Author Archives: Stuart G. Hall

About Stuart G. Hall

Making a positive difference one day at a time. #London #Leicester

Newspapers and Thinking the Unthinkable?

Posted on by
Reply

Super smart blog from Clay Shirky on why the newspaper industry (which I’ve worked in, briefly at EMAP through the early 90s recession, before leaving to help set up a current affairs magazine Red Pepper) doesn’t get the internet.

Ah, it’s all about advertising. Now the secondary effect of the big recession is causing huge job cuts in the newspaper industry. Who knows what the future holds, but I like Clay’s emphasis on the value of experimentation. What I would say is that fortunately and in hindsight logically I did my experimentation while times were good, so I can take a good job now and enjoy it. It’s tough to start experimenting when times are bad.

What the newspaper industry kind of did was experiment while times were good too, but in a defensive way. Those newspapers that tried more positive work though when times were good, the fruits of which are probably in the heads of staff who’ve not had a voice until now, stand the best chance to reap the benefits I would have thought.

Yes, CEOs Should Facebook And Twitter, says Forbes

Posted on by
3

Nice piece yesterday in Forbes arguing in this current climate why traditionally conservative CEOs may need to think again about web 2.0.

So to a list of reasons why, in no particular order:

1. Because competiitors are already using it to drive up profits.

2. Because it’s cheaper than traditional media.

3. Because you can create lasting relationship with your most precious ‘commodity’, customers.

4. Because you can learn about what your customers want, rather than telling them what you think they need.

5. Because you’ll end up using web 2.0 in a  defensive way if you don’t proactively learn to use the tools positively.

6. Because it’s a great way to establish your reputation as an organisation, and in thought leadership within your industry.

7. Because you want to hear what your employees have to say.

8. Because you want to feedback to employees on what’s happening with their suggestions for improvement and products.

9. Because your peers are already online and it’s time to join the party.

10. Because in 5 years time you’ll be ahead of your competitors in the web 2.0 use of tools for marketing, customer relationship management, and PR if you start now.

Q: Any more? Maybe to help prepare the ground before seeking VC funding?

Time to walk the walk