Management Blog

A new perspective on innovation

The best new ideas aren't necessarily the most complex ones… they're the ones that are created by looking at an existing problem from a new perspective, The Times argues.

According to the article, the main benefit of developing a new product that puts a twist on an existing one means you already have an established group of customers to potentially convert.

Product development gurus say the recipe for success is to consider your area of expertise, then to see how that talent can help you refine something that doesn't exist in the market.

The idea is to make a product or service better in a slightly different way through an evolutionary rather than revolutionary process.

Blunder-proof your next interview

Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. However, making a blunder during an interview for a coveted job is never a good look.

To help you avoid the pitfalls of the job interview process, Forbes magazine has put together a list of 'Seven Deadly Interview Sins'. These are:

1. Never turn up late
2. Wear the right clothes (wear a suit if in doubt)
3. Be honest about your experience (background is easy to check)
4. Don't take a parent to the interview (yes, it does happen)
5. Know your history and be clear about your experience
6. Turn your mobile off or set it to silent
7. Don't forget to ask questions

Word of mouth holds its power

Despite a plethora of new advertising channels emerging in recent years it seems good old-fashioned word of mouth is still number one with consumers, Marketing reports.

A new global survey by Nielsen Media Research covering 47 markets – including Australia – found advice from other consumers topped a list of advertising media forms.

Besides word of mouth, 61 per cent of Australian consumers said newspapers offer the most trusted source of advertising; TV, magazines and radio all ranked above the 50 per cent mark.

Aussies keen for green power

A new survey indicates nearly 90 per cent of Australians are willing to change over to green energy and would pay up to 10 cents more for the service, AAP reports.

The globally conducted Accenture poll found Australians are more committed to green energy than many other nations. For example, only 34 per cent of Americans said they would make the swap.

Accenture suggests the results prove Australians are changing their mindsets with regard to global warming and are looking for ways to make a difference through their buying habits.

However, it seems the business sector is less interested in environmental issues. Just 54 per cent of the Australian businesses surveyed had an articulated energy policy.

What kind of boss are you?

With tongue firmly planted in cheek, Inc. magazine has created an amusing – but quite possibly true – list of nine boss stereotypes, four of which are:

The Energiser Bunny – so called because they are unstoppable machines; prone to sending work related emails at 3am.

The BBF – they want to be your 'best friend forever'; sometimes have trouble balancing professionalism and camaraderie.

The Missing In Action – has more of a mythical status than a real one because they are never around; no one quite knows why.

The Jekyl-Hyde – in a review situation they'll praise your performance and offer rewards but then forget all about it later.

Consumers dig advertising

Surprisingly enough, new research has found the majority of Australians actually like advertising.

Reporting on a recent TNS study, Marketing reports that 59 per cent of survey respondents said they like ads across all media with TV, print and radio being identified as the most appealing media.

On the not so bright side for advertisers, online ads were found to be one of the least liked media forms. Researchers say this is due to increasingly 'active' online ads often annoying web users.

However an increasing number of consumers are using the Internet for product research. The study found seven out of 10 people act on traditional ads by going online for more information.

Big Brother is serving

Dutch researchers are hoping to identify the 'restaurant of the future' through the development of an eatery in which every movement of diners is monitored, the ABC reports.

The project team is currently testing numerous variables, such as lighting, table service and colour schemes, to discover those characteristics most conducive to a good dining experience.

As a result of the study, researchers have found presentation greatly affects choice with something as simple as lighting changing a meal's appeal factor.

Tip to restaurateurs: blue lighting makes food look too "business-like".

How to block Internet distractions

If you or your staff are finding personal use of the Internet, email or other computer applications simply too hard to resist during business hours, don't despair.

Lifehacker has put together a list of '10 desktop distraction blockers' to get you back on the straight and narrow. In summary, here are three from the list:

Hide your taskbar (Windows) or dock (Mac) – you'll be less distracted if you can't constantly see that you've got email or notice that inviting browser icon

Set your email filters – establish some rules in your email program so emails from friends and family go directly to a low-priority folder that you can view when you're not working to a deadline

Tough love – if you're really hooked on something, tinker with browser settings so you are automatically restricted from accessing time wasting sites

Strong dollar good for Xmas trade

The Australian Retailers Association says the strengthening Australian dollar should result in lower prices for shoppers in the lead up to Christmas, news.com.au reports.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals the cost of imported goods are currently at their lowest level in 15 years with imports dropping 5 per cent since June this year alone.

Commentators say the high Aussie dollar may soon see a record number of consumers bypassing local retailers and going online to purchase cheaper items directly from the US.

Grey focused innovation

Move over nano technology, here comes nana technology. CNNMoney.com recently profiled four innovative products aimed fairly and squarely at the senior citizen demographic.

• Mobiles for oldies – a US entrepreneur has developed a customised phone with large buttons and ergonomic ear cushions
• Hi-tech pill dispensers – e-pill automatically dispenses medication and calls for assistance if a patient doesn't collect their dosage
• Brain gain – the Nintendo DS computer game challenges players to keep their brains sharp with games like sudoku
• Email for technophobes – Presto automatically prints out emails sent by family and friends, no computer skills required