ktoddstorch @ business thoughts

What Are Your Customers Saying About You?

This month's Business 2.0 is a fantastic read.  One of the stories specificially discusses companies that tap into their customer's passions.

This is so much more than focus group studies and telemarketing.  In fact, if you don't have a blog search for your company using Bloglines or other blog aggregator, you are missing out. 

In fact, you might just want to have a search titled  "[insert your company's name here] sucks".  For 2 examples of what I'm referring to, read what Engadget is saying about a few companies here and here.

[link] to Companies Tap Into Consumer Passion via

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tags:  business 2.0 magazine | bloglines

Comcast On-Demand

We have Comcast Digital Cable at our house and I recently stumbled on the On-Demand features this weekend.

I've heard of On-Demand and even attended a conference presentation by a Comcast employee discussing the technology.  However, until Saturday, I had never used the product.

First of all, there is some great value propositions from On-Demand:

• free movies
• Premium movies (this is what they advertise the most.  "Use On-Demand instead of renting DVD's is the main message)
• guitar lessons (I really enjoyed checking these out!)
• kids shows
• Monty Python episodes!
• Sundance Channel movies and other independant films

I knew that you could pay for movies using On-Demand, but didn't realize the depth of "free" programming that was available.  Ryan, Taylor and I watched Jason and the Argonauts together, which made for some fun.

Comcast, how did you miss me?  I'm an early adopter that loves tech and gadgets and I stumbled upon you. 

Suggestion...offer up RSS feeds on programming choices and stop relying on "station promos" to describe your product.  I hardly ever watch live TV and I skip commercials using TiVo.

[link] to Comcast On-Demand

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tags:  comcast | tivo | on-demand

What if...? #38

What if your competitive advantage was no longer?

This happens at lightning speed in consumer products and technology, but the Internet is changing all businesses much quicker than usual.

Last week we touched on setting measurable and achievable goals. 

Another step in your strategic plan next year could and should include a SWOT analysis.  Write down you company's or your department's Strengths, Weakness, Opportunites and Threats.

Is everything exactly the same as it was last year.  Chance are, they aren't.  In fact, it could be a lot different.

No is a very good time to be thinking and planning out your advantages and how to exploit/take advantage for 2006!

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tags:  what if

Thinking Back (September 23rd)

Week in Review

Who Needs to Talk?
Here Comes Rita
Hurricane Rita Updates via SMS
Business Thoughts has a Bracelet?
Vocal Chord Surgery
International Word of Mouth Conference
People You Need to Meet:  Michael Tchong
What if...?  #37

Not Reported

• Be sure to update your Firefox browser to version 1.0.7
• Update iTunes to version 5.0.1
• Said a few words on Friday.  Good to hear my voice again!
• Very cool that these teenagers have set a $500,000 goal to help out the hurricane victims...can you help them?

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tags:  thinking back | week in review

Who Needs to Talk?

Technology definitely has helped me the last few days that I have been unable to use my voice!

• Skype for IM's in the office and with my wife at home
• SMS with friends and other co-workers
• standard email of course

I found that I was using SMS and IM much more than in February '04 after my last surgery. 

Shout outs to old skool paper and pen as well.  You never left my side while walking around the office or at home.  Couldn't of done it with you!

Thanks Lifehacker for the heads up about Teleflip.  A cool service that allows you to email any mobile phone with just the phone number without needing to know the service provider.

Just send an email to [mobile number] @ teleflip.com to try it out for yourself.

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tags:  sms | skype | teleflip

Here Comes Rita

With highway, I-45 backed up to Dallas from Houston, hurricane Rita approaches the Gulf coast.

Lines for gasoline began today Thursday and by lunch time, there were already lines 8 to 10 cars deep.  News of "no gas" from Houston to Dallas began to hit the airwaves and everyone seemed to go fill up their car.

I went around 845p last night to fill up my Xterra, and the lines were 10 cars deep for $2.79 Unleaded.

I took a picture of the handwritten sign on the gas tank at my neighborhood 7/11.

Sorry, we are not accepting debit functions today for gas, or merchandise.  Just credit functions.  Thank you.

Hmm...too many issues with debit cards?  Why this distinction?

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tags:  gas prices | hurricane rita

Hurricane Rita Updates via SMS

Radio station, 99.5 the Wolf/KPLX has been using text messaging to keep their listeners updated and informed on all types of things.

The latest is hurricane Rita.

Text in "RITA" to 94525 if you would like the SMS updates.

Disclaimer:  KPLX is owned by SRC, the company I work for

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tags:  sms | 99.5 the wolf | kplx | hurricane rita

Business Thoughts has a Bracelet?!

I received in the mail this week a gift from Jonathan Anderson at Custom Silicone Bracelets.

He sent me quite a few blue bracelets, embossed with

ktoddstorch.com * make it happen

I was really surprised and I appreciate the generosity. 

If you would like to have one, just drop me an email and I'll send you one.  Better yet, email me the donation you made to either the Red Cross or other hurricane charity and I'll send you one as well.

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tags:  red cross | charity bracelets

Vocal Chord Surgery

Yesterday I had my 6th vocal chord surgery.  I've been having issues that lead me to get extremely hoarse and I have to have a laser procedure to clean off the chords.

All went well and I'm on strict voice rest for 2 days (no talking at all) and very, very limited speaking for about a week.

Believe me, this is nothing compared to what others have to deal with, so I send even more emails at work and carry around paper and pen to write out my thoughts.  It is really more of a mental challenge than anything else.

Not being able to use your voice, when you technically can, causes you to really understand how important body language and eye contact is day to day. 

"Talk" to you soon!

International Word of Mouth Conference

I was asked to speak at the 1. International Word-of-Mouth Conference in Hamburg, Germany this October 6th and 7th.

Unfortunately, due to my current schedule, I won't be able to attend.  This conference is put on by Brand Science Institute.

Be sure to check out the very cool companies and panels on the schedule. 

Anyone out there going to be blogging and podcasting from the conference?  Please email me or leave a comment.

[link]

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tags:  word of mouth | brand science institute | international word of mouth conference