SICU SSG is a virtual organization operating globally through a number of affiliates, global partners and members who aremotivated to grow their business together, and to solve problems of individual customers both locally and globally.
This virtual group seems to be on to something with the vision to connect people from around the globe that seemingly may not have opportunity to work together and form synergies.
SICU functions in concert with global affiliates and partners which help to support the founder Tom Merilahti vision to “connect the unconnected.” Tom leads the group from Finland as Marketing Integrator & Communication Coordinator.
SICU Synergy is an interesting business model to consider for the future. As more companies attempt to cut costs and raise productivity, virtual organizations with rise to meet the business challenge.
Stay tuned for more information on this innovative network of thinkers and doers.
This figure (above) shows that windows could be dragged or displaced across multiple surfaces. Each surface could have its own characteristics and cause icons or windows to display different information:
The future of computer desktop technology is (almost) here. Apple most likely will not add this technology to near future updates to the MAC OS X, but instead choose to go with incremental changes. Why change the wheel if it is already rolling at a high speed? However, Apple should be careful not to miss the mass consumption opportunities and innovation of which a rival company could take advantage.
From top: Paul Smith Spectacles ($315), 212-585-3433. Moscot Originals ($169). Boss Black Eyewear by Safilo Group ($207), 212-647-1550. Oliver Peoples ($315), 212-585-3433. Gucci ($289), 212-647-1550. (via men.style.com)
These transparent spectacles aka eye glasses are sure to make a ‘splash’ in Q1-Q3 ’09. I have been looking at new eye glasses and these may be the ones to drop the flexible savings account (FSA) dollars on. Give them a try if you have been looking for something to set you apart from the crowd.
Coloring: Transparent specs work best on men with medium to dark coloring and black, brown, or gray hair. Fair-skinned, fair-haired guys risk looking washed out and should stick with more traditional frames, like tortoiseshell ones.
Size: More modern than rimless versions, these glasses may give the illusion of invisibility, but they’re quite substantial. Round or rectangular, they should never overwhelm your face.
Fit: Whether you look like Johnny Depp or a kid on the calculus team depends on where the glasses rest on your face. Choose frames that don’t obscure your eyebrows, or it will seem like you don’t have any.
Recently out-of-home (OOH) advertisements have been everywhere in New York for Ana Tzarev’s latest (November 24) gallery opening. On first look it seems that art and advertising have finally amalgamated, however upon deeper research Ana Tzarev whose legal name is Marija Chandler (Ana Tzarev is her mother’s name) is being financed by her billionaire son, Richard Chandler (Forbes #6 wealthy Australian/New Zealand resident).
Ana Tzarev wallscape
On further glance the self-taught artist has invested her time in over 3,000 paintings and her son has invested (not gifted) up to $4 million on a 14,000-square-foot gallery that sells her paintings.
Tzarev’s large-scale, hot-hued paintings were inspired by travels to Asia, Africa, Hawaii and other far-off locales. Her influences include Matisse’s colorful palette and Van Gogh‘s brushwork. Prices will range from $20,000 to $500,000. Source: Bloomberg.com
Ana’s marketing consists of OOH ads (including construction wallscapes and bus banners), a full website, a billboard esque ad on the side of the gallery, and other advertisements that we will uncover soon. The media campaign is executed well and tastefully, while the media planners must have taken cue from big Hollywood film production companies in how they designed the campaign.
To check the gallery out for yourself visit 24 W 57 STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019; call 212 586-9800; or email info@anatzarev.com.
Yesterday (12/2) street art was spotted outside of the MoMA on 54th street between
5th-6th avenues. The work is either a guerrilla tactic or ambush attack on
the museum. Or it is simply a great way to get your creative piece seen
by hundreds of art connoisseurs and common pedestrians. Regardless
more info on the artist and his inspiration is on the way.
Before I start this post visit Kim Karalekas 1+1=11 personal-brandbook. This young woman is responsible for introducing me to the concept of a brandbook for an individual. This is the future of presenting yourself without using a traditional application. If you have been struggling in the current mediocre job market maybe this will be the next step in re-creating your professional brand. Give it a try you may enjoy the process. I an predicting that the personal brandbook will go on to replace the cover letter.
Consumers are cautious about collecting debt and the “other” plastic card has been steadily taking advantage of the trend. There are many reasons debit cards are on the rise but two are most prevalent: 1) it is part of a larger consumer budget strategy to limit spending 2) a consumer response to banks cutting back on credit.
All told, debit purchases are expected to climb 13% in 2008, to $1.2 trillion, according to The Nilson Report, an industry newsletter—compared with a 3% rise, to $1.9 trillion, for credit-card transactions. At Visa (V), the No. 1 card company, debit spending could surpass credit this year. (via Business Week)
Banks are not happy The move towards debit is not all sunny for the banks that are issuing out the hard plastic, profits are not as plentiful with debit since overdraft fees (which have been a response to the lack of traditional bank-debit card profits) have been included when customers spend over the amount in their checking or savings accounts. In the past banks would deny purchases that caused a negative balance in the customers accounts.
Now 14 of the 15 largest banks approve transactions but hit customers with a fee if they exceed the funds. It’s not unlike getting charged for bouncing a check. A recent study by Web site Bankrate.com (RATE) found that overdraft fees now approach $29, up 3% in the past year. (via Business Week)
The Future of Debit Cards
In the past banks have offered perks such as trips and frequent flyer miles to credit-card users, but now debit card users are on the receiving end. Groups such as individuals that bring in excess of $75K per year have become a target for banks looking to increased revenues.
To attract that crowd, financial firms are ramping up their loyalty programs. MasterCard’s Savings program, launched in October, offers debit users discounts on luxury brands like Armani and 7 For All Mankind as well as at retailers such as Home Depot (HD) and Target (TGT). San Antonio’s Frost Bank (CFR) recently released its Momentum card, which is connected to customers’ checking or savings accounts. The bank pays customers a higher interest rate on the accounts—up to 3.5%—when they make more debit purchases.
So the next time you look to make a purchase amidst this “confusing” economic climate, remember debit cards might be your best bet in beating the bank system while padding your pockets with something nice.
Recently brands have been utilizing Twitter and other online communities to monitor the conversation that takes places about their brands. Quotably.com has been a resource to see what people are saying about your brand and at what frequency. So you may be asking, “What about Youtube and online videos?” The future may be audio indexing, of which Google has for searching what words are mentioned during political speeches. For now you can search what Barack and McCain are saying about the issues, but soon you will be able to see how many times rappers and rockers mention your brand. This technology will evolve into an excellent brand management tool, which will allow for brands to monitor online video for mention of their brand’s name and trade names.
The future of broadband internet access for cities is upon us. Monday (9.29.08) Baltimore became the first city to allow every internet ready computer in the city to access the WiMax technology. The internet has allowed for more equality across various groups of city dwellers, and now WiMax is poised to start a trend that will sweep across the U.S. Look for Sprint or another wireless provider to bring “city broadband” to your front door soon…Below are some quotes from the Yahoo! News article.
WiMAX quickly moves large amounts of digital data such as video or picture files long distances, as compared to Wi-Fi connections available in cyber cafes or other “hot spots” where signals reach a few hundred yards or less.
XOHM subscribers can use WiMAX from home on their personal computers but also on their laptops with special air cards and modems.
Sprint said it was offering WiMAX service plans starting with a 10-dollar day pass, a 25-dollar monthly home Internet service and a 30-dollar a month “on-the-go” service.
It said its WiMAX service offers average downlink speeds of two to four megabits per second, faster than that of most 3G wireless networks.
Backers of WiMAX have called it “Wi-Fi on steroids” and claim it could eventually render cable or phone line Internet obsolete.
HP could benefit by placing Touch Smart computers in world renown hotels. The HP touch technology is interactive and allows for the user to engage in the technology in different ways then they would with traditional ‘mouse and keyboard’ machines.
Below is an excerpt from an article on how Apple is once again innovating and proving they are ‘best in class.’
The iMac is being placed into high-end hotels all over the world as the latest in luxury. Apple has been installing iMacs in hotels such as: City Inns, Fountainbleu, Tribecca, Hotel Diva.
The aesthetic of the iMac is blending with hotels that lean toward modern and contemporary designed interiors. This trend of technology product placement in hotels most likely will not stop with the iMac computer. Expect Apple to unleash their entire product arsenal (custom playlist shower itune playing devices) in the near future. Unlike most, my travel season is in the Fall/Winter, and I look forward to seeing one of these iMacs in my hotel soon.
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