the Web Chef's e-Bytes

2008 trends continued

In the latest issue of McKinsey Quarterly, there was an article "Eight Business Technology Trends to Watch in 2008".  The trends that they reference in the article are the following:

1. distributing co-creation
2. using consumers as innovators
3. tapping into a world of talent
4. extracting value from interactions
5. expanding the frontiers of automation
6. unbundling production from delivery
7. putting more science into management
8. making businesses from information

For each of the trends they elaborate on what they mean and include concrete examples.  They also include references to 3 or 4 other sources that support each of the trends being reviewed.

For some trends that I feel will be part of the landscape in 2008, see my article "Five Fearless Technology Forecasts for 2008" in Wisconsin Technology Network.

New Column in Wisconsin Technology Network - 5 Fearless Technology forecasts for 2008

I've written a new column in the ongoing series of Buzz Network columns for Wisconsin Technology Network.  The new column "5 fearless technology forecasts for 2008" looks at 5 key trends or forecasts that will be impacting e-business and marketing in 2008. 

1. Niches
2. Multi-channel content delivery
3. High design and hybrid technology enhancements
4. Web 2.0 implementation
5. Changing consumer behavior

Paul Gibler
the Web Chef
ConnectingDots

New Article in Corporate Report Wisconsion

Corporate Report Wisconsin (CRW) has published a new article that I wrote for their March issue titled "Social media on Web ready to make, shake or break your business".  The article provides insights on the impact of Web 2.0 on business today. 

Unfortunately CRW doesn't offer all of their articles online, so I can't provide a link to it for your review.  You'll find similar but expanded insights, perspectives and links to examples in the ten columns I've written in a series called Buzz Networks for Wisconsin Technology Network. 

New Column in Wisconsin Technology Network - Virtual communities make online connections

Wisconsin Technology Network has published the next in a series of articles that I've written on some of the latest trends in e-business and marketing related to Web 2.0.  The article "Virtual Communities make online connections" reviews the state of social networks and what business people should do to stay on top of the evolving trend. 

You can see all of the articles I've written in the Buzz Networks series at Wisconsin Technology Network. 

Give me a call (608) 255 4092 or e-mail me, if your organization or company would like to hear a presentation or receive training on blogs, vlogs, podcasts or any of the other Web 2.0 trends impacting businesses today.

Future Trends - Gloomy or Shiny?

As a daily devotee of the New York Times, I love to read the editorial page.  I find that it gives me insights and inspiration for my daily living, consulting practice and speaking engagements.

Today's editorial by Thomas L. Friedman "Facts and Folly" generated great anxiety and insights about America's future.  I found it especially useful given my prep work for an educational session I'll be presenting on "Future Trends" for the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin Leadership Symposium.  The editorial reveals data from the Economic Strategy Institute study "America's Technology Future at Risk",  that should generate much discussion, concern and action on the behalf of business, government and individuals.  Data referenced in the report about our current status in technology that was alarming included the following:

• # 16 in broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, trailing Canada, Taiwan, Korea, Japan to name but a few
• # 42 in cell phone penetration per 100 inhabitants, trailing the UK, Luxemug, Japan, Italy, Taiwan to name but a few
• Only 2.7% of of GDP is being spent on R&D, trailing Korea, Singapore and China.

I suggest that you take a look at this report and also the other one referenced by Friedman that was published by The Teaching Commission titled "Teaching at Risk: A Call to Action".  It also is a harbinger of more difficult times ahead unless we take action to improve our pool of teachers and how we develop, motivate and compensate them.