Archive for November, 2008

Posted on November 26, 2008 - by Nate

Thanksgiving: Time after Time

When I was like 7, I remember saying to my parents, “there’s just not enough time in the day.” They laughed and said, “wait until you get a little older, you’ll really be saying that.” The sad thing is, I was right even then. But I feel that truth much more now. I can’t wait until I have a family, then it’ll get even better.

This is just s short post outlinging some things I’m grateful for at this time of the year. Yes, I’m busy and yes things need to get done, but I think it healthy to remark on the great blessings I have. So here they are:

• Family
• Friends
• Employment
• Opportunity
• My Country
• My Church
• Nice People
• Food
• Clothes
• Education
• Books
• The Internet
• Technology
• Phones
• My Parents
• Ice Cream

Just reflecting… What are some things you’re grateful for?

Posted on November 7, 2008 - by Nate

Some Criticism for Wireless Ronin

A recent statement by the former CEO of Wireless Ronin, Jeffrey Mack, threw up a red flag in my mind:

“We are pleased to be recognized by this industry leading tradeshow which shows that not only do we provide award winning digital signage software and technology solutions, but our company’s creative solutions are also best-in-class in the digital signage industry. We have worked hard to develop end-to-end solutions for our customers and recognize that digital signage programs not only require cutting-edge, dependable software but also engaging and creative content.”

The reason this statement sets me off as a distasteful is because it would seem they are trying to be everything to everyone from the outset. Eventually corporations can work toward that, but initially they need to hunker down, focus on their niche, and milk it for what it’s worth before they branch out into other areas. Expanding product offerings is fine and dandy, but if it’s not as profitable as a core competency, then can it.

I recently read a book entitled Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling High-Tech Products to Mainstream Customers. One of the key components of the book was a very simple piece of advice, stay focused on the very focused niche in the market you are into. This is a very counterintuitive statement, but believe me it’s the gospel truth.

I see other companies like Scala, Helius, MediaTile and others sticking to what they know and what they’re good at. Perhaps that’s why their balance sheets don’t have numbers outlined by parenthesis and their CEOs are sticking around a while. Just a thought.

Posted on November 1, 2008 - by Nate

A look at Audience.tag Digital Signage

So Capital Networks is releasing something called Audience.tag which places digital signage on a standard sized name tag that goes on a shirt. It reminds me of the “Pitvertising” which I saw several months ago. It would work for certain situations. I can tell you for myself, I would get annoyed if I had a dynamic digital sign on my chest.

One thing about digital signage is that it’s already a bit less under audience control than other forms of digital media and advertising. What makes this form a bit worse is the fact that you can’t get away from it, especially if you’re the one wearing it.

The device is touted as the “wearable media player.” It’s uses are somewhat limited, but the unique “niche” style that Capital Networks has produced here certainly has some applications including:

• Instant engagement between retail sales staff and customers.
• New product introductions and service launches.
• In store brand and media reinforcement.
• Introducing corporate news.
• Tradeshows.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s obnoxious enough to grab customers’ attention at a tradeshow or the like you may want to try Audience.tag….or maybe not, especially if you’re epileptic.