From Victoria’s post we are able to grasp the manner in which dominant companies evolve to avoid tumbling into a state of insignificance. She put focus on John Chen’s work with Sybase in the strategy department, how he took a “failing start up” and salvaged the company within ten years.

Similarly, the former powerhouse search engine Yahoo has been falling in a downwards trajectory ever since the the widespread emergence of Google. Marissa Mayer, CEO, announced that the total revenue has fallen another 3% within the last quarter. China’s Alibaba public offering beginning this past Friday does not help situations either. Yahoo shares have declined 8% within two days post Alibaba going public. These are only the most recents events within this past week. Yahoo is quickly, as in the words of Victoria, “[losing] their market share to competition and [fading] into obscurity.”

The larger user platform, Reddit, has replaced the function of Yahoo Answers. Google and Alibaba have replaced their once state-of-the-art search engine, and superior online news platforms have replaced their news. Yahoo is in dire need of a strategic change. In my opinion, they target such a wide demographic, only to reap few returns. Yahoo needs to focus on finding a way in which to differentiate itself from all the other dominating online companies, whether it may be from putting a stronger focus on fantasy sports  or re-evaluating their marketing plans.

Either way, any company must learn to transform within the fast pace of technology, and be aware of how quickly competition can catch up and render your business obsolete.

Amongst the hectic crowds lining up outside malls and Apple Stores, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 has inconspicuously begun pre-sales as well. For those who do not follow tech outside of major news outlets, the Note 4 does not have a place in their minds. Although it has a 16-megapixel camera and a high definition screen, the hype of the iPhone has overshadowed its release. The poor timing of this situation leaves the early orders of the Note 4 down 40% than what it was at for its previous device.

(source: www.techbaap.com)

What set the Samsung Galaxy Note series apart from the iPhone was its size; the large screen appealed to the vast Asian market. However, this year with the release of the iPhone 6 +, its lack of cult-following poses a serious risk to sales. Those who once purchased the Note 2 or Note 3 will now be more inclined to switch to the user-friendly iPhone, which allows functions such as iMessage and Facetime with a broader population. I myself have fallen into the so-called “iPhone 6 effect” and pre-ordered a device and gave up on my Samsung Galaxy. The truth is, the majority of my peers use the iPhone, which often leaves me outcasted in certain App Store only applications and left out on group iMessage conversations. The iPhone is simply more convenient. Although the mandatory single-platform was seemingly imposed at first, I have slowly but surely built up my repertoire of all Apple products, which in reality, facilitates all the functions it has to offer.

(source: http://store.apple.com/ca/buy-iphone/iphone6)

Little of those who use Samsung, or any Android, show brand loyalty, thus making customer retention an incredibly difficult task. Even Min-Jeong Lee, reporting from South Korea itself states that “the odds don’t look great for the Note,” despite its popularity in Korea in the past. Unfortunately, at this time, it seems that competing with Apple in the consumer market is an impossible feat.

As one of the continuous Top Employers in Canada, Lush Cosmetics proves to be more than just good to its employees. It demonstrates corporate responsibility in both the local community and positively impacts the globe as a whole.

Founder and CEO Mark Constantine shines light to the importance of sourcing ingredients for Lush’s products. An emphasis is placed on ethical buying, a means of acquiring resources that is honest and true to its brand.

Source: http://www.weleda.com.au/isparta-turkey/w1/i1039702/

It purchases rose oil and rose absolute from Sebat Ltd. in Senir, Turkey. This family run business supports the majority of Lush’s demand for this essential oil, which is used in various products for both the scent and its soothing qualities. Sebat, an environmentally conscious production, supports both local families and groups of gypsies who come through the area, thus providing income for those who would not typically be exposed to similar quantities of wealth. Due to Lush’s high demand, Sebat is able to sustain its ethical business and further support the Senir community. On this account, other rose suppliers in the area will consequently aim to improve their social standards in order to compete with Sebat, since the major buyer seeks resources that are sustainably grown and processed. This brings up the quality and reputation of Senir as a whole.

Source: http://www.brentcross.co.uk/shops/health-beauty/lush

When we return to the metropolitan zones, sales associates and managers are able to educate consumers on the positive impact of ethical sourcing (ie. rose absolute from Sebat) in their products, thus increasing sales and inevitably benefiting shareholders.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stakeholder_theory

If the purpose of a business is to create as much value as possible for its stakeholders, it must align its suppliers, consumers, employees and communities in order to thrive. Doing business ethically is far from detrimental to profits, as proven through the growing success of Lush Cosmetics and its socially conscious pursuits.