Forbes had a story about gilt.com, which is an invitation-only online store. Who knew this model would work on the Internet? I think the landing page should have a gold rope. 
Friday, February 22, 2008
Invitation-only eCommerce
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Five signs your CRM is failing
A great article from BNET. I thought it was particularly interesting that most of these points also apply to software developers who are forced to use sucky content management systems (Sharepoint) and sucky problem management systems (Lotus Notes).
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Being Mr. Right
Dealing with clients who “just won’t settle?” The case for settling for Mr. Good Enough might give you ideas on crafting some persuasive language.
A few years ago, Professor Barry Schwartz wrote a book called The Paradox of Choice
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Free Shipping over $x is the ultimate upselling tool
In case there was any doubt in your mind, read this New Yorker article on behavioral economics. According to behavioral economists, people reason that there’s no visible possibility of loss if a “free” offer is accepted, because it’s, well, free.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Danger – AJAX ahead!
It’s one thing when Jakob Nielsen complains about AJAX. But when John C. Dvorak complains about AJAX, I’m gonna pay attention.
PS: Short, shameful confession: when I first read this article, it sounded so authentic I thought it was actually written by Nielsen. In fact, it was a spoof based on a Nielsen article about frames, but it’s funny how many of the same criticisms apply (frames destroy navigation, etc.).
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Project Management PrepCast™
I’ve been working with Cornelius Fichtner, PMP, to help him promote his new product,
The Project Management PrepCast™. It’s a full-featured PMP® Audio Course that covers concepts, tools and techniques you need to understand and be familiar with to take the PMP® or CAPM® certification exam. Check it out!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Big Upsell for Big Spender and Big Chooser
Since the release of Big Spender, people have been asking for Checkout Candy functionality (display the discounts on the shopping cart page and the first page of checkout to tempt shoppers with upselling offers). Big Chooser users wanted the same thing. The wait is over. Check out Big Upsell.
Weekend break: agape, Merlin, musclemen
- Wacky product names: this is not exactly what the greek word agape means. The brand name is a bit wacky too.
- Merlin Mann was on Jesse Thorn’s Sound of Young America and he was in fine form.
- Bodybuilders pluck stranded car from ditch. I love stories like this.
Friday, February 15, 2008
That Software Guy introduces The Sound of Young America
Here I am, introducing Jesse Thorn, “America’s Radio Sweetheart,” on The Sound of Young America. It’s great to be an American.
Keep it SIMPLE, smart guy!
Two months to go until tax day! Here’s my annual nag about tax planning for US based entrepreneurs.
If you’re a US entrepreneur, you should talk to your accountant/financial planner about a SIMPLE IRA. You are eligible even if you have a 401(k) plan at another job, and you can shelter up to $10,500 in regular income and bonuses (but not dividends) from taxes.
Here’s the IRS Page on the SIMPLE IRA.
It’s too late to set up a SIMPLE for 2007, but it’s the perfect time to do it for 2008.
* If your income is derived from software development, ask your tax advisor if you are eligible for the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (form 8903). You could be eligible for a deduction of as much as 3% of your qualifying income.
* If you haven’t opened a Roth IRA, what the heck are you waiting for? If you have a 401(k), but your situation does not allow you to fully fund both your Roth and your 401(k), most experts suggest funding the 401(k) up to your employer match, and then funding your Roth. The Roth doesn’t give you the immediate deduction, but you do get tax-free compounding which is tremendously valuable for younger workers. And you can still set up a Roth for 2007 until tax day 2008. A great source of Roth information is RothIra.com.
