Big Think

Nathan McFarlane commented on What CEOs of the Future Need to Know on June 20, 2009, 1:06 AM

Haven't CEO's always had to be foxes?  I do not work in big business, but that would make sense to me. As a father and a skilled worker in the building industry,  it would be impossible for me to function as a hedgehog, I must focus on many tasks and issues at once to keep things running smoothly. What kind of CEO would need this kind of obvious advice and guidance? Maybe Sheppard's advice is actually revealing: Is it possible that he believes and/or knows that incompetence at the top levels of big companies is the primary cause of the failure/bailout problem?  Not the "greedy, overpaid union workers"?  I hope the people that President Obama sends in to clean up this mess are foxes.                 '

Nathan McFarlane commented on Boosting Morale During Massive Layoffs on June 20, 2009, 12:33 AM

Sorry,  Luke Star there is no "human element" as you mentioned above. Glocer kept the smile on his face as he spoke about the lay offs, I am not saying he took pleasure in it, but it is highly unlikely that he lost much sleep over it. People like him get to the top because they are willing to do things like he did. Maybe Reuters had to lay off some people, but 5,000? What happened? Its unthinkable. I personally could never do this- i would be haunted forever by the immeasurable amount of human suffering and hardship that occured as a result. Thank goodness we have a semi-decent social safety net many parts of the world. ---Two decent people work very hard for many years, then one gets laid off and has to wait on line for food stamps while the other continues to live comfortably. A tragedy without an obvious solution.

Nathan McFarlane commented on How to Stay Ahead of Moore's Law on June 12, 2009, 1:12 AM

Shimpi's advice is sound. But Moore's Law has me thinking. Does it apply to all aspects of technology? Yes, probably. But do we always have to live with the results of this law? In terms of running a business with computers and other technolgy, the answer is yes. You must be able to communicate and complete tasks using the newest and best tech products or you risk losing business. But, what about in your personal life? Shimpi mentioned that your car will always need four tires. I think this simplicity and staying with the basics can have benefits at times. I truly have no interest in high definition, flat screened televisions, my standard television is just fine with me. Also, I have found that household appliances with electronic features are prone to malfunction more than than those without them. I buy refrigerators and ovens without any electronic digital functions- they break down more and are more expensive to repair. I know from experience- an oven door that would not open due to an electrical short on the control panel (and a turkey stuck inside on Thanksgiving.) I was wondering if Mr. Shimpi, or anyone, had some ideas about good design models for websites to assist people with small companies who are developing sites on their own. Are there any out there?

Nathan McFarlane commented on How to Win Tech Evangelists and Influence Decision Makers on June 11, 2009, 9:18 PM

Evangelizing? This term for the way in which to promote your product caught my attention immediately. But, then I started to think about those television preachers and how annoying, overbearing and blatantly self-serving they are. I like most of Mr. Go's ideas, but the term he uses to describe his common sense approach still turns me off. I guess its the negative connotations I have with that word. Yet, his ideas are great. There mostly common sense approaches, but sometimes we need someone to sit us down and remind of the basics and whats really important. Go does this effectively. I like his people-centered approach. The only advice that Go gives that does not appeal to me is when  he asks us to use a lot of statistics to pitch your product. Personally, I am not impressed when people spout out a bunch of numbers to convince me to buy. I like to be shown how things work- hands on- and hear from people already using the product. Otherwise, Go is obviously a smart guy who knows exactly what he is doing and doing it very well.        

Nathan McFarlane commented on Opportunity Opens the Door When the Competition Is Distracted on June 11, 2009, 8:47 PM

I like Ms. Campbell's enthusiasm and attitude. Her facts seem to back up what she is advocating, but I'm nervous about stating a new business right now. From what I read and hear from people I know, even those with lots of money, people are  truly cutting back on everything- we are just not spending like we were. I still am, my business is doing well and I feel fairly secure- but I know what I see, hear and read. Yes, my competition is distracted- but will any new services I offer be attractive enough to lure people into spending when most of us are watching our pennies. I think it would probably be safer for the average person to wait a bit before putting out any money they can't afford to lose. Maybe it's a better time to invest in other companies that we know are doing well and will continue  to do so; especially the ones Campbell mentioned that were started during recessions.