Microsoft doesn't get it

You've seen these PC "laptop hunter" commercials. The one above features "Lauren" a savvy shopper looking for a new laptop with speed, a comfortable keyboard, a 17" screen and a price tag under $1000 dollars. Now let's focus on what the real issue for "Lauren" is (and it has nothing to do with a comfortable keyboard, or not "being cool enough for a Mac", or sufficient hardrive space): its getting an inexpensive computer. This is the bottom line. When she "enters" the Apple Store and comes out, she only mentions that she can't find a computer in her price range. Then at the end of the commercial the price is once again the focus, as what's highlighted is her new (inexpensive) purchase at just $699.99.

In the creative economy of the 21st century the question I propose is this: Do you really want the competitive advantage that your company brings to the table to be that your product/service is cheaper than the competition? Now the argument that can be made is that in these tough (recession) times cheaper is better. Well two things. 1. This recession will not last forever 2. In these tough times Apple continuously posts strong revenue numbers, sales and profits.

What Microsoft and other companies don't get is that the companies that will capture new market space, increase revenues, and create fans that will rave about their brand will be those who are doing something different, truly distinctive and are adding value to their customer's lives. Bottom line: are you creating a unique and impacting customer experience that only your product/service can provide? This is the real value proposition in today's market. If you're also pricing it competitively, then you're in that much of a better position as well. But to battle the competition on "cheap prices" as your weapon of choice. . . this is a grave strategic error.

A great example of a brand that isn't competing on "cheap prices" but on offering something (once again) unique and truly distinctive - Trent Reznor and NIN. His instrumental album Ghosts I-IV, released on March 2nd of 2008 in a multitude of different formats at nin.com, immediately sold out of its run of 2,500 “Ultra-Deluxe Limited Edition” versions (complete with vinyl, deluxe packaging and a Reznor autograph), each with a $300 price tag (that's not cheap). Folks, the sum total of all the money he made in first week sales after self releasing Ghosts I-IV: $1,619,420 dollars.

Ladies and gentlemen its not about cheap prices (the internet has forever changed the rules on that). It's about offering value.  Its about offering difference.  Its about offering something that enhances the quality of people's lives.   

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The Bubble Project

Design Battle!

Within the world of hip hop one of the most prominent ideas has been 'the battle'. The battle between MCs. The battle between Djs. The battle between B-boys (breakdancers). It was all about who had the dopest rhymes, who moved the crowd the hardest, or who had the sickest moves.

From this early idea of being the 'illest', movies have been made, careers have been launched and entrepreneurial ventures have been birthed - from record labels to production companies, to clothing lines. Hip hop has routinely added new dimensions to the creative and entrepreneurial world.

So if you take the iconic idea of the battle within hip hop culture, and converge that with the world of design, what do you get?

Cut&Paste.

Cut&Paste states that their mission is to provide channels of visibility and inspiration for designers, both aspiring and established, to reach their existing audience as well as potential fans. Their targeted goals are to promote the designer’s ability to achieve exposure as an individual; to expand the designer’s range of possibility in attracting professional opportunities; to form and encourage positive interaction within the design community; and to broaden the mainstream perception of design and further its appreciation by sharing and demystifying the creative process. Nice.

So my question would be what type of new ideas and ventures will spin off from this new hybrid concept?

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Until then let's enjoy some Cut&Paste. . .

The Entrepreneur Movement!

On June 24th of 2007 I posted our 4th blog entry entitled, Still thinking outside the box? You may want to think again, where we made the bold assertion that this cliché phrase is dead. At one point in time it was the golden rule, but in the 21st century you need a little more. You need platinum status. And that comes with thinking at the intersection.

I then went on to mention gotvmail, as an innovative company delving into the intersection of people, places, and ideas to create the products, services and experiences of tomorrow.

Two years later, my gut instincts were right about these guys. As a testament to the folks at gotvmail (now grasshopper.com) being leading edge thinkers,  the video below clearly indicates that they aren't just starting a new company.  They aren't just launching a new voicemail system (which is boring). They are interested in starting a movement (which is exciting!) - and who isn't interested in that?!

Ladies and Gentlemen I welcome you to. . .

Hugh MacLeod one of my all time favorite bloggers hits another grand slam with the piece below.  You can find the original here:  My friends, pull a seat up to the table. Its time to feast.

Welcome to The Hunger.

The Hunger to do something creative.

The Hunger to do something amazing.

The Hunger to change the world.

The Hunger to make a difference.

The Hunger to enjoy one's work.

The Hunger to be able to look back and say, Yeah, cool, I did that.

The Hunger to make the most of this utterly brief blip of time Creation has given us.

The Hunger to dream the good dreams.

The Hunger to have amazing people in our lives.

The Hunger to have the synapses continually fired up on overdrive.

The Hunger to experience beauty.

The Hunger to tell the truth.

The Hunger to be part of something bigger than yourself.

The Hunger to have good stories to tell.

The Hunger to stay the course, despite the odds.

The Hunger to feel passion.

The Hunger to know and express Love.

The Hunger to know and express Joy.

The Hunger to channel The Divine.

The Hunger to actually feel alive.

The Hunger will give you everything. And it will take from you, everything. It will cost you your life, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it.

Welcome to The Hunger. Its day has arrived. It will never go away. You have been told.