The Power of the Purse

I’m just finishing a good read looking at retail and the power of the women consumer market.

“Power of the Purse� by Fara Warner (get it at Amazon.com or Kalahari.net).
The book looks at the power shifts in gender roles statically, and combines this with practical application taken from some of the biggest world brands, ie McDonalds and Nike. They work through the thought process and research that these companies used to get the competitive edge. Although the stats are all USA based. I think in South Africa we are moving into a similar situation at an alarming rate.

In dealing with generational and gender issues, this is a must read for anyone in retail, marketing or even product development, for insight into connecting or tapping into this growing market.

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Small things do make a difference

We went out for dinner as a family last week. Nice venue, great welcome, drinks served and our meal ordered. Then came the wait and boy what a wait it was.
You know you’ve waited far to long for your food, when the conversation becomes slurred and your not sure if its from that extra glass of wine, or you’re falling asleep….
In the bill folder was an assessment form, which we filled in, complimenting them on the great meal, but the delivery of the same was much to slow.

One always wonders what happens to these forms, so imagine my surprise when 2 days later, I get an email, thanking me for taking the time to comment, admitting that they have had other comments on the slow delivery, and then proceeded to tell me 3 things they have initiated to address the problem.
I was really impressed at the turn around – “Poor Service but Great Management”

It’s amazing what a difference small things like this can do in a connection economy.
We will definitely go back for a meal, and tell their story. Well done Woodcutters.

Millennials are not just in our homes!

Last week I had 2 Millennium generational (Gen Y) encounters.

The first one was while visiting a client. A very progressive company with a young dynamic staff. Anyone would give their eye teeth to work in a company like this. When I asked what one issue would they say is the most prominent…..she answered Generations! I presumed between Boomers and Gen X’s, BUT no the company only has a hand full of boomers. The issues are between Xer’s and Millennial generations.

The “what ever� attitude of the Xers are getting fed up(already) with the socially aware, conservation caring, confident millennials that are now part of their staff.

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CV’s and the Connection Economy

I read this article today, written by Reg Lascaris – of Hunt Lascaris – after I had a similar conversation with a potential client, discussing the need to balance work teams, using expertise vs personatity types. I thought others may enjoy the article, especially the parts refering to the connection economy.

“CV ‘manufacture’ has become a parity market for those with some work experience and some tertiary education as many unsuccessful but well-qualified job applicants may have discovered. As in any parity market, the key for those doing the selling is to find a differentiator, a factor that sets apart Candidate A from B, C and D.
Recent developments worldwide suggest the magic ingredient is individual personality. When objective factors cancel themselves out, you are left with subjective factors like energy levels, confidence, get up and go, concern for others, enthusiasm and empathy.

This sounds wishy-washy until you consider organisational and marketing trends.

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