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January 30, 2006
HBR's Breakthrough Ideas
The February issue of Harvard Business Review features The HBR List -- the publication's list of breakthrough ideas for 2006. All 20 are really fascinating, but there were two that caught my eye:
1. The Battle of the Networks
2. A Cartel for Oil Consumers
1. The Battle of the Networks -- this one talks about how companies are mastering the art of networking their products, customers and suppliers. It specifically highlights how competition in the future won't be between companies, but between the networks created by these companies. Opinion: The days of the "news release alliance" (an alliance in name only) are numbered. The companies who truly leverage their strategic partnerships are the ones who will win.
2. A Cartel for Oil Consumers -- We've got OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Companies), so why not OPIC -- an "Organization of Petroleum Importing Companies)? Interesting thought, especially as Exxon Mobil announced earnings today, reporting 2005 profits of just over $36 billion. That's the highest reported annual profit in the history of the U.S. economy. Should be interesting to see the public relations and political fallout of that little announcement...
Posted by Matt Kucharski at January 30, 2006 9:20 AM
Comments
Great thoughts, Matt. My fave is #8, "Customers Demand Their Slice of IP". As the pull-out quote says, "Customer-collaborators are starting to ask, 'What's in it for me?' " Not only are media feeling the push of consumers clamoring for opportunities to become adjunct reporters, but companies increasingly are faced with customers wanting "in" on product and service development.
One company that's been in the mix for a few years is Nike, which has invited its consumers to help design their own running shoes online (Nikeid -- cosmetic design only). But having done that, is Nike known for collaboration with its consumers? Nope.
Companies such as Nike can't create a donnybrook, but they can invite customer collaboration and reward evangelists with something of value. Go beyond the focus group and actually elicit new ideas from consumers who enlist in dialogue that you create and nurture.
So, here's the first one...Nike, let's create a running shoe specifically for the flat-footed runner who runs as if she/he has arches.
Posted by: Rich Sharp at February 6, 2006 3:41 PM