Favorite Web Destinations
Four topics pique my interest these days: Web 2.0, Innovation, the new Sales Evolution, and the concepts of Abundance and Scarcity. Learning about these subjects often exposes me to new people and ideas. This section passes along the websites where you too can find out more about the information currently shaping my thinking.
Vallon, LLC
Vallon is my company and we specialize in delivering top-notch talent for interim requirements. We have interviewed over 3,000 executives face-to-face in order to build a strong talent bench, so our clients can flex their executive workforce according to their needs. Our senior-level experience enables us to understand the nuances involved with business issues and find the right people for the task and culture...usually within 48 hours!!
Check out our capabilities at: vallonllc.com!!
Web 2.0, plus...
New technologies are revolutionizing the way we will use the internet. There are many people with deep expertise in one of the new technologies, but very few who are trying to understand how they interact and will impact the future. Here are the ones I have found.
Chris Rollyson
Chris is one of the people who is both wide and deep in Web 2.0 expertise. His practice focuses on helping people make the most out of the new technologies in both their professional and personal lives. Chris' background allows him to both understand the technical and business aspects of these elements.
"One Hit Wonders"
Kevin Kelly paints a very interesting picture of where the Web could be going in the next 5,000 days.
"New York Times" article about how Twitter and Facebook impact the way we think about relationships and how we maintain them.
"Fortune" article about how Michael Dell is using Facebook and other Web 2.0 sites to help turn his company around.
Innovation
Innovation is becoming a tired word. What does it truly mean? Why is it important? How can you innovate and be creative with a minimum of damage? These sites and people will share their ideas.
Gunnar Branson
Gunnar is one of the most energetic executives in Chicago who wears his passion for innovation on his sleeve. He knows how to interject new perspectives into difficult issues, enabling individuals and companies to come up with exciting new solutions. Gunnar is one of the best innovation discussion leaders, able to help diverse teams tease new insights out of their collective thoughts.
Bill Burnett
Bill is an expert on organizing for innovation. His expertise lies in creating the infrastructure necessary to consistently innovate. This includes organization design, but also focuses on the people and processes required to consistently innovate while preserving the core vale of the business. Bill understands the roles needed to make consistent innovation a reality.
Sarah Miller Caldicott
Sarah is the Great Grandniece of Thomas Edison. Her book "Innovate Like Edison" on his life and the techniques he used to drive innovation and creativity with his team in Menlo Park is a must read for anyone serious about increasing their own creativity and ability to lead innovation. Sarah is a talented speaker and one of the best at describing the innovative process.
TED
TED is a constant stream of great ideas from bright people living around the world. On this site, you can explore the depths of the oceans or the farthest reaches of space. You can hear about education initiatives in Africa or experience the rhythm and form of unique performances. Sign up for TED's emails and receive new talks automatically each week. It will change your thinking!
Sales Evolution
The sales process is evolving from a transaction to a relationship driven model. The new model is much more complicated and changing every day. These are the experts I respect in the field.
Bob Lambert
Bob is leading the charge in changing the sales process from a transaction model to a relationship model. The Samurai Business Group provides all the tools and expertise to make this new approach a reality.
Steve Yastrow
Steve is a prolific writer and speaker. His books on branding and reaching a "WE" status with customers are practiucal works that can reshape your thinking about the sales process. Steve talks about changing transactions into encounters. The process continues like a conversation and works to align goals and reach objectives that transend an immediate sale.
