originally: http://www.oclc.org/programs/publications/newsletters/abovethefold/2009-01-22.htm
In this issue:
Trendwatching.com • January 2009
Something for everyone. Here's a thought-provoking list of trends in publishing that could spell changes for the way publishers market their wares and the way we serve our patrons, from print-on-demand for out-of-print books to selling books by the chapter to personalized travel guides.
It's worth scanning this list. I was unfamiliar with eight out of the ten. (Michalko)
Fast Company • January 5, 2009
Embracing the Free Lunch model. The record industry did it and survived—the book publishing industry will be next. Rather than quake in fear of the Kindle, publishers should be rethinking their business model and accept the $10 price tag as a new reality. The good news is, technology innovations like Google's book search offer a major opportunity for extremely targeted advertising, and instituting a referral program like Amazon's music affiliate plan could expand publishers' outreach without a pricy marketing campaign.
Google Book Search and the Kindle as the salvation for publishing? What do you think? (Michalko)
Ivey Business Journal • November/December 2008
Your business as platform. Management thinker C.K. Prahalad says consumers today are an active part of creating their own experiences—something he calls co-creation, which is "two joint problem-solvers collectively creating value, rather than the company creating the value and exchanging it with consumers." So, if your business is really a platform that consumers will use to create value, the question is: "How do you create robust platforms that allow for infinite variations in the level of engagement that consumers want at different points in time?"
This is worth scanning. His comments about customer acquisition seem relevant to rebuilding our client and service base. (Michalko)
Eyecube • January 5, 2009
It's not all about you. Too much of blogging has turned into bragging, says Eyecube founder Rick Liebling, who notes that "Today, thinking of yourself as a brand is like swimming in an ocean full of sharks all fighting over the same seal." He urges those stuck in the Cult of the Personal Brand to direct their energies toward creating something useful—a real brand that addresses a real need.
This is worth a read for the embedded re-read of Tom Peters' article in Fast Company, "A Brand Called You," with a twelve-year perspective. (Michalko)
InnovationTools • December 9, 2008
Asking the right questions takes practice. Too many people are afraid asking questions will make them look uninformed, but intelligent questioning is an art form. And for organizations, it can be essential for good decision-making.
It's good to be reminded about asking questions. I had a boss who taught me that if you could answer three "why" questions in a row you'd have made a defensible decision. (He was right about that—mostly.) (Michalko)