29 Jan 09 Google Reader and Cell Phone Numbers

If I’m interested in you, personally or professionally, I really only need two essential pieces of contact information from you. Your Gmail address and your mobile number (even better if I know you have a smart phone).

• Google Reader: Your Gmail address means that I can probably convince you of the incredible utility of Google Reader. So if I’m interested in you, I’m interested in what you read, what publications shape your opinions and form your ideas. Even more importantly, I’m interested in what you’re reading, and your comments about a particular article or concept. These can be easily be shared via Google Reader. The thought leaders I admire most in business and technology use Google Reader. While it may come across as arrogant to insist upon this usage, there is no more efficient way for geographically dispersed people to share and discuss what they are reading. If I’ve reached out to you and showed you this methodology, and you haven’t taken advantage of it, how willing do you think I am going to be to engage in dialogue in-person? I love the in-person discussions I have with my colleagues and classmates who use Google Reader, we can instantly delve into deep discussions about a particular concept or article we’ve both read.
• Mobile: I’m interested in your mobile phone (especially an iPhone or other smart phone) because the kinds of people I want to associate with are generally not staff droids sitting at a desk. Most of the time people carry their mobile with them, so when I make a telephone call, I want to talk to you. Not to your voice mail. Not to your admin assistant. Not to your spouse. I don’t want your home number because your time at home is your time with spouse and family. Not to mention I don’t want to explain why I’m calling to your spouse or kids, or leave a message. I want to talk to you. I’m exceptionally judicious with my use of one’s cell phone number, and don’t call for idle chit-chat or because I’m bored. When I call it means I have business for you, and if I can’t reach you within 1-5 hours, chances are I’ll move on to the next most qualified individual and send them the business.

Your chances of successful business with me are increased when I have your Google Reader articles and cell phone number. They’re significantly diminished when I don’t. Choices, choices, choices.

03 Oct 2008 Professional Reading Lists for the MBA student OR Um, all of them and any of them

No doubt, many of you have seen or heard about the recentCouric/Palin interview, and while it may seem old news after last night’s debate, it still is thought provoking.

Couric: And when it comes to establishing your worldview, I was curious, what newspapers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped for this to stay informed and to understand the world?

Palin: I’ve read most of them, again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media.

Couric: What, specifically?

Palin: Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.

Regardless of political viewpoint, as top-flight executives, it is important to stay current with business and world events. Most of the syllabi in the Villanova MBA clearly state:

“Regular reading of a financial publication such as the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal or The Economist is presumed.”

I thought I’d share my reading lists with you, in hopes that Gentle Reader might suggest new or different material. Whatever your reading material, make sure you’re paying student prices and not full price.

Print and Online Publications:

• The Economist (print and audio), without a doubt one of the best publications EVER.
• The Wall Street Journal, read this every day, cover to cover, ESPECIALLY Section C
• The New York Times, I think Times Reader is one of the best software applications out these days.
• The Financial Times, gives much more of a global perspective than the US-centric WSJ.
• Harvard Business Review, should be mandatory reading for the MBA student.
• The Atlantic, a monthly with fair and balanced geo-political and cultural perspective, their Business section is particularly deep with regards to investigative reporting