Free at last: How to navigate a business world where “free” is an option

How can a business leader navigate a world where “free” is an option? How can value be understood and price determined if everything from news content to navigation services that once commanded a premium price are now being traded for free? Chris Anderson’s new book, “Free: The Future of a Radical Price” explains his theory on the new pricing ecosystem and warns companies that commerce has a pull toward free exchange of goods and services. The Business Genome takes a slightly different perspective, offering the warning signs that your business might be heading toward commoditization and that what was once highly sought-after might no longer command a premium price.

QWERTY, the case for new Fundamentals: How to pack a meaner (and leaner) Remington

The QUERTY keyboard was invented to solve a mechanical complication associated with the design of the original typing machines–two keys struck in sequence would cause sticking. Years later, the typewriters of the 1860s have morphed many times to daisy wheels and now to all sorts of gizmos. Yet, the meme of the QUERTY keyboard persists.

Many companies have habits ingrained in their cultures or their operations that also originated because they solved real problems at the time. But, as circumstances evolve, the business leaders who do not adapt are left behind.

Consider the quote from Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, who believes that their relatively recent business model is doomed. Doomed. The innovation of shipping DVDs and now the ability to download movies via the Internet is rapidly giving way to an explosion of technologies and delivery systems that will leave Netflix in the dust if they don’t adapt rapidly to a changing business environment.

R2-D2, the death of research and development: How to get a bazillion great minds to tackle your biggest challenge

The days of traditional Research and Development have been replaced by a new approach to discovering and developing strategic ideas that will drive business. The new R & D is based on Reaching Out to large crowds of talented people and Driving Innovation by engaging a wide range of individuals and teams from all over the world in thinking hard and working hard on solving your company’s most vexing problems. A bazillion great minds can now tackle your biggest business challenges.

Just the facts, ma’am: How to tame raw data and unlock its power

Business leaders are swimming in facts and information, but need better ways to find the things they’re looking for and more powerful ways to link information to see patterns in the data that will drive decisions. The new generation of tools for searching and seizing information, for calculating and measuring, and for figuring out what you need (even if you can’t define it precisely) are bringing new power to business professionals.

I see what you mean: The art and science of drawing (strategic business) conclusions

Business executives can now combine the power of data mining and business intelligence tools with computational drawing capabilities to clarify their strategic thinking. It’s time to get on the same page to accelerate business progress.