The key to future success in mobile apps

A VC: App to App Handshakes At first blush this seems fairly trivial, but the reality is that this is a huge issue.  Fundamental to success.  In fact, I read an article about the Ubuntu mobile OS the other day and how it would struggle to find footing, if they focused on this aggressively and did not worry so much about things like swipes in the UI, they could find success.  Why?  Because there are so many great apps that can accomplish a small task, but true ecosystem greatness will only come when they can work together.  

From Zipcar to the Sharing Economy - Arun Sundararajan - Harvard Business Review

From Zipcar to the Sharing Economy - Arun Sundararajan - Harvard Business Review I like this a lot. The idea of the customer of being more than just a customer, but a participant in the success of an organization, is very powerful.

Jeff Bezos on Leading for the Long-Term at Amazon - HBR IdeaCast - Harvard Business Review

Jeff Bezos on Leading for the Long-Term at Amazon - HBR IdeaCast - Harvard Business Review

Excellent interview with Jeff Bezos. Probably not much new here, but I think the focus on long term planning combined with putting the customer first is a great way to achieve success. I also like the fact that Bezos is considering physical stores and an Amazon phone but Amazon won't do those unless they have a different angle than what exists today. Amazon doesn't want to be just the 101st store on the block or the 101st phone on the shelves

Is Big Data Bad For You or Your Business?

You cannot read an technology or marketing publication today without a bunch of articles on big data and how it is changing the world.  I love the idea of big data and with every article I start to envision how it can fix things, but the reality is that for most organizations big data is not fundamental to success at this point.  Why?  Because there ARE fundamental issues that need to be resolved first.  Issues around vision, brand, employees, etc... Just replace advertising with big data in this cartoon by Tom Fishburne and the outcome is the same.

5 Lessons Microsoft Must Learn To Compete In 2013 | Fast Company

5 Lessons Microsoft Must Learn To Compete In 2013 | Fast Company This is an interesting article about what Microsoft has to do to in 2013.  I agree with most of the points, but I think they are symptoms of a larger cause, which is lack of comprehensive vision.  And of course I like point number 5, "Storytelling Is Important!"

Avis Budget snaps up car sharing leader Zipcar for $500M — Cleantech News and Analysis

Avis Budget snaps up car sharing leader Zipcar for $500M — Cleantech News and Analysis

I like this move by Avis, instead of their vision merely being how can we best rent cars, it is "Our customers temporarily need a vehicle, how can we best serve them?"

Instead of Making Resolutions, Dream - Whitney Johnson - Harvard Business Review

Instead of Making Resolutions, Dream - Whitney Johnson - Harvard Business Review

This is an excellent article and illustrates how the power of passion, vision, and brand scale from the individual to the corporation.