The concept is great because it strengthens the “I’m a PC” tag that did a good job at humanizing the Microsoft brand. Plus any ad that has people envisioning themselves as hunks makes me smile.
But there’s another reason they work: because Windows 7is user-friendly. It’s the first version of the operating system that seamlessly transfers all your files–and keeps your settings and accounts intact. I know, because I went through setting up my new computer just weeks ago. And best of all: Windows 7 recognizes existing local networks, so that all I needed to do was put in my password (at the prompt) during the initial set-up phase and I was online with no business interruption.
Google’s announcement that it would stop censoring search results in China is huge news–and smart strategy.
In exploring the background, the Financial Times reported:
Google argued internally that while censoring was an unpalatable compromise, it would at least make it possible to open up more of the Web to Chinese Internet users. But the decision was unpopular with many members of Google’s rank and file and never sat comfortably in particular with co-founder Sergey Brin, whose own family’s hardships in the former Soviet Union had heightened his sensitivity to human rights issues.
While causing internal angst–and leading to frequent debates about whether or not to pull out–the Chinese compromise has not helped Google to gain the sort of position inside China that it enjoys in many markets around the world.
Google’s decision might get the company kicked out of the Chinese market. But it seems likely that Google is poised to reap huge reputational gains globally from taking a principled stand. Given a choice to do business with Google or Yahoo (whose actions in handing over e-mails to the Chinese government helped put a leading Chinese dissident in prison for 10 years), for example, which one would you choose?
Update: Umair Haque has a terrific post about Google, China, and the fact that “an ethical edge just might be the ultimate cause of advantage… It’s a radical new definition of ‘advantage’ that blows past the stale, tired idea of competitive advantage.”
We’re getting to that time of year when holiday cards start rolling in. And every year I notice the same thing: lots of cards, very little personalization. Sometimes it’s a generic “Seasons Greetings” e-mail blind copied to who knows how many people (no effort); others send paper cards with no note and often not even a signature (marginal time expenditure in running off address labels). If you’re thinking about doing this: DON’T.
The holiday season offers an amazing opportunity to put yourself top of mind with your colleagues, clients, and prospects. It takes time to do it right, but I want the people in my community to know that I care about each and every one (and I do value you).
Why would you want to send the message that you’re too lazy and we’re not important enough for you to expend the effort? My message to you: customize, or don’t bother.
Like many people, I was impressed yesterday by how effectively the Obama transition team had worked behind the scenes to rebrand the U.S. government. By 12:02 p.m., the first tweets were showing up alerting people that whitehouse.gov now belonged to the new president.
I realize that every new adminstration, like a corporation after a merger, moves quickly to slap its name up on the door. But the Obama team has already gone one step further by setting up a blog, identifying the White House’s director of new media (Macon Phillips), and creating an opportunity for ordinary Americans to provide feedback.
Time will tell how effective President Obama and his team will be in creating a truly participatory process. Governing isn’t easy, and the mechanics of government can, at times, be unwieldy. On his Innovation Insights blog, Scott Anthony offers three lessons from the corporate world to guide government transformation: 1) you can’t just get better at what you’re already doing; 2) start small; and 3) invest in human capital.
In his inaugural address, the president said that the question “is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works.” If he can successfully harness 21st century tools to bring more voices to the fore, and to incorporate into policy our collective views, expertise, and experience, our nation will surely be better for it.
Making tough business decisions is … tough. But you can protect your brand and mitigate the impact of your decisions if you can define your reasons and present a cogent argument.
Colin Powell did this in making the case for his endorsement of Barack Obama, says leadership consultant John Baldoni in a recent blog post. Baldoni argues that Powell’s approach offers a guideline for business leaders:
Welcome to Steigman Communications and the Independent Thinking blog. Daria Steigman is a business-savvy communications strategist who helps organizations develop and execute communications solutions to help them achieve their business goals. Her blog looks at the business of running a business, entrepreneurship, communications, social media, strategic thinking, and--of course--Independent Thinking.
