Oct 31, 2007
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Have you watched this scene from Glengarry Glen Ross? “Coffee is for closers. Always be closing.” I saw this for the first time about three weeks ago. Wow. It left an impression.
I’ve since discovered that this is hugely popular monologue for auditioning actors. And apparently, salespeople refer to it all the time (but not as an example of good salesmanship).
But what if an account planner had written it?
We’ve been talking a lot about ideas. But ideas don’t always translate well without examples. Thankfully, the internet is replete with experiences great and poor.
The single most often-used benefit of the internet is information. Wikipedia, online newspapers, blogs, and all their associated links and RSS feeds. People tend to be more tolerant with information experiences (hey, you read my entries, don’t you?), but when money gets involved — people listen. And more importantly, they’ll turn away if they don’t like what they experience.
Two specific (and very different) examples to consider: Victoria’s Secret, and the International Standards Organization. Comparing apples to oranges? Only in product. When it comes to online shopping, it doesn’t matter if it’s underwear or a whitepaper — if you don’t get what you need, you’re not likely to happy about it.
This blog is meant to give readers an inside look at what we think it takes to build great experiences. It’s easy to point to beautiful sites we’ve designed for clients like Rolex or sexy microsites we’ve built for Mercedes and talk about the experience design methods and processes used there. And for sure, there is tons of value in sharing those stories with our readers.
But one area that we don’t hear a lot about when it comes to building compelling experiences is the art of building excellent and positive client relationships. Arguably, it’s more important than any process or method we use. Without it there is no foundation to do the best work possible.
Honeyshed, a product of Droga5, a Publicis agency, officially went live today. The site is positioned as a mash-up of branded entertainment, shopping, social networking site. Keeping it strictly business - not discussing the scantily clad hosts - I have 3 main issues with the site which are reviewed below.
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Oct 23, 2007
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Heard in coffee shops across
Regardless of how you feel about his politics or his stand on the environment, you have to give the guy credit. In a feat of personal brand management, Gore has transformed himself from Ozone Al, the presidential “almost was” to the new Green Giant complete with his own Nobel Prize.
Also heard in some coffee shops across
After the jump: Finding your inconvenient truth …
Microsoft was a little late to the internet game, that much isn’t new. In 1993, Bill Gates said “we’re not interested in the internet”. (Mind you, he also said that 640K of memory should be enough for anybody.) Microsoft has certainly done a lot to reverse that initial stumble (witness the internet services they’ve acquired and/or sold — Hotmail and Expedia; and services developed, such as Microsoft Live), and Popfly is another sign of Microsoft truly understanding the new wave.
Back in May of this year, Microsoft launched their first product to the masses before it was officially “ready”. Popfly was the first to actually carry the label “Alpha”. It’s now in beta. But is it ready for prime time?
Late to the game, Microsoft waded right into the Web 2.0 pond wearing a pair of mashup Speedos. And like in real life, you don’t really want to look too closely at it.
Oct 19, 2007
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That’s a question I was pondering this week
I’m on my way back from a planning summit in our Toronto office We do these to stretch our thinking as a team and share work and ideas . We were fortunate to have Michael Dila of Torch Partnership join us for an engaging conversation about the intersection of design and business. Michael chaired last years Overlap conference in Toronto . While an academic by background, he has certainly crossed over into the world of business with some thought provoking ideas.
Oct 19, 2007
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...We have a lot of smart, talented people working at Critical Mass and part of the Experience Matters mandate is to encourage them to talk about their work. In a series called “3 Quick Questions”, we’ll ask members of our brain trust to answer three “top of mind” questions of interest to our readers. If there’s a particular topic you’d like us to tackle, leave us a comment or drop us an email.
This week, I’ve asked two of our senior analysts, Patrick Glinski and Shaina Boone to talk about what key performance indicators (KPI’s) really are, and how Google Analytics is changing the web analytics game. Shaina also talks a little about her next big challenge.
Web Analytics - What inquiring minds want to know …
“The proof is in the pudding.”
A fairly common turn of phrase, but one that confused me when I was a child. (Yes… I am easily confused). The context of the statement makes it clear that the speaker intends to communicate that further evidence or personal experience is required before the speaker will be convinced. Although I understood the intent, I remained deeply confused as to how (creamy, delicious) pudding could be a catalyst of understanding. It wasn’t until I was in my teens (and had eaten lots of pudding) that I finally heard the phrase fully, and correctly, spoken.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Wow! Revelation! When I heard that phrase uttered, it all came clear to me. The implication is crystal clear. Outward appearances can be deceiving. To judge the matter it must be fully examined. The pudding may look beautiful, but until it is tasted, one cannot truly judge its quality. Unlike the bastardized phrase, the full sentence has a subtlety of meaning. It is not dependent upon context to make the statement clear. It stands on its own and communicates a clear, deep meaning.
Ever since P&G declared “The Consumer is Boss” a few years ago, industry pundits have dedicated a great number of keynotes addresses and op ed pieces discussing how Consumers Really “own” brands.
Industry thought leaders wax philosophical about how companies should stop talking to consumers altogether and only listen. That companies should let go of their brands and stop trying to own or manage them.
I have a slightly different take on the situation. I believe that the reality lies somewhere in-between one of complete ownership by company and complete ownership by consumer. I believe the paradigm that is most applicable is one of parenthood. I know… It sounds crazy… But hang with me a moment while I explain….
