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NOTEBOOK PC PC : DISCUSSION

From M&Ms to WePC: Crowd-Sourcing Dos & Don'ts
Posted in Notebook PC | January 26, 2010 6am

This year Asus dared to go where no company, or, at least no hardware company had gone before. The company took a big risk and employed crowdsourcing to develop its Waveface products.
Combining customer service and product design and development, Asus opened the floodgates for customer and customer feedback to directly influence their products.
“That was a very bold move for Asus to do, and it’s unique to the field,” says a communications strategy consultant based in Geneva, Switzerland. “This level of involvement is rare. You invite the mob to help you and it can go for or against you. Crowdsourcing can leave your business vulnerable.”
After all, you are asking for everyone’s expert opinions, when everyone isn’t necessarily an expert. But by harnessing real end-user feedback, crowdsourcing can be a tremendous help to new products.
“You’re also potentially asking for and inviting feedback from people who do know your products well and really can give insight on design,” says the source. In the case of Asus and Waveface, chances are good that the people who are giving their two cents are people who have used the products, or competitive products, and are interested in using more of Asus’ products.
In the case of Waveface, so far, the consumer appears to have pretty impressive and refined design taste. The buzz on Twitter reflects success from a PR standpoint already. Variations of “I want a Waveface,” and “The Waveface is gorgeous,” appear in at least half a dozen different languages when doing a “waveface” search on Twitter. When the product hits shelves, however, then we'll we start seeing how this democratic consumer experiment fared.
“Customer service is difficult to analyze and ultimately it’s hard to say until a couple of iterations of the products come out, then see how they compare to others in their class and then see how the brand awareness sticks,” says the source.
Crowdsourcing is also a PR strategy for standing out in the marketplace with a unique product. The tactic creates a more consumer-connected relationship. It also can give Asus a strong competitive advantage over other companies.
Of course there's a risk in crowdsourcing. Name and design are a pivotal decision and Asus, like any company doesn't want to end up with a joke. Further, crowdsourcing doesn’t work for every product. Think: iSnack 2.0, the Vegemite/cream cheese blended fixin. But it’s less about figuring if your industry or sector is crowdsource-compatible. It’s more about your company’s capacity to engage.
“If you can afford to respond and be dedicated to interacting actively with your customers via blogs and social networks, than it’s a good move,” says the source. “You have to be really attentive to everything, answer everything, and answer quickly. If you can’t commit to that involvement than you shouldn’t bother trying to crowdsource.”
Simply put, you have to be ready to open the door, listen, and engage every one of those solicited opinions.
Here’s where our source says crowdsourcing has succeeded and failed.
Open-source software. Linux was a perfect example of a crowdsourcing triumph. People collaborated to write software and it worked because it was constrained by expertise. Those helping didn’t know each other, but all shared an interest in adding their expertise.
Citizen journalism. iReport, the social media citizen journalism portal of CNN has proven a tremendous example of crowdsourcing success. The portals allow for CNN readers, (customers) to crowdsource and contribute news under the CNN brand, while earning individualized and personalized credit.
“It’s a coup for the CNN brand,” says the source. “People post stuff they’ve seen, they’re credited and then they want everyone they know to see it and send it around, so everyone watches CNN. Wikipedia has met similar success.
Fun and nostalgic products. Today the blue M&M is such a part of our candy-coated chocolate experience that we forget there was once a time when there were only red, green, brown, orange and yellow candy shells. In 1995, parent company Mars ran a crowdsourcing promotion where consumers got to vote on a new color by calling in to 1-800-FUN-COLOR. Either blue, pink or purple would replace the now defunct original tan M&M. As we know, blue dominated and joined the ranks. Similarly, Ben & Jerry’s has repeatedly invited consumers to help it create new ice cream flavors, including such hits as Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby.
Luxury goods.  Because high-end products require a personal touch, it makes sense for these companies to ask their clients how to give higher quality and better customer service.  That’s what allows for customer loyalty and brand loyalty.
Emergency situations. Crowdsourcing in this sector can go either way. In Haiti, following the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake, crowdsourcing helped families reunite, or, at least locate people. However, when crowdsourcing was employed for Amber Alerts, it attracted the involvement of people who weren’t actually educated on the subject. Many reacted aggressively and hindered rather than helped the police force.
“Any sort of witch hunt where people are encouraged to look for suspicious behaviors of neighbors is ineffective,” says the source. “It quickly becomes evident that it leads to a completely ineffective form of law enforcement nonsense.”
(On an obvious note, defense and aerospace products might pass up soliciting for missile design.)

NOTEBOOK PC PC : DISCUSSION

How to make the most of CES and other conventions
Posted in Notebook PC | December 26, 2009 10pm

A new season of conferences is just around the corner. With the year 2010 comes another calendar of industry-specific regional, national, and global meet-ups that reconnect staff and consultants with superiors, colleagues, and keynote speakers. Less Sin City and more the land where kiosks, booths, and PowerPoint presentations convene, Las Vegas has steadily stepped into the role of conference and convention Mecca.
As industries assemble in search of new opportunities, innovations, and better practices, there are two kinds of post-conference attendees. The Winners, who return home inspired with a stack of business cards and a To Do list. And The Survivors, the folk who burn the midnight oil from the breakfast bagels and too many cocktails. We've compiled tips from seasoned convention and conference attendees on how to climb the corporate ladder using the former, and to avoid the embarrassing counter-productive latter.
Look at the schedule before arriving to the conference. Here’s your opportunity to see who is speaking, when they are speaking, and then map out how you’re going to connect with them. “I research the people I want to meet in advance and have valuable questions ready to ask about their current projects,” says Nicole Shore principal of Zero to Sixty Communications. “I make myself aware of their known interests and research what is relevant to the people I want to connect with.”
Avoid the registration fee. Can’t really afford the cost of the conference? Volunteering at the registration or help desk for a few hours can usually cover the fees.
Turn the cell phone volume to silent. Everyone is getting what seems like 10,000 emails a day during the conference. You are no different. “Only the a$%hole “forgets” to turn it off,” says a conference attendee familiar with the faux pas. Solution? Make calls between presentation breaks. Also: Don’t charge your phone at the seminars. Those sockets are for PowerPoint presentations!
Be on time. If it means scheduling three wakeups calls with Reception in addition to your cell phone alarm and the alarm clock radio in your hotel room, do it. Skip breakfast. But no one forgets the person who comes late to the first presentation of the day.
Protect your back. Vendors often have boxes of heavy items and materials to lug around the exhibition hall. During the conference, a suitcase on wheels does the trick, but before and after says Nancy Cavillones, a former teacher who’d attend the National Council of Teachers of English conference. “I would ship the loot home instead of bringing it on the plane.”
Dress smart. Wear clothing that flatters, fits well and is comfortable. Nothing sexually suggestive, nothing wrinkled. “Shower and iron the night before,” suggests a conference veteran. “Iron at night and lay your outfit out so you don’t have to worry in the morning.”
Wear layers.  Conference room temperatures are like a nursing home.  Be prepared for what feels like either a heat wave or an arctic blast.
Use your technology. Furiously typing away on your Blackberry rarely gets mistaken for texting your buddy about happy hour. “I always take notes with my Blackberry which I email to myself once I am done,” says Joao Rodrigues, media and marketing manager for the Macau Government Tourist Office. Rodrigues uses the camera on his Blackberry efficiently as well. “I photograph the important [business] cards and email those to my assistant so she can upload them to our database.” And because conferences nowadays tend to be heavy on digital, Rodrigues uses the extra space on his 160G iPod Classic to file away and store the new info in a much more environmentally friendly way.
Try not to be an obvious scavenger. “Don't line up for free giveaways at corporate booths,” says Bill Fink, a business writer. “You do NOT need another Intel T-shirt.”
Plan ahead digestively. As one seasoned conference attendee notes, “You have to adhere to sanctioned bathroom breaks and this is a challenge to people with sensitive digestive systems.” Lay off the carbs and bring your own bag of protein and energy-rich raw nuts.
Tea vs. Coffee. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s good. “I bring Echinacea and green tea. You’re packed in rooms full of recycled air,” says the veteran conference-goer. “Then they pump you with soda and disgusting coffee, so you crash during that late afternoon presentation that actually has the big message you need to listen to.”
Know your hospitality suite open bar limit. The hospitality suite is designed for unwinding and schmoozing, not for getting wasted. “Limit yourself to one drink so you can listen well, but feel a little less inhibited around your superiors,” says an expert who’s been there. “You don’t want to do something you’ll regret, but you don’t want to be the square either.”
Be mindful of cameras, cellphone cameras, and avid Facebookers. Keep in mind what "networking" at 3AM can look like online or over breakfast the next day.

NOTEBOOK PC PC : DISCUSSION

CES 2010 & The Recession: Attendance Low, but Innovation High
Posted in Notebook PC | December 12, 2009 7am

The outcome of CES in Las Vegas last year reflected the state of the economy: low attendance with many exhibitors unable to afford booths. As CES 2010 approaches, registration isn’t high, but innovation-wise, technology is resurgent. “New technology, new gadgets will always come out,” says Blastmedia’s Lindsey Groepper, whose company connects businesses to major retailers and media outlets at CES.
“Last year was the slowest show we ever saw because of the recession,” recalls Groepper, who heard attendance was down 30%. “You could walk through the different booths with no traffic.” Where twenty sales reps might typically represent a major retailer, last year Groepper said she’d see maybe two sales reps manning a booth. “It was quite depressing. You’d go into a casino and it wasn’t packed -- even with all the other conferences going on and the NCAA Championships. It’s not going to be like five years ago, but I anticipate it will stabilize this year.”
After all, marketing and travel are typically the first victims of company budget cuts, points out Anthony Scarsella, the catalogue manager for Gazelle, a recycled-gadget-for-cash service that annually scopes out CES. Nevertheless, thanks to client chatter, popular tech blogs and Twitter feeds, there is plenty the two CES alum are excited to check out.

Netbooks: front and center. Experts say Netbooks are the year’s big focus. Unconfirmed rumors show chatter about tablets, “laptops that are smaller and more portable. The line between netbooks, laptops, and tablets will really blend with what they offer,” says Scarsella. Expect a netbook, computer, and cell phone all in one with higher power and bigger screens up to 12 inches.
At-home 3D. The 3D category is another 2010 push. “It’s going to be everything 3D, with more 3D in the home,” says Scarsella. “Expect to see a lot of 3D Blue Rays and 3D home TVs.”
More phone apps! Companies will be unloading their new applications for the iPhone, and now for the Droid and Android. “2010 could be the mobile apps showdown year,” says Scarsella who himself is curious about the N900. “There will be fights to see who produces the ‘most wanted’ apps.” “There’s a lot of talk about someone coming out with the next handset that will put Apple in its place,” says Groepper.
LED and OLED. The show can’t go on without cool TVs. Expect thinner screen types, up to “under an inch” says Scarsella, and a lot more in the way of OLED models. “And not just from Sony this time,” adds Scarsella. “There will be a lot to see on streaming media.” Imagine: streaming HD and around the house wireless that streams from one room to another.
Functional and applicable green. The “green” pavilion garnered much attention last year, but this year it’s all about the green message being pushed and pushed out harder. “Last year it was green packaging,” says Scarsella. “This year it will be real initiatives: green power, longer-lasting devices, devices that consume less power and that manufacturing-wise are cheaper to produce.”
“Really specific niche areas are best,” says Groepper, be it hands-free and Bluetooth auto accessories, or the Boomer pavilion’s health care technologies and motherhood gadgetry.
“I’d like more specialized booths and less accessories,” says Groepper. “You see one booth slammed with 200 skews of chargers, cases of batteries, and bags. I don’t want to stop. It’s just too much catalogue. Booths should focus on what is new and has ‘wow.’”
Which trend are you most interested in?

NOTEBOOK PC PC : DISCUSSION

Black Friday Cyber Monday
Posted in Notebook PC | November 30, 2009 11am

Photo couresy of valeblos, Flickr Creative Commons
What do retailers do when consumers are restraining their spending because they feel it is inappropriate to spend in these economic times? So with unemployment up and budgets whittled down to next to nothing, does this mean Black Friday and Cyber Monday end up dark and empty?
Not if retailers can help it. Many are armed this year with a few simple strategies: Start the holiday season’s steep sale prices early in-store and online; provide free shipping; and offer high fashion at a palatable market value.
Black Friday: Value Rules In Fashion Retailing
The way Tom Puls, president of Donna Ricco, a 25-year-old women’s retail company, sees it, there two simple things that sum up how he tackles Black Friday. “First customers who are spending are seeking the right fashion items, be it a dress or a separate, but the key is that it has to be fashion right,” says Puls.
Second, understand that in this sputtering economy will drive the rest of business. “Right now people won’t buy something that is fashion right at just any price. Comparison shopping is back.” Customers are doing their research and if they find a less expensive item is enough like the more expensive version, or enough like what they are looking for, they will default to cheaper. “Good quality for the best price is the trend this year.” The free shipping and early sales are added incentives to draw consumers in. Above all, says Puls. “On Black Friday people are looking for value and fashion and fashion and value.”
Stores with lower price points like Target, Kohl’s, and Forever 21 have changed the way people shop by offering fashionable styles at affordable prices. They will likely enjoy a busy holiday season because they price their trendsetting stylish products as immediately affordable.
“These are not agonized purchases,” says Puls. “These are, ‘OK, this is cute. It looks good on me, I’m getting it.’ You don’t think about the price. You just buy it.”
Lower priced products are selling better than the higher priced products. Two or three years ago it was a different story: buyers found higher priced products generated better sales per square foot. This season consumers are more focused on the lower priced items. Expect for example, women’s dresses to list between $69 and $99 and $128 versus $148 and $189.Bottom line: We came out of an exuberant period, and now we’re back down. Simply put, people are looking for higher value in their fashionable purchases. “Look at Kohl’s, Target, Sears, and J.C. Penny’s,” says Puls. They have very fashionable products now and they were not at all five years ago.”
Cyber Monday: Pragmatic Shoppers Will Snap Up TVs And Other Consumer Electronics Within Their Budget
Meanwhile Cyber Monday attracts a different ilk from the apparel markdowns of Black Friday. Storeowners and sales associates still anticipate a lot more in the way of large purchases. Electronics and gadgetry are not emotion-driven purchases. They’re more: “Here’s what I need and here is this is my budget.” Market predictors are hedging bets that people will forgo a vacation this year and instead stay home to enjoy a brand new entertainment system they purchased on sale.
Puls and his son will be shopping on Cyber Monday for a new flat screen TV. “Younger guys like LED because it’s better for gaming, and I wanted plasma because it’s better for movies,” says Puls. The trend will likely be customers looking at what is the best and biggest TV with best internal qualities within a budget. The odds are that most people will default to highest quality followed by screen size, and never vice versa.
“TVs will be the biggest seller this year,” says Puls. “People will sacrifice travel for getting the TV as a treat to watch the big upcoming game.”
Having adjusted to the “new normal,” storeowners now hope the only thing left to sacrifice is sanity, as the consumer’s appetite for scooping up gifts and personal purchases on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is critical to their 2009 results.