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Perspectives on the wonderful world of tech

From Julius Caesar to FedEx via milkshakes. Professor Clayton Christensen talks innovation-sense at Business of Software

This is a truly special talk from Professor Clayton Christensen who gave the opening address at last year’s Business of Software in Boston, Ma.

(Registration for Business of Software 2012, (October 1-3rd October) is now open…). The first 50 registrations for Business of Software 2012 will get a copy of Clayton’s new book, ‘How will you measure your life?’ with our compliments.

My favourite quote,

“The customer rarely buys what the company thinks it is selling them”.

Professor Clayton Christensen talks models of disruptive innovation, what the job of your product is and explains why there will always be room for disruptive innovation an entrepreneurs in the world. From the rise of Sony and the transistor radio, through Apple, milkshakes (yes!), from Julius Caesar to FedEx, Clayton makes you think about innovation in a way that you probably haven’t before.

Take the time to watch the whole 90 minutes if you get a chance. If you want to read a transcript of the video, you can here.

(Registration for Business of Software 2012, (October 1-3rd October) is now open…). The first 50 registrations for Business of Software 2012 will get a copy of Clayton’s new book, ‘How will you measure your life?’ with our compliments.

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What does it mean for a business to be ‘different’?

As I venture further into the slightly intimidating labyrinth of marketing, I have come across another ‘must-read.’ The latest stepping stone on my journey comes in the form of Professor Youngme Moon’s insightful book entitled Different.

Amidst the Godins and the Scotts of marketing literature who conveniently provide take-away business tips and rather temporary morale boosts, Moon offers some poignant food for thought. In an industry where everyone is desperately competing to achieve differentiation, Moon discusses how in trying to be different, really; everyone stays the same. The book is as she describes it, an ‘exploration’ into what it means to become the sort of brand which deviates from the current convention in ways that reverberate and in ways that speak to us as human. Moon delves into the psychology behind both the consumer and the brand in the hope of bridging that often hostile gap.

It took me a little longer to read this one as I took my time soaking up every passage. Indeed, I feel slightly naive for admitting this but I can honestly say that this book has completely transformed my whole understanding of how marketing works. It’s not only about pretty packaging and slick slogans – if at all. Moon helps her reader, from whatever professional background, to understand that the business world is not just an environment of unending tasks, but rather that it can and should be a space for creativity. She offers the notion that a commitment to differentiation in the advertising and marketing worlds is a commitment to constant conceptual innovation, playing on your strengths and working continuously to generate inspiration.

For a philosophical tilt on the ‘how to’ marketing guides, I would fully recommend this book. You may not be fed those practical ‘how to’ nuggets you are used to, but it will offer you a little breathing space to step outside of your own project and be challenged to think without stereotype, and with sensitivity, creativity and most importantly, differently.

Enjoyed this review? Please feel free to comment.

Also, I wholeheartedly welcome any of your own ‘marketing book’ recommendations, just drop me a link!

Read more on Youngme Moon’s Different here or view the short video below.

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MiM 2012 attending companies. Mobile World Congress inspired MiM Award & EARLY BIRD ticket deadline extension

If you are thinking about coming to MiM 2012 on March 22nd, here are the companies that have registered to attend or compete for the MiM Award. As so many people have been partying hard networking with their peers in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress this week and a few of you have asked so nicely, we are going to extend the entry deadline for the MiM Award to midnight on Sunday 4th March.

While we are about it, we have extended our EARLY BIRD 2 discount booking to midnight on the same date.

If you want to see who is coming, here is the list of companies currently registered to attend or compete for the awards…

Electronic Arts, Silicon Valley Bank, IQ Capital Fund, Red Gate, SpeakingPal Ltd., Conde Nast, European Microelectronics Academy, Camfed, Red Glasses, Bango, BlackBerry, Ether Books, BSkyB, Anglo Scientific Ltd, Magicalia, Mind Candy, Archant, Great British Chefs, OgilvyAction, Netbiscuits, BBC Worldwide, The BLN, 451 Research, On Device Research, Stoneburn, eBay Senior, Augmentra, Rated People, Epic, Balderton, OpenMarket UK, Mobile Industry Review, Tag Games, Golden Gekko, Cogenta, GEP, Agora Media Group, Mobile Future Group, Starcom Media Vest Group, Telegraph Media Group, Share The Match PLC, TouchNote, uniCabs, Fauna and Flora International, Blippar, Mippin, Rippll, ITV, AngelNews, HailoCab, O2 Media, Cella Energy, NESTA, mobiThinking, Mobile Entertainment, Notus, Tesco.com, MoBank, IMImobile, LivingSocial, Kodime, MagicSolver, MoMoLo, Amazon UK, Spontly, Google, Groupon, Forward Internet Group Ltd, happiest, Highland Capital, Domino’s Pizza, Gameware Development, Telecom Express, Venture Radar, HyperBees, RBS, Madvertise, Martlet, Caspian Publishing, Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing, TechSmith, Somo, Rackspace, DFJ Esprit, Taylor Wessing, Sportingbet plc, FT.com, Taptu, Betfair, TJJ, Acacia Capital Partners, Accel Partners, Advent Venture Partners, Delta Partners, MMC Ventures, Telefonica Ventures, Vodafone Ventures, Quidco, The Next Women, Ixonos, Flypost, Paythru.

 For more information about Making it Mobile, check out the event site: MiM 2012 on March 22nd

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Reminder: MiM Award 2012, deadline 1st March. Some presentations from previous candidates.

The deadline for MiM Award 2012 entries is fast approaching on 1st March, so drop what you’re doing and apply now. If you’ve already seen our panel of judges and are still umming and erring about entering, below is how winning the MiM Award 2011 transformed Masabi and other great Award presentations from the day.

“For Masabi, winning the BLN MiM Award 2011 has been a real boost. In particular winning the award facing such strong competition, and having been judged by a wide range of respected industry experts and investors, has been terrific for the company in terms of raising awareness and building credibility. On the back of this platform, Masabi has continued to generate significant momentum, securing new customers and launching new products. If you want to raise your profile with decision makers in the mobile world, you should definitely enter the MiM Award 2012.” CEO, Masabi

But let’s not forget that there were 11 more fantastic mobile businesses presenting on the day. You too could get the chance to present your company in front of customers, investors and mobile press by entering the MiM Award 2012. But hurry, the deadline to enter is the 1st March. Applying takes 2 minutes and is free.

What happened at MiM Award 2011? In no particular order, here are some other great presentations from MiM Award 2011. Congratulations to all those who presented on the day – Cogenta Systems, ParcelGenie, Qriously, Eagle Eye Solutions, TouchType, Masabi, Roulette Cricket , Screenreach Interactive, StrikeAd, VouChaCha and Paythru. Everyone was awesome.

ParcelGenie

VouChaCha

Qriously

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What’s your app business model? Ilja Laurs, CEO, GetJar explains.

This keynote talk from Ilja Laurs (CEO, GetJar) from MiM 2011 gives insight into the app market and mobile industry that only a man with data from nearly 2.5 billion app downloads can give. Now grab a coffee and prepare for  practical implications for your app business model, regardless of whether you’re a developer or an advertiser.

 

If you enjoyed this talk you should consider joining us for MiM 2012 (22nd March, London) – a one-day forum that brings together buyers of mobile with the companies and investors who are delivering mobile today. MiM 2012 isn’t about future-gazing. We want you to leave with at least one actionable idea that you can apply to your business within a month.

Whether you’re an adopter of mobile or a mobile business, find out more here and reserve your place here.

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BLN MiM 2012 adopts ‘Gorilla’ Tactics

The element of surprise, and extraordinary mobility are tactics we will employ for our forthcoming MiM 2012 forum.

On a similar note (keep reading and all will become clear) we are delighted to welcome Fauna & Flora International (FFI) as our Corporate Responsibility Partners for BLN MiM 2012.

FFI was established over a century ago and was the world’s first international conservation organisation. The pioneering work of it’s founders in Africa led to the creation of numerous protected areas, including Kruger and Serengeti National Parks. Today their work spans the globe, with over 100 projects in 42 countries, mostly in the developing world.

FFI have very kindly extended MiM 2012 participants an invitation to one of their private drinks receptions – Saving the gorilla. Securing a future for one of earth’s most iconic creatures – Weds 28th March 19:00 at The Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall. If you would like to find out more and book a place register here.

NB FFI’s invitation is only for signed up MiM attendees so if you would like to attend and don’t yet have a MiM 2012 ticket then you had best get a move on! Early bird tickets end on 1st March, so mark 22nd March in your diary and get your MiM ticket here.

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How to be an effective networker when you are an introvert

Lovely piece from Sacha Chua about introverts and how to be shy effectively.

Not everyone who knows me will know that I am shy and this is great advice for anyone who finds ‘networking’ painful, largely because they haven’t worked out that networking isn’t about going to large events, shouting and getting drunk. It’s about being interested in other people and trying to be helpful.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-02-26

  • Excited to talk to @spolsky tonight at sold out CEO Tales. Use hashtag #CEOTales #
  • We taxes don't pay. Vodafone's Yoda inspired honest advertising. http://t.co/Fh3Ivuqy #
  • Off to meet @spolsky & @alexlmiller drag them over to Red Gate for #CEOTales #
  • Will do! RT @DuaneJackson @MarkLittlewood Thank Joel for everything on behalf of every developer, ever. Seriously. @spolsky #
  • In theory, doors open for @spolsky talk in 1 minute. So much for theory. #ceotales http://t.co/14ZcjaCm #
  • Techies packed in room with @spolsky #ceotales 'Cultural anthropology of Stack Exchange' http://t.co/MwedKI0q #
  • Brilliant talk – anthropology & technology by @spolsky best Stack Exchange users are NOT from Silicon Valley #ceotales #
  • V cool photos RT @IDrinkLeadPaint Blushing @MarkLittlewood mentioned the photos of my alter ego Mr. Flibble http://t.co/ea9uzs2K #CEOtales #
  • Thanks for coming to @spolsky #ceotales A treat for me. If only dinner wasn't Chatham House Rule… #
  • Follow @idrinkleadpaint. Much more reliable & entertaining than most things – like the meeting I just had… #ceotales #
  • Not for a while @russellbuckley Lego is VERY hard to reproduce. Very tight tolerances. Engineering wet dream. #
  • Well said. RT @AbiWilks If mugging was treated the same way as rape: http://t.co/XEfl1q2l #
  • Remember the supersmart Gypsy… RT @pipogypopotamus love seeing #humansbeforeratings all over twitter feed #
  • Syria: Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin killed in Homs – Telegraph http://t.co/Qw1qnd43 via @Telegraph #
  • "If I built Amazon again, I would start with mobile." @werner Wonderful talk. #
  • Morgan Stanley's vision – trading desk of future. http://t.co/i4B9sLXn Like an average, decently funded startup. #
  • Why people think Risk Management is dull is beyond me. http://t.co/ZKP31nQJ (To be fair, a decent speaker too). #
  • Morgan Stanley data storage grown from 300 Terabytes in 2001 to 100 Petabytes in 2012. 70% growth yoy for past 6 years. #
  • I'm sticking with Fon… @martinvars one company wants to, the other one is doing it 🙂 http://t.co/f6sVPweA #
  • Wow. I see Eventbrite has now sold over 50,000,000 tickets. GREAT service. http://t.co/ah3Lw0YO #
  • Private mobile co headed to #MWC Enter #BLNMiM Award before you go. Entry by 1st March. http://t.co/cCM7hgN8 #
  • Mobile co at #HotMF Do #BLNMiM Award entry before you go – @technokitten will keep you busy next week. http://t.co/cCM7hgN8 #
  • Good news for @marcinthefrog's father who just phoned to say he's found a butcher that stocks tripe all year round… #
  • RT @meeware Crowds of Ajax fans swarming around Manchester. Bloody web conferences are getting out of hand. cc @werner #
  • Looking forward to @kernelmag launch party already been a good day for gossip. #
  • Here's hopin' baby. RT @J0Littlewood Er, Strictly Baby Disco? Can't stop watching but feel dirty at the same time… #
  • Thank you for @kernelmag.for fun launch party. Notable for many things… #
  • Hosted by @kernelmag lawyers but no lawyers dared be present… #
  • Caught up with utterly scandal free friends. (Boo). Caught up with scandalous friends. (Fun). Met ace people. @kernelmag #
  • I just saw an otter. In the Cam. This is good. Very good. If it was a mink, still good. Mammals, urban-ish river, GOOD. #
  • MT @ruskin147 http://t.co/dDOAXCLx Incredibly cheering news for journalism – crowd funded tech mag hits $50k target in>48 hours. #
  • I'm in! Fill yer boots RT @jimiinc This is quality, slides 2 & 19 particularly. Happy Friday! http://t.co/sZFRI8zA #
  • RT @softwareverify: If happy with your ecommerce vendor let me know. Just been hosed by ours. Looking for a new one. #
  • Auto follow oops: Evangelical Christian, loser, VouchersUKDaily follow 'Deena I love to f*ck' http://t.co/aBX7MUyx #
  • Moon btwn Venus & Jupiter tonight in west & International Space Station passes thru about 6.31pm via @PeoplesAstro #

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50 of the Best British Mobile Apps

Interesting view on the Best of British Apps from The Appside.

“It highlights 50 innovative apps developed and/or published by UK companies in recent times: not a definitive best-ever list, but more a snapshot of the kind of apps that are being produced here.”

Best of British Apps: 50 innovative mobile applications from the UK

It did get us talking about good things we use and while there are one or two on the list that are frankly, for us, a bit pointless – do I really need an App to subscribe to Adele’s Twitter feed and get on, ‘Adele’s mailing list’?, there are some inspiring ideas here too – I love the idea of Cupple.

Also great to see so many entries to our MiM Awards 2012 (deadline for entry looming…) on the list as well as last year’s winner and some of the finalists.

  • Absolute 80s Remixer, Adele, Artspotter, AudioFuel, Aurasma, Banksy Bristol Tour, BBC iPlayer, Betfair, Blippar, Brit Awards 2012, Chiltern Railways, Cinderella, Clear, Closet Swap, Cupple, Cyclepedia, Dancing On Ice, Dimensions, Doctor Who, Domino’s Pizza, ESPN Goals, Fanatix, Financial Times, Football Manager Handheld, Funpark Friends, Great British Chefs, Guardian, Heineken Star Player, London Bus Checker, Miss Selfridge, MPme, My Horse, Now! Official UK Top 40 Chart, Paper Glider Crazy Copter 3D, Shazam Player, Six3 Video Messenger, Skulls by Simon Winchester, Sky Go, Songkick Concerts, Streetmuseum, Take Me Out Flirting, Tap!, Tesco Groceries, The Walking Dead, The Week UK, This Day in Bob Dylan, Tinga Tinga Tales, Touchnote Postcards, Whale Trail, Zeebox.

While we are at it, also nice to see that a good number of the people behind some of these Apps will be talking at Making it Mobile (MiM 2012) on March 22nd. We got some of the people behind Domino’s Pizza, Financial Times, iPlayer, Heineken Start Player, Tesco Groceries (oh the glamour) amongst others coming along to talk about what they are doing in mobile.

Come and join them – and if you reserve your place before March 1st, you save some money too. MORE INFO.

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