AI

We Have No Plan | CEO Blues

Colin Henderson

 Got this great post from a link in Chris’s feed.  I have spent years developing strategies, getting them approved, and the next few quarters adjusting, and re-budgeting so this resonates. “Make small, frequent decisions whenever possible. You will have many opportunities to make small decisions & use them as best you can. Your reaction time will be too slow if you always try to come up with a comprehensive plan, and the situation may change, rendering your plan irrelevant. Constant reassessment is possible if you work in small steps. Once a group comes up with a master plan, people can become overly … Continue reading We Have No Plan | CEO Blues

Pinkomarketing1 Comment

Burningbird » Markets are conversations–please stop. I’m begging you

Colin Henderson

This is a classic post at the now defunct Burningbird (Shelley Powers), now at Planet Shelley Powers. (Thanks Tara for the reference) I don’t mind marketing at all, but I want to see it coming. I want to know that when people respond to me, it’s really what they believe. I don’t want to spend time reading and writing and at the end the day, wonder how much of the interaction was real. I don’t want to be a part of the buzz. Source: Burningbird » Mix and Match She goes on … Conversely, I want people to know when … Continue reading Burningbird » Markets are conversations–please stop. I’m begging you

US1 Comment

BankNet 360 – BofA to Expand "Disruptive" Free Services

Colin Henderson

 Bit of a teaser here from Bank of America.  Bank of America Corp.is aiming to expand its wildly successful free online services into the mortgage arena. Source: BankNet 360 – TOP STORY: BofA to Expand “Disruptive” Free Services In the past they have implemented free bill payment, & “keep the change“.  They are suggesting this new implementation is for mortgages. Speculation:  I recall listening to Susan Faulkner speaking at a conference and mentioning affinity cards being expanded to mortgages. She specifically hinted at a Red Sox Mortgage as an example.  This concept was a build on the highly successful MBNA affinity experience, … Continue reading BankNet 360 – BofA to Expand "Disruptive" Free Services

US2 Comments

Friendly email example from Bank of America

Colin Henderson

We talk a lot about strategy here, and its worthwhile to see some real implementation examples periodically.  This is a real email sent to a colleague who had not logged in for a while to Bank of America online banking. Its a good example of a friendly, relevant update. From: “Bank of America” <bankofamerica@replies.em.bankofamerica.com>To: aaa.bbb@ccc.comDate: Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:36:35 -0400Subject: Can we help you with Online Banking? This email was sent to you by Bank of America. To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add to your address book or safe sender list. Bank of America. HigherStandards   Have questions? We’re here to help.  Try Online Banking. … Continue reading Friendly email example from Bank of America

Social networks

Edelman – the details | Strange Attractor:

Colin Henderson

 Further to my earlier post on the Edelman thing, here are the details finally. If you’re into the whole PR thing, then you’ll likely have noticed recently that Edelman have got themselves into a bit of a pinch by helping create a fake blog for Wal-Mart. Called ‘Wal-Marting Across America’, it purported to be a blog by a couple who decided to go on a cheap holiday in an RV (that’s camper van to us Brits), staying in Wal-Mart car parks overnight. What the blog failed to mention was that the project was a publicity stunt and that Wal-Mart were … Continue reading Edelman – the details | Strange Attractor:

Web/Tech

Computerworld Malaysia – New Avanade CRM product

Colin Henderson

A colleague just mentioned this new company, Avanade, in another context, but I note they have a new CRM tool, which fits in with the CRM thread I am into right now. Avanade is some kind of arrangement involving Accenture and Microsoft (about). Avanade has introduced its Enterprise CRM for Financial Services solution, designed to deliver a wide spectrum of resources financial services advisors need to strengthen customer loyalty, increase sales, and deliver better customer service to clients. The solution is developed through an alliance with Microsoft, leveraging the technology of the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 product. The solution suite includes … Continue reading Computerworld Malaysia – New Avanade CRM product

Web/Tech7 Comments

Forrester Research: CRM Market Size And Forecast, 2006 To 2010

Colin Henderson

 I will state my preferences up front.  I am not a fan of CRM.  It involves enormous costs that only provide value based on the abilities of the employee.  CRM purists will say that is because it was implemented badly.  Fair enough, but that’s the current state for most. ….  however, the need to extract additional value from past expenditures and a lack of game-changing innovations from vendors will result in moderate market growth. Enterprise buyers should: 1) invest selectively in high-value upgrades; 2) focus on customer-process optimization; and 3) demand support from vendors to optimize existing CRM infrastructures. Source: … Continue reading Forrester Research: CRM Market Size And Forecast, 2006 To 2010

AI

Payments News: Innovation ‘Very Important’ to Most Banks – October 16, 2006

Colin Henderson

Setting the tone for the next BAI, this statement sums up the state of banking well.  Its innovate or merge to grow.  What we’ve heard loud and clear is that the banking industry has become an increasingly commoditised marketplace and banking organizations are looking for new ideas and groundbreaking concepts to help them thrive in the competitive marketplace. Source: Payments News: Innovation ‘Very Important’ to Most Banks – October 16, 2006   Technorati tags: banking+strategy Continue reading Payments News: Innovation ‘Very Important’ to Most Banks – October 16, 2006

Canada, Payments

Payments News: Survey Shows Canadians Not Shielding Their Debit Card PIN Regularly

Colin Henderson

 Courtesy of Payments News, an Interac (payment association) survey that shows most Canadians do not use their debit cards safely.  Here is some sound advice from the association to bank customers who use debit. Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at an Automated Banking Machine (ABM) or at the checkout. # Keep your banking card in sight when conducting transactions at the checkout. Check your banking statements regularly and contact your financial institution immediately if you detect any unusual activity, e.g. purchases you did not make or missing charges. If your debit … Continue reading Payments News: Survey Shows Canadians Not Shielding Their Debit Card PIN Regularly