Social Technographics Profile

As I was reading through the book, Groundswell, I have been thinking a good bit about my social technographics profile. This blog is not the first one that I have had, but I haven't updated one regularly in a while. I am a member of quite a few social sites, where I generally do not post new information, but rather comment on other people's content. This leans me towards the profiles of a Joiner and Critic. According to the book, this puts me within 45% and 59% of the rest of the 18-27 male population. Overall, the book has made some interesting evaluations involving the online profiles. I would assess the idea that people desire to connect, to create, to stay in touch, and to help each other as universal emotions that drive people to the groundswell as accurate. It is also interesting to see the different cultures' relative participation in the groundswell. This new idea of reaching the consumer from the groundswell is revolutionary, but is profound in that it connects them to the product at a whole new level.

Hulu

Hulu is a web-based movie database, where consumers can simply browse and play video content (even in HD!). This service is free and commercials help offset any cost to the consumer. Unlike Youtube, consumers cannot add video content, but content is uploaded from major TV networks. I do not know if the intend to charge for this service, but it is similar to netflix's "instant" movie services (which cost about $10 a month. I know many individuals that do not have TV service, but rather use Hulu to watch whatever they would like, on demand. Enjoy this short SNL clip about consumer spending, and apply the knowledge you gain to your life!

Purchasing a Home

This month I have really been considering purchasing my first home. I have rented either an apartment or house for my entire life, and the current stimulus bill offers me $8,000 in tax savings towards this purchase if I have a signed contract before April 30th. Based on my research, I would also have to close on the house by June 30th.

I have found that there are many different things to consider when buying your first home. Some of the essential considerations are the mortgage and payments, property tax, insurance, PMI (if applicable), interest and principle portions, crime rates, proximity to the interstates, school districts, the pricing of the house itself, and working with banks and realtors. This is very intimidating! I do not know how I would be able to manage all this without all of the valuable knowledge and wisdom I have gained in my classes. I feel like most people that make these decisions, do it without fully understanding all of the data that is put in front of them. It is absolutely necessary to have knowledge in order to create information from data. This is the application of knowledge management to my life!

Digg

I have used Digg on a number of occasions, and without fail, it has always provided interesting news stories, blogs, or just about anything on the web. It is a powerful networking device that pulls pieces of the internet together, allowing users to rate their interest level and the importance of the article. This type of tool is elementary in concept, but vastly useful.

People, empowered by technology, have the ability to accomplish seemingly nearly anything. Digg is on the front of the "empowerment" line, allowing people to connect and form community within the scope of the entire internet. This is big stuff!


You can check it out by navigating to www.digg.com

The Golden Arches

I respect McDonald's. They took a lot of heat in the last decade about being unhealthy and not meeting the needs of the consumers' diets. They have adapted their entire business and stores to meet that need. This is mostly a result of the openness to change in the CEO's leadership. This has made the corporation fast to adapt to the market's criticism. Cantalupo's distinct leadership giving the company a competitive advantage, even when faced with changing management.

In a business that is a global leader in the food industry, it is important for McDonald's to adapt quickly to meet the needs of different cultures in a speedy manner. Even ketchup tastes different in different cultures! With these types of worldwide differences, McDonald's needs to have an open and diverse workforce or community.

The Power of Blogging

Today I read a large portion of the book, Enterprise 2.0. One of the excerpts in the section I will be responsible for presenting discusses the potential for these ESSPs to stop terrorism attacks like what happened on 9/11. I do agree with the author about the strength in blogging and sharing knowledge, but I am skeptical about whether this could actually increase the predictability of future terrorist attacks. In my opinion, this claim seemed like an exaggeration.

I also saw very little distinction between converting potential ties and interactions between strangers. Though it is a very valid and useful point, it seems as though it is the same point said in two different ways.

On a side note, I am very curious of how I did on the exam last week. I hope I did good enough to get an A!

Financial Peace

I've spent the past few days making a budget (aside from being sick!). I have been going through a study with my college bible study based on Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. That man is so incredibly wise when it comes to financial decisions! In the book, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Financial Fitness, he explains the different types of accounts you need in a monthly budget as well as his 5 baby steps to lasting wealth.

Let me be the first to tell you, if you make it to the 5th step you are both very wealthy and very wise. His writing and speaking ability makes the book and video series easy to comprehend and easy to use. This level of communication is what organizations strive for. The skill set that he possesses has allowed him to share his gift with millions and millions of individuals all across America--in a very useful way. Thanks, Dave!