1st running of the Foothills 50K Frenzy in Boise

Tomorrow is the day!

The inaugural Foothills 50K Frenzy in Boise, ID.

This race is the first “official” 50k in the Boise foothills. It will feature running on one of the best trail networks in the West.


The goals for this race are to:

• Showcase the tremendous natural resources of the Boise foothills
• Give area ultrarunners a close-to-home venue for a trail ultra
• Educate current and potential trail users on proper trail etiquette
• Set an example for a quality ultra trail race in the Boise area

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ridge to Rivers Trail System.

Congratulations to Jenny for organizing such a terrific event.  Good luck to the 141 runners.  And kudos the the 75 volunteers who will on the course in support.

End anti-LGBT bullying

Wear purple & make your profile pic purple for #SpiritDay 10/20 at twb.ly/brKAjY #LGBT

HEALTH MEGA-TREND #4: Consumers value peace of mind from financial security

Lately I’ve been sharing some highlights from Datamonitor’s global consumer trends report.

TREND #4: In their financial well being, consumers value the peace of mind that emanates from financial security

All of the financial anxiety in recent years has led consumers to seek the “economics of happiness” which more heavily influences their emotional well being.  Financial anxieties increase consumers’ focus on the short-term.

As a result, they prefer financial moderation, exercising more financial prudence and control.  The implication is that growing levels of financial moderation will place additional pressure on the growth of upscale premium products and further intensify value consciousness.

3 personalities of my Honda CR-Z

Honda has been my car brand for more than 3 decades.

And today, my Honda CR-Z is almost like 3 cars, with its unique personalities for “Sport", "Hybrid”, and "Econ".

The instrument panel of my CR-Z is a perfect reflection of this. There is a specific purpose and philosophy behind the 3-color lighting. When used effectively, it can be an incredible tool for enhancing my driving experience.

Watch the video and you'll see why I love it so much.

honda.com/cr-z/videos

Dr Pepper 10 is For Men Only

Dr Pepper 10 is For Men Only [Video]

Now that's brand positioning.  State who the brand is NOT for.  Nice.

6 Methods of Practice-Focused Research for New Product Conception

We all must keep up with trends – and even attempt to stay ahead – of new developments in health science, patient management, technology, evidence-based guidelines, reimbursement, and regulations.


That’s what makes the understanding of a physician’s practice such a critical component of product innovation.

Read about six techniques I propose on my company's blog at www.gsw-w.com/blog

5 insights on pricing & reimbursement of diagnostics

The reimbursement of diagnostics is a key consideration for both diagnostic providers and payers.  This is true because while 5% - 7% of the hospital cost is incurred through the use of diagnostics, they are used in about 70% of healthcare decisions.

It has been very challenging to develop an optimum price, especially for emerging diagnostic technologies such as molecular diagnostics – because evidence-based pricing does not suffice for such technologies.  This complicates the scenario for early movers in diagnostics.

Moreover, there has been an on-going issue with respect to existing technologies, as companies have an immense need to re-consider their pricing strategies to deal with cost and demand versus reimbursement issues.

Hence, it is crucial to identify the best pricing strategies to maintain reimbursement for innovative diagnostics.

In a recent report from BusinessInsights, the analysts conclude:

1. A procedure has a higher chance of getting insurance coverage, if it reduces the overall treatment costs.
2. The recent reduction made by the CMS in the reimbursement amount for non-facility units is expected to impact the diagnostic devices market especially in the form of a lack of innovation.
3. Reimbursement structures are restraining the growth of innovative technologies such as molecular diagnostics.
4. An OEM’s pricing is fundamentally based on its desired Return-on-Investment and the overall cost of manufacturing its equipment.
5. Fair Value Pricing and Risk Sharing Pricing are the new methods of pricing within healthcare diagnostics.

Read more in the full report.

HEALTH MEGA-TREND #3: Ethical well being reflects convergence of ethics and emotions

I’m continuing my series of updates from the Datamonitor’s report on New Developments in Global Consumer Trends.

TREND #3: Ethical wellbeing reflects a convergence of ethicality and emotional well being.

The survey shows that “direct altruism” has been negatively impacted by financial pressures and a sense of being overwhelmed by everyday lifestyle responsibilities.

On the other hand, “indirect altruism” is gaining momentum as time-poor consumers want to feel good about themselves through consumption rather than what they do in terms of behavioral & lifestyle sacrifices.  Taken together, this means environmentalism and health are more inter-related than many realize.

4 primary performance objectives of a Global Key Account Manager

The number of companies establishing and implementing international procurement strategies is increasing rapidly in today’s competitive marketplace. 

To facilitate our clients success in this market environment, we have supported the approach of Global Key Account Management approach. 

As with most large companies, our clients’ brands are used worldwide in life science research and medical treatments.  While the products’ features remain a vital core of the sales process, now customer-focused applications – with unified services and solutions – are more integral to improving our customers’ efficiency, thereby reducing unnecessary overhead, costs, and delays.

In the role of Global Key Account Manager, one would be responsible for building and maintaining customer relationships at multinational life science companies, pharma and biotech corporations, and integrated health delivery networks.  The manager drives the cooperation and coordination of sales, technical support, and customer service to deliver on behalf of international customers with sites around the globe.

The right person will develop business development plans and sales programs to fulfill customers’ research needs, in order to open new opportunities and obtain increased sales from global accounts.

The Global Key Account Manager might have four primary performance objectives:

1. Develop business relationships with senior management of global key customers and develop global account strategies, in conjunction with sales and marketing management. 
2. Create awareness of the company and its broad product portfolio across global organizations – and educate internal teams on the research, disease, and commercial interests of the customers.
3. Build and improve cross-location relationships among global customers – together with the company’s market managers of local sales, marketing, and technical support 
4. Analyze and report information gathered in customer contacts in preparation for account roadmaps, call reports, and use of CRM tools to track:

-      Customer annual volume

-      Consistent pricing levels

-      Standardized product specifications

-      Timing or scheduling of product usage

-      Number of orders placed and by what mechanism

-      Optimized size of orders and shipments

-      Stocking, packaging, and special requirements

-      Number and location of delivery sites

-      Sales call frequency and customer service follow-up

-      Purchasing and payment procedures and terms

-      Future potential and synergy with other products

The skills and characteristics of a successful Global Key Account Manager may include:

·    Expertise in analyzing, understanding, documenting, and communicating customers’ global capabilities, processes, and resources

·    Experience in creating global customer strategies and defining critical success factors

·    Ability to leverage internal company capabilities and resources across multiple locations

·    Mastery in reaching cross-functional agreement on a process to execute strategic customer plans

The background of a Global Key Account Manager should include proven:

·     Commercial awareness

·     Business performance to objectives

·     Advanced sales and marketing techniques

·     Business strategic planning

·     Financial, pricing, and contracting acumen

·     Interpersonal skills with senior level managers

6 skills to improve our mindfulness

There has been a lot of talk recently about information overload, the downsides to multitasking, and how focus and concentration have become novel ideas.

In her "Brand Liberators" blog last week, Maggie Hallett shared 3 examples to know if you're NOT being mindful, along with 6 skills to improve our mindfulness.

Read more at gsw-w.com/blog

Compass Summit: Taking Aim at Critical Global Issues in a New Way

Creating a forum for true interaction and exchange, the inaugural Compass Summit will gather influential global experts to examine some of today's most pressing problems, under the theme "What's Possible, What Matters, What's Ahead."

The conference runs October 23-26 at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA near Los Angeles.

With the backing of partners including Scientific American, McKinsey & Company, SWIFT, Intel, and Fenton, the format and agenda have been designed to ensure a level of connection and intimacy not found at other conferences. Compass Summit speakers and participants will consider critical issues through the lens of global citizenship, recognizing that human ingenuity is the ultimate renewable resource. 

"The global challenges we confront -- economic, political and social -- are growing increasingly complex," says Bruce Brandfon, Scientific American Vice President and Publisher. "The topics that experts and leaders will consider at Compass Summit are at the core of finding the solutions that we so urgently need."

The conference format encourages Compass attendees to engage in the conversation, ask questions and challenge ideas. 

National Public Radio's Ira Flatow will help guide the discourse on such topics as: 

• The Impact of Social Networks on Organizations and Public Policy, 
• The Future of Banking and Money, Jobs and the Economy in a Global World, 
• Does Space Exploration Still Matter, 
• Will There be Enough Food to Go Around, 
• New Sources of Energy, and 
• The Impact of the "Arab Spring" on the Cost of Oil.

While the conference topics may appear to be unconnected, their common ingredient is the global impact of innovation and advancing technology.  In a culture of far too many conferences and too little time, Compass Summit will stand out. 

Experts participating in the program include:

Mariette DiChristina
Editor in Chief, Scientific American
Topics: World Changing Ideas, What's Ahead 

Bill Joy
Senior Partner, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers,
Topic: Finding the Right Balance of New Energy Resources 

Fabien Cousteau
Third Generation Explorer, Environmentalist, Filmmaker
Topic: Oceans in Crisis 

Bernard Lietaer
Currency Expert, Author of "The Future of Money"
Topic: The Future of Money 

Eli Pariser
Board President, MoveOn.org, Author of "The Filter Bubble"
Topic: How We Get the News 

Tom Kalil
Deputy Director for Policy, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Topic: How Do Traditional Organizations and Expert Networks Co-exist 

Steve Cousins
CEO, Willow Garage, Robot Maker
Topic: The Promise of Robots 

For more information about Compass Summit, please click to: compass-summit.com 

1, 2, 3 now 4th album from Feist - with a lesson for writers

Canadian singer-songwriter Feist has a new album Metals due for release on Tuesday.  

A New York Times reviewer says it "simply ignores all the glossy, computerized, impersonal pop of the 21st century; it’s made for intimacy, not for mass-market broadcast."

And what Feist says about her songwriting also has relevance to all of us who write branded communications.

“I always think about how I’m in my room alone writing it, and eventually most people listen to music alone,” Feist said. “So there’s actually a quiet little direct line between writing and listening. It’s a strange bubble of solitude, because you’re linked, but you don’t know each other, yet you’re communicating.”

$450 billion worth of unpaid family care – and 5 questions prompted by the AARP study

The conclusion of a recent AARP study is that families provide $450 billion worth of unpaid care.

That’s how much it might cost for the care that roughly 1 in every 4 adults provide – helping loved ones get dressed, take medications, and myriad other tasks.

With the wide diversity of family settings and career experiences among us at GSW Worldwide, this is certainly a trend that affects us personally and professionally.  So today, instead of just one person’s view, I offer some questions.

Read my blog at www.gsw-w.com/blog

I hope you’ll join the “liberating conversation” and share your comments.

5 questions for the author of "Tell to Win"

Persuasive talkers tend to do well in business, and yet we don't typically think of storytelling as a professional discipline. Hollywood producer Peter Guber is on a crusade to remedy that. In his new book, Tell to Win, the CEO of Mandalay Entertainment takes a look at the way people use stories to do business. 

He spoke with Inc.com's Mike Hofman.

Your book looks at the power of purposeful stories. So, what exactly is a purposeful story?
 

A story you tell with a specific purpose in mind. So when you tell a joke, you want to make someone laugh, or if you tell a story about someone who had a heart attack, it may be because you want the listener to exercise. Stories are tools to create social cohesion and to get humans to strategize together.

You believe the best stories are interactive. How so?
 

You have to try to engage an audience. You cannot just talk at them; you have to talk with them and modify your story as you tell it, based on their feedback. If you do this successfully, your listeners are more likely to metabolize the information you wish to convey, to change behavior, and to repeat your story to others.

OK, so how can someone in sales or marketing turn a garden-variety pitch into a purposeful story?
 

It's so simple, it's embarrassing, and yet a lot of people overlook the basics. First, when you walk into a room to sell a product or pitch an investor or whatever, you absolutely have to know what your intention is. What do you want from your listeners? You have to understand your objective and be transparent about it in order to establish trust. Second, you have to figure out a way to capture your listeners' attention. It can be a physical movement or asking someone about the pictures on his desk in a way that builds mutuality. Finally, the goal of your story must be to show what is in it for the listeners. The audience must win.

You teach at UCLA. Do your students have well-honed storytelling skills?
 

No. Most young people haven't used their storytelling skills since they were 8 or 9 or 10 and wanted to persuade Mom and Dad to take them to the ball game.

Was there a moment in your business career when you suddenly realized the power of storytelling?
 

There was a series of moments that I could look back on—I could follow the bread crumbs—and all of them involved my failures. So I started to wonder why I had failed in some instances when I had succeeded in others. And I realized that I failed when I neglected to tell a purposeful story to the audience or to my employees or to my shareholders. I looked inside myself and saw what had worked for me.

8 personal books on my nightstand

I have been enjoying the personal accounts in the Oregon Trail Stories.  Taken from actual diaries, letters, memoirs and reminisces, these are true to life experiences from the pioneers themselves.

The Hero's Journey gives personal insights into the life of Joseph Campbell.

And Empowered Evangelicals is a part of my personal spiritual thoughts these days.

The others are books I reach for every now and then for diversion.

What's on your bookshelf these days?

HEALTH MEGA-TREND #2: Health conscious consumers increasingly acting on product safety concerns

Even in 2004, 91% of US respondents told Datamonitor that "improving their physical health" was either 'very important' (40%) or 'important' (51%) to them. The most recent research conducted by Datamonitor shows that US consumers are continuing to adopt a more proactive approach towards managing their health

TREND #2: Health conscious consumers are increasingly prone to, and acting upon, product safety concerns

There are intensifying product safety anxieties that affect many global citizens.  The implication is that escalating health attentiveness has been matched by growing concern about the safety of products. Consumer sensitivity is a growing phenomena as reflected by allergen and intolerance influenced consumption – which if addressed could create opportunities to target specific segments.

Related is that “fear-driven avoidance” means some consumers are outright rejecting products that are perceived as containing harmful ingredients or where safety is compromised.  So, consumers will be less forgiving when products compromise their safety.

Consumers also are opting for more local products, especially food products, because of a perception they are safer. Safety concerns will be one of a number of drivers ensuring that “local” products will continue to gain favorability, especially in food and beverages.

Finally, global shoppers, especially those in developed consumer societies, increasingly value reassurances and transparency about how products are produced.  Therefore, reassuring consumers will become a necessity to overcome trust voids and build stronger brands.

"Tablet-optimized" redesign of Amazon online store

Amazon.com is rolling out a major redesign of its familiar website as it prepares to offer a new $250 tablet device to rival Apple Inc’s iPad, as reported by Reuters.

The changes in Amazon's online store “practically scream ‘tablet-optimized’,” TechCrunch blogger Sarah Perez wrote over the weekend after her site reported seeing a prototype of the company's new device.

The new web pages show a bigger search bar and less clutter to better highlight music, e-books, digital games and applications from the Amazon Appstore using Google’s Android operating system, the blog said.

Amazon started rolling out the new design in the last days of August, spokeswoman Sally Fouts said in an email on Sunday.  “We are continuing to roll out the new design to additional customers, but I can't speculate on when the new design will be live for everyone,” Fouts wrote.

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, is introducing the new site and tablet device as the company goes beyond its roots selling through personal computers to reaching customers via the kind of mobile connections they increasingly use.

Getting more mobile devices into the hands of Amazon customers is important, too, because it may enable more impulse buying and increased regular purchases.

The device Amazon is developing sports a back-lit, 7-inch (17.8-cm) screen -- smaller than the iPad’s and about the same as Research in Motion’s PlayBook, TechCrunch reported earlier. The Amazon tablet is geared toward playing music and movies off the Internet.

TechCrunch, which said it had played with a testing prototype, reported that the plan was for Amazon to offer Amazon Prime -- its $79-a-year Internet streaming service -- for free along with the gadget. The Internet retailer's first entry in the tablet computing arena -- its Kindle functions more like an electronic-book reader -- has been touted as a strong contender to Apple, whose iPad2 starts at $499, according to the company’s website.  Amazon’s tablet will be Wi-Fi only and come with a color touchscreen but a limited 6 gigabytes of memory, the tech blog said.

Motorola and Samsung have only chipped away at Apple’s three-quarters share of the market, while Hewlett Packard threw in the towel by announcing it would kill off its TouchPad after a final production run.  This past week, Sony Corp leapt into the field with its own poorly reviewed device. Analysts have been upbeat on Amazon’s gadget, particularly if it beats the iPad on price. It may sell as many as 5 million tablets in the fourth quarter, becoming the top rival to Apple, Forrester Research estimates.  Apple sells between 7 million and 9 million tablets a quarter.

24 hours in Frankfurt

I had a great, but whirlwind visit to Frankfurt this weekend.  Thanks to my good friends, Hans and Doris, for hosting me.

8 big trends features in new GSW insights report: UP:ROOT

Last week, we at GSW Worldwide launched our very first insights and trends report. It’s called UP:ROOT and it’s packed with articles from smart people around our organization.


This first issue features eight big trends and ideas:

• The Rise of the Nurse Influencer

• Healthcare to Self-Care

• The New Era of Client-Agency Relationships

• 5 Ways “Feminization” of Medicine Is Changing and What It Means to Marketers

• Composite Decision Making

• Complementary Alternative Medicine

• Could Gaming Change Healthcare?

• Five Digital Metrics That Matter Now



Enjoy it at http://www.gsw-w.com/up-root

867-5309: great to meet songwriter, Alex Call

Saturday in Columbus, I met Alex Call and heard him share creative insight to his writing "867-5309/Jenny."

Alex was lead singer in a San Francisco country-rock band Clover, along with Huey Lewis and John McFee. Clover was the band on Elvis Costello's first hit album, "My Aim is True."

His songs are featured in movies and TV shows, and have served as branding for numerous national ad campaigns.