Archive for November, 2008
Video: Changing Landscape of Media
This video from FORA.TV is a genuine debate on the changing landscape of media from some pretty heavy hitters. The BtoB angle here is that this is beginning to impact the way that we communicate as well. While focusing on content as entertainment might be where we are now, isn’t it possible for BtoB users to begin sharing views and reviews more easily online? Right now, BtoB really tries to control how its user experiences. We tend to keep this a closed loop between sales and customer. After all, you don’t want someone ranting about a new machine because of some installation problems, right? Well, that ship may have already left the harbor. Users are already free to create that forum themselves — it’s just that most don’t have the time or inclination to do it right now. Isn’t this an opportunity? (more…)
Add comment November 25, 2008
Where is everybody?
What is happening to the traditional office environment? Research from Microsoft Windows Mobile, in conjunction with The Future Laboratory, says that the “9-to-5”, “the commute” and the “daily grind” will soon be things of the past, if they aren’t already: 57% of workers now work flexible hours and from flexible locations. According to new findings, the skylines of major cities are set to change by 2033. There will be more Wi-Fi hotspots, more green spaces and fewer office blocks. Thanks to new mobile technology incorporated in phone handsets and laptops, it’s now possible to work miles away from the office and achieve the same level of productivity, if not higher.
With this in mind, you cannot help but wonder: what is the fate of the office environment? How will colleagues communicate with one another if they don’t have much, if any, physical contact time? Perhaps the answer to this lies in a model similar to social networking. Websites such as Facebook and MySpace have already revolutionised social interaction in people’s private lives, but as yet there is no major equivalent offering businesses a new form of intranet.
Facebook provides the ability to see, communicate with and touch (well, “poke”) those around you. With the office environment moving online more and more, intranets should be turning into personalised business versions of social networks. E-mail has already revolutionised unspoken communication in the office, but there needs to be more if you are no longer spending hours commuting to see your colleagues. It goes without saying that meetings will never disappear, but the traditional work-life balance is set to change.
A previous Trendspeak article highlights the importance of good management in facilitating successful internal communication. Due to flexible working hours and locations, managers will face an increasingly difficult job in tracing their employees’ productivity. The need for a more transparent and more comprehensive online intranet will only become ever greater.
More information on the research by Microsoft Windows Mobile can be found here: Link
Add comment November 18, 2008
Audio: More from Jen Sprance at PackExpo
ABI’s Jen Sprance reporting live from the floor at PackExpo 08 in Chicago. Jen talks about exhibitors focusing more and more on energy efficiency in their sustainability initiatives rather than solely on materials. This is backed up by Wal-Mart’s press conference which backed up that same view.
Add comment November 11, 2008
Audio: Casting Live from PackExpo 08
All this week, we’re featuring podcasts from PackExpo 08, one of the world’s largest packaging shows held in Chicago this year from November 9 – 13. You can listen to the first podcast, from Jennifer Sprance who talks about how the economic climate is impacting business at the show.
From ABI’s press release:
New York (November 10, 2008) – “How to drive business in tough economies” is the timely emphasis of a podcast series delivered by senior executives from ABI, the leading BtoB marketing public relations firm. The podcasts will feature insights and ideas on how to strategically discover business opportunities in challenging cycles. ABI will be podcasting from Pack Expo 2008, the largest packaging show in the Americas taking place now in Chicago (November 9-13).
“Companies up and down the packaging supply chain are looking for ways to differentiate themselves, their products, and their services in this recession,” says Alan B. Isacson, president, ABI. “Our podcasts will offer insights on how to out-distance competition, gain traction and build relationships with high level decision makers, strategically communicate business value and accelerate sales.”
Listen to an interview with Alan on the challenges of marketing in a down turn here:
For its nearly 30 years of exclusive focus on BtoB, ABI has developed tactics and strategies to help manufacturers overcome commodification, communicate benefits over features, and reach key specifiers. ABI will use this unique experience to create insightful podcasts from North America’s largest packaging show.
For more information about ABI, please visit www.abipr.com.
Add comment November 10, 2008
Packaging Laid Bare
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are known for their anti-packaging campaigning. Walk into any outlet and the lack of packaging means the strong scent of soaps engulfs you straight away. This is only one of the advantages (though some may argue a disadvantage) of less packaging, though at the end of August, the produce wasn’t the only bare thing in store.
In a handful of stores across the US, employees stripped off to emphasise the negative effect of packaging on the environment. “Ask Me Why I’m Naked” was printed on their aprons, though one wonders what their response would have been if you actually asked. I would imagine an answer along the lines of “packaging is bad for the environment, our products have minimal packaging – 66% of them come with no packaging at all – and so by buying them, you’re doing your bit for the planet”.
This is all well and good, but is this a long term possibility?
Sustainability is the latest buzzword, with ABI introducing their Sustainability Driver program earlier this week, but is a complete lack of packaging a way to promote sustainability and also be environmentally friendly? It is well known that packaging creates a unique selling point for many products, and perhaps it is more the case that Lush foregoes packaging to form a USP rather than to save the planet. Removing the “packaging” of their employees is not sustainable. Packaging, like clothing, is often a necessity – though I’ll leave out the reasons why.
Read the story here: Link
Add comment November 3, 2008
