What’s Ahead With Technology & Business
By Terry L. Brock
I am excited! 2004 is already looking to be one of the best years for your business. The economy here in the US is coming back stronger all the time. The reports keep coming in of strong economic news.
So, let’s use that information and think about what specific steps you can take to do better for your business now and into the future.
You’ll see my current column for Biz Journals below. For you on my e-mail newsletter, I want to highlight some of the most important concepts. You’ll read what I reported that Craig Barrett of Intel had to say about the business climate in California. Not only do his actions and investments effect thousands of workers but billions of dollars are directed by Intel for future technology growth. He said that 70% of Intel customers now come from countries other than the US.
This is a wake-up call for any red-blooded entrepreneur. Think Globally! Be a citizen of the world and not just any particular country where you’re born.
Craig also said it is imperative to invest in yourself and your business. Now, more than ever, is a time to develop those new skills that can earn you money in 2004. Learn so you can earn. I’m reminded of a time when I had the opportunity to pick up Tony Robbins at the airport and take him to a meeting. I recall him telling me about the importance of successful people “parting with their capital” to grow their minds. If you’re going to cut back to save money, do it with something that doesn’t make you any money. Cut off your cable TV or satellite dish, if you need to save money. Cut out the trips to Dairy Queen. Cut out the smoking. Cut out every economic activity that doesn’t fuel your goals for your business and your life.
I can’t stress this enough to you. NOW is the time. Things are turning around.
It is almost as if it were 1992 and I am there asking you to invest in a company called Dell Computer (their stock shot up about 10,000% from 1992 to 2000). As we head into 2004, get ready for a strong economy. First and foremost, invest in your skill level and educational level. Become the better person you want to be.
Second, invest in those critical tools that will generate more cash for your business. Think portability. Think wireless. Think flexibility. Then think about how you can do this for your customers as well (see article below).
One technology that is already generating money for me that you should consider is immediate streaming audio. Listen to it on my website at www.terrybrock.com (it’s on the top left part of the screen). You’ll hear my audio greeting. Think of how you can use this audio technology in your work to make a once-silent and cold website come alive with the warmth of your voice. It makes technology more human. Check out this link on my website: http://terrybrock.com/whatshot.htm and click on the “play” button at the top. To find out more about it, click the “Find Out More” button (appropriate, huh?). I think you’ll be impressed.
Always looking forward to hearing from you and your feedback. I’m off to speaking and meetings in England and Europe next week. Drop me an e-mail and I’ll look for it at a nearby Internet café.
Now, here’s the yet-to-be published article and your sneak peek before the rest of the world sees it.
Continued success to you!
Terry
Dateline: Orlando, Florida
Every year The Gartner Group, the technology and business think tank, has a Symposium at Disney World to huddle with about 6,000 IT professionals from around the world and discuss what is going on in business and IT. This year much was covered and it turned out to be very useful for small and medium-sized businesses as well. Here are some selected observations I had that can affect you and your business for 2004.
Security And Your Business
It is scary out there. Richard Clarke ought to know. He advised three US Presidents working directly in the White House as CyberCzar to protect the nation’s Net structure from terrorists. He said that the cost to US business in August alone of this year alone nearly equaled the cost of all of 2002. The threat from security breaches is not diminishing but accelerating. The cost to US business from worms, viruses and other damage is estimated to be $119 billion.
Clarke should know. He had access to the inside secrets of the US Government for years. Even though security people will always say more needs to be spent on security, Clarke has a different idea than others. He places responsibility in the hands of private companies to insure their own safety. The government can’t do it for us, he contends. Bottom line for you and your company: It is worse than you think. If you’re on the Internet, you are vulnerable. And on top of that, the responsibility is not for the government to protect you but for you to protect yourself.
Security was also a big topic for Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. Many users of Microsoft software expressed repeated concerns about always having to apply new patches and updates just for security. This is a real threat and big cost for your small business. If you do nothing, you’re vulnerable to current threats. If you follow their recommendations, you don’t have time for selling and marketing (to generate sales and thus stay in business!). Ballmer said that security is the number one priority for Microsoft now. Go to http://www4.gartner.com/2_events/symposium/2003/asset_51680.jsp to see video of the main keynotes.
Upgrade To Office 2003?
The day Ballmer spoke, Microsoft released Office 2003, which was met with reservations, to say the least. Bottom line for most small and medium-sized businesses? If you’re doing fine with earlier versions of MS Office, you can probably sit this upgrade out and save a lot of hassle and money. If you have to upgrade, seriously look at alternatives like WordPerfect Office, Star Office, OpenOffice (free from http://www.openoffice.org/) or 602Software (http://www.software602.com/products/pcs/). All of these programs can fulfill the basic needs that most non-technical users need. Rather than paying $399 per computer for an upgrade, the age of alternatives is here.
California, Business Environment And You
After the much-touted California Gubernatorial Election this year, the amount of government coercion (taxation and regulation) of business is a hot topic. Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel said that his company is not planning to invest any more money in California and that he personally resides in Arizona rather than California. Worker’s Compensation Laws have become so expensive and onerous it is not as viable to hire people in California as other places.
This sends enormous signals for your small business. Think mobility. Think freedom. Think operating from anywhere. The more flexible you are and the less tied-down to any specific location you can be, the more like Teflon you become regarding new regulations and taxes. Plan in 2004 to be even more flexible, nimble and mobile. Not only can you avoid excessive government confiscation but you can also serve customers better in various locations and be less subject to shifts in economic ups and downs for any one location.
Tools For Portability
We all know that portability is a driving force in today’s market. I spoke with David Limp, the new Sr. VP for Palmsource who showed me some of his current favorites. From one gadget-loving guy to another we had a great time looking at new tools for mobile warriors.
David’s three hottest picks today include the Sony UX-50, the Treo 600 and the Garmin iQue 3600. The Sony UX-50 is a PDA that is tiny enough to fit in a coat pocket but has a keyboard (not too shabby for thumb typing) full Palm OS with Wi-Fi and plays video. The Handspring Treo 600 is the current pick for phone/PDA combo units and is nothing short of amazing. I’m lusting for one of these myself. The Garmin iQue 3600 is an ideal unit combining the Palm functionality and superb GPS for locating where you are and receiving verbal directions.
Nokia showcased its 6810 which provides a fold-out full keyboard and phone capability. They claim it can access the Net, and it did. However, the screen size was so small it made it more difficult to read. I use a Nokia phone (very old model that still does a great job) and would like to see this new 6810 give me better and faster Net access. But then, isn’t that always what we want? This unit will be good for e-mail text and text messaging.
Terry’s Recommendations As You Close Out 2003 And Look To 2004
The Gartner Symposium always helps me to find out what 6,000 of my closest friends are doing and thinking about where to spend money now for strong ROI next year. Gartner didn’t disappoint this year. If you think about serious investment you’ll do fine. The economy has already turned around and those that invest, both in themselves individually and their businesses will reap the rewards in 2004. Think portability. Think wireless. Think security.
And above all, think about how to translate these ideas and concepts to help your customers as they face continual challenges and trials. Not only will you end 2003 well, but also you’re more likely to have a great 2004 that way!
Terry Brock is an internationally recognized professional speaker, consultant and author in the fields of business productivity, technology and marketing. He is a syndicated
columnist for Biz Journals across America and can be reached at 407-363-0505 , by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com .
Copyright © 2003, Terry Brock, All Rights Reserved Internationally. No portion may be reprinted or used in any way without prior written permission. Permission granted to Biz Journals to use in regular publications.
By Terry L. Brock
I am excited! 2004 is already looking to be one of the best years for your business. The economy here in the US is coming back stronger all the time. The reports keep coming in of strong economic news.
So, let’s use that information and think about what specific steps you can take to do better for your business now and into the future.
You’ll see my current column for Biz Journals below. For you on my e-mail newsletter, I want to highlight some of the most important concepts. You’ll read what I reported that Craig Barrett of Intel had to say about the business climate in California. Not only do his actions and investments effect thousands of workers but billions of dollars are directed by Intel for future technology growth. He said that 70% of Intel customers now come from countries other than the US.
This is a wake-up call for any red-blooded entrepreneur. Think Globally! Be a citizen of the world and not just any particular country where you’re born.
Craig also said it is imperative to invest in yourself and your business. Now, more than ever, is a time to develop those new skills that can earn you money in 2004. Learn so you can earn. I’m reminded of a time when I had the opportunity to pick up Tony Robbins at the airport and take him to a meeting. I recall him telling me about the importance of successful people “parting with their capital” to grow their minds. If you’re going to cut back to save money, do it with something that doesn’t make you any money. Cut off your cable TV or satellite dish, if you need to save money. Cut out the trips to Dairy Queen. Cut out the smoking. Cut out every economic activity that doesn’t fuel your goals for your business and your life.
I can’t stress this enough to you. NOW is the time. Things are turning around.
It is almost as if it were 1992 and I am there asking you to invest in a company called Dell Computer (their stock shot up about 10,000% from 1992 to 2000). As we head into 2004, get ready for a strong economy. First and foremost, invest in your skill level and educational level. Become the better person you want to be.
Second, invest in those critical tools that will generate more cash for your business. Think portability. Think wireless. Think flexibility. Then think about how you can do this for your customers as well (see article below).
One technology that is already generating money for me that you should consider is immediate streaming audio. Listen to it on my website at www.terrybrock.com (it’s on the top left part of the screen). You’ll hear my audio greeting. Think of how you can use this audio technology in your work to make a once-silent and cold website come alive with the warmth of your voice. It makes technology more human. Check out this link on my website: http://terrybrock.com/whatshot.htm and click on the “play” button at the top. To find out more about it, click the “Find Out More” button (appropriate, huh?). I think you’ll be impressed.
Always looking forward to hearing from you and your feedback. I’m off to speaking and meetings in England and Europe next week. Drop me an e-mail and I’ll look for it at a nearby Internet café.
Now, here’s the yet-to-be published article and your sneak peek before the rest of the world sees it.
Continued success to you!
Terry
Dateline: Orlando, Florida
Every year The Gartner Group, the technology and business think tank, has a Symposium at Disney World to huddle with about 6,000 IT professionals from around the world and discuss what is going on in business and IT. This year much was covered and it turned out to be very useful for small and medium-sized businesses as well. Here are some selected observations I had that can affect you and your business for 2004.
Security And Your Business
It is scary out there. Richard Clarke ought to know. He advised three US Presidents working directly in the White House as CyberCzar to protect the nation’s Net structure from terrorists. He said that the cost to US business in August alone of this year alone nearly equaled the cost of all of 2002. The threat from security breaches is not diminishing but accelerating. The cost to US business from worms, viruses and other damage is estimated to be $119 billion.
Clarke should know. He had access to the inside secrets of the US Government for years. Even though security people will always say more needs to be spent on security, Clarke has a different idea than others. He places responsibility in the hands of private companies to insure their own safety. The government can’t do it for us, he contends. Bottom line for you and your company: It is worse than you think. If you’re on the Internet, you are vulnerable. And on top of that, the responsibility is not for the government to protect you but for you to protect yourself.
Security was also a big topic for Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. Many users of Microsoft software expressed repeated concerns about always having to apply new patches and updates just for security. This is a real threat and big cost for your small business. If you do nothing, you’re vulnerable to current threats. If you follow their recommendations, you don’t have time for selling and marketing (to generate sales and thus stay in business!). Ballmer said that security is the number one priority for Microsoft now. Go to http://www4.gartner.com/2_events/symposium/2003/asset_51680.jsp to see video of the main keynotes.
Upgrade To Office 2003?
The day Ballmer spoke, Microsoft released Office 2003, which was met with reservations, to say the least. Bottom line for most small and medium-sized businesses? If you’re doing fine with earlier versions of MS Office, you can probably sit this upgrade out and save a lot of hassle and money. If you have to upgrade, seriously look at alternatives like WordPerfect Office, Star Office, OpenOffice (free from http://www.openoffice.org/) or 602Software (http://www.software602.com/products/pcs/). All of these programs can fulfill the basic needs that most non-technical users need. Rather than paying $399 per computer for an upgrade, the age of alternatives is here.
California, Business Environment And You
After the much-touted California Gubernatorial Election this year, the amount of government coercion (taxation and regulation) of business is a hot topic. Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel said that his company is not planning to invest any more money in California and that he personally resides in Arizona rather than California. Worker’s Compensation Laws have become so expensive and onerous it is not as viable to hire people in California as other places.
This sends enormous signals for your small business. Think mobility. Think freedom. Think operating from anywhere. The more flexible you are and the less tied-down to any specific location you can be, the more like Teflon you become regarding new regulations and taxes. Plan in 2004 to be even more flexible, nimble and mobile. Not only can you avoid excessive government confiscation but you can also serve customers better in various locations and be less subject to shifts in economic ups and downs for any one location.
Tools For Portability
We all know that portability is a driving force in today’s market. I spoke with David Limp, the new Sr. VP for Palmsource who showed me some of his current favorites. From one gadget-loving guy to another we had a great time looking at new tools for mobile warriors.
David’s three hottest picks today include the Sony UX-50, the Treo 600 and the Garmin iQue 3600. The Sony UX-50 is a PDA that is tiny enough to fit in a coat pocket but has a keyboard (not too shabby for thumb typing) full Palm OS with Wi-Fi and plays video. The Handspring Treo 600 is the current pick for phone/PDA combo units and is nothing short of amazing. I’m lusting for one of these myself. The Garmin iQue 3600 is an ideal unit combining the Palm functionality and superb GPS for locating where you are and receiving verbal directions.
Nokia showcased its 6810 which provides a fold-out full keyboard and phone capability. They claim it can access the Net, and it did. However, the screen size was so small it made it more difficult to read. I use a Nokia phone (very old model that still does a great job) and would like to see this new 6810 give me better and faster Net access. But then, isn’t that always what we want? This unit will be good for e-mail text and text messaging.
Terry’s Recommendations As You Close Out 2003 And Look To 2004
The Gartner Symposium always helps me to find out what 6,000 of my closest friends are doing and thinking about where to spend money now for strong ROI next year. Gartner didn’t disappoint this year. If you think about serious investment you’ll do fine. The economy has already turned around and those that invest, both in themselves individually and their businesses will reap the rewards in 2004. Think portability. Think wireless. Think security.
And above all, think about how to translate these ideas and concepts to help your customers as they face continual challenges and trials. Not only will you end 2003 well, but also you’re more likely to have a great 2004 that way!
Terry Brock is an internationally recognized professional speaker, consultant and author in the fields of business productivity, technology and marketing. He is a syndicated
columnist for Biz Journals across America and can be reached at 407-363-0505 , by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com .
Copyright © 2003, Terry Brock, All Rights Reserved Internationally. No portion may be reprinted or used in any way without prior written permission. Permission granted to Biz Journals to use in regular publications.
posted by Terry Brock @ Thursday, October 30, 2003
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