There seems to be a lot of confusion about the whole "Free" website/business/social networking scenario. Recently Newsweek magazine propagated more confusion in an article they called "It's Time to Pony Up : Why good Web sites shouldn't be free."
The problem with the article is Daniel Lyons ensites rather than informs. Even by his own admission he's not an "avid member of Facebook" but.... Lyons throws out emotional appeals like "web sites shouldn't be free," and "contrary to the conventional wisdom, people really are willing to pay for online services," and "I think some companies are scared," to try and prove his point that everyone should charge for content on the web.
Unfortunately, he contradicts himself later in the article by using Paltalk.com as an example. His own words here. "For zero dollars, you can trade instant messages on Paltalk with up to 10 people and see their video- streams. But if you want to visit chat rooms and see video streams from hundreds of people, you must pay $14.95 per month, or $60 for a one-year subscription."
For "zero dollars" Paltalk allows users to use there site for nothing. Only when they use premium services does he charge. "Zero dollars" is FREE!!!
I realize many of us struggle with our hard efforts being given away. In my business its very frustrating. But if you fight it you will loose. The key to success is understanding that the marketplace is changing. (And by the way, ain't nothing free!!!) We have to bet more creative in our marketing and selling practices.
Please read Chris Anderson's new book "FREE" to get a better understanding of the new "FReemium" model. By the way, the audio is free on iTunes.
FREE?
The Moving Tipping Point
Author Malcolm Gladwell has popularized the term “tipping point”: a point at which bleeding edge becomes cutting edge or even mainstream. PC Magazine defines “tipping point” as the “point in time in which technology, procedure, service, or philosophy has reached critical mass and becomes mainstream.” Some try to draw a line in the sand and declare that “now is the time everything changes”. The problem is the marketplace appears to be a moving tipping point, tipping in some areas of the country before others, and even tipping differently within companies, projects, workgroups and industries.
The firm or individual that is not acquainted with the latest machinery, methods, processes and requirements of their business is at a decided disadvantage in competition and is not in a position to render efficient service to his customers or clients. — Elgin E. Mott, First President of International Association of Blue Print and Allied Industries (1928)
When it tips for you or your client, you will want to be ready to tip with it, to anticipate new needs and requirements for service. That is the only way we can continue to partner with our clients, rather than simply offer a list of services for those who can still utilize them. We certainly want to listen carefully to our customers, but we must realize they are looking to our industry for solutions. We have to supply answers to their questions or another industry will fill that void.
The Moving Tipping Point
Author Malcolm Gladwell has popularized the term “tipping point”: a point at which bleeding edge becomes cutting edge or even mainstream. PC Magazine defines “tipping point” as the “point in time in which technology, procedure, service, or philosophy has reached critical mass and becomes mainstream.” Some try to draw a line in the sand and declare that “now is the time everything changes”. The problem is the marketplace appears to be a moving tipping point, tipping in some areas of the country before others, and even tipping differently within companies, projects, workgroups and industries.
The firm or individual that is not acquainted with the latest machinery, methods, processes and requirements of their business is at a decided disadvantage in competition and is not in a position to render efficient service to his customers or clients. — Elgin E. Mott, First President of International Association of Blue Print and Allied Industries (1928)
When it tips for you or your client, you will want to be ready to tip with it, to anticipate new needs and requirements for service. That is the only way we can continue to partner with our clients, rather than simply offer a list of services for those who can still utilize them. We certainly want to listen carefully to our customers, but we must realize they are looking to our industry for solutions. We have to supply answers to their questions or another industry will fill that void.
Starbucks vs McCafe
In this film, I share my experience and commentary on the competition between Starbucks and McCafe.
Maybe the grass is greener on the other side?
I know it's a cliche we've heard for years, but a look into the future reminds us the importance of retaining great employees. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that "our economy will create 10 million more workers in 2010 our labor force can provide." That's a lot of green grass on the other side! Basically, if you have superior skills you should be able to keep a very good job. This will create a competitive marketplace for the best employees to work in our companies.
As technology and customer relationships become more complex, the need for a top quality employee is even more critical. From my personal experience I find that an "A" employee provides me 120-200% more value than an average "C" employee.
"How many assets do you have in your business that will be more valuable in 10 years? 20 years?
Often, we only think of "skilled" employees as doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, and other highly educated "professionals." From my travels around the country, I can see that an exceptional CAD operator or Customer Service person is just as important to a reprographics company as a scientist is to a pharmaceutical company. I believe our I.T. employees will be especially important to protect since their opportunities in other industries will be endless. (Just make sure you find the right one!)
Employee turnover will become far more hazardous to your company in the near future as the labor crunch intensifies. The best employees will have 10 million more shades of greener grass to admire.
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink
Samuel Taylor Coleridge once wrote "Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink." In today's world, the axiom 'Information is power' has become a lie. The real power is those who can provide relevant information.
Are Newspapers like Reprographers?
As many of you have seen in the media, newspapers who continue to hold on to paper methods of delivery are dying. In a recent interview, News Corp chairman Robert Murdoch discussed the viability of paper newspapers. He had three major observations on the newspaper industry.