ktoddstorch @ business thoughts

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!

_____
tags:  what if

What if...? #37

What if you started mapping out your 2006 goals now?

Pretty simple stuff to think about, but difficult to really get accomplished.  I've always discounted the "New Year's Resolutions" because so many set unrealistic and non-measurable goals because of the hype and peer pressure.

But now is the time to take inventory (if you haven't already) of how your 2005 goals are coming along and what you have in store for 2006.

I'm really thinking about my personal goals for 2006 in regards to career development and personal growth right now.

If you don't have written goals for 2005, no problem!  You can start now for the rest of the year and 2006.  I have a "Goals" section in my Moleskine.  I have sections for both Business and Personal goals so I can review them throughout the year.

Measurable, achievable and written!  I would love your comments on your suggestions for goal achievement!

_____
tags:  what if

Apple or PC? The What if...? Recap

Lots of good comments on the post this morning (read here).  Some die-hard Apple/Mac users and some "have to have my PC" discussion.  Overall, pro-Apple definitely outweighs the pro-PC users.

The email I received from Garrick at the Work Better Blog summed up his thoughts as:

I'd choose a Mac every time. For 3 primary reasons:

1. The OS gets out of my way when I'm working. I've always felt I was getting stuff done despite Windows, not because of.  Things always feel they go much more smoothly on the Powerbook.

2. Apple's styling elicits a much stronger reaction from people I encounter (clients, colleagues). Shiny powerbooks seem to be catch the eye more than black ThinkPads.

3. 99% of everything moves between platforms seamlessly. There's a rare application that I have to open VirtualPC for (I think Visio is the only one). A friend of mine needs Outlook and the OS X port isn't the same. On the other hand, I've always had problems with Outlook (especially on the PC) and have been quite happy with the standard Mail and iCal applications,

To me, all other things being equal, I'm more productive on Macs. I venture to bet after adjusting keyboard shortcuts, you will be also.

_____
tags:  apple vs. microsoft | what if | pc vs. mac

What if...? #36

What if you could choose between an Apple of Microsoft PC computer for free?

I'm seriously considering switching to Apple for my next home computer; so, let me throw it out to you.  If it cost you nothing, which platform would you choose and why?

Leave a comment or send me an email!

_____
tag:  what if

What if...? #35

What if you were one of the thousands that lost everything from hurricane Katrina?

I know all of us have been thinking about this and I'm sure you know folks or know people that know folks that are in this situation.

Let's continue to pray, donate $'s and work to help those that need our help.

_____
tag:  what if

What if...? #34

What if you could only read/view one website, which one would you choose?

I guess I'm wanting to find out what is your favorite destination while on-line.  I immediately want to say Google, but then I would have to start looking at other sites as I found the information I was looking for...so, I guess that is cheating...

After thinking this through, I would have to say Bloglines.  Why? 

Well, technically, it is "one" website that aggregates over 140 blogs/website RSS feeds that I follow.  It automatically brings me the news, industry information, etc. that is important to me

What about you?

_____
tag:  what if

What if...? #33

What if a virus or a worm disables your computer or network?

New worms and viruses are developed daily and your home computer and obviously your work network has to have a strategy to fight them off.

I'm sure your IT department is all over this, but what about your home computer, or if you are a small business, your work stations?

I use a product called Virus Scan Enterprise at home (our corporate license provides protection for employee's home computers) and I also use SpyBot Search and Destroy to keep the pop-ups and spyware cookies off my machine.

Daily I run an automatic virus definition update, a virus scan and I manually run SpyBot updates and scans.

What do you do to keep your computer running safely?

_____
tags:  computer virus | computer worms | what if

What if...? #32

What if gasoline hits $5 a gallon?

I was going to say $3 a gallon, but I know a number of you are already seeing this at the pump.  Here in Dallas, TX, gas is around $2.60 a gallon for regular unleaded.

So, are you making any adjustments?  You know, holding off on buying a car; buying a new car with better gas mileage; taking public transportation; car pooling?

I've seen no difference in my use of gas, other than thinking about a different car for myself.  However, I'm only one year into my 4 year lease and it wouldn't be a cost efficient to get out this early.

So, what if?

_____
tags:  gas prices | fuel economy | what if

What if...? #31

What if you accomplish your goal?

First of all, celebrate! 

But what's next?  As I continue to train this triathlon season, I was thinking about how I got started with this lifestyle 2 years ago.

It started when I began training for my first marathon in 2003.  Why?  Running a marathon was on my personal goal list and I completed the White Rock Marathon in December of 2003.  After that, I needed more and started in triathlon.

Looking back, it amazes me what I've been able to accomplish and it seems like my sights were set too low.  However, that is what is great about setting measurable and achievable goals...you always can set new ones!

Any goal of yours still waiting to be accomplished?  Get after it and have fun.

_____
tag:  what if

What if...? #30

What if you could help one person?

There have been a few people that have really inspired me the last few weeks.  One of my friends is helping out a high school sophomore who's Dad recently passed away and another is taking in a few teenagers that are in town for an event.

Both instances take time, effort and resources.  Are there any opportunities for you personally or in your work to really help some one?

I know I need to look and listen with "better eyes and ears" this week.

_____
tag:  what if