalization down to a science, and it works. There is a definite trend in having a longer, more demanding order paralleled with being a serious Starbucks connoisseur. This is an interesting factor since, logically, a serious coffee drinker should order the daily extra bold brew and drink it black, end of story. But they've created a lifestyle, and it suits the typical Starbucks drinker because they're privileged and accustomed to being catered to.
I don't think there is a right or wrong in choosing convenience or personalization, rather it's circumstantial and more importantly audience-specific. If the product allows, the best solution is to give an option: let the customer decide whether they're in a hurry or would like to spend the extra time being catered to.

riding in lambos

I've been warned about credit card debt, the effects of smoking, and being out alone at night, but no one ever warned me about riding in a Lamborghini.
I have, fortunately or unfortunately, had the opportunity on multiple occasions. I will, in turn, warn my closest friends about the effects of unusually high standards and the difficult, if not impossible, task of coming down from a ride such as this. If I had any experience in the matter, I'd say it's a thrill capable of a stronger euphoria than any drug you could possibly get your hands on; it's dangerously addictive with a captivated audience from which only a few could walk away. Everything sort of pales in comparison and you begin to wonder how it was that you acquired the circumstances. Before you know it, you're turning down the red one because it's not yellow.
This is when you qualify as 'unfortunately fortunate'.

I have never, in my life, ridden in a Lamborghini.

being irreplaceable.

Below is an excellent articulation for why some of us work hard, not just when we feel like it, but every day.
Are you working hard enough to be difficult to replace?


Seth's Blog