RSS
 

Archive for March, 2010

I Looked into My Crystal Ball and What did I See–?

31 Mar
I see a shift in the near future!

I see a shift in the near future!

I Looked into My Crystal Ball and Predict a Paradigm Shift Ahead!

Recently a friend and I were talking about trends. During this discussion, I began to think back to my early career days — in advertising. At that time, I was working in Account Services with the international ad agency BBDO. I attended an agency meeting on trends outlining the coming  of what we all well know today as “The Me Generation.”

It almost seems hard to believe that marketing hook has hung around for as long as it has but if it has to do with all about “me,” what’s not to like about that?! Right?

In light of the monumental change we are now experiencing — it truly is a whole new world — in the sense of an abrupt and bumpy flight away from everything that was once familiar, somewhat predictable, and dare I say — so very “me”-centered? A shift is most certainly underway at this moment.

With greater emphasis on New Media, more folks implementing Social Media and Web 2.0 strategies and tools, new avenues are opened to wider networks for connection, collaboration and sharing. There appears to be a whole lot more “sharing” going on, doesn’t it?

Yes — people still have preferences for the tools they use for communication and connecting, but they also enjoy varied choices for receiving the media-rich messages and information from an ever-increasing number of available sources. While those choices and experiences may be uniquely personalized, tailored to individual needs, I believe a shift away from “me-centered positioning” is already beginning to occur.

You may be as surprised as I was to realize this, but remember these changes occur over quite a span of time, even though circumstances may seem to be an overnight wonder, creating the perfect environment for seeding such a change. These undercurrents begin as small ebbs before they begin to flow, eventually leading off to become “mainstream.”

Time will tell. Stay tuned. Let’s remember this conversation… What do you think? How do you think this perspective will affect business? The world? Leave your comments and let’s discuss…

 
No Comments

Posted in Trend Prediction, marketing

 

7 Strategies for Organizational Success

29 Mar

MastermindWhile the operational  basis of many groups and organizations is laudable, often positive efforts are marred by inherent operational flaws. Goals may be reached, but at the expense of membership, and long-term organizational stability.

Just as groups typically share positive aspects, drawbacks and development opportunities are common. Many are missing the mark by not properly using the resources at hand, and desperately need to refocus the organization, in order to be effective.

Here 7 strategies for successful organizational operations:

  1. Any organization’s greatest strength and resource lies in the membership.
  2. No organization should ”be” solely to “exist.”
  3. An organization exists to serve needs through the unique support it offers.
  4. An organization serves as the central connecting point, providing a structure.
  5. Success of an organization is not measured by fund raising or similar short-term ventures, rather by ongoing operation, expanding in scope, continual healthy member base growth.
  6. Success of an organization is accomplished through harnessing the integral strength of the entity while moving toward the established goal, over time.
  7. The purpose of membership should never be to support the organization, rather than the cause.

Review this list of 7 strategies alongside a group, organization or community you are involved with — how does it measure up?

Organizational “success” lies not in how many more arms can be twisted to sell greater quantities of gift wrap for the fundraiser this year, but how much more support can the entity provide to aid in reaching the common goal?

Realistically, most groups have one or more areas to fine-tune. This is an ongoing process, due group dynamics and not operating in a static environment. To ensure continued good health, an organization should do periodic reviews, evaluating status and areas to address.

Based upon findings and observations, establish a plan of action, and revamp accordingly. Sometimes a refocus of an organization is necessary, in order to be more effective.

This is part 2 of a series on Organizational Success

 
No Comments

Posted in Organizational Success, planning

 

Organizational Success: Not the Sum of its Parts

24 Mar

Mastermind

Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe many organizations, associations, groups, communities, various entities and their internal operations, firsthand.

Here are a few of my observations:

  • Most entities have clearly-established goals.
  • A group’s purpose is often far-reaching and inarguably benevolent.
  • The entire organization is set upon a solid foundation, usually comprised of the highest principles and standards, recognized as significant within the group’s realm or sphere.
  • The established goals, purpose, principles and standards serve to show what the entity is about, paired with the desire to attract positive attention — measurably resulting in new members, collaborators or media coverage.

This is a basic, fairly typical description of most organizations I’ve observed.  I would venture to guess this sounds a lot like some groups, communities, associations or  entities you’re familiar with, or maybe you currently serve as a member in a similar type of organization.

While the basis is laudable and all related efforts are positive, organizations quite often have inherent operational flaws. They are not always “what you see is what you get.” In fact many of them are missing the mark by not properly using the resources at hand, and desperately need to refocus the organization, in order to be effective.

Next: Based on my observations and successful group management practices, my related thoughts on Organizational Success and why realizing group purpose or attaining established goals is not related to the sum of an entity’s parts, as you might at first think…

 
No Comments

Posted in Organizational Success, branding

 

Communications Design through the Magic of Fluid Web Typography

22 Mar

For your enjoyment and inspiration in communications design, I’m sharing this fascinating SlideShare presentation by Jason Cranford Teague, originally posted by Dan York on his Disruptive Conversations blog. According to Dan, I understand Jason gave this at SXSW last week in Austin, Texas. South By Southwest (SXSW) Interactive show, is one of the world’s largest assemblages of folks who work in all aspects of the web.

As a true typography connoisseur and longtime production design adviser, I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation! Fear not — you don’t need to be a typography afficionado or geek to benefit from taking it in. For me, the beauty of it is that it clearly illustrates the importance typeface selection has in communicating your message. Enjoy!

Fluid Web Typography – SXSWi 2010
 
No Comments

Posted in branding, business tools, communication, marketing, media

 

4 Quick Tips for Selecting the Right Training Program for Professional Development

18 Mar

 
No Comments

Posted in Professional Growth

 

Employees Communicate Your Business Message, Too

15 Mar

Give rise to a stroke of genius!

Give rise to a stroke of genius!

In challenging economic times, small businesses look for more efficient ways to do business. Marketing and business communication must continue to “get the word out,” but often fueled with fewer dollars. Times like these encourage small business owners to pause, reflect and create more inventive ways to accomplish these tasks.

Being nimble-on-the-fly is a hallmark of the entrepreneurial mindset, and a signature modus operandi. Sensibly using or simply reallocating resources and tools to accomplish goals is required. Thinking outside the box gives rise to a stroke of genius, when it comes to innovation.

One overlooked and often misapplied resource by many businesses is their employees. Boosting teamwork and individual confidence through creating an atmosphere of cooperation and trust does much to shore up the integrity of a business. In part, this may be accomplished by providing employees the ability to truly serve as an integral extension, representing the company’s core values. 

In reality, often employees are company representatives serving on the frontlines, as the initial contact your customers or clients meet. They are also the first impression of your business. What does it look like to a new client, or a returning customer with a problem they could address? How can you retool or slightly revamp to make it more welcoming to all, and to serve your customer better? 

 
No Comments

Posted in Small Business, business tools, communication

 
« Older Entries