Some things you should know if you’re thinking about taking the leap into business.
Cool To Be Square
This could be a serious game changer for small and medium sized businesses.
Facebook and how companies use it
Facebook is now the four hundred pound gorilla of the social media space. However, actually harnessing its full potential for your business is incredibly difficult.
This article highlights how 5 companies have been able to engage their customers via Facebook through smart interactions. Well worth reading.
A great business book list
Check out this great list of business books.
I’ve been reading ‘Change by Design’ by Tim Brown (check it out HERE). Highly recommended.
Also, check out my reading list for some further inspiration.
One of my favourite companies
I’m a fan of studying businesses. They provide awesome insights into what works and what doesn’t work. The real world is the best test of a business plan and its execution.
One of the businesses that I love reading about is Zappos.com. If you haven’t heard of them you need to check them out HERE. Here is a really brief background:
Zappos.com was founded in 1999 with the goal of becoming the premiere destination for online shoes (according to their website).
Google Energy. Really?
I saw this interesting article today on fastcompany.com regarding Google’s latest foray – green technology.
This is nothing new for those in the know. Over the last few years Google has quietly been investing, via Google Ventures, in green tech. The article notes previous investment in ’geothermal technology, smart grid ventures, electric cars, and wind power’.
The article points out that Google incorporated a Delaware entity in late 2009 named Google Energy and earlier this week it applied to buy and sell carbon credits on the wholesale market!
The article postulates a very reasonable answer to the million dollar question. Why? It is noted that Google Energy may simply be used as Google’s carbon trading entity to aid in their quest to reach carbon neutrality.
However, this is Google we are talking about – the ultimate market disrupter. Who knows, maybe soon we will see Google packaging up carbon derivatives or starting a utility division.
Things I’m (currently) excited about in 2010
The new year seems to be bringing with it a plethora of new and exciting gadgets, ideas and start-ups. Here is a short list of things I’m really excited about in 2010.
The Apple Tablet
Rumour has it that the iSlate (as it seems it will be called) is going to be released on either the 26th or 27th of January. The excitement this thing is creating on the net is amazing.
Personally, I think the real story from the Apple tablet release will be what it will do for Apple in the business market. Most business people love mobile anything (think the laptop, Blackberry, iPhone etc), and if the iPhone was Apple’s entree into the business space the tablet could be its main meal. The possibilities that the tablet creates in the mobile computing space for entrepreneurs is amazing. Bring on the iSlate.
Continue reading “Things I’m (currently) excited about in 2010”
The First Post
So this is my first post.
I assume it is customary (if not polite) to give those who are reading this a brief insight into what this blog is about. If this is the case – I’m sorry to be rude, but I’m just not sure yet.
Having said this, I do intend to blog on the wonderful world of business. I’m passionate about start-ups and brilliant new business ideas. I’m also passionate about how businesses can make a difference in the community. So expect these topics to make regular appearances.
I hope you enjoy my random musings and don’t forget to drop me a line at hi@alantsen.com.