Archive for the ‘Identity’ Category

The End of Industry

Wednesday, May 17th, 2006

Once every decade I am introduced to a new way of thinking that stands everything I “know” on its end. This happened to me on April 29, 2006, thanks to a lecture by David Teece which, in turn, warmed a cup of coffee I’ve been stirring since working as a research assistant for Ikujiro Nonaka at Berkeley in 1989.

Traditional strategy calls on the strategist to look at business in terms of industry and competitive advantage. There’s only one problem with this. Industries are ceasing to exist as we have come to know them. In other words, Industries are Plastic. (Which is the Future, for those of you who’ve not seen “The Graduate”.) (more…)

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Don’t worry, you have a corporate identity

Saturday, December 3rd, 2005

“We don’t have a corporate identity.” I hear this a lot. I always respond, “Yes you do.” Whenever human beings come together for a specific purpose, or even without any stated purpose, that gathering — that corporate entity — will form a personality, a system of beliefs and values. It has an identity. And so does your company. (more…)

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Identity

Saturday, October 1st, 2005

Before the Iron Law of Retail comes into play, there is a primal consideration, one of identity (or what some call “branding”). The Iron Law of retailing — compelling product, attractively merchandised in well-located, efficient stores — only comes into play in the context of a clear identity. (more…)

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