Monthly Archives: October 2015

Blackberry’s new smartphone model, the Priv, will feature the popular android operating system, marking the first time in history that the company is using a third-party system on its phones.

Blackberry has taken into consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of their products, and implemented a focus differentiation strategy by:

• retaining their well-developed system security and famous physical keyboard; while
• offering android’s wide range of app selection that many consumers desire

http://statics.weboo.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Blackberry-Priv-Android-Powered-Smartphone-Officially-Confirmed.jpg

The new phone is being marketed as “the most secure Android device in the market,” which will appeal greatly to their niche market of government workers and business clients. Blackberry’s CEO, John Chen said,

“I am now going to eliminate apps as an excuse not to buy our phone.”

Whether this move will improve their sales is a question that can only be answered with time.

However, the various strategies and new pivot points (such as focusing on new target customer segments and re-branding ) of Blackberry’s attempt to re-establish their footstep in the market that they once dominated is worth studying.

Sources:

BlackBerry takes another swing at smartphone sales with an Android device

http://www.cnet.com/news/blackberry-posts-disappointing-loss-as-smartphone-sales-retreat-further/

Although many business leaders recognize that “their employees perform better when they are happier, healthier, and more fulfilled…,” very few of them actually invested in creating that state of fulfillment for their workers. Business who did make their workers a priority, on the other hand, saw a significant reward.

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/happy-office-team-desk-468839495-tom-merton-getty-compressor.jpg

During Barry-Wehmiller Companies’ 2008 economic decline, CEO Bob Chapman offered to his employees furloughs instead of layoffs. His company’s meetings were focused on recognition and celebration rather than the shortcomings of his workers. Chapman created value for his employees not in the form of above-average wages or profit-sharing, but simply by treating them beyond bodies of machines. It was due to his efforts that he was able to transform his father’s failing business into a company with an annual revenue of $2 billion.

In Sweden, Filimundus’s CEO Linus Feldt cut the work hours of his workers from 8 to 6. Employers are better rested, and are given more time to manage between their private and professional life. The result is a happier, more focused, and more productive group of staff.

These are simply two examples of companies who are turned their focus onto their employees. It may not work with every cooperation, but the ultimate point is for leaders to understand the beneficial impact of creating value for their employees and to take action in a way that is appropriate for their company.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/business/dealbook/to-get-more-out-of-workers-invest-more-in-them.html?ref=business

http://globalnews.ca/news/2252448/6-hour-workday-catching-on-in-sweden-could-it-work-in-canada/

http://www.inc.com/audacious-companies/scott-leibs/barry-wehmiller.html