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October 25, 2009

Begrudging Part II

Today's Seth Godin post "Begrudging" is right on target. As he wrote:
"What's the point of agreeing to anything begrudgingly? Does it get your partner to do his best work? Does it increase the chances that you'll get to win next time?"

This is a two-sided argument, since it applies equally to client and vendor. The fact he had to write such an article reflects a deepening divide between customers stretched for dollars, and vendors/suppliers stretched for profits. I see it more and more every day, as even our largest clients fight to get things done with shrinking budgets. They continue to ask for more but can't afford to pay more. That puts the pressure on suppliers who are fighting their own financial battles.

In the end, business is about creating win-win scenarios, and once negotiations are done, it is time to put differences aside and get a job done. The new economy is changing price points and value calculations in many industries. But, it isn't changing the basic tenets of business and good customer service. No matter how stressful the final deal may be, once you sign up, execution must be without reservation.

Posted by jcioban at 12:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 11, 2009

Jim The Disrupter

It is unlikely that anyone will consider my actions "bellweather" or my choices "trendsetting". However, this weekend, when I opted to buy a MacBook Pro instead of a traditional Windows-based system, I most definitely reflected the changing landscape of computing. As I load an eclectic blend  of applications that are both licensed and open-source, I mirror the broad trend away from costly, proprietary, perpetual licenses toward a more flexible, affordable alternative.

The implications of the trend are being seen every day, as more and more traditional software powers struggle to adapt their companies to changing revenue mixes. Microsoft. Adobe. IBM. Oracle. These and others have become increasingly reliant on either acquisitions or services to maintain profitability and/or growth in markets that are shifting fast.

When I posted my move to "the dark side" (i.e. buying a MacBook), I received a series of congratulatory e-mails and Facebook posts. [One thing hasn't changed...Apple users are a cult.]  In fairness, my reasons for the decision were driven by the reality that my business requires me to be adept in both platforms, so there was an ulterior motivation beyond the "love of all things Apple." But now that I am here, I am enjoying the move. I feel rebellious. Iconoclastic. Anti-establishment.  OK...maybe I just feel happy to have a computer again.

In setting up the new computer, I am seeing that there are a lot of interesting applications out there. New age development tools simplify the creation of new software and are speeding really interesting applications to market. That makes it very hard for mainstream companies to control markets like the once did. But it makes the landscape equally difficult for startups, since a good idea may not reach critical mass before it is superseded by the next innovation. Look at the market for Twitter applications to see that dynamic in action.

And so, the lesson of service remains important. Often, technology innovation alone is no longer enough to guarantee market success. Sometimes, it is important that someone is available to help in time of need. Or to consult when you can't figure things out. Dell and others have learned how bad service can kill good products.

So, my personal Mac adventure has begun (I've been using other people's Mac workstations at the office for years). Time will tell if I remain as giddy as I am today. But for at least these few short moments, I am "Jim The Disrupter"...breaking through business model barriers to forge a new path in business computing.

Posted by jcioban at 10:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack