Freemium Pitfalls
Each year about 30% of Centresource's overall revenue comes from start-up organizations. They are one of our favorite client segments. Because of this expertise, I have the opportunity to meet with about two - three start-ups each week. Many we meet with have a rough idea of a business concept but are interested in discussing the "cost" building out their business idea. If they are talking to us, chances are a major component of their business is web-based.
It's A Trap (For Us All)
This morning in our
team meeting, I spoke about a common struggle we face as people interpersonally. It affects our personal and professional lives equally and can have repercussions further than we can imagine. It's the topic of "offenses." The topic of conflict resolution is never out-of-date because it is a timeless struggle for business leaders.
The Excellent Employee
I'm very fortunate here at Centresource to manage a team of excellent employees. Recently one of them sent me an article published by Inc. Magazine that listed the top eight characteristics of a remarkable employee. I'm thrilled to say our team could be the poster children for this model. The top items on their list where:
- Ignore job descriptions - They adapt quickly to shifting priorities by doing what it takes, regardless of their job role.
- Eccentric - They stand out and are comfortable enough in their own skin to be confident
Share a Minnie Moment
About 25 years ago the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation was formed helping adults affected by cancer gain easier access to resources for support, information and research in their communities. Now, 25 years later in celebration of Minnie Pearl and the spirit of her generosity, The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation wants to hear from you. Those they have served: caregivers, survivors, and Minnie fans. Thus, the Minnie Moments campaign was formed. The Minnie Moments campaign honors the fact that this year overlaps the 25th anniversary of the organization with the 100th birthday of the comedienne. What great timing!
Who Speaks Digital Archive
This week Vanderbilt in conjunction with CentreSource launched a site dedicated to the timeless work of Robert Penn Warren. We are so excited! This was a major undertaking for both our staff and the Robert Penn Warren team at Vanderbilt.
In 1965, Random House published Robert Penn Warren’s book titled Who Speaks for the Negro? In preparation for writing the volume, Warren traveled throughout the United States in early 1964 and spoke with large numbers of men and women who were involved in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. He interviewed nationally-known figures as well as people working in the trenches of the movement whose names might otherwise be lost to history. In each case, he recorded their conversations on a reel-to-reel tape recorder.
Tennessean: Mobile application market heating up
This past Sunday, the Tennessean published an article around the recent surge in mobile application development in Nashville. One of those interviewed was one of our most recent clients, PureSweat. PureSweat offers specialized basketball training and development programs to top high school, college and NBA players. Their program enhances player's skills and fundamentals, which allow them to be successful at any level. PureSweat's owner, Drew Hanlen is currently finishing up his senior year at Belmont University. We wish Drew and the rest of the Belmont team huge success during the March Madness season. We are very excited to have the opportunity to work on such an amazing product and driven entrepreneur.
A Year of ROWEing
The beginning of 2012 means that it’s been a full year since the leadership team of Centresource took an enormous leap of faith and did away with start and end times for the workday, and allowed employees to work from any location desired. Around the halls of Centresource, you’ll hear it referred to as the ROWE system or “going ROWE,” referring to the Results-Only Work Environment philosophy.
Are you Pinterested?
With interactive marketing being so largely concerned with engagement through web and mobile presences, social media tends to play a major role in conversions. As of late, social media platform Pinterest, has reared it's lovely head. As an avid recipe-finding, fitness-seeking, outfit-shopping junky, this site has proved to feed my addiction. While the obsession has become widespread, there are still lots of people unaware of this phenomenon.
Some may wonder what Pinterest actually is and why it is so 'Pinteresting'. Sorry, I can't help myself. Pinterest is a vision board-styled social photo sharing site especially popular among women. The site and iPhone app allow users to create and manage theme-based image collections.
February Mixer!
It's that time again: the FIRST #CSMixer of 2012! Come on out to catch up, network and generally geek out! We'll have great finger foods and beer graciously provided by our friends at Blackstone.
So be sure you RSVP, and we'll see you all on Thursday!
Responsive Web
Recently I wrote a blog and an article about the difference between mobile apps and mobile sites. (Be sure to check out my article in the NTC's Catalyst Magazine from January 25th). I knew as soon as I wrote about the topic, a new technology would come swooping down and steal the show. That technology, my friends, is the Responsive Web. If you haven't heard of it, you better start learning - it will pretty much blow your mind.
