Balancing Short-Term Wins and Long-Term Innovation Goals

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations face the dual challenge of achieving short-term wins while steadily progressing towards long-term innovation goals. The ability to balance these two objectives is crucial for sustainable success. In this article, we will explore strategies for maintaining this balance and examine two compelling case studies that highlight the importance of aligning short-term and long-term efforts.

Strategies for Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

To successfully balance short-term wins with long-term innovation goals, organizations should consider the following strategies:

Set Clear Objectives: Outline specific, measurable objectives that align with both short-term and long-term goals.
Foster an Innovative Culture: Cultivate a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and the sharing of ideas.
Ensure Agility: Implement agile methodologies to quickly adapt to changes and seize opportunities.
Allocate Resources Wisely: Allocate resources, including time, budget, and talent, strategically to support both immediate and future initiatives.
Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor progress and be prepared to adjust plans as necessary to maintain alignment with overall goals.

Case Study 1: Adobe – Embracing Continuous Innovation

Background

Adobe, a multinational software company known for its creative tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator, faced a critical decision in the early 2010s. The company needed to transition from traditional software licensing to a cloud-based subscription model to ensure long-term growth and innovation.

Short-Term Wins

To gain buy-in and demonstrate immediate value, Adobe introduced Adobe Creative Cloud, allowing users to subscribe to their software on a monthly basis. This move provided immediate financial gains by creating a steady, recurring revenue stream, and giving customers more flexibility.

Long-Term Innovation

While the transition to a subscription model was a significant short-term win, Adobe also invested heavily in long-term innovation. They focused on integrating AI and machine learning across their platforms, as well as expanding their ecosystem with new tools and services. The shift to Creative Cloud allowed Adobe to continuously update their software, ensuring that customers had access to the latest innovations without the need for new purchases.

Impact

The balance of short-term wins with a focus on long-term goals enabled Adobe to thrive in a rapidly changing market. Today, Adobe Creative Cloud is a cornerstone of the company’s success, providing substantial value to customers while ensuring sustained innovation.

Case Study 2: Amazon – Innovating for the Future

Background

Amazon, the global e-commerce and technology giant, has consistently balanced short-term operational efficiency with long-term innovation. One notable example of this balance is their approach to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Short-Term Wins

Initially, Amazon focused on optimizing its retail operations to achieve short-term wins. They streamlined logistics, optimized the supply chain, and enhanced customer experience. These efforts generated immediate gains and established Amazon as a leader in the retail space.

Long-Term Innovation

Simultaneously, Amazon recognized the potential of cloud computing and invested heavily in the development of AWS. This long-term vision required substantial investment but promised a revolutionary shift in how businesses manage their IT infrastructure. AWS allowed Amazon to introduce new services and products, such as data analytics and machine learning, which have had a transformative impact across industries.

Impact

The strategy of balancing short-term improvements with visionary, long-term projects has paid off profoundly for Amazon. AWS is now a significant revenue generator and a critical driver of the company’s future growth and innovation. Amazon’s ability to balance the two has made it one of the most valuable and innovative companies in the world.

SPECIAL BONUS: The very best change planners use a visual, collaborative approach to create their deliverables. A methodology and tools like those in Change Planning Toolkit™ can empower anyone to become great change planners themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Competing in a New Era of Innovation

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Competing in a New Era of Innovation

GUEST POST from Greg Satell

In 1998, the dotcom craze was going at full steam and it seemed like the entire world was turning upside down. So people took notice when economist Paul Krugman wrote that “by 2005 or so, it will become clear that the internet’s impact on the economy has been no greater than the fax machine’s.”

He was obviously quite a bit off base, but these types of mistakes are incredibly common. As the futurist Roy Amara famously put it, “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.” The truth is that it usually takes about 30 years for a technology to go from an initial discovery to a measurable impact.

Today, as we near the end of the digital age and enter a new era of innovation, Amara’s point is incredibly important to keep in mind. New technologies, such as quantum computing, blockchain and gene editing will be overhyped, but really will change the world, eventually. So we need to do more than adapt, we need to prepare for a future we can’t see yet.

Identify A “Hair-On-Fire” Use Case

Today we remember the steam engine for powering factories and railroads. In the process, it made the first industrial revolution possible. Yet that’s not how it started out. Its initial purpose was to pump water out of coal mines. At the time, it would have been tough to get people to imagine a factory that didn’t exist yet, but pretty easy for owners to see that their mine was flooded.

The truth is that innovation is never really about ideas, it’s about solving problems. So when a technology is still nascent, doesn’t gain traction in a large, established market, which by definition is already fairly well served, but in a hair-on-fire use case — a problem that somebody needs solved so badly that they almost literally have their hair on fire.

Early versions of the steam engine, such as Thomas Newcomen’s version, didn’t work well and were ill-suited to running factories or driving locomotives. Still, flooded mines were a major problem, so many were more tolerant of glitches and flaws. Later, after James Watt perfected the steam engine, it became more akin to technology that remember now.

We can see the same principle at work today. Blockchain has not had much impact as an alternative currency, but has gained traction optimizing supply chains. Virtual reality has not really caught on in the entertainment industry, but is making headway in corporate training. That’s probably not where those technologies will end up, but it’s how they make money now.

So in the early stages of a technology, don’t try to imagine how a perfected version fit in, find a problem that somebody needs solved so badly right now that they are willing to put up with some inconvenience.

The truth is that the “next big thing” never turns out like people think it will. Putting a man on the moon, for example, didn’t lead to flying cars like in the Jetsons, but instead to satellites that bring events to us from across the world, help us navigate to the corner store and call our loved ones from a business trip.

Build A Learning Curve

Things that change the world always start out arrive out of context, for the simple reason that the world hasn’t changed yet. So when a new technology first appears, we don’t really know how to use it. It takes time to learn how to leverage its advantages to create an impact.

Consider electricity, which as the economist Paul David explained in a classic paper, was first used in factories to cut down on construction costs (steam engines were heavy and needed extra bracing). What wasn’t immediately obvious was that electricity allowed factories to be designed to optimize workflow, rather than having to be arranged around the power source.

We can see the same forces at work today. Consider Amazon’s recent move to offer quantum computing to its customers through the cloud, even though the technology is so primitive that it has no practical application. Nevertheless, it is potentially so powerful—and so different from digital computing—that firms are willing to pay for the privilege of experimenting with it.

The truth is that it’s better to prepare than it is to adapt. When you are adapting you are, by definition, already behind. That’s why it’s important to build a learning curve early, before a technology has begun to impact your business.

Beware Of Switching Costs

When we look back today, it seems incredible that it took decades for factories to switch from steam to electricity. Besides the extra construction costs to build extra bracing, steam engines were dirty and inflexible. Every machine in the factory needed to be tied to one engine, so if one broke down or needed maintenance, the whole factory had to be shut down.

However, when you look at the investment from the perspective of a factory owner, things aren’t so clear cut. While electricity was relatively more attractive when building a new factory, junking an existing facility to make way for a new technology didn’t make as much sense. So most factory owners kept what they had.

These types of switching costs still exist today. Consider neuromorphic chips, which are based on the architecture of the human brain and therefore highly suited to artificial intelligence. They are also potentially millions of times more energy efficient than conventional chips. However, existing AI chips also perform very well, can be manufactured in conventional fabs and run conventional AI algorithms, so neuromorphic chips haven’t caught on yet.

All too often, when a new technology emerges we only look at how its performance compares to what exists today and ignore the importance of switching costs—both real and imagined. That’s a big part of the reason we underestimate how long a technology takes to gain traction and underestimate how much impact it will have in the long run.

Find Your Place In The Ecosystem

We tend to see history through the lens of inventions: Watt and his steam engine. Edison and his light bulb. Ford and his assembly line. Yet building a better mousetrap is never enough to truly change the world. Besides the need to identify a use case, build a learning curve and overcome switching costs, every new technology needs an ecosystem to truly drive the future.

Ford’s automobiles needed roads and gas stations, which led to supermarkets, shopping malls and suburbs. Electricity needed secondary inventions, such as home appliances and radios, which created a market for skilled technicians. It is often in the ecosystem, rather than the initial invention, where most of the value is produced.

Today, we can see similar ecosystems beginning to form around emerging technologies. The journal Nature published an analysis which showed that over $450 million was invested in more than 50 quantum startups between 2012 and 2018, but only a handful are actually making quantum computers. The rest are helping to build out the ecosystem.

So for most of us, the opportunities in the post-digital era won’t be creating new technologies themselves, but in the ecosystems they create. That’s where we’ll see new markets emerge, new jobs created and new fortunes to be made.

— Article courtesy of the Digital Tonto blog
— Image credit: Pixabay

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Case Studies in Social Innovation

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Making a Difference

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Social innovation is a powerful force for positive change in our world. By leveraging creative solutions and cross-sector collaboration, we can address some of society’s most pressing challenges. In this article, we will explore two inspiring case studies that illustrate how innovative approaches can drive significant social impact.

Case Study 1: The Red Nose Day Campaign

The Red Nose Day campaign, launched by Comic Relief in the United Kingdom, stands as a shining example of how humor and charity can coexist to tackle serious issues like poverty and social injustice.

Background

Founded in 1985 by comedian Lenny Henry and screenwriter Richard Curtis, Comic Relief aimed to use comedy to raise funds for those in need. The Red Nose Day campaign, established in 1988, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, encouraging people to don red noses and participate in fundraising activities.

Innovative Approach

The campaign’s innovation lies in its ability to engage the public through humor, making charitable giving a fun and social activity. Red Nose Day integrates multimedia campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and community-led events, creating a multi-faceted approach to fundraising.

Impact

Over the years, Red Nose Day has raised over £1.4 billion, funding thousands of projects both in the UK and globally. These initiatives range from providing clean water and vaccinations to supporting education and mental health services.

Conclusion

The Red Nose Day campaign demonstrates that social innovation can harness the power of humor and community spirit to drive substantial positive change.

Case Study 2: The Grameen Bank and Microfinance

The Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, revolutionized the financial services sector by pioneering the concept of microfinance, providing small loans to the impoverished without requiring collateral.

Background

In 1976, Muhammad Yunus, an economics professor, began experimenting with providing small loans to the poor in Bangladesh to help them start or expand small businesses. This initiative aimed to break the cycle of poverty and enable financial independence.

Innovative Approach

The Grameen Bank’s model relies on the principles of trust and solidarity. Borrowers, organized into small groups, receive loans based on mutual accountability rather than traditional collateral. The approach also emphasizes financial education and support for borrowers.

Impact

Since its inception, the Grameen Bank has disbursed loans to millions of people, predominantly women, substantially improving their economic conditions. The microfinance movement inspired by Grameen Bank has spread globally, helping millions escape poverty.

Conclusion

The Grameen Bank case study illustrates how an innovative financial model can provide vital resources to marginalized communities, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.

Closing Thoughts

These case studies underscore the transformative potential of social innovation. By thinking creatively and acting collaboratively, we can develop solutions that not only address immediate needs but also promote sustainable change. As we continue to face global challenges, the lessons from these initiatives can inspire us to innovate and make a difference in our communities and beyond.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Myths About Physician Entrepreneurs

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Myths About Physician Entrepreneurs

GUEST POST from Arlen Meyers

Physician entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity by doctors and other health professionals under VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) conditions. The goal is to create user/patient/stakeholder defined value through the design, development, testing, deployment and harvesting of biomedical and clinical innovation using a VAST business model. Unfortunately, in my view, only about 1% of doctors and biomedical scientists have an entrepreneurial mindset and there are several misperceptions about those that do.

There are many myths about entrepreneurs. Here are some about physician entrepreneurs:

They are egotistical, self centered and greedy. Some might be , but most are generally interested in moving forward biomedical innovation to help patients and leverage their skills. Most physician entrepreneurs practice the belief that you can do well by doing good. They try to be compassionate capitalists , resolving the ethics of medicine with the ethics of business.

They are mostly 24-35 year old techies. In terms of medical education, people that age are just completing their residencies and just starting to practice independently. A few dabble in entrepreneurial ventures during undergraduate, medical school or residency, but most have their hands full with medical training and have little time, money or energy for anything else. In addition, many physicians start their entrepreneurial careers later in life as part of a portfolio career or an encore career after retirement from clinical practice. There are three main demographics.

Physician entrepreneurs have an inherent conflict of interest that makes them all suspect. All physicians, particularly those in private practice billing fee for service, have a conflict of interest and always have throughout the history of medicine. The world has become more complicated, further clouding the air. The idea is to declare, manage, mitigate or eliminate conflicts of interest, not ignore them.

Physician entrepreneurs have to quit the practice of medicine. In fact, there are many ways clinicians can practice entrepreneurship, adding value at a profit, by engaging in part time or transitional activities. The decision to engage in physician entrepreneurship should not be and either/or decision, but an “and” decision. There are many kinds of physician entrepreneurs and almost every doctor has the potential to create user defined value at some stage of their career. In fact, the ACGME should make practicing medicine using a viable business model a 7th competency.

Most physician entrepreneurs are millionaires. Like other entrepreneurs, most will fail if they create a new venture. In fact, most doctors make mid to high six figure salaries and the opportunity cost of pursuing an entrepreneurial venture is a barrier to participation.

Doctors think that the business of medicine is as important as the practice of medicine. In fact, most medical schools don’t teach it and very few medical students and postgraduate trainees learn it. Doctors learn it when they have to after graduation as a simple matter of survival

Entrepreneurship is about creating businesses. No it is not. Rather, it is about creating user defined value through the deployment of innovation and there are many ways to do that, including , but not limited to creating a business. For example, there are independent professional service providers (private practitioners), social entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs-employed physicians trying to act like entrepreneurs, physician investors and physician service providers. They all are trying to get ideas to patients or help someone who is. Doctors who say, “I didn’t go into medicine to be an entrepreneur” i.e. learn medical practice entrepreneurship, are misguided, partly due to the messaging of the academic and biomedical industrial complex that medicine is just about taking care of patients.

Innovation is the same as practice management. Practice management is like any other operations management function. It is done to maximize outputs/unit input. Innovation is done to create the future. For those in clinical practice, we should be emphasizing medical practice entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.

You need a certain personality to be a physician entrepreneur. Most research indicates almost anyone can be creative, imaginative or innovative with the right coaching. Innovation starts with a mindset. Unlike personality traits, a mindset is malleable.

Things are staying the same. Quite the contrary. There are many in diverse educational, training, coaching and organizational ecosystems that are doing extraordinary things despite big obstacles to change how we do biomedical and health innovation and entrepreneurship.

Physicians are better entrepreneurs than anyone else. I doubt it. While it is true that end users are market perceivers, very few are technopreneurs, business developers, story tellers, score keepers or money finders that are necessary skill positions on the startup team

Physician entrepreneurs play nice with others. No they don’t. Here’s why.

It’s a “good old boys” network. About half of medical students are women. Yes, it is still true that minorities are underrepresented. Here are the numbers about women in medicine. My experience is that women physicians are just as entrepreneurial as men. Immigrants are more entrepreneurial.

Doctors make lousy business people. Here are some reasons why doctors have the potential to make great businesspeople or entrepreneurs. No, doctors are not lousy business people. Don’t be fooled by the cynics.

Doctors who don’t see patients are not “real doctors” . In fact, in my experience, the vast numbers of physicians who stop seeing patients continue to do things that benefit patients. In many instances, with much bigger impact on much larger numbers of patients that they did when they were seeing 40 patients a day working for the Man.

Here are some other facts about entrepreneurs that might surprise you.

Our sickcare system of systems is sick and the prescribed treatment needs to be multimodality therapy. One treatment is biomedical, digital health, care delivery and process innovation. Physician entrepreneurs will play an increasingly important role in making sure that the patient takes their medicine. Taking care of business is an essential part of taking care of patients. If doctors don’t care of business, they have no business practicing medicine.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Lean Startup Methodology

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Building a Business with Minimal Waste

Lean Startup Methodology - Building a Business with Minimal Waste

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s competitive business landscape, achieving success requires more than just a great idea.
Entrepreneurs need a systematic approach to quickly identify what works and what doesn’t, all while minimizing waste.
Enter the Lean Startup Methodology – a revolutionary approach that involves building a business by experimenting, iterating, and validating with minimal resources.

Understanding Lean Startup Methodology

The Lean Startup Methodology, coined by Eric Ries in his seminal book “The Lean Startup,” is based on the principles of lean manufacturing.
It emphasizes the importance of creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validated learning, rapid iteration, and pivoting based on customer feedback.
This approach allows startups to validate their business ideas quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of investing time and money into unproven concepts.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Dropbox

One of the most well-known examples of the Lean Startup Methodology in action is Dropbox. Before investing heavily in product development, Dropbox’s founders aimed to validate their idea: a simple-to-use file-sharing service.
Instead of building a fully-featured product, they started with a short video demonstrating the core functionality of Dropbox. This MVP helped them gauge interest and gather valuable feedback from potential users.

The video went viral on various tech forums and social media platforms, quickly securing thousands of sign-ups for the beta version of Dropbox. By using this minimally viable form of validation, Dropbox managed to refine its product with minimal waste and significant user input.
Today, Dropbox is a multi-billion dollar company, and it all started with a simple MVP and a clear focus on validated learning.

Case Study 2: Zappos

Zappos, now one of the largest online shoe and clothing retailers, also adopted a Lean Startup approach in its early days. Rather than investing in a large inventory upfront, founder Nick Swinmurn started with a simple website that displayed photos of shoes.
Whenever a customer placed an order, Swinmurn would personally go to local shoe stores to buy the shoes and ship them directly to the customer.

This MVP allowed Zappos to validate the demand for online shoe shopping without the risk and expense of holding inventory. It also provided valuable insights into customer preferences and buying behavior, allowing Zappos to fine-tune their business model.
The information and insights gained during this MVP phase were critical in building the foundation for Zappos’ subsequent growth and success.

Conclusion

The Lean Startup Methodology offers a powerful framework for building a business with minimal waste. By focusing on validated learning, creating MVPs, and iterating based on customer feedback, entrepreneurs can quickly determine the viability of their ideas and pivot as needed.
The examples of Dropbox and Zappos illustrate how this approach can lead to tremendous success when executed correctly.

As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that the key to success is not just having a great idea, but also having the ability to learn, adapt, and evolve with minimal waste. The Lean Startup Methodology provides the tools and mindset needed to achieve this goal.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Influence of Priming on Consumer Behavior and Innovation Opportunities

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The Influence of Priming on Consumer Behavior and Innovation Opportunities

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of priming, where subtle cues wield significant influence over consumer behavior. In this thought leadership article, we’ll explore how priming shapes our choices, impacts innovation, and opens doors to strategic opportunities.

Priming refers to the activation of mental constructs or associations through exposure to stimuli, often without conscious awareness. These cues can be visual, auditory, or even linguistic. As marketers, understanding priming is akin to wielding a powerful tool—one that can either reinforce existing behaviors or provoke unexpected responses.

Brands as Primes: A Curious Case

Case Study 1: Walmart vs. Slogan

In a series of experiments, researchers discovered a curious phenomenon: brands cause priming effects, while slogans produce reverse priming effects. (1) Let’s unpack this:

Brands: When participants were exposed to the retailer brand name “Walmart,” associated with saving money, their subsequent spending decreased. The brand itself primed thriftiness.
Slogans: However, exposure to the Walmart slogan, “Save money. Live better,” had the opposite effect—it increased spending. Slogans, perceived as persuasion tactics, triggered a reverse priming effect.

Implication: Brands subtly nudge behavior, while slogans act as persuasive cues. Marketers can strategically leverage both for desired outcomes.

Color Priming: The Emotional Palette

Case Study 2: Coca-Cola’s Red

Subconscious cues, such as colors, evoke emotions and influence behavior. Consider Coca-Cola’s iconic red hue. Representing passion and excitement, it primes consumers for immediate satisfaction. When combined with the message “Open the happy can,” the desire intensifies. (2)(3)

Takeaway: Brands can orchestrate emotional experiences through color priming, fostering deeper connections with consumers.

Reverse Priming: A Hidden Opportunity

Case Study 3: Correcting Bias

Sometimes, priming works in reverse. Consumers automatically correct for perceived bias. For instance, if a tactic implies spending money, they become thriftier. Conversely, when seeking value, they indulge more. (1)

Strategic Insight: Brands can intentionally trigger reverse priming to disrupt habitual behaviors and encourage innovation. Imagine a luxury brand subtly hinting at affordability—opening doors to new market segments.

Ethical Considerations

Priming isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. Marketers must tread ethically. Here are some questions to ponder:

Subliminal Influence: How can we use priming without compromising consumer autonomy?
Innovation: Can priming spark creative thinking and novel solutions?

Conclusion

Priming is both art and science. As marketers, we wield brushes of perception, coloring consumer choices and shaping innovation. Let’s embrace this hidden force, ethically, and unlock new possibilities.

Remember: The canvas awaits. Paint wisely.

References:

Laran, J., Dalton, A. N., & Andrade, E. B. (2011). Curious Case of Behavioral Backlash: Why Brands Produce Priming Effects and Slogans Produce Reverse Priming Effects. Journal of Consumer Research, 37(6), 999–1014
Digital Alchemy. (2018). How Priming Influences Consumer Behaviour
CustomerThink. (2018). How Priming Influences Consumer Behaviour
Entrepreneur. (2022). 3 Consumer Behavior Experiments to Inspire Your Startup’s Growth
MotiveMetrics. What is Priming? A Psychological Look at Priming & Consumer Behavior

Image credit: Pixabay

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Role of Technology in Facilitating Remote Work Effectively

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Role of Technology in Facilitating Remote Work Effectively

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations around the world to quickly adapt to remote work in order to ensure the safety of their employees. Technology has played a crucial role in this transition, enabling teams to collaborate and communicate effectively despite physical distance. In this article, we will explore the key ways in which technology has facilitated remote work and highlight two case studies of organizations that have successfully implemented remote work strategies.

One of the most important aspects of remote work is the ability for employees to stay connected with their colleagues and managers. Communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have become essential for enabling virtual meetings, instant messaging, and video conferencing. These platforms have allowed teams to maintain a sense of community and collaboration, even when working from different locations.

Another critical component of remote work is the ability for teams to collaborate on projects and share information in real-time. Cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft SharePoint, and Trello have made it easy for employees to work together on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from anywhere in the world. These tools ensure that team members can access the latest information and updates, leading to more efficient and effective work processes.

Case Study 1: Shopify

One organization that has successfully embraced remote work is Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform. In response to the pandemic, Shopify quickly transitioned its entire workforce to remote work, leveraging technology to ensure seamless communication and collaboration. The company used tools such as Slack and Google Workspace to keep employees connected and engaged, while also implementing daily virtual stand-up meetings to promote team collaboration. As a result of these efforts, Shopify was able to maintain high levels of productivity and employee satisfaction during the transition to remote work.

Case Study 2: Twitter

Another organization that has embraced remote work is Twitter, a global social media company. Prior to the pandemic, Twitter had already implemented a flexible work policy that allowed employees to work remotely part-time. When the pandemic hit, the company quickly expanded its remote work options and provided employees with the necessary technology and resources to work effectively from home. Twitter also implemented regular virtual town hall meetings and a virtual social events calendar to ensure that employees remained connected and engaged. As a result, Twitter saw a significant increase in employee satisfaction and productivity levels.

Conclusion

Technology has played a crucial role in facilitating remote work effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging communication tools, collaboration platforms, and virtual meeting solutions, organizations can ensure that their employees remain connected and productive while working remotely. The case studies of Shopify and Twitter demonstrate how organizations can successfully implement remote work strategies with the right technology and support in place. As we continue to navigate the challenges of remote work, it is clear that technology will be a key enabler for organizations looking to maintain productivity and employee engagement in a virtual work environment.

Image credit: Pixabay

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We Have the U.S. Military to Thank for the Internet and Other Key Technology

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Why We Thank the US Military for the Internet

GUEST POST from Howard Tiersky

From the computers that are used to develop your app to the AI that’s incorporated into your chatbot, many of the technologies that are foundational to our digital world were either massively moved forward or funded by the military. Let’s go over some of those technologies.

Microchips

The microchips that we know today are composed of millions of transistors which were first developed by Bell Labs in 1949. Through military funding, microchips were further improved and incorporated in airplanes and missiles for complex communication and guidance systems.

Today, microchips are one of the basic building blocks of modern electronics, from calculators and cameras to hearing aids, pacemakers, and spacecraft guidance systems, they’re found almost everywhere electronics exist.

Computers

Did you know that the very first computer was funded by the US Military? The ENIAC, built between 1943 and 1945, was the first large-scale computer to run at electronic speed without being slowed by any mechanical parts. It enabled the military to calculate complex wartime ballistic tables, decryption, etc.

Apart from our phones and laptops, computers can be found in our cars, washing machines, manufacturing companies, 3D printers, power plants, banks, and more.

Cellular Technology

The original versions of cellular phone technology were heavily backed by the military for point-to-point soldier communication on the battlefield since they were more beneficial and secure than conventional radio technology.

Today, 80% of the US population owns a smartphone, and our ability to text, call, and video chat with others is a direct result of improved cellular technology.

The Internet

What we know as the internet today started out as the ARPANET. Backed by the US Military, it was initially used for military and academic communication for joint development projects and as a means of communication in the event of a nuclear attack.

As of 2020, 4.66 billion people around the world are internet users. This interconnectivity gave rise to our digital world and serves as the backbone behind almost all digital transformation initiatives today.

GPS

Originally developed for the military to help them navigate terrain and develop weapon targeting systems, the first 20 satellites launched for GPS were funded and driven by the military.

Without GPS technology, we wouldn’t have Google Maps, Waze, or Uber. Depending on your business, there are many ways you can incorporate GPS technology to streamline processes and collect data.

Digital Cameras

The digital sensors used by cameras were developed by the military because of their need to capture and send images wirelessly from satellites in space for terrain mapping and espionage operations.

DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, product advertisements, and face recognition technology all came as a direct result of these digital sensors.

Drones

While there are a lot of non-military applications for drones today, the development of drones was initially funded by the US military to avoid any risk to pilots, fly undetected, and provide real-time footage of an area.

A common use for drones is to help farmers scatter seeds, deliver goods to customers, and collect photos or videos of different places, but there are plenty of other ways we can incorporate them into media, architecture, construction, and emergency response.

Artificial Intelligence

The defense sector is projected to spend about $2 billion in Artificial Intelligence this year. The ability to play out simulations, analyze and understand satellite communications, and improve disaster preparedness are just a few of the many ways AI can be utilized by the military.

Commercially, we see AI in digital assistants like Siri, Bixby, and Google Assistant; chatbots on websites and messaging apps; disease mapping; automated financial investing; virtual booking; and social media monitoring.

So the next time you use your smartphone, Alexa, computer, or GPS, remember to say thank you to a soldier!

In my Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance, I walk you through a simple five-step process to successful digital transformation. This methodology is proven and has worked for many companies that I’ve helped in the past. You can access the first chapter for free here or purchase the hard copy here.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

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The Impact of Collaboration on Sustainable Innovation Initiatives

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The Impact of Collaboration on Sustainable Innovation Initiatives

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for sustainable innovation has become more pressing than ever before. Companies across all industries are realizing the importance of developing new and innovative solutions to address current and future challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. And while individual efforts can certainly yield results, it is becoming increasingly clear that collaboration is key to driving truly impactful and sustainable innovation initiatives.

Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, enabling companies to tackle complex problems more effectively and efficiently. By working together with other organizations, companies can leverage each other’s strengths and experiences, share knowledge and best practices, and collectively drive innovation that is not only socially and environmentally responsible, but also economically sustainable.

Case Study 1: Adidas and Parley for the Oceans

One powerful example of the impact of collaboration on sustainable innovation initiatives can be seen in the partnership between Adidas and Parley for the Oceans. The two organizations joined forces in 2015 to create a line of sneakers made from recycled ocean plastic. Through this collaboration, Adidas was able to leverage Parley’s expertise in sustainability and ocean conservation, while Parley gained access to Adidas’s global reach and manufacturing capabilities. The result? The successful launch of the Adidas x Parley line, which not only raised awareness about the issue of marine plastic pollution, but also demonstrated the potential for sustainable fashion to make a positive impact on the environment.

Case Study 2: Unilever and Solidaridad

Another compelling case study of collaboration driving sustainable innovation is the partnership between Unilever and Solidaridad. Unilever, a global consumer goods company, teamed up with Solidaridad, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable agriculture, to implement the Sustainable Soy Sourcing Guidelines. These guidelines set out a framework for responsible sourcing of soy, a key ingredient in Unilever’s products, and aimed to improve supply chain transparency and promote sustainable farming practices among soy producers. By working together, Unilever and Solidaridad were able to drive positive change across their supply chains, enhancing the environmental and social sustainability of their products while also fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

In both of these examples, collaboration played a vital role in driving sustainable innovation by bringing together diverse stakeholders, fostering creative thinking, and enabling the co-creation of solutions that would not have been possible through individual efforts alone. As companies continue to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in their business strategies, the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change will only continue to grow. By working together towards a common goal, companies can amplify their impact, accelerate their progress, and create a more sustainable future for all.

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Free Customer Experience Maturity Assessment

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Free Customer Experience Maturity Assessment

HCL Digital & Analytics Customer Experience (CX) Strategy practice lead Danyel LaGow recently published a new white paper titled:

5 Practical Strategies to Boost Your CX Success

“Driving a seamless customer experience alongside fundamental business decision-making is indispensable for business profitability. In this constantly evolving customer expectation landscape, how you cultivate your relationships will speak for your brand.

Danyel LaGow The tectonic shift in how consumers engage with brands demand attention to new ways to enthuse customers with the intent to deliver next gen customer experience. Having an end-to-end customer journey roadmap in place is the first and foremost step towards creating a serious customer experience strategy. A customer journey map not only showcases the end-to-end customer interactions but also enable the visibility of every touch point. This further reveals internal bottlenecks and customer pain points – primary identifications to work on a customer experience management program.

It is important to assess your current CX to realize where your company stands in CX maturity, before you outline your strategy. This paper will help you dig deep and understand the five key components of successful CX, which are paramount to promoting customer success across organizations.”

Download the whitepaper to know more

Included with the white paper is a free Customer Experience (CX) Maturity Assessment.

“While many organizations have an idea about their customer experience (CX) maturity, a thoughtful assessment gives you a frame of reference to help develop a strategic roadmap. Regular assessments, as part of your annual activities, help measure the progress of your CX efforts.

This assessment is divided into six key CX components that are critical in fostering customer success in customer-centric organizations. There are three questions for each CX component, amounting to a total of 18 questions.”

The survey should not take you more than five minutes to complete.

Take the FREE CX Maturity Assessment

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