As the world’s 4th largest handset manufacturer has seen its once popular line-up of innovative devices steadily lost ground to both Apple and Samsung.

Resources: http://www.thetelecomblog.com/2011/11/29/htc’s-struggles-mirror-nokia-downfall/

Two years ago, HTC, the Taipei-based mobile devices maker, was riding a leader in the exploding sales of premium smartphones globally. It was racking up awards, enjoying record stock prices and a string of acquisitions, and was busy poaching rival executives for a continued assault on the dominance of Apple, Samsung and Research In Motion (BlackBerry). Yet, two years later, its stock price has fallen beyond what anyone would have predicted, and profits have been falling every quarter. A former mobile phone analyst with Topology Research Institute in Taipei described one of the main problems of HTC: “Their portfolio was a mess and they wanted to make Android, Microsoft and Facebook phones. They should have concentrated on Android, instead of wasting their money on Windows and Facebook.” Also, C.K. Lu, an analyst with Gartner, said, “HTC doesn’t know how to make a cheaper phone. It isn’t in their DNA. They don’t know how to do it by cost, or differentiate. They usually downgrade from their premium segment and that doesn’t work. It’s a very, very old-fashioned approach.”

For HTC to get back to the highs, it should focus its effort on its accounting and marketing strategies, and make a decision to become a specialist in just one or two single market segments where it has a distinct advantage, rather than trying to chase every market segment all at once.

References: Cunns, Cain. “A Long Fall for Taiwan Smartphone Maker.” The New York Times. N.p., 08 Sept. 2013. Web. 08 Sept. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/09/technology/a-long-fall-for-taiwan-smartphone-maker.html?pagewanted=all>.

Companies can take any number of steps to help build long and lasting relationships with their customers.

Resources: http://digdevdirect.com/Blog/email-best-practices-for-developing-and-maintaining-crucial-customer-relationships/

Customers represent the engine that drives business, because without them no company can operate successfully. That is why good customer relationships are so important for the sustenance of any enterprise. Of course, customers have a wide variety of demands and preferences, so building strong client relationships can be challenging. Mike Muhney, the CEO and owner of VIPorbit, a contact management software company, suggests some things to help, such as giving clients your full attention when meeting with them, turning off smartphone alerts, avoiding interruptions, and reducing over-reliance on computers and electronic equipment when engaging with clients. To earn their respect, you should value their time as much as your own, and not keep them waiting to be served. To maintain that respect, listen carefully to their requests and try to come to a satisfactory agreement that meets their needs and those of your company.

References: Mielach, Dave. “4 Ways to Build (and Improve) Customer Relationships.”BusinessNewsDaily.com. BusinessNewsDaily Writer, 25 Sept. 2013. Web. 08 Oct. 2013. <http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5179-build-customer-relationships.html>.

Is your ego getting in the way of getting things accomplished?

Resources: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5224-your-ego-may-be-killing-your-workers-performance.html

Leadership is one of the most important skills in business because it can help a group leader organize the team and lead it to success. However, when a leader exerts too much power over others or acts egotistically, the team’s overall performance can be negatively affected. According to the article “Is Your Ego Killing Your Workers Performance?” from Business News Daily, the subjective experience of power increases formal leaders’ tendencies to verbally dominate social interactions and diminishes perceptions of openness, which, in turn, diminishes team performance. Being self-centered would not only suggest that they were not open to the ideas of others, but would also diminish the desire of others to contribute freely; therefore, causing team members to be less spontaneous and enthusiastic, which could hurt the performance of the team. Many great leaders use a relatively flat organizational structure, promote an egalitarian culture, encourage open team communication, and encourage all members to question the legitimacy of formal leaders who take a dominating approach to social interactions. This article spoke to my own leadership ambitions, and made me rethink the importance of first being a great listener.

References: Brooks, Chad. “Is Your Ego Killing Your Workers’ Performance?”BusinessNewsDaily.com. BusinessNewsDaily Contributor |, 02 Oct. 2013. Web. 08 Oct. 2013. <http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5224-your-ego-may-be-killing-your-workers-performance.html>.