Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Got nothing to wear... POST A COMMENT "It's like the back-to-school season never happened," says the NY Post. Talking how retailers -- (especially clothing companies) -- have called this year the worst in recent years. 'Just not the best time to be in the clothing business: 'On one end, you have working families forced to skip discretionary items like clothing... 'And those that can spend on big ticket items just aren't -- fearing they might appear like they're flaunting their excess wealth. Leaving everybody feeling like they have nothing to wear. You have a whole Lotta folks feeling stuck in middle -- trapped in a vicious cycle. In part, because of the rising inequality of the super-wealthy... They keep working and working only to feel like they are not getting anywhere. 'Which causes people to work more and more...'just to keep up in an economy increasingly dominated by status goods. Getting back little in return, scratching their heads -- still wondering why they have nothing to wear. Source: NY Post Labels: Business-101, Clothes, economy, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 10:48 PM Friday, August 29, 2008 Abercrummy: 'say no to Ugly? POST A COMMENT 'Might need to change that to name to Abercrumbles -- with slumping profits 'sounds like that pricey-preppy-chain might need it's own fashion makeover: "As allowances dwindle and parents fret over their jobs and home values, the 'fresh, clean, simple and optimistic' look of American Apparel's hipster gear is gaining appeal," says the NY Post. And it just might get uglier... Speaking of Ugly, 'found this article on the 'Hierarchy of hotness' rules at Abercrombie & Fitch. Which basically says, 'You're either Abercrombie hot – or you're not. Hmmm... Makes ya wonder if there are enough hot people to wear their clothes; And does this exclusion on the average Joe-buyer affects their bottom line? Opps, I guess it does. One girl 'was pulled from a sales position on the floor...and shoved back to the stockroom to fold clothes. In its defense the company says 'it is important to uphold the brand's image and maintain diversity in its stores.' -- "It's a hierarchy of hotness," says the Morning Dallas News. "There's no real problem to discriminate against 'ugly' people," said one Lawyer. "The problem is when you define beauty to incorporate white, which it essentially does at Abercrombie." Source: Dallas Morning News Labels: Business-101, capitalism, Clothes, College Students, Culture, economy, Fashion posted by Henry Cruz at 10:33 PM Monday, August 25, 2008 Soaring Gas prices bring us long-term cures! POST A COMMENT Look around, notice anything different? -- I sure do. 'People are changing how they go about their daily lives; the Highway Administration says: Americans drove 12 billion less miles in June '08 than last June -- the biggest monthly drop in eight months. An even bigger decline than what we saw in the oil-shock of the 1970s. 'Bus and train usage is up. More people are looking for ways to conserve energy. 'News today shows gas prices have temporally dropped 15 cents a gallon in the past two weeks; but, isn't the better news, at least from where I sit, that sense-of-crisis has forced people to change their behavior. 'Back in the 70's the country made promises to increase gas efficiency, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and find alternative forms of energy...'sound familiar? 'None of that happened. Today, we get-a-do-over: 'There's every reason to continue to chase alternatives. 'Right now, our oil-dependent economy is shaped by oil's arbitrarily determined price. It's become like a fake-currency. And we're slaves to that black gold standard -- (with most of those profits shipping off to foreign soil). Obviously, we can't over simplify all the issues. "The soaring cost of energy is causing plenty of pain for Americans, especially at a time when they're being hammered by declining house values and rising food prices. The pain isn't about to ease, either - 'We haven't yet seen the cost of heating,' warns Business Week. 'Expensive energy is a powerful medicine. It may hurt when taken, but it brings long-term cures for a host of ills. Focus on what High energy prices is bringing us: (1) Military-funded researchers have made jet fuel from plants. (2) Toyota and General Motors are testing plug-in hybrid cars that can run 40 miles on electricity alone. (3) Companies are building vast expanses of mirrors in the desert to make steam, and thus electricity, from the sun. (4) There are new systems to control power consumption by homes and businesses from afar and programs to insulate inner-city houses, providing energy savings—and jobs. (5) All this cuts pollution and slash carbon dioxide emissions, which cause global warming. They reduce the need for a military presence to ensure global commerce in oil. (6) And they slow the flood of dollars to the Middle East, Russia, and Venezuela, keeping more wealth in the U.S. instead of handing it over to often unfriendly suppliers. Source: Business Week Labels: Business-101, capitalism, cars, economy, Elections, emissions, Energy-101, environment, fuel economy, Go-green, green living, mudprint.com, Oil Prices, smaller carbon footprint, Solar Power, Tech posted by Henry Cruz at 3:17 AM Friday, August 22, 2008 The world keeps getting...Greener POST A COMMENT Some trends are just good all around. Like if everybody decided to end extreme poverty, what would be the down side? So, because I'm starting to tip-toe towards a lighter carbon footprint, I've decided to pass along a few tips that came accross my desk. Here are a few 411-links to get ya thumbs-greener: - Want to Be a Green Mommy? - There's Oil in that cartridge! - Jay Leno's smart car advice - Millions of Gallons of Bio Diesel from Algae? - Big Apple gets a windfarm? - Eco-Swapping: hand-me-down Parties? - Hydrogen Power...from Water? - Eco-Clubs powered by Sweat equity ** (Note, these are from my sister eco site, Muprint.com, but ya'll can add your own Green friendly links by leaving me a comment - no spam, just helpful info please). Labels: Business-101, Energy-101, fuel economy, green living, Media Trends, mudprint.com, Well-Balanced Life posted by Henry Cruz at 11:12 AM Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Should we Shame-out-the-Garbage? POST A COMMENT 'Some guilt is good for you. Like the Ten Commandments, engraved on stone tablets, passed along to Moses to offer to his flock of 'guilt-filled-hearts... 'reminding them each day of the divine law, and their 'sustainable-eco-duties: (1)'Thou shalt not waste, when you should recycle (2)'Thou shalt not use Styrofoam, because it'll never disintegrate... (3) 'Thou shalt be mindful about your daily impact on the environment. (4) 'Thou shalt religiously separate your cans, bottles and newspapers in those blue recycling bins 'So these will be the commandments of the green crusaders -- (a kick ass costume is optional -- because after all, being green should still be fun). If the Batman taught us anything with his fancy moves; 'Fear is a strong motivator. It's even spilling into the workforce, also looking for more of that street cred in environmental responsibility, adapting -- "Less packaging. More beautiful" -- green mantra... Not only makes for smart $$ business, it's yet another way to outdo the competition by saying you're much more green and ethical to our planet. 'Showing up other companies, by showing your company's blood runs extra green. One quick fix, suggested in Business Week, that'll give your workplace an instant membership in that in "go green" crowd: Throw down tiny wastebaskets for non recyclable trash; making workers empty them into a central dumpster...'makes them think twice before tossing out trash. "At California’s Sonoma State University, recycling rose by 55%...'as people put cans and bottles in their proper place instead of in newly installed five-inch-tall bins." How 'bout adding a special sign: 'Would Jesus Christ Refuse To Recycle? - 'I smell an Ad Campaign (that could replace those I honk for Jesus bumper stickers). Check out this video showing that shame strategy at work (in a green hotel): Source: Business Week Labels: An Inconvenient Truth, brain-power, Business-101, economy, Energy-101, environment, Go-green, green living, mudprint.com, Trash, Trends posted by Henry Cruz at 1:15 PM Friday, August 15, 2008 Best of...'the Stern Effect POST A COMMENT Hey Oprah, meet our main man Howard Stern... THE business side of that Sirius XM satellite merger has subscribers like me perched...especially with a few analyst trashing the future of Satellite radio. I've been a big Stern fan for years, and of course have my Sirius Walkman radio near my treadmill... I've also been following the possibilities that lay ahead, and know that teaming up with other companies could make satellite a viable business. I read about the iPhone app. that sounds a win-win for business Apple and Sirius XM... STERN EFFECT: Another idea that could boost revenues is the “BEST OF” option; where for $4, XM's 9.5 million subscribers -- could 'opt in for all of Sirius' past “BEST OF” programming...which basically brings the complete history of BaBa-Booey to all... I'll be watching how things progress. Source: istockanalyst.com Labels: Business-101, Howard Stern, Sirius Satellite Radio posted by Henry Cruz at 9:35 PM Ads: Going for the online Gold! POST A COMMENT Those airbrushed pics of Eva Mendes doing nude twirls on a bed...might be worth a thousand words... But, that paper-trails drying up faster than expected -- as 2008 marks -- "the first time in U.S. history" television will get more advertising dollars than newspapers... All this comes while Internet Ads are lined up to "take over as the leading generator of advertising revenue..." "Internet advertising will boast an 18.9% compound annual growth rate from 2007-12, compared with 2.6% for broadcast TV and negative 2.8% for newspapers." -- (according to VSS Data) TV's boost from the Olympics and upcoming presidential race has allowed it to -- "spike to $51 billion while newspapers sink to $46.8 billion..." "And once newspapers relinquish their lead, they aren't expected to regain it any time soon." But, NBCOlympics.com live multimedia has inadvertently set up onlines future's Ad model, especially as more and more Television viewers shift online. "Viewers can watch up to 20 feeds simultaneously. This in contrast to the 2004 and 2006 Olympics when NBC had little to offer in the way of online video..." With Television Ad-revenue expected to sink again in 2009, that leaves it wide-open for the Internet to take the gold sooner than expected. I'm the first to say we should all welcome the pending-death of print media; I mean think of all the trees we'll be saving. Speaking of death...'check out these Olypi-AD-misses: Source: Hollywood Reporter Labels: Ads, Beijing, Business-101, China, economy, Media Trends, News Trends, Print publication, TV Shows posted by Henry Cruz at 4:14 AM Thursday, August 14, 2008 Will old reliable save a fallen Gap? POST A COMMENT You'd think these were happy-times at the Gap... Patrick Robinson -- that dude charged with reviving the ailing brand -- gets a shot this fall...up-to-bat, as the chief designer -- they'll either call it a comeback... "Even if," as Business Week points out -- "most of its target customers don't know it yet" or Robinson's will fail so miserably, he'll -- "single-handedly sink it..." -- Eh, so not too much pressure on one person. Formerly of Armani, Perry Ellis, and most recently at Paco Rabanne, Robinson says he'll add a modern spin on the classics...'that could restore the respect Gap once had... "signaling confidence in the new designer." The Gap, which like most clothing companies had cut back on print ads, is gonna be pumping some major cash touting Mr. Robinsons' arrival this fall. Those in-the-fashion-know say the addition of Robinson could be "the best move Gap has made in years...'it will keep J. Crew on their toes." Robinson was quick to point out the companies recent mis-steps: "It was targeting too young a customer...stocking poor quality clothes...imitating H&M, and Zara..." "It wasn't being Gap," says Robinson. Adding it needs to get off what he calls -- "the trend treadmill and revive the signature classics that he wore growing up in California." In full disclosure -- other than the occasional "you go girlfriend" -- I'm no clothes horse or fashionista...but, I do live for the emotional drama -- 'and the irony that a fashion guy might be the one to save a fallen company -- by simply going back to basics... 'With the Luxury market in a steep decline -- who knows -- could be "old reliable's moment." -- I'll have the popcorn ready to watch this one play out. Source: Business Week Labels: Brands, Business-101, Clothes, Gap Inc., Patrick Robinson, Retailer posted by Henry Cruz at 4:25 AM Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Melting Pot, USA POST A COMMENT Watching the Olympics coverage started a conversation on how diversity benefits the U.S. teams. I grew up in New York City...'so, I might be a bit spoiled by that melting pot theme. But, join me in being the forever-optimist and seeing the good in this New-York-microcosm trickling down-south. And how this will be even better for the Team USA of the future -- 'cause sorta like the six million dollar man, we'll get the best of all worlds in one place...and kick some major butt -- (seems to work just fine here in New York). "The white population, I wouldn't say is fading into the background, but it is becoming the older, less fertile part of the population," offers CBS news. Consider this: 10 percent of Americas population still control 70 percent of our countries wealth...it's pretty clear who really wears the clout in this country -- (the rest of us are just here to clean up the mess...I mean look at who they shipped out to Iraq; 'don't think too many rich folks ever even heard the words "basic training"). "Whites still make up 66 percent of the population. But their numbers have grown only two percent since 2000, compared to eight percent for blacks, 29 percent for Hispanics and 26 percent for Asians." In that same report it was suggested that such change in a community could have a "train wreck" effect -- really, I couldn't disagree more. Worse case scenario: we might all need to learn to sing the star spangled banner in English, Spanish, Chinese, and maybe French -- (Gaaak, well hopefully not french)... 'what's the big-whoop? Source: CBS News Labels: Business-101, latino watch, News Trends, Olympics, Poverty Divide, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 10:09 PM Making sure that job is...Green? POST A COMMENT College students ain't interested in just "Working for the man" -- unless they get a touch of green -- and by green, I don't mean just cash: "Young people are thumbing their noses at companies that don't offer green-collar jobs," This according to a survey by the career network Experience. 'Sorta become the "in" thing for Students -- (and recent grads) -- to make more environmentally-conscious decisions when it comes to their career choices: In that nationwide poll: "Four in five (81%) said it is important to work for a green company and nearly as many (79%) said they would be more likely to accept a job offer at an eco-conscious company over a company that wasn't, when evaluating two similar offers." Since not everybody can wake-up an all-out expert on topics like sustainable technologies... 'Schools are adapting this eco-trend and offering a crop of courses -- "that help you safeguard the planet while boosting your skills." Ultimately, one-hand-washes-the-other fits perfectly for that green economy to stick...'Hitting the workplace from all angles: When a company has to appeal to both consumers and future employees...it then makes fiscal sense. Source: Time Out Labels: An Inconvenient Truth, Business-101, College Students, Energy-101, environment, Go-green, green living, News Trends, recycling, smaller carbon footprint, Waste management posted by Henry Cruz at 12:55 PM Tuesday, August 12, 2008 The iPod of the book world... POST A COMMENT In this rough economy, 'always great to hear about a company -- (that's not in the Oil-Biz) -- with a rock-solid-foundation in place. I got the Kindle -- (Amazon.com) -- as birthday present in June...'and I will admit to being a little put off by yet another-gadget-to-feed...'and another attempt at another e-book reader... 'however, Amazon's figured out how to make a book-reader-done-sorta-right -- (and no, I don't own stock in Amazon) -- 'apparently I'm not alone in this assessment...'as it's projected to be the hot holiday stocking stuffer this year. "Kindle will about sell 380,000 units in 2008, more than double what analyst previously projected..." -- which is good news -- for a selfish reason, because it actually means this gadget might stick around for a while. "In its first year, that's exactly how many iPods were sold," Says the Seattle PI. "Turns out the Kindle is becoming the iPod of the book world." I'm not going to sit here and do a commercial for it -- (and frankly, they don't need one)...but, I've used it since June, and thought I'd offer my three-cents: on a scale of 1-10 it ranks a solid 8 in the world of gadgets...Now, if only we can apply that same Amazon-business-model on tougher things like world peace, or that cure for Cancer... Here's a decent review: Source: Seattle PI Labels: Amazon.com, Books, Business-101, Gadgets, Kindle, News Trends, Tech, web trends posted by Henry Cruz at 4:44 AM Sunday, August 10, 2008 U.S. plan they don't want us to hear about POST A COMMENT It's been called the digital "national embarrassment" -- how other nations' residents have high-speed at home, while the U.S. numbers keep slipping; An FCC proposal, on the table this month, hopes to "boost U.S. competitiveness by giving each household (Free) high-speed Web access..." however, the duopoloy wants to stop it. It sounds like a no-brainer: With more and more businesses shifting towards the web, such a huge-digital-divide can definitely effect how good -- (or how badly) -- the future U.S. economy performs on that bigger global arena... FCC chairman's Kevin J. Martin free-high-speed plug votes this month -- basically says "any household in the country -- (would be able to) -- cruise the Net at broadband speeds, at absolutely no cost." Says Business Week. "But his idea faces heated opposition from companies such as AT&T that worry their profits will be threatened by a free alternative." The facts: "Only 60% of American households have speedy Net access). And that huge gap " puts the country in 15th place among developed nations..." -- a huge drop from 2001 when the U.S. ranked fourth. The plan: "create incentives for private companies to roll out more broadband..." much like basic Television, it could "make money by selling advertising and advanced services." --(with a premium no-ad option for those that can afford to pay more). Just think, a free web model could actually create more competition to get an even faster web out there, and help those helpless resentful-ignorant people -- (who don't get high-speed) -- so, we'd all actually be on the same high-speed-playing field... 'and then we'd all be able to watch Ceasar and Chuy talk about Amy Winehouse --('in the end doesn't it sounds like a win-win-win for all?): Source: Business Week Labels: Business-101, ceasar and chuy, freeconomics, net neutrality, News Trends, Poverty Divide, rich and poor divide, web trends posted by Henry Cruz at 4:01 AM Friday, August 08, 2008 An Inconvenient Housing Twist POST A COMMENT "Eat all your food," my Mom would say when I was little. "And be lucky, because there are starving kids in Africa." -- which was her way of pointing out, as poor as we were, others had it much worse. Which is what came to mind when reading about the "real-estate bust" - See if you can follow this one: Chronic homelessness has actually dropped 30 percent, a new report says. But now family homelessness is on the rise. It seems the foreclosure mess had an unexpected twist in that we will see more available "housing for the homeless." -- with a sour note for for families who just lost their homes... Because - "foreclosure crisis pushes some low income families into shelters, chronic homeless rates are shrinking thanks in part to the foreclosed and vacant buildings social-service agencies can now afford to buy." Seems more nonprofits are turning those homes and "seized apartment buildings and run-down motels" into places "with access to addiction treatment and health care." -- so, people now getting kicked outta their homes might have more places to crash...but, it will actually be other-peoples-reconverted-foreclosed-homes we are using to house them...'confused yet? "Historically, economic downturns are good for the homeless," points out Newsweek. "just as booms tend to be bad. During the 1990s, despite record spending and increases in shelter beds under the Clinton administration, homeless rates jumped 50 percent." Doesn't it sounds like a Real Estate Catch-22? -- Because in a strong economy -- and in turn -- a stronger real estate market -- wouldn't it actually make it harder to house our homeless? Source: Newsweek Labels: An Inconvenient Truth, Business-101, capitalism, Poverty Divide, Real Estate, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 1:04 PM Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Women pick babies over naked men... POST A COMMENT In tough economic times, with even fewer people buying print magazines -- (Bloomberg reports Magazine ad sales down 8.2 percent in 2008)...'it might be time to make some tougher choices at the newsstands. Two extremes in that world catering to Women tastes might showcase what women really want: Playgirl's editor-in-chief, just confirmed the magazine is indeed halting its print operation. "Playgirl is going all-Web. The last print issue will be the comes out Nov. 18," -- I personally never met a female who would actually buy a copy of Playgirl. 'Sure they'll be a few mourning the end of the magazine -- (talking about how they only read the great articles)...but, I'd be first to speculate women don't just want your standard manporn; they'd rather get their fill in what you read in romance novels -- where there's some degree of sensuality -- and not just still pictures. "Women rather look at pictures of other women," says my good-girlfriend...adding -- "They like to compare." 'We could simply blame it on the Internet -- (where I hear you can get just about any porn niche imaginable). On the flip side was the recent frenzy to spend millions for pics of celebrity babies...'which also says a mouthful about our society. So are magazines -- like the world of fashion -- trading down for an even younger face? "New mothers feel a connection to these celebrities as if they were family members," says USA Today. "So there's a natural inclination to want to see the baby pictures of someone you care about..." Sounds like, for women at least, pictures of other-peoples-kids win-over in this very informal study of people I know...'so, go figure. I'm sure we can find some government agency out there to russle up a full investigation on these very important issues. Source: Media Bistro Labels: Business-101, Magazines, Print publication, web trends posted by Henry Cruz at 3:20 PM Sunday, August 03, 2008 Energy-101: Here Comes the Sun! POST A COMMENT Storing solar-energy inside batteries right now is way too costly to be used in everyday usage. But, a new breakthrough is about to change all that... Basically, scientists have now figured out a Cheaper way of storing electricity from the sun-rays...'and as one expert offered, this means "you've answered everything." "The breakthrough uses a relatively simple way to use electricity to produce oxygen and hydrogen from water...When the two gases later are recombined in a fuel cell they cause a chemical reaction that spins off electrons that are forced through a circuit, reproducing the electricity." "The discovery shatters the biggest barrier to widespread use of solar power, namely that it's unavailable after dark, said Daniel Nocera, an MIT energy professor. Similar to the way plants store energy from the sun -- "The process uses nontoxic natural materials to convert sunlight into gases..." Researchers also say this could make solar power "in homes a mainstream energy option and might even make power companies obsolete, at least for residential needs." "This is the nirvana of what we've been talking about for years," Nocera told the MIT News Service. "Solar power has always been a limited, far-off solution. Now we can seriously think about solar power as unlimited and soon." "This is a major discovery with enormous implications for the future," offered another MIT expert. ''It opens up the door for developing new technologies for energy production." Ultimately, this breakthrough would aid us in getting off of our dependence of Foreign Oil. So...I'm sure we'll all be watching this story carefully. Here's a great primer video --(with MIT's Nocera) -- offering a break down of how this actually works: Source: ABC News Labels: Business-101, economy, Education, emissions, Energy-101, environment, fuel economy, hybrid, ideas, MIT Research, News Trends, Oil Prices, science 101, smaller carbon footprint, Solar Power, Trends posted by Henry Cruz at 4:30 PM Friday, August 01, 2008 Go-Green: Smelling Cash in Trash! POST A COMMENT Talking 'waste management might get that stereotype-image of a Tony Sopranos-mob-type -- (wink, wink) -- offering some under the table payoffs. 'But, high finance is now holding its nose to smell-up investing opportunities in taking-on-the-trash. Today's smart economy and job growth go hand-in-hand with promoting smarter environmental sustainability...So, welcome-in the saying, “One man's trash is another man's treasure” -- and welcome-in the trash boom: "recyclers can make vast profits from combing through ordinary rubbish, processing it, and then reselling it to other companies. And that leads to another, bigger thought: Trash is no longer just an environmental liability. It is becoming a financial asset," says Business Week. Landfills are no longer just a landfill...It’s a source of renewable energy: Trash creates bacteria when decomposing. A 50 percent methane/50 percent carbon dioxide mixture is naturally emitted. Pipes can collect and deliver the gas to a central processing location...ultimately, working like a boiler does, replacing natural gas and providing energy... Big-dollar $$ signs: "waste and recycling...drew a record $622 million of investment in 2007, compared with $245 million a year earlier and just $20 million in 2001, according to Cleantech Group..." More and more builders of mainstream developments are also embracing green neighborhoods - (Some communities even offer carbon offset fees to make it pocket friendlier to Go-Green)...and you can't get any more eco-friendly than flipping waste back into something useful. Source: Business Week Labels: brain-power, Business-101, economy, emissions, environment, Go-green, green living, recycling, science 101, smaller carbon footprint, Trash, Waste management posted by Henry Cruz at 12:22 PM Sunday, July 27, 2008 Oil Addict: 'rough & costly road ahead POST A COMMENT 'Flashback-Hello-2-the...1970s - when folks called for the 55 mph Speed Limit to conserve on Oil. As fuel costs trickle-down into other areas...that idea for new energy alternatives don't sound so bad. As the Washington Post points out -- two recent factors suggest even rougher roads ahead: 1. That recent announcement from Mexico that it will cut it's crude output by 15 percent... 2. Also news from India's Tata Motors -- "to begin producing a new $2,500 "people's car" called the Nano in the fall. The company hopes that by making automobiles affordable for people in India..." Run the numbers, "supply and demand," will continue to drive world oil prices...and drivers will not see "gas prices retreat to the levels they enjoyed for much of the last generation." Also...while "The high price of oil has sparked recent efforts by technology experts...to come up with ways to wean the world economy off its addiction..." "Developing countries like China and India, however, are in no hurry to embrace this new vision. They want to join the ranks of economic powerhouses and question why they should be forced to temper their aspirations..." Hear that sound? -- It's those huge-SUV makers...'going outta business. Now, if we can only find a decent car battery; 'cause that electric car sounds real good right 'bout now. Source: Washington Post Labels: An Inconvenient Truth, Business-101, economy, emissions, environment, hybrid, Oil Prices, Trends posted by Henry Cruz at 12:49 PM Sunday, July 20, 2008 Will Outsourcing become the bogeyman? POST A COMMENT As we see more small businesses shift toward Globalization -- (thanks to the Internet) -- those smaller Mom-and-Pop Multinationals gotta deal with that sticky question of outsourcing work to stay afloat - (meaning sending jobs outside the US)... 'especially true online, with a need to stay competitive and resulting in a better bottom line with "savings for customers and any shareholders." As reported in Business Week recently: Lower wages are not the only motivating factor..."the performance of the provider on quality...is much higher than here in the US." Small businesses -- "from car dealers to advertising agencies are finding it easier to farm out software development, accounting, support services, and design work to distant lands...Sites such as Guru.com, Brickwork India, DoMyStuff.com, and RentACoder also report fast growth." Hmmm, sounds like the world will live as one after all. Source: Business Week Labels: brain-power, Business-101, capitalism, co-create, Outsourcing, rich and poor divide, web trends, Wiki-way posted by Henry Cruz at 4:04 PM Tuesday, July 08, 2008 Oil Dependent: Blows in the Wind? POST A COMMENT 'Might take an 80-year-old to show this old hungry dog some new tricks -- 'solving our countries $700 billion-a-year dependency on foreign oil. T. Boone Pickens' plan suggests replacing gasoline use with natural gas...and eventually with wind... "Things were fine until the price went vertical on us," said Mr. Pickens. He calculates that, spending $140 a barrel for crude, adds up to $700 billion a year...all going into foreign pockets. The "hurdles to the Pickens plan...include building the infrastructure to dispense natural gas as a vehicle fuel, building new power plants to replace natural gas-fired plants, overcoming possible opposition from oil companies and politicians..." Funny, that Pickens himself has been investing in vehicular natural gas for years and now has plans to build a massive wind farm in the Panhandle. But he offers "that's not the reason for his campaign." "I'm 80 years old. I'm worth $4 billion. I don't need to make any more money," he said. Instead, he said, this is about patriotism and his reputation as a man who "sure puts his money where his mouth is." - and maybe a little bit to-do with money...but, at least it's one option on the table to a problem that wont be going away anytime soon. Source: Hispanic Business Labels: Business-101, capitalism, Culture, economy, emissions, environment, fuel economy posted by Henry Cruz at 1:30 PM Monday, May 26, 2008 Business-101: everyone's a co-creator POST A COMMENT "Everything that becomes digital eventually becomes free. There's almost no stopping it," says Chris Anderson (Wired Magazine) -- I wrote about this idea in an earlier blog: giving it away free online -(where you would make money by later targeting smaller premium customers). But, now let's move on to the broader Future of Business online -- (noting successful examples as a foundation for the building blocks of the future: Google, Wikipedia, craigslist, and various free shareware software...). This trend, let's call it an "evolution" -- (or "revolution" -- depending on which side of the fence you sit on) -- leaves the happy-online-user no-longer-willing-to pay for information-content -- (think of it as a Wikipedia-business-model to wrap your brain around it...or using every one's brain-power to make our next set of fancy new toys). Welcome to "Co-create" - that new buzz world you'll be hearing about if you wanna stay in business; 'the success of all new businesses will now depend on more "consumer-oriented" experiences to survive... "The idea is that...companies no longer invent new products and services on their own." claims Fortune Magazine. "They create them along with their customers, and they do it in a way that produces a unique experience for each customer." Bottom line: No longer can business shove a one-size-fits-all..."The whole user experience is co-created." -- or rather driven by the brain-power-of-the-masses; and then made unique to each individual customer...'guessin BK's most famous slogan had it right when they said: "Have It Your Way." Source: Fortune Magazine here's a 101-video, with Wikipedia's founder Jimmy Wales: Labels: Business-101, co-create, Media Trends posted by Henry Cruz at 7:24 PM     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . May 2008 . June 2008 . July 2008 . August 2008 . September 2008 .