Strategy in TECH...
Apple, Inc. announced on Tuesday the long-awaited update of its key iPhone 5 smartphone, only to see its stock pummeled – losing more than 2% of its value on Tuesday and another 5.44% on Wednesday as investors appeared under-whelmed by the announcement. But is this reaction fair? Has Apple lost its innovation mojo? Or is Apple the victim of unreasonable expectations?
One of the hottest trends in the automobile industry over the last few years is the emergence of a whole new category of vehicle called the “crossover.” A crossover combines the capacious body design of a modified SUV (sport utility vehicle) with the enhanced handling and drivability of a car-based chassis. The result is something that doesn’t exist in either of those independent categories.
Now, Salamander Designs, Ltd. and Leon Speakers have partnered to create their own version of a crossover for our industry as Salamander launches a new line of accessory custom speakers from Leon, perfectly designed to integrate with their cabinets.
Being in tech, we’re supposedly in the innovation business. The fact is when it comes to marketing, we’re not very innovative. Our advertising follows predictable patterns which are NOT innovative – and leaves us open to ridicule. Well, one website is calling us on the carpet – CollegeHumor.com who has launched a video parody of tech advertising.
I found this parody courtesy of David Pogue, the New York Times tech reporter, who says he can’t stop “cackling.” I, too, laughed heartily as I recognized all those formulaic tactics advertisers use to sell generic tech products. But the more you think about it…a sour – and painful – after-taste sets in.
We often think innovation has to be some major technological breakthrough – some amazing new mobile device…or smartwatch…or IP-enabled network controller configurator extender…or such. That’s cool…but we’re firm believers in all forms of innovation – including mini-innovations. And there are opportunities for innovation everywhere. ICE Cable, for example, says it has innovation – in the box!
There are some major – and exciting – changes taking place here at The Stratecon Group headquarters…and on its Strata-gee.com website.
While we can’t tell you everything going on at this point – the big news that we can tell you is that the ALERT newsletter is being discontinued.
Why would we discontinue our ALERT newsletter, which many of you – our loyal subscribers – have been receiving for years? Read more below…
September is just days away and those of us in the custom integration channel knows what this fact means: it’s time for the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association’s (CEDIA) Expo – this year being held in Denver, Colorado from September 26-28. As this annual trade show is such a key event – and given the fact that it provides a barometer on the overall health of the custom integration industry – for several years now, we’ve been conducting a survey to learn your thoughts about the event itself.
Social media has revolutionized marketing communications in many ways. But still, some haven’t figured out how to make it work. I often hear from companies who tell me that they don’t want their employees “wasting time” on social media – as if its only purpose is in sucking up time, or providing meaningless diversions. Smart companies recognize that, done well, social media enhances relationships with customers…and builds corporate reputations.
This week, Bloomberg tells the remarkable tale of a really old-school marketer that has figured out how to use social media to turbo-charge their relationship with customers and generate real sales. An amazing lesson that we can all learn from: elephants really CAN tap dance!
Klipsch announced this week that it has signed an endorsement agreement with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck to serve as its official brand ambassador. The company says that Luck will bring a “fresh perspective” and “creative inspiration” to the brand.
One of the highlights of Audio Associates Dealer Expo in New Jersey last week was a key seminar on video screens given by none other than Joe Kane, one of this industry’s best known and most respected video technology experts. Kane’s presentation was supposed to cover how to select the best screen for the installation – but the enigmatic Kane couldn’t help himself and covered – rapid-fire – several topical industry subjects for an engaging presentation that went well past its scheduled 60-minute time slot.
We told you last week about Soundcast Systems, Inc. who has engaged in a bold play to reinvigorate its business with the owners upping their capital investment, bringing in new management, an
d ramping-up both marketing and personnel. When we interviewed President Mike Weaver about his international strategy, he paused and declined to go into great detail. He did, however, vaguely allude to a forthcoming “major announcement” relative to Soundcast’s international plans.
Today, the company revealed what must be the news that Weaver was referring to, as it announced that the company has hired LVZ International, a firm that specializes in international sales.
