Monthly Archives: November 2014

In John Jantsch’s blog, he explains a method of working backwards to create a great customer experience. I realized what he was explaining was actually a reverse concept of the marketing funnel I learnt in COMM 101 class.

Source: donnellyeffect.com

The marketing funnel to my understanding is a tool used to highlight various stages that a customer goes through before making a buying decision. Now by using the method John explained (working backwards), the business would attempt to identify the different needs of customer from a time after the product is purchased, to the time the customer became aware of the product. The business is able to somewhat predict future needs of customers and hence satisfy them better; causing a greater customer experience.

What I particularly liked about John’s blog is how he uses an existing known business tool in a different manner, so as to generate more benefit to the business. By enhancing customer experience, the business is improving its customer relationships, an important building block for any business.

Apart from creating greater customer experience, I believe this method John has advised will also help the business identify where its product is currently lacking or deficient. The business would be able to add to its product’s value proposition beforehand and therefore introduce a better product.

Sources:

http://www.allbusiness.com/sales-marketing/16774153-1.html

The United Nations is funded through voluntary contributions from its 193 member states and has a set of well defined objectives from international peacekeeping to economic development. If a well-funded organization such as the UN exists, the question arises: Do we need social enterprise?

My answer is yes.

Social enterprise is a necessity according to me. While the UN may have the funds, it cannot  go to the ground level in every country to support those facing social and economic problems.

Source: timesofpakistan.pk

I was in grade 8 when I first read about the Grameen Bank, a microfinance organization for the poorest. At the time, I just thought of it as one of those charities. But recently, when the Grameen Bank was discussed in COMM 101 class as a social enterprise, the concept intrigued me. I learnt that it wasn’t a ‘charity’, but instead an organization driven by social objectives to solve social problems and ultimately improve society.

Organizations like Grameen Bank, though infinitesimal in comparison to the UN, are capable of addressing social problems better because they interact with problem-ridden individuals personally. The Arc initiative by the Sauder School of Business is another example that comes to my mind.  I find interesting that even Sauder students can help solve business problems by imparting just basic business management knowledge to African entrepreneurs.

I believe that while the UN works on its objectives, social enterprise can coexist all around the world to individually solve region specific social problems.

Sources:

http://skollworldforum.org/about/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/

http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative/About_ARC

In October 2014, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk created great anticipation over a ‘product upgrade’ event by tweeting a clue a week before the event. Tesla’s stock prices had risen following the announcement, indicating the confidence investors had in Tesla for introducing a game-changer in the automotive industry. I too was caught in the web of social media excitement and  felt an eagerness to know what this highly innovative company had in store for the world.

Sadly, the ‘Big Reveal’ turned out to be a ‘Big Disappointment’ for many: the upgrades were not up to the expectations. However, I would not blame Elon Musk for not delivering enough on the hype created. Tesla Motors came into the automotive industry with a disruptive innovation; the general public was amazed and has since then set this high level of expectation from Tesla.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the Tesla D Event. Source: businessinsider.com

I would also defend Tesla on the grounds that the upgrades announced are still innovative and new. The Auto Pilot feature, for example, is the first of its kind in the market. While it may not be a huge upgrade, I would still say a car capable of parking itself in a garage once on a driveway or automatically changing lanes by putting on turn signals, is rather impressive. It adds to the list of features in Tesla’s value proposition to customers.

I believe that by this announcement CEO Elon Musk is guiding Tesla Motors along the right track of differentiating its product in its overall focus strategy.

Sources:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102076711#.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2014/10/10/tesla-unveil-disappoints-costs-elon-musk-more-than-500-million/

In Alex’s blog, he details a timeline and analysis of the market performance of Windows’ previous OS and offers his opinion about the upcoming Windows 10.
Source: computerworld.com

Before I talk about Windows 10, let me first summarize Windows 8. Microsoft created a touch-centric OS in Windows 8 which could be used on PCs, laptops and touch devices; but it failed to win the crowd. Apart from the radical changes in the user-interface that Alex mentioned, I believe Microsoft failed to design a product suited for its customer segment. It basically forced a touch-focused OS onto its customers; majority of whom didn’t have a touchscreen on their desktop PC or laptop.

The reason I feel Microsoft can recover from the debacle known as Windows 8 is because it is rectifying its errors in the right way. Microsoft has started the Windows Insider Program, which allows registrants to access the latest build of Windows 10 and provide feedback about their experiences. Microsoft in return adds the suggested features and addresses any technical issues in the next build version released. With over 1 million registrants, I can confidently say that Microsoft’s plan is working.

I must add that this program is a brilliant way for Microsoft to be engaged with its loyal customers. It will enhance customer relations as the the customers will take pride in being part of the development process. I concur with Alex that Windows 10 will be accessible on all devices because this time Microsoft is working with its customers to build a better product.

Sources:

https://insider.windows.com/
http://www.zdnet.com/one-million-join-microsofts-windows-10-insider-program-7000034646/