Interesting facts on Technology and the Changing Paradigms...

Customer is at the center of everything in the digital age.

2017-01-10T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Trends on Business & leadership, customer experience and technology in 2017

Market trends for 2017 from Amit Kumar Das

Building blocks for a successful m-commerce strategy for restaurant operators

2016-12-31T23:27:00.000-06:00

Mobile commerce which was once a desirable candidate in the restaurant ecosystem has become table stakes today. Today a restaurant operator cannot ignore the value of mobile commerce; restaurants today must adapt to mobile commerce or die.

There is an incredible evolution that has taken place over the past five years. From a time when you used to have clear expectations of what to get at fast food restaurants you now can get everything as far as food, price and delivery ... and mobile is contributing to all of that.

There are 4 essential building blocks for brands striving to embrace mobile. A model which I have coined as RESS model can offer brands a framework embarking on an m-commerce journey.
RESS stands for

R-Resilient
E-Exclusive
S-Simple
S-Scalable

Here is a quick dive into these four essential aspects of m-commerce

1. Resilient:
Restaurant operators should expect to make mistakes in deploying m-commerce strategy. There should be an appetite for experimentation while fully expecting some hard knocks along the way. The architecture for mobile commerce should tie in features that can produce ongoing data that is useful to your brand, stellar POS features and seamless back-office functionality. Operators need to be resilient while deploying this strategy. It takes time and money to refine the mobile apps, middle-ware, databases and many other interfacing applications. The mantra is not to get intimidated with initial failures and to stay invested in the story of mobile power.

2. Exclusive:

Mobile apps should make users feel special. It is essential that brands reward their mobile app users for taking the time and space on their ever-more-crowded mobile screens to include their app. Users will only stick to your brand when you make them fell special and exclusive.

3. Simple:

Restaurant operators should focus on building an app that is easy for all ages. An app should address what a customer needs and not what a business needs. Respect your customers' different needs, and don't pay so much attention to making customers do what you want them to do. ... Find a way to make your app make your customers happy. Think about the customer first and what makes them whole, happy and excited. Use technology to help with that. The bottom-line is that one of the quickest ways to delighting her customers is by helping them save time. The reason the customer is using your app is to reduce time spent waiting in line and streamlines order retrieval.

4. Scalable:

Always plan for a system that can handle big online orders .If the systems are not scalable to support the peak demand there can be potential losses to the restaurant operators. It is always worthwhile to invest in fail-safe options for big orders. Also, initially an app can start with features like offers/promotions, discount coupons but can gradually scale up to offers ordering food online and paying for their food through multiple gateways, bitcoins and third party platforms.

Mobile-commerce strategy if applied successfully can be a huge differentiation for a restaurant brand.

Future of Dress

2016-05-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

Marchesa and IBM Watson design the cognitive dress

Virtual Reality-The future of experience is here

2016-05-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

McDonald's drive for being modern and progressive will continue in 2016

2016-01-05T15:12:00.002-06:00

A quick peek into what to expect from McDonald's in 2016

McDonald’s digital menus will make weather-based suggestions. The menus will show moving images of products and promote specific menu items based on the weather and time of day. All U.S. locations are expected to have the new menu boards by the end of 2016.
http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-menus-will-recommend-food-based-on-the-weather-2015-11

McDonald’s reported it will not spin off its real estate through an REIT. The chain had previously considered a real estate investment trust or sale-leaseback agreement to increase its value.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurengensler/2015/11/10/mcdonalds-reit-turnaround-update/

McDonald’s rolled out drive-thru changes. The chain’s “ask, ask, tell” initiative is intended to ensure drive-thru order accuracy and to offer more personal interaction. The company asked restaurants to turn off prerecorded drive-thru greetings and have employees greet customers. Employees will also leave the paper bag open, so customers can inspect contents.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-23/mcdonald-s-knows-you-re-sick-of-screw-ups-at-drive-thru-windows

McDonald’s is trialing table service at 600 restaurants in Southern California. Under the new model, customers will order at the counter, but employees will deliver the orders to customers’ tables. The change is one of several aimed at competing with upscale burger chains such as Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Shake Shack.

http://www.eater.com/2015/12/2/9834710/mcdonalds-table-service-test-southern-California

How to become a Great Speaker: My Top Picks from slideshare over the years...

2015-06-16T02:53:00.002-05:00

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs - Carmine Gallo from Carmine Gallo

Make your Presentation Pop

Make Your Presentation Pop from Artisan Talent

Death by PowerPoint

Death by PowerPoint from Alexei Kapterev

5 Killer ways to your next Presentation

5 killer ways to open up your next presentation from Big Fish Presentations

5 ways to step up your Presentation Game

5 Ways to Step Up Your Presentation Game from Big Fish Presentations

Taking your Slide Deck to the Next Level

Taking Your Slide Deck to the Next Level from selias22

Slide:ology-The art and Science of creating great Presentations

Slideology sample30 from Giulia Nicoletto

Presenting Like the Artist

Presenting Like The Artist from Emiland

The Presenter Manifesto

The Presenter Manifesto : 8 Distinctions of a World Class Presenter by @eric_feng @slidecomet @itseugenec from SlideComet | Visual Storytelling Agency | Presentation Design & Training |

Presentation Design Techniques from the Masters

Presentation Design Techniques from the Masters by @slidecomet @itseugenec from SlideComet | Visual Storytelling Agency | Presentation Design & Training |

Don't be a PowerPoint Felon

Don't Be A PowerPoint Felon from Nick Smith

How to make Awesome Diagrams for your Slides

How to make Awesome Diagrams for your slides from otikik

Great Presentations are like Ads

Great Presentations Are Like Ads by @slidecomet @itseugenec @kaixinspeaking from SlideComet | Visual Storytelling Agency | Presentation Design & Training |

How to Create Presentation Slides that are out of this World

How To Create Presentation Slides That Are Out Of This World by @slidecomet @itseugenec @kaixinspeaking from SlideComet | Visual Storytelling Agency | Presentation Design & Training |

25 Awesome Public Speaking Quotes

25 Awesome Public Speaking Quotes from Big Fish Presentations

Present with Passion

Present with Passion from SalesChannel Europe

All that you wanted to know about Apple Watch

2015-06-16T01:54:00.000-05:00

Introducing Apple Watch from JJ Wu

Future of Retail Technology

2015-06-16T01:46:00.001-05:00

Here are the trends that are bringing virtual experience into reality...

The Future Of Retail: 4 Trends Bringing The Virtual Experience Into Reality from Samsung Business USA

BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Brands 2015 Report

2015-06-05T02:06:00.002-05:00

BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Brands 2015 Report from Millward Brown

Story of Tencent- the most valuable Chinese brand in 2015

2015-06-05T02:01:00.001-05:00

Tencent is one of the largest internet companies. Tencent is China's most used internet portal and 4th largest internet portal after Google,Amazon and eBay. It's brand value is worth $66B as per 2015 BrandZ Top 100 Brands. It brings all the good features of Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon,Yahoo and many more rolled into one. Their services are grouped in 6 broad categories

- instant messaging service,

- on-line media

- wireless internet value added services

- interactive entertainment services

- mobile messaging services; and

- on-line advertising services

Here is the story of the most valuable Chinese brand

The Alibaba story

2015-06-05T01:40:00.000-05:00

The new behemoth in the world of retail!!

Apple Watch- All you need to know....

2015-06-05T01:27:00.004-05:00

Here is a beautiful presentation that talks about the hype and buzz around the Apple Watch

Apple Watch for News. The Hype and Beyond from Deniz Ergurel

Healthy is the new Luxury

2015-06-04T04:51:00.002-05:00

Sweetgreen is capitalizing on the healthy food trend by offering locally sourced, fresh, and affordable ingredients.

Founded in 2007, sweetgreen is a fast-casual destination for fun, delicious food that's both healthy and aligned with values of healthy food. They source local and organic ingredients from farmers and partners they trust, supporting the communities and creating meaningful relationships.

The Promise of 3D and 4D Printing

2015-05-29T05:02:00.000-05:00

How is it like to download a coffee table? Or at least a digital model of a coffee table that you could customize and then you just print it out.

Mind it, it is not a picture of a coffee table but an actual, physical three-dimensional object that lives in your living room. Well, it is all possible. It is the world of 3D printing and it is going to change everything. It will redefine the way we think about innovation, design, manufacturing and distribution.

Simply put, 3D printing is the process of making 3 dimensional, solid objects from a digital file. 3D printers bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. It uses very thin layers of plastic, which are as thin as a sheet of copy paper, to build an object from the bottom up. Unlike other forms of manufacturing where the excess is carved, cut or melted away, leaving a ton of waste. It creates a new item by adding only what is needed.

And 3D printing isn’t limited to plastics. Already, you can print stuff to glass,metal, food and even organs.

We are heading towards limitless customization. The promise of 3D printing is huge. We can print any object we can imagine, and have it in our hand in just matter of hours. And in immediate future, it could mean that with today’s desktop machine we can print our favourite sunglasses, phone case and our coffee mugs. Your printer can also print the jewelry line you always want to make, but couldn't afford to produce. You can print your car. Build your house in 24 hours with big size 3D printers. It is not only convenient but also is cheaper.

So with 3D printers we can think about all the possible applications. But all of these great products have one thing in common-rigidity. That means they are going to keep that shape once we print them, unless we heat the object under a flame or cut it through a hacksaw. But with the advent of called 4D printing everything could change!

That’s right, its one D better! 4D printers can create programmable matter, which will allow us to create object that could reshape them or self assemble over time.

Skylar Tibbits, the man who really came up with this idea of 4D printing, has created programmable sheet material. A successful demonstration at MIT lab already showed that a sheet of plastic, when submerged in water, can clench up into the sheet of a cube. And a cube is just the beginning!

Think about it on the really big scale. What about skyscrapers and bridges. If we could make them out of smart materials like smart beans and smart bricks, they could heal themselves after weather damage or prepare for something massive like an earthquake.

That’s a long way of course, but it is always fun to play with possibilities. This whole new subject should give us a pause and also excite us at the same time. We are at the cusp of something very new and amazing.

The best part is that if you lose your brain thinking about it , you can always print another one.Welcome to the amazing world of 3D and 4D printing. Are you ready for the invention of this magnitude? I have already planned to print a new dress and and a toy for my little one.

Below are three resources you may like to explore

- My article on 4D Printing that was published on InformationWeek in Sep,14

4D Printing by simplyamit

- How the world will change with 3D and 4D Printing? [slides on Slideshare]

The Promise of 3D and 4D Printing from Amit Kumar Das

- Skylar Tibbits TED talk on 4D printing

Internet of Things (IoT) - The next Mega Trend

2015-05-26T23:37:00.003-05:00

How many objects do you have which are connected to the internet?

About a decade ago you probably would have said 1 or may be 2. But today we have computers, personal computers, tablets, smart phone, video games, media player, smart TV, wearable devices and smart refrigerators.

Now extend this trend outward, what do we get? Gartner, a research firm estimates that by 2020, there will be 25 billion objects connected to the internet. We are talking about the world blanketed with billions of sensors. These sensors are taking addresses from real physical objects in the world and uploading them to the internet. We are creating an environment where everything is getting connected. Internet of Things is no more a buzzword, it is the next mega trend.

IoT’s roots can be traced back to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), from work in the field of networked radio frequency identification (RFID) and emerging sensing technologies. Kevin Ashton coined the term Internet of Things for the first time in 1999. IoT represents the next evolution of the Internet, taking a huge leap in its ability to gather, analyze and distribute data that we can turn into information, knowledge, and, ultimately, wisdom.

Now the question is how many objects could be connected to the internet. So consider this –the latest version of internet connection protocol IPV6 can create more addresses than there are atoms on the surface of the earth. So, it is almost limitless.

Let’s stroll into the living room of future.

The room identifies you and taps into the cloud based profile of preferences like climate control, lighting, music and décor. Had a long day at work?? The room knows that you had a busy day full of meetings, the wearable device that you are wearing and the biosensors detect your blood pressure and heart rate. So, it turns off the rock music you usually listen to and switch on to more soothing classical music. The environment is so sophisticated that you may be able to predict what you want. So when you walk to the refrigerator, it will not only tell you what is in there but will also tell you what you can make with stuff you already have inside the fridge. It will also suggest the best meal you can have based on your mood, activity level and may be even your weight loss plan.

IoT Applications

Now, let us also see some real life examples where Internet of Things is already a reality. IoT is already among us with the Nike Fuelband, FitBit, Google Glass and finally the Apple Watch which was a pivotal moment in the internet of things (IoT) revolution. The smartwatch incorporates fitness tracking and health-oriented capabilities as well as integration with iOS and other Apple products and services.

Mimo, another company can track your little ones. Through the Mimo app you can hear your little one’s coos and cries, know if your little is awake or asleep; it can check your baby’s body position and be notified if he or she rolls over. Available on both Android and iOS, the Mimo app lets you stay in-tune with your baby, from anywhere in the world.

The possibilities of IoT are immense. There could be many applications of Internet of Things

If there is traffic congestion, then we can monitor vehicles and pedestrian levels to optimize driving and walking routes
Through distributed control in specific places of tremors we can have early detection of earthquakes. This can save lots of human lives
We can build a smart supply chain that can provide identity, location, and other tracking information from the manufacturer to the retailer

In summary, IoT is transforming every industry be it healthcare, energy, agriculture, education or retail. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a VISION. It is being built today. Modern strategist Michael Porter says that eventually, the IoT will deliver products that decide. This is going to give a real opportunity for a surge of growth—a surge of productivity, a surge of innovation.

Today, the Internet of Things might look like the Internet of the 1990s but the potential for future is unimaginable.
Though this is a vast concept but this video tries to simplify things for us!!

Influential Business Executives Ever

2015-05-25T00:22:00.000-05:00

Top-tier professionals whose hard work brought their companies to the forefront of their industries

Best Product Placements Ever in Movies

2015-05-24T23:58:00.002-05:00

These are some of the classic product placements in movies without being annoying

Health and Nutrition in Fast Food Industry

2015-05-21T04:31:00.000-05:00

Health and Nutrition in Fast Food Industry from Amit Das

Best Public Speech

2015-05-11T03:46:00.002-05:00

World Champion of Public Speaking 2014 Dananjaya Hettiarachchi

Just loved. Awesome and natural speaker...

How Technology is transforming Sephora?

2015-05-06T00:12:00.002-05:00

Sephora is a beauty retailer and belongs to the LVMH group. It was founded in Paris, France in 1970 and focuses on prestigious and emerging brands across the categories make-up, fragrance, skincare, haircare and nails.

While, the beauty specialist retailers have grown at a CAGR of 6% since 2009, Sephora has outgrown the market with double digit growth. Technology plays a big part in that growth. Technologies inside the store enable Sephora to provide customers with very individual recommendations and unbiased feedback that can hardly be found in department stores or branded beauty outlets. Technology allows Sephora to capture different shopping profiles and allows to capture a large share of demand. The technologies in store and omnichannel integration transformed the previously rather offline focused beauty industry to an online platform.

Digital technologies are used to create an integrated multi-channel experience to capture most shopping preferences and thus sales. Additional to the stores, Sephora operates a mobile app and several websites. Technologies inside the stores enable customers to find products on touch screen booths via tests, such as the fragrance IQ or by scanning barcodes. The screens allow customers to read reviews, see pictures of other consumers using it, inform about ingredients, educate about uses or offer matching other products. Customers can directly sent these recommendations to their email, save them to their Beauty Insider account or print it at the booth to discuss with cast members. The same tests can be found online and offer customers the opportunity to purchase matching products through the online store

Courage is the spirit of Youth

2015-05-05T22:11:00.000-05:00

Folks,

I created my first poster on Canva. Here you go!!

What is a Value Proposition?

2015-04-30T03:08:00.000-05:00

A value proposition is a promise of value to be delivered. It’s the primary reason a prospect should buy from you.

A value proposition is a clear statement that

explains how your product solves customers’ problems or improves their situation (relevancy),
delivers specific benefits (quantified value),
tells the ideal customer why they should buy from you and not from the competition (unique differentiation).

Value proposition needs to be in the language of the customer. It should join the conversation or connect with issues and motivations that is already going on in the customer’s mind.

Value proposition usually consists of a block of text (a headline, sub-headline and one paragraph of text) with a visual (photo, hero shot, graphics).

Headline. What is the end-benefit you’re offering, in 1 short sentence. Can mention the product and/or the customer. Attention grabber.
Sub-headline or a 2-3 sentence paragraph. A specific explanation of what you do/offer, for whom and why is it useful.
3 bullet points. List the key benefits or features.
Visual. Images communicate much faster than words. Show the product, the hero shot or an image reinforcing your main message.

The best value proposition is always clear: what is it, for whom and how is it useful? If these questions are answered, we’re on the right path. We should always strive for clarity.

If our value proposition makes people go guessing or wondering about the claims, we’re doing it in a wrong way. If the reader has to read a lot of text to understand our offering, we’re doing it wrong. Yes, sufficient amount of information is crucial for conversions, but we need to draw them in with a clear, compelling value proposition first.

So a good value proposition should have

Clarity! It’s easy to understand.
It communicates the concrete results a customer will get from purchasing and using your products and/or services.
It says how it’s different or better than the competitor’s offer.
It avoids hype (like ‘never seen before amazing miracle product’), superlatives (‘best’) and business jargon (‘value-added interactions’).
It can be read and understood in about 5 seconds.

The key thing to remember is that we need to be unique in the customer’s mind.

There is an interesting article on Value Proposition on Forbes. Read Here.

How will we work in future?

2015-04-28T23:09:00.001-05:00

The realities in the physical and virtual worlds are fast disappearing. Augmented Reality is nothing but something that enhances the physical with digital. Augmented reality is a new medium for communication. Virtual reality requires stepping out of the physical world into the digital world, while augmented reality merges both the physical world and the digital world.

One of the fascinating examples of augmented reality that I have come across is the DAQRI Smart Helmet that will change how we work in future.

Have a look!!

Who is an Inclusive Leader?

2015-04-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

One of the pertinent questions on leadership is that how do we become more inclusive?

Inclusive leadership benefits everyone. It positively impacts everyone. It doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, of any skin color, race, ethnicity, or nationality. Anyone can be an inclusive leader. You can be an inclusive leader, and inclusion benefits everyone.

So you must be wondering what exactly is inclusion. The dictionary says, inclusion is the action or state of being included, or including others in groups and structures.

Inclusion happens when we value both the differences and the commonalities of others.

When we value differences it means that we value uniqueness or distinctiveness in others. Standing out from a crowd and being recognized for what we bring to the table, what's unique about us?

When we value commonalities we value belongingness in others. Being and feeling accepted as part of the crowd, regardless of our differences or similarities with others. It really is about fitting into that group.

Inclusion happens when we value both the differences and the commonalities of others.

Now, let us also try to dissect who is a leader and who is a follower?

A video that appeared on the internet a few years ago was used in a TED talk given by Derek Sivers explains the concept of a leader and a follower very aptly.

The best line that I liked in the video is when Derek says

"The biggest lesson...is that leadership is over-glorified. That, yes, it was the shirtless guy who was first, and he'll get all the credit, but it was really the first follower that transformed the lone nut into a leader....If you really care about starting a movement, have the courage to follow, and show others how to follow.”

Cabela's encouraging customers to disconnect

2015-04-25T03:06:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that a dependence on technology affects individuals and families, with studies showing that 80 percent of teens own mobile devices. Kids in general spend only four to seven minutes playing outside daily, according to the American Camp Association.

To rally against this over-connectivity, Cabela's, in partnership with country singer Justin Moore, announced today the launch of Disconnect Day, a nationwide campaign encouraging Americans to step away from their devices for a day of their choosing to enjoy outdoor activities, while reconnecting with themselves, family and friends.

The core idea behind Disconnect Day is to remember how rewarding the outdoors can be in strengthening the relationships in our lives, said Scott Williams, Cabela's chief marketing officer.

"When our children grow up, they aren't going to remember how many likes they got on a status update, but they will remember their family camping trips and the first fish they caught," he said.

To launch the initiative, Moore will take the Disconnect Day pledge and is challenging others to do the same at the Third Annual Cabela's Great Outdoors Archery Event.

The campaign anthem is Moore's new rendition of the classic song, "What a Wonderful World," which can be downloaded for free on www.MyDisconnectDay.com starting May 1, 2015