The worldwide economic slump is predicted to impact global mobile market. 2007 was a successful year to the industry with 16% growth. This year global sales are expected to reach only 10-11%. Taking into consideration that most of the growth will take place in emerging market.
As per the devices, a large majority will be low - end mobiles for the low – end markets. The profit margins for those products are lower than the high- end products. It is becoming more and more a game of number.
From the manufactures perspective, the SME will struggle and it seems like the leaders will manage to leverage their dominancy in the market for the long run.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Goan beach vacation
After quite a challenging flight we have finally arrived… (Excellent flights, both aircrafts were half vacant but still need to complain about something :-) the taxi from the goan airport took us to palolem beach in less than 2 hours. At first sight you get a bit of shook – welcome to India – cows conveniently walking in what you may call a street, dogs, no exact roads and how can I describe the smell… after asking our driver to take us to a quite nice place he took us to Neptune Point which is just at the south point of palolem. Palolem Tranquil, idyllic and laid-back, Palolem is a beautiful beach in Goa so get ready here we are for the best vacation ever.
Neptune Point – beautiful sunset, great sleep, the ultimate quite but I was extremely determined to find even a better place as far as the hut’s concern and thought about getting the beach experience. Apparently it was a good idea and luckily found a nice, green, beachfront resort like – ciarans - http://www.ciarans.com/.
Ciarans – fabulous 5 days spent with new friends Ro & Mike from the UK and Paulina form Poland. Ocean-view Cottage - Double cottage with en-suite bathroom, outdoor ground level veranda seating area overlooking the beach and ocean! Amazing food, beautiful clean beach and pure fun, this is what I call paradise with IL…happy, happy, happy
One of the things that amazes me is the “me 2” approach of the micro business environment, they are all selling the same things, no differentiation, no branding/marketing/sales strategy (I probably went a bit too far). Very hard to make money if you are selling the same thing as your neighbor… one important basic lesson – be unique, different and create real value for your potential customers.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Startups management adjustments
While mature companies might have the experience, strong brand, successful solutions and most importantly deep pockets with ongoing revenues; start ups have innovative solutions, a vision and if they're lucky, an investment from a recognized VC . Obviously, this is an opportunity for the survived companies to lead the market naturally with fewer competitors and become a dominant player so what should be the KFS for accomplishing those goals?
Well like always it depends, depends on the stage of the start up. If the product development is in an advanced position, it is not the time to cut on business development and marketing resources. It is much recommended though to outsource certain positions and jobs and strengthens the focus of the organization. Obviously in a seed and early stage it is important to continue the R&D. But once again, being focused and align with the product/startup strategy while maintaining company's operation scope.
Most importantly, delivering the message of efficiency, responsibility and management control, is a key success factors for startups to survive hard economic times and even flourish and grow in the long term.
Well like always it depends, depends on the stage of the start up. If the product development is in an advanced position, it is not the time to cut on business development and marketing resources. It is much recommended though to outsource certain positions and jobs and strengthens the focus of the organization. Obviously in a seed and early stage it is important to continue the R&D. But once again, being focused and align with the product/startup strategy while maintaining company's operation scope.
Most importantly, delivering the message of efficiency, responsibility and management control, is a key success factors for startups to survive hard economic times and even flourish and grow in the long term.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Execution, Execution, Execution
Understanding the importance of mobile operating system popularity, apple continues to penetrate into the mobile market with the 3G iPhone, that sold 1 million devices over the first weekend last month and with the new app store. The ability to download applications (1000 different application) is the integration of the mobile hardware and software and this is the real battle between the mobile giants: apple and Nokia.
Nokia also offers a wide variety of games under N-Gage, music stores, photo and video sharing and uploading for free, maps and navigation services. Having the platform of Ovi and Nokia software market, the company's aim is to build a third party developers community for the S60 Symbian platform.
The race between the two giants is not over as a third player is expected to get into the game with a new free OS Android by google. Once they all understand the market roles it's all about execution, User interface, usability and value for money, the real celebration for the consumers begins…
Nokia also offers a wide variety of games under N-Gage, music stores, photo and video sharing and uploading for free, maps and navigation services. Having the platform of Ovi and Nokia software market, the company's aim is to build a third party developers community for the S60 Symbian platform.
The race between the two giants is not over as a third player is expected to get into the game with a new free OS Android by google. Once they all understand the market roles it's all about execution, User interface, usability and value for money, the real celebration for the consumers begins…
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Mobile 3.0?
Gaming, mobile TV, social networking and Internet mobile are the hottest trends for the 2008 internet. It’s been around for a while now and the industry is now focusing on commercializing the long tail treat…following the Internet Com.vention today it seems like the industry entrepreneurs and decision makers (from the technology side) might be running at a speed world record whereas the mass market is left behind. While the innovation of the mobile and internet arena is boosting, the question left is how fast will the consumers adjust to the new invention and adapt the value added services…
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mobile Trends for Developed Markets in 2008
Mobile Operators facing Increased Competition on their Core Business:
- Increased competition: MVNO, Fixed Operators and ISPs
- Threat on revenues: Price pressure on SMS and voice, regulatory constraints
- Reducing costs and generating new revenue streams: 3G investment, FMC strategies
Mobile Operators aim is to generate higher Revenues from Mobile Services through Value Added Services such as:
- Internet Applications Entertainment – Video/Music/Images/Mobile TV
- Messaging
- Advertising/M-Commerce
- Gaming
- Navigation & LBS
Main trends that are identified are:
- Content Management Platforms - Users are consuming more content.
Content and rich media are catalysts of ARPU. Solutions include: Management, Personalization, Content Adaptation, Marketing, Rich Media (Video, Music, Games). - Device Interface and Usability Technologies - Users are adopting new sensor-driven technologies such as touch-panel displays, enhanced camera phones and gyros. All of these rising technological solutions are part of the drive to allow integration of advanced applications into mobile devices such as Gaming, Video & Music, Healthcare, Commerce and IT.
- Mobile TV / P2P / VoIP - The established communication platforms will remain the leading source of revenues. Emerging technologies and new business models are changing the way consumers pay for these services (VoIP) leading operators to develop more advanced services (MobileTV).
- Internet & Mobile Convergence - Internet and mobile convergence will change the way consumers use the two platforms. The consumption of media will no longer be the same in killer applications such as UGC, Social Networking, Advertising, Search and Instant Messaging.
- Mobile Advertising - Advertisers are offering new revenue-generating models in the mobile space led by new value added services such as Sponsored Calls, SMS, Search and Content.
- Personalized Services - Specialized features and phones designed for targeted services and applications will allow a segmentation of users.
Macbook Air - oops they did it again...
Thought size does not matter? Well, you might want to reconsider this cliché as Apple proves the world once again that size matter, big time. Steve jobs again breaks misconceptions with his size related remark "We are talking thin here, very thin". With the world thinnest notebook the Mac Company is redefining the size standard for laptops. Looks like it will become the benchmark for all small laptops. 16-inch thin front side and still has space for two pieces of hardware: an infrared receiver and the pulsating sleep light. With the full size keybord, full size screen, LED backlight display, built-in iSight camera, trap pad and multi – touch gestures support this is one piece of art.
Apple proves again the successful strategy of connecting Technology and Art. They set the trend of small, designed, white color devices with the iPod and now expanding the category to laptops while keeping the core values of the brand. I'm not going to be surprised if they are considering more colors for the air similar to the iPod…
On the downside I can see that the battery is not user replaceable, no dedicated graphics, 1 USB, Mono Speakers and the dear price of $1799 for 1.6Ghz and$3000 for 1.8GHz. Customers could hesitate after the price drop of the iPhone and wait a few months with their purchasing decision. It should be a warning announcement for Apple credibility if it happens again.
For design savvy, gadgets freaks and tech early adopters it's the ultimate laptop (until the next version of course) and I tend to believe that this is going to be a hit for Apple, oops they did it again…
Apple proves again the successful strategy of connecting Technology and Art. They set the trend of small, designed, white color devices with the iPod and now expanding the category to laptops while keeping the core values of the brand. I'm not going to be surprised if they are considering more colors for the air similar to the iPod…
On the downside I can see that the battery is not user replaceable, no dedicated graphics, 1 USB, Mono Speakers and the dear price of $1799 for 1.6Ghz and$3000 for 1.8GHz. Customers could hesitate after the price drop of the iPhone and wait a few months with their purchasing decision. It should be a warning announcement for Apple credibility if it happens again.
For design savvy, gadgets freaks and tech early adopters it's the ultimate laptop (until the next version of course) and I tend to believe that this is going to be a hit for Apple, oops they did it again…
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Facebook and Bourdieu
One of the criticisms towards social networks is that it's all about numbers and the meaning of "friends", as we know it, is lost. In the past, the social discussion was all about friendship that is based on trust, respect and mutual appreciation. With the social networking trend, especially Facebook, we are now embracing a new jargon, which is the outcome of the web 2.0 lifestyle. Words such as networking, degree of separation and virtual friends has become common in our every day life and conversations.
Speaking of the advantages, one of the main benefits of social networks is the ability to keep in touch with a large number of people, not sure they all should be called friends, but again it's all about networking and not friendships. The equation is fairly simple, the more friends you have, the larger your networking is and greater the options you will have in life. Now more than ever, it's all about knowing the person the knows the person with the right information and contacts for you to use.
To summarize, there are 2 main points in this post (1) the social discussion and logistic has been changed. Based on bourdieu's theory (French sociologist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Bourdieu#Language) , social trends influence and dictate the social jargon and (2) the importance of quantity is growing, how many connections have you got on facebook is the right question and not how many true friends/ soul mates you have. So come on people, start spamming the world with networking requests!
Speaking of the advantages, one of the main benefits of social networks is the ability to keep in touch with a large number of people, not sure they all should be called friends, but again it's all about networking and not friendships. The equation is fairly simple, the more friends you have, the larger your networking is and greater the options you will have in life. Now more than ever, it's all about knowing the person the knows the person with the right information and contacts for you to use.
To summarize, there are 2 main points in this post (1) the social discussion and logistic has been changed. Based on bourdieu's theory (French sociologist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Bourdieu#Language) , social trends influence and dictate the social jargon and (2) the importance of quantity is growing, how many connections have you got on facebook is the right question and not how many true friends/ soul mates you have. So come on people, start spamming the world with networking requests!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Blue Print for career success
Simplicity – we all know the feeling of reading an article that is just too complicated and not clear enough. In this case just try to transfer all the words into a scheme including arrows and boxes. Also, when writing a marketing plan it is much recommended to transfer the goal, objectives, vision and the strategy in a clear, simple style, format, structure and language.
People oriented – Networking, Networking and more Networking. Business is done between people and not boxes. From my point of view, business is much more about people than about numbers. The sooner you get it the better you'll be in doing business.
Brand it – acknowledge the fact that you are the brand of yourself. For better branding strategy and career management, write down the values and characteristics of yourself.
Write it down - one of the most productive methodologies starts with organizing the data according to a logical, organized way and by writing it down. It also helps to remember, if you are like me having lots of not very important details in your head.
Take a deep breath & rationalize – being emotional equals being not in your top ability to make the best decisions. Try to isolate your emotions and think about your career as a race that you are going to win.
Stay focus with your goals – staying focus in life is definitely a key success factor. Set your goals and keep your objectives clear! Do not go all over the place, this way you will get lost and decrease the chances for full accomplishment.
People oriented – Networking, Networking and more Networking. Business is done between people and not boxes. From my point of view, business is much more about people than about numbers. The sooner you get it the better you'll be in doing business.
Brand it – acknowledge the fact that you are the brand of yourself. For better branding strategy and career management, write down the values and characteristics of yourself.
Write it down - one of the most productive methodologies starts with organizing the data according to a logical, organized way and by writing it down. It also helps to remember, if you are like me having lots of not very important details in your head.
Take a deep breath & rationalize – being emotional equals being not in your top ability to make the best decisions. Try to isolate your emotions and think about your career as a race that you are going to win.
Stay focus with your goals – staying focus in life is definitely a key success factor. Set your goals and keep your objectives clear! Do not go all over the place, this way you will get lost and decrease the chances for full accomplishment.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Mind your own business!
One of the most important principles in life, especially when you are waisting your time with the wrong career. People often tend to be followers, after opportunities and destiny in life. I believe that it is not the ideal situation and by choosing the right position the objectives and preferences should be the leaders and not the other way around. It is also OK to make some mistakes but the important thing is to learn from it ASAP, become stronger and more importantly identify your goals in life.
Choosing your profession means choosing also the industry you are interested in. Being an expert, having a deep understanding and growing from there is a key success factor for enjoyable, self fulfilling career. Waiting too much with the right decision is also not recommended as comfortable is not playing on our side for the long run. Take an action, decide on the change and maximize your chance for happiness!
The change should come form the inside and sticking with this feeling is essential. You will need to remind yourself constantly that even though the journey for the right career is long and challenging it is the only option for happiness. Take a chance on your self, you deserve it!
Choosing your profession means choosing also the industry you are interested in. Being an expert, having a deep understanding and growing from there is a key success factor for enjoyable, self fulfilling career. Waiting too much with the right decision is also not recommended as comfortable is not playing on our side for the long run. Take an action, decide on the change and maximize your chance for happiness!
The change should come form the inside and sticking with this feeling is essential. You will need to remind yourself constantly that even though the journey for the right career is long and challenging it is the only option for happiness. Take a chance on your self, you deserve it!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Hot Air Balloon - Yarra Valley Victoria Australia
"It was a love of the air and sky and flying, the lure of adventure, the appreciation of beauty. It lay beyond the descriptive words of men-where immortality is touched through danger, where life meets death on equal plane; where man is more than man, and existence both supreme and valueless at the same time." Charles Augustus Lindbergh
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The secret Law of attraction
The secret Law of attraction
I have just seen this movie (http://www.thesecret.tv) as part of a social and bounding experience with work colleges. Ignoring the fact that it was just a bit too long, I have enjoyed it and more importantly related to the message of it.
Being positive, optimistic is a key success factor for fulfilling your goals in life and being happy. Thinking about your objectives in life and imagining you are accomplishing them enables you to think about the How after knowing the What. We shouldn't be wasting our energy on anger, hate or any other negative feeling that doesn't get us anywhere. It is important to keep your thoughts focused on what you want to attract to your life!
From a personal level, I am indeed very lucky to have the privilege to share my life with the most positive person I have ever meet - Itai Levitan – who helps me to direct my energy to a peaceful, relaxed and joyful feelings.
I have just seen this movie (http://www.thesecret.tv) as part of a social and bounding experience with work colleges. Ignoring the fact that it was just a bit too long, I have enjoyed it and more importantly related to the message of it.
Being positive, optimistic is a key success factor for fulfilling your goals in life and being happy. Thinking about your objectives in life and imagining you are accomplishing them enables you to think about the How after knowing the What. We shouldn't be wasting our energy on anger, hate or any other negative feeling that doesn't get us anywhere. It is important to keep your thoughts focused on what you want to attract to your life!
From a personal level, I am indeed very lucky to have the privilege to share my life with the most positive person I have ever meet - Itai Levitan – who helps me to direct my energy to a peaceful, relaxed and joyful feelings.
International business development for the telecommunications industry
International business development for the telecommunications industry
While realizing the Israeli export to Azerbaijan has grown by more than 400% last year especially the telecommunications products (consist 75% of the export) and the government's intentions to invest a major part of their oil revenues on developing the ICT in the country; I have decided to check out this emerging market before it gets to crowded.
I should have predicted the challenges of this delegation by the difficult start…one of the things that I insisted on is getting the commitment of the major Azeri mobile, fix operators and ISP's to meet with the Israelis companies. It sure wasn't easy and long term planning is not a common strategy in this country. After endless emails, phone calls and discussions I have finally had a sufficient number of Azeri companies that were committed to take part at the seminar and business meetings.
Being as optimistic as I am, I have managed to recruit 11 telecommunications companies to join the delegation, doubling the prediction number of 5 companies…After sending few emails with the important information (market research, agenda, tentative meetings, and business opportunities) and conducting endless talks with the Israeli companies and the embassy, I was informed that the Azeri Minister of communications has to join the president for a delegation outside the country in the exact same dates. As a result, I have decided to postpone the delegation, to be continued…
While realizing the Israeli export to Azerbaijan has grown by more than 400% last year especially the telecommunications products (consist 75% of the export) and the government's intentions to invest a major part of their oil revenues on developing the ICT in the country; I have decided to check out this emerging market before it gets to crowded.
I should have predicted the challenges of this delegation by the difficult start…one of the things that I insisted on is getting the commitment of the major Azeri mobile, fix operators and ISP's to meet with the Israelis companies. It sure wasn't easy and long term planning is not a common strategy in this country. After endless emails, phone calls and discussions I have finally had a sufficient number of Azeri companies that were committed to take part at the seminar and business meetings.
Being as optimistic as I am, I have managed to recruit 11 telecommunications companies to join the delegation, doubling the prediction number of 5 companies…After sending few emails with the important information (market research, agenda, tentative meetings, and business opportunities) and conducting endless talks with the Israeli companies and the embassy, I was informed that the Azeri Minister of communications has to join the president for a delegation outside the country in the exact same dates. As a result, I have decided to postpone the delegation, to be continued…
Monday, March 26, 2007
Tip of the month
According to the Feng shui fish in the house strengthens the wealth and helps with job hunting!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Business development blueprint
While having a strong marketing background (both theoretical and hands on experience), I came to realize through my current position as an international business development manager, the unique characteristics of the business development profession. Buizdev is a combination of marketing and sales and from my perspective is linked more to sales and management than to traditional marketing. The following points emphasize the main guidelines for a professional business development manager:
1. Initiate business activities and cooperations with potential customers and colleges
2. Networking within the industry
3. Getting to know as many people as possible, you can never know when it will be handy. Being people oriented is definitely a key success factor
4. Being creative about business opportunities – think outside the box
5. Your objective should be clear, understandable, and simple if the conditions permit.
6. Being alert to new opportunities
7. Being updated with new technologies, news etc.
8. Keep in mind that you represent the brand and make sure you deliver the required image
9. Be focused and don’t let distractions to get in your way of executing the marketing strategy
10. Follow up every meeting and opportunity – people like to be remembered and a thank you email is a necessity now days
11. Marketing communications tools such as business cards, power point presentation, brochures should be available
12. Doing you homework about the people and company you are about to meet
13. Be aware and learn about cultural differences
14. Remember to have fun while accomplishing your missions!
1. Initiate business activities and cooperations with potential customers and colleges
2. Networking within the industry
3. Getting to know as many people as possible, you can never know when it will be handy. Being people oriented is definitely a key success factor
4. Being creative about business opportunities – think outside the box
5. Your objective should be clear, understandable, and simple if the conditions permit.
6. Being alert to new opportunities
7. Being updated with new technologies, news etc.
8. Keep in mind that you represent the brand and make sure you deliver the required image
9. Be focused and don’t let distractions to get in your way of executing the marketing strategy
10. Follow up every meeting and opportunity – people like to be remembered and a thank you email is a necessity now days
11. Marketing communications tools such as business cards, power point presentation, brochures should be available
12. Doing you homework about the people and company you are about to meet
13. Be aware and learn about cultural differences
14. Remember to have fun while accomplishing your missions!
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