Sunday, November 28, 2010
Conflict is normal in our interaction with people. Many people have lost sense of partnership and respect to others. Other people are interested on their own lives and do not pay attention to people’s problems.
For a long time, I have been intrigued about people’s welfare, our church and the community my wife and I live in. In only three years, I have seen how our community deteriorates gradually. Not a lot of people seem to care. Only a few of us have taken steps forward to teach others the importance to live in harmony.
The book Follow Me to Freedom by John Perkins and Shane Claiborne (2009) increased my understanding of how to serve a community. Authors explain their lives and beliefs in order to let people know how they can benefit their community. They explain the benefits of having a vision to lead, and the importance of leadership and followship.
A vision directs people’s efforts to reach dreams or desires (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). A vision helps people understand future intentions. A shared vision guides people in the same direction and motivates them to collaborate with each other. A shared vision promotes followship within a group and helps expedite goals for the whole community.
Having a vision has been beneficial for my personal and professional life. Early in life, a vision directed my life to help people and make their lives more enjoyable. I realize the importance of a vision when friends do not have a clear idea of what to do in the future. Perkins and Claiborne (2009) encouraged me to always keep a clear idea of my life’s intentions. Hence, I refocused ideas and beliefs to direct my life to the correct path. As a professional, I reconsidered my business objectives to successfully reach my dreams.
The vision of what I want to see in my community placed me in leadership roles. Leadership is to take action, “get our hands dirty” and help others (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). For most of my life, I have worked in organizations that improve the conditions of people’s lives. Perkins’ conception of helping people is that “it is not about us,” it is about everyone without distinctions.
Claiborne and Perkins’ thoughts (2009) encourage me to be proactive. People tend to pray for the wellbeing of others, but actions do not follow. I pray most of the time and I try to make a difference in people’s lives. I must admit that sometimes I only pray. I realize faith without action is pointless and that I need to talk more often to people, listen to them and ask what they need in order to help materialize the difference I am trying to make. Leadership is to know people’s pain to help them (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). It is to connect with people. What people needed five years ago is not longer needed. People evolve regularly and rapidly, so I need to approach them to find their real needs. I may want to help them in certain ways, but if my intentions are not beneficial, I must forget them for our mutual benefit.
As a human being, I cannot know everything. Being a leader in my community does not mean I possess all the skills or knowledge to help efficiently. Claiborne and Perkins (2009) explain that a leader recognizes when a person can lead others better. Leading involves following and supporting people with better skills. Perkins (2009) states that “God made us weak so we are forced to rely on each other” (p.181).
I am in constant need to learn new ways to conduct my business and improve myself spiritually. Claiborne & Perkins (2009) suggest asking experts for suggestions and new ideas to learn. Throughout my life I have asked people for help. The world is very complex and I need more experience to lead people more successfully. Different mentors have guided me in my life spiritually and professionally, but I have moved so many times that I have lost contact with all of them.
Follow Me to Freedom reminds me of the importance of having mentors and looking for new ones. The authors taught me through their experience that asking for help is essential. I used to believe that in asking for help people may think I am incompetent. Being flexible to other opinions is important to learn and keep in mind that “people can nurture each other” (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 209). I have many responsibilities in my life that require different perspectives to fulfill. The authors explain that one person cannot lead alone. Therefore, I need to form a bigger team to consider more perspectives.
Having a vision is important to direct our lives to a specific goal. A vision helps people lead with a reason. Leadership is important to understand real people’s needs in order to help effectively. Followship is also important to let skilled people lead. All of us are leaders and there will be times where we can lead and other times where we must follow. Being open to these roles is important; however, it is always important to focus on a vision to contribute to the wellbeing of everyone. Our world needs collective collaboration and we need to work together to make a difference.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
For a long time, I have been intrigued about people’s welfare, our church and the community my wife and I live in. In only three years, I have seen how our community deteriorates gradually. Not a lot of people seem to care. Only a few of us have taken steps forward to teach others the importance to live in harmony.
The book Follow Me to Freedom by John Perkins and Shane Claiborne (2009) increased my understanding of how to serve a community. Authors explain their lives and beliefs in order to let people know how they can benefit their community. They explain the benefits of having a vision to lead, and the importance of leadership and followship.
A vision directs people’s efforts to reach dreams or desires (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). A vision helps people understand future intentions. A shared vision guides people in the same direction and motivates them to collaborate with each other. A shared vision promotes followship within a group and helps expedite goals for the whole community.
Having a vision has been beneficial for my personal and professional life. Early in life, a vision directed my life to help people and make their lives more enjoyable. I realize the importance of a vision when friends do not have a clear idea of what to do in the future. Perkins and Claiborne (2009) encouraged me to always keep a clear idea of my life’s intentions. Hence, I refocused ideas and beliefs to direct my life to the correct path. As a professional, I reconsidered my business objectives to successfully reach my dreams.
The vision of what I want to see in my community placed me in leadership roles. Leadership is to take action, “get our hands dirty” and help others (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). For most of my life, I have worked in organizations that improve the conditions of people’s lives. Perkins’ conception of helping people is that “it is not about us,” it is about everyone without distinctions.
Claiborne and Perkins’ thoughts (2009) encourage me to be proactive. People tend to pray for the wellbeing of others, but actions do not follow. I pray most of the time and I try to make a difference in people’s lives. I must admit that sometimes I only pray. I realize faith without action is pointless and that I need to talk more often to people, listen to them and ask what they need in order to help materialize the difference I am trying to make. Leadership is to know people’s pain to help them (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). It is to connect with people. What people needed five years ago is not longer needed. People evolve regularly and rapidly, so I need to approach them to find their real needs. I may want to help them in certain ways, but if my intentions are not beneficial, I must forget them for our mutual benefit.
As a human being, I cannot know everything. Being a leader in my community does not mean I possess all the skills or knowledge to help efficiently. Claiborne and Perkins (2009) explain that a leader recognizes when a person can lead others better. Leading involves following and supporting people with better skills. Perkins (2009) states that “God made us weak so we are forced to rely on each other” (p.181).
I am in constant need to learn new ways to conduct my business and improve myself spiritually. Claiborne & Perkins (2009) suggest asking experts for suggestions and new ideas to learn. Throughout my life I have asked people for help. The world is very complex and I need more experience to lead people more successfully. Different mentors have guided me in my life spiritually and professionally, but I have moved so many times that I have lost contact with all of them.
Follow Me to Freedom reminds me of the importance of having mentors and looking for new ones. The authors taught me through their experience that asking for help is essential. I used to believe that in asking for help people may think I am incompetent. Being flexible to other opinions is important to learn and keep in mind that “people can nurture each other” (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 209). I have many responsibilities in my life that require different perspectives to fulfill. The authors explain that one person cannot lead alone. Therefore, I need to form a bigger team to consider more perspectives.
Having a vision is important to direct our lives to a specific goal. A vision helps people lead with a reason. Leadership is important to understand real people’s needs in order to help effectively. Followship is also important to let skilled people lead. All of us are leaders and there will be times where we can lead and other times where we must follow. Being open to these roles is important; however, it is always important to focus on a vision to contribute to the wellbeing of everyone. Our world needs collective collaboration and we need to work together to make a difference.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
My wife and I have a long way to go. We have set goals in our business where people will benefit. We want to be successful, and we want to share our successes with people in order to celebrate together. We have worked hard to change old paradigms in order to understand how to help people better.
The book Follow me to Freedom (2009) helped me realize the importance of listening to people carefully. In order to become a good leader, I must listen to people’s needs. If I do not talk to them, I do not hear their desires. People need to understand that one person is not more important than another (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Everyone deserves equal attention and understanding. Therefore, I need to always pay attention to people’s comments to know how I can lead more efficiently.
Our relationship with people is important because “we can nurture each other” (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 209). Everyone has special skills and aptitudes, so we all can learn from each other. Sometimes we can lead and other times we must follow. Flexibility will help us learn from different perspectives.
Portal Gourmet, LLC will be successful if we form a team where different people participate and lead. We know we cannot lead alone. People’s skills and cultural backgrounds are important in today’s world. We do not have all the necessary skills to run a business. If we form a team, our skills and knowledge will benefit the business and the community as well.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
The book Follow me to Freedom (2009) helped me realize the importance of listening to people carefully. In order to become a good leader, I must listen to people’s needs. If I do not talk to them, I do not hear their desires. People need to understand that one person is not more important than another (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Everyone deserves equal attention and understanding. Therefore, I need to always pay attention to people’s comments to know how I can lead more efficiently.
Our relationship with people is important because “we can nurture each other” (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 209). Everyone has special skills and aptitudes, so we all can learn from each other. Sometimes we can lead and other times we must follow. Flexibility will help us learn from different perspectives.
Portal Gourmet, LLC will be successful if we form a team where different people participate and lead. We know we cannot lead alone. People’s skills and cultural backgrounds are important in today’s world. We do not have all the necessary skills to run a business. If we form a team, our skills and knowledge will benefit the business and the community as well.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
As citizens of the world, we have the responsibility to help and encourage people to use “their gifts to help others” (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 185). As entrepreneurs, one of our goals is to encourage a community where everyone supports each other. In order to succeed, we must not allow mediocrity. Perkins (2009) stated, “in order to connect with people, we must study the hearts, dreams, hurts and voids of the people” (p. 184). Therefore, knowing their necessities will allow us to help efficiently based on their real circumstances and not on our ideas.
A successful change needs everyone’s help and collaboration (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 185). A successful change takes time, effort and patience. Perkins’ effort to community development took 10 to 12 years to build. Some projects may take less time, and other projects may take longer to accomplish. Nevertheless, the difference will consist in the stability and consistency of our work and behavior (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). A commitment to be consistent brings people with similar visions together. We understand that we can help at a certain level, but people from the community will have a better impact. Claiborne mentioned, “we need indigenous leadership… we need to live and grow roots in the neighborhoods and make sure the people that live there are at the table, or even leading the conversation”. Providing help to those leaders is important for a successful change. Therefore, we must help in any way we can.
In our efforts to help the community, we must take the role of a leader and the role of a follower. Our mission focuses in working together. Portal Gourmet, LLC is not just a business that focuses on us. It is a business that wants to give back to the people it serves. We want to see people working together to solve problems. Perkins stated, “God made us weak so we are forced to rely on the support of each other and, of course, God.” Part of our success as entrepreneurs will be reflected when the community is enriched by its citizens and grows together.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
A successful change needs everyone’s help and collaboration (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 185). A successful change takes time, effort and patience. Perkins’ effort to community development took 10 to 12 years to build. Some projects may take less time, and other projects may take longer to accomplish. Nevertheless, the difference will consist in the stability and consistency of our work and behavior (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). A commitment to be consistent brings people with similar visions together. We understand that we can help at a certain level, but people from the community will have a better impact. Claiborne mentioned, “we need indigenous leadership… we need to live and grow roots in the neighborhoods and make sure the people that live there are at the table, or even leading the conversation”. Providing help to those leaders is important for a successful change. Therefore, we must help in any way we can.
In our efforts to help the community, we must take the role of a leader and the role of a follower. Our mission focuses in working together. Portal Gourmet, LLC is not just a business that focuses on us. It is a business that wants to give back to the people it serves. We want to see people working together to solve problems. Perkins stated, “God made us weak so we are forced to rely on the support of each other and, of course, God.” Part of our success as entrepreneurs will be reflected when the community is enriched by its citizens and grows together.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Our fast-moving global economy requires organizations to adjust business models regularly. Today, business entrepreneurs and CEOs must embrace change in their vision and incorporate it as their 24/7 mission.
Disruptive innovation entails creating new values, as well as questioning the existing methodologies and approaches to conduct business (The IBM Global CEO Study, 2008). Change in the twenty-first century involves being competitive, incorporating best quality products, exercising best practices and providing excellent customer service (Kotter, 1996; The IBM Global CEO Study, 2008). Taking risks is important, as is learning from failures and adopting change in order to continue.
Disruptive innovation consists in doing business differently in a simple, accessible, affordable and customizable manner (Christensen, Johnson & Horn, 2009). Disruptive innovations can be catalysts for change, and may influence customer’s behavior. Such innovations create business growth while other incumbent companies find themselves trying to sustain current products and services.
As you will notice in the video Disruptive by nature, the enterprise of the future, CEOs know how rapidly the economy has changed. The way they conducted business before has become obsolete, especially in terms of reaching consumers. A disruptive innovation is crucial during this time. The more we approach consumers in simple ways and customize our products and services to their needs, the better chance to flourish.
Taking risks becomes necessary; and disruptive innovations provide viable alternatives when adjusting to the realities of the twenty-first century. Change is now a more predominant way of life. Embrace it, open your mind to new paradigms and incorporate disruptive innovation to your advantage!
Bibliography
Christensen, C., Johnson, C. & Horn, M. (2008). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Kotter, J. (1996). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
The IBM Global CEO Study. (2008). Disruptive by nature. The enterprise of the future. Retrieved November 13, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfZP2dnhBs
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Early in my life, I was introduced to the concept of civil disobedience to learn how to envision a better future for people. Mahatma Gandhi envisioned a respectful life for Indians. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned people of different races working together as brothers and sisters.
Without a vision no one can succeed. A vision or a goal marks the path of a person’s life and gives an intrinsic motivation to move forward (Kotter, 1996). A clear understanding of a goal helps people find or look for opportunities that help them reach their goals.
My wife and I feel the necessity to help our community. We noticed that families are separated and many kids walk around the neighborhood alone. We want to make a difference in their life and we are working toward that goal. Claiborne & Perkins (2009) mention that after a prayer, an action must follow. We want to see a community that helps each other and benefits from their good deeds. We believe that creating jobs in our community will change the circumstances. Nevertheless, we need to ask people about their real needs to find out how to help effectively (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). We want to keep families together, but all will depend if certain families want to or not. Considering their priorities are very important. We believe that once those priorities are met, our help will facilitate aspects related to family bonds and family values.
Leadership is to take action and help those in need (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). It is to encourage others to participate and collaborate for a noble mission. Leadership is to enter into the pain of people and help (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Our community is in need of help, and by contributing all together, we can make a difference. Following good principles and God’s intentions will make our goal come true.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Kotter, J. (1996). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Without a vision no one can succeed. A vision or a goal marks the path of a person’s life and gives an intrinsic motivation to move forward (Kotter, 1996). A clear understanding of a goal helps people find or look for opportunities that help them reach their goals.
My wife and I feel the necessity to help our community. We noticed that families are separated and many kids walk around the neighborhood alone. We want to make a difference in their life and we are working toward that goal. Claiborne & Perkins (2009) mention that after a prayer, an action must follow. We want to see a community that helps each other and benefits from their good deeds. We believe that creating jobs in our community will change the circumstances. Nevertheless, we need to ask people about their real needs to find out how to help effectively (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). We want to keep families together, but all will depend if certain families want to or not. Considering their priorities are very important. We believe that once those priorities are met, our help will facilitate aspects related to family bonds and family values.
Leadership is to take action and help those in need (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). It is to encourage others to participate and collaborate for a noble mission. Leadership is to enter into the pain of people and help (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Our community is in need of help, and by contributing all together, we can make a difference. Following good principles and God’s intentions will make our goal come true.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Kotter, J. (1996). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
When my wife and I started to think about Portal Gourmet, LLC, we considered social responsibility as one of our drives to do business responsibly. Right in the beginning, we thought about how beneficial our business would be to people in the community. Different visions crossed our mind, but we concluded that what we would like to see is a community that enriches itself and contributes to the well-being of others.
In order to reach this vision, we reflected on social responsibility programs that benefit people. We considered programs that set an example for others to imitate (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). John Perkins stated (2009) “it’s not just about us” (p.103). Our business is about everyone, it is about “getting our hands dirty or making words into flesh” to demonstrate that we all can contribute to something bigger than ourselves (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 78).
We believe that Portal Gourmet, LLC must be concerned about the people we serve (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Therefore, a program was developed to start leading a positive change: “Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please”. The program is directed to kitchen staff to help them maintain calmness while they work in different areas of a restaurant.
Popular understanding to kitchen staff is that yelling to others in difficult times is common. While some people get used to being yelled at or yelling at others, not everyone can avoid the negative symptoms that carry this negative circumstance. Yelling is “to cry out or speak with a strong, loud, clear sound” (Dictionary.com, 2010). Yelling is a connotation of negative emotions such as anger, pain, or fear. In some circumstances, yelling indicates surprise or enthusiasm; however, in busy working environments, such as a restaurant, it is perceived as an indicator of a negative environment and a negative social connotation.
“Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please” teaches kitchen staff that they can communicate constructively without yelling. When stress is not caused by yelling, people can perform their duties with more efficiency, enthusiasm and effectiveness. Even though other stressing factors exist, by getting rid of the yelling, it decreases employee’s stress which is important for their well-being. “Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please” reminds kitchen staff that as humans, we all feel, think and reason. It reminds them that team work is founded upon the necessity of helping each other.
We believe this program will make an impact in the restaurant industry, and many people will accept it as a result of the vision that encompasses a noble mission (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). This program will benefit kitchen staff, the patrons and the restaurant industry as a whole.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Dictionary.com (2010). Retrieved November 8, 2010 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/yell
In order to reach this vision, we reflected on social responsibility programs that benefit people. We considered programs that set an example for others to imitate (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). John Perkins stated (2009) “it’s not just about us” (p.103). Our business is about everyone, it is about “getting our hands dirty or making words into flesh” to demonstrate that we all can contribute to something bigger than ourselves (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009, p. 78).
We believe that Portal Gourmet, LLC must be concerned about the people we serve (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). Therefore, a program was developed to start leading a positive change: “Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please”. The program is directed to kitchen staff to help them maintain calmness while they work in different areas of a restaurant.
Popular understanding to kitchen staff is that yelling to others in difficult times is common. While some people get used to being yelled at or yelling at others, not everyone can avoid the negative symptoms that carry this negative circumstance. Yelling is “to cry out or speak with a strong, loud, clear sound” (Dictionary.com, 2010). Yelling is a connotation of negative emotions such as anger, pain, or fear. In some circumstances, yelling indicates surprise or enthusiasm; however, in busy working environments, such as a restaurant, it is perceived as an indicator of a negative environment and a negative social connotation.
“Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please” teaches kitchen staff that they can communicate constructively without yelling. When stress is not caused by yelling, people can perform their duties with more efficiency, enthusiasm and effectiveness. Even though other stressing factors exist, by getting rid of the yelling, it decreases employee’s stress which is important for their well-being. “Stop Yelling in the Kitchen, Please” reminds kitchen staff that as humans, we all feel, think and reason. It reminds them that team work is founded upon the necessity of helping each other.
We believe this program will make an impact in the restaurant industry, and many people will accept it as a result of the vision that encompasses a noble mission (Claiborne & Perkins, 2009). This program will benefit kitchen staff, the patrons and the restaurant industry as a whole.
Bibliography
Claiborne, S. & Perkins, J. (2009). Follow me to freedom: Leading and following as an ordinary radical. Ventura, CA: Regal.
Dictionary.com (2010). Retrieved November 8, 2010 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/yell
Monday, November 8, 2010
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) innovated and revolutionized communication services using the internet (Arnold, 2004). People utilize VoIP as a conventional telephone to place and receive domestic or international calls (Arnold, 2004). Organizations use VoIP services to facilitate web conferences, phone calls, faxes, voicemails and emails.
Skype utilizes VoIP on a large scale. Users have the option of accessing instant messages, documents and picture transmissions. However among the most noted features is the capability of video conferencing up to 25 users at the same time. Researchers from TeleGeography showed that Skype-to-Skype calls (or free “peer-to-peer” services) represented 13% of all international call minutes in 2009 (Hodson, 2010).
Vonage, the broadband phone company, utilizes VoIP for communication services. In comparison to Skype, Vonage equipment connects directly to customer’s modems. However, Vonage lacks instant messaging services or document sharing capabilities. Focus mainly consisted in offering alternative and less expensive voice communication.
MagicJack connects to the computer using VoIP technology to place and receive calls. MagicJack services cover United States and Canada. People who use it oversees can call any regular number in these countries. The key innovative characteristic is the MagicJack’s portability. MagicJack is economical and costs $20 per year (Lagesse, 2008).
MagicJack exemplifies a sustaining innovation because it blends Skype and Vonage technology together (Lagesse, 2008; Ponce, 2007). MagicJack enhanced and upgraded its services and mobile technology to improve communication quality over the internet. Like Skype, MagicJack also provides telephone numbers with US or Canada area codes, and personalize telephone numbers with an extra charge.
Affordable prices and simple setup characterizes MagicJack (Lagesse, 2008). MagicJack’s software installs immediately after connecting the device to a computer using Windows XP, Vista and 7, and any Macintosh. Placing or receiving a call is similar to regular phone lines (Ponce, 2007).
Although MagicJack is a trendy technology, it cannot be considered as a disruptive innovation as Dan Borislow, inventor, suggested (Lagesse, 2008). MagicJack operates on its own phone network; nevertheless, telecom market analysts state that “once you have an IP network, it really doesn’t cost anything to run voice over” (Lagesse, 2008, p.2). As a consequence, “incumbent companies can deliver phone service for little cost” (Lagesse, 2008, p.2). In order to consider MagicJack a disruptive innovation, Borislow should be the first to invent and use VoIP at a low cost, simple to use, and customizable to everyone (Christensen, Johnson & Horn, 2008).
Portal Gourmet Sauce™ blends exquisite ingredients to create a new taste with multi-faceted applications. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ enhanced the quality of ingredients to make the sauce more compelling and attractive. Also, the new implementation consisted in utilizing organic ingredients to satisfy health issues. This reveals that Portal Gourmet Sauce™ is a sustaining innovation.
MagicJack and Portal Gourmet Sauce™ want to expand its reach to all people making the price affordable. They want to increase sales volume, and over the years, their inventors have learned what implementations are required to accomplish this goal. MagicJack sells 10,000 devices per day because of its affordable price and simple setup (ExploreMediaGroup, 2009). Portal Gourmet Sauce™ is still increasing in popularity as a new product in the market. With its new low price, consumers will be able to purchase the sauce regularly.
For almost two years, MagicJack sold the devices only in its website (Hillebrand, 2008). MagicJack is now carried by major companies such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walgreens, and Wal-mart. Small offices need to carry Portal Gourmet Sauce™ to reach more clients. Similarly to MagicJack, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ also needs exposure in different places to increase sales volume.
The main consideration for MagicJack consists in improving the device continually. One of the first improvements consisted in implementing its technology to support Mac computers (MagicJack promises super-simple VoIP, 2007). A future improvement now consists in using a MagicJack to run a phone and a fax line in the same device (Hillebrand, 2008).
In comparison to MagicJack sustaining innovation characteristic, Portal Gourmet, LLC looks to enhance flavors of different sauces. Sauces under the direction of Portal Gourmet, LLC are implemented to utilize ingredients that people consume the most.
In conclusion, MagicJack is a blend of Skype and Vonage technology. MagicJack’s popularity of communication services using VoIP increased due to accessible and affordable prices. MagicJack is not considered a disruptive innovation; rather, it is a sustaining innovation due to similar characteristics of Skype and Vonage services. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ and MagicJack are similar in regards to their sustaining innovation aspects.
Bibliography
Anthony, S. (2008). What is disruptive innovation? Retrieved November 4, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L66OH-x7a4&feature=related
Arnold, J. (2004). VoIP on the verge. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.telecomengine.com/Americas/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_539
Christensen, C., Johnson, C. & Horn, M. (2008). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill.
ExploreMediaGroup. (2009). MagicJack. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_iQMtI2_pI
Hillebrand, T. (2008). MagicJack is not for dummies. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.smartphonemag.com/cms/blogs/9/magicjack_is_not_for_dummie
Hodson, S. (2010). Skype commands 13 percent of international phone calls. Retrieved November 6, 2010 from http://www.inquisitr.com/71802/skype-commands-13-percent- of-international-calls/
Lagesse, D. (2008). Look out, Vonage. Here comes magicJack. Retrieved November 6, 2010 from http://money.usnews.com/money/business- economy/technology/articles/2008/06/06/look-out-vonage-here-comes- magicjack.html?PageNr=1
MagicJack promises super-simple VoIP. (2007). Electronista. Gadgets for geeks. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/03/09/magicjack.voip.adapter/
Ponce, D. (2007). MagicJack to be the new Skype? Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/03/16/magicjack-to-be-the-new-skype/
Skype utilizes VoIP on a large scale. Users have the option of accessing instant messages, documents and picture transmissions. However among the most noted features is the capability of video conferencing up to 25 users at the same time. Researchers from TeleGeography showed that Skype-to-Skype calls (or free “peer-to-peer” services) represented 13% of all international call minutes in 2009 (Hodson, 2010).
Vonage, the broadband phone company, utilizes VoIP for communication services. In comparison to Skype, Vonage equipment connects directly to customer’s modems. However, Vonage lacks instant messaging services or document sharing capabilities. Focus mainly consisted in offering alternative and less expensive voice communication.
MagicJack connects to the computer using VoIP technology to place and receive calls. MagicJack services cover United States and Canada. People who use it oversees can call any regular number in these countries. The key innovative characteristic is the MagicJack’s portability. MagicJack is economical and costs $20 per year (Lagesse, 2008).
MagicJack exemplifies a sustaining innovation because it blends Skype and Vonage technology together (Lagesse, 2008; Ponce, 2007). MagicJack enhanced and upgraded its services and mobile technology to improve communication quality over the internet. Like Skype, MagicJack also provides telephone numbers with US or Canada area codes, and personalize telephone numbers with an extra charge.
Affordable prices and simple setup characterizes MagicJack (Lagesse, 2008). MagicJack’s software installs immediately after connecting the device to a computer using Windows XP, Vista and 7, and any Macintosh. Placing or receiving a call is similar to regular phone lines (Ponce, 2007).
Although MagicJack is a trendy technology, it cannot be considered as a disruptive innovation as Dan Borislow, inventor, suggested (Lagesse, 2008). MagicJack operates on its own phone network; nevertheless, telecom market analysts state that “once you have an IP network, it really doesn’t cost anything to run voice over” (Lagesse, 2008, p.2). As a consequence, “incumbent companies can deliver phone service for little cost” (Lagesse, 2008, p.2). In order to consider MagicJack a disruptive innovation, Borislow should be the first to invent and use VoIP at a low cost, simple to use, and customizable to everyone (Christensen, Johnson & Horn, 2008).
Portal Gourmet Sauce™ blends exquisite ingredients to create a new taste with multi-faceted applications. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ enhanced the quality of ingredients to make the sauce more compelling and attractive. Also, the new implementation consisted in utilizing organic ingredients to satisfy health issues. This reveals that Portal Gourmet Sauce™ is a sustaining innovation.
MagicJack and Portal Gourmet Sauce™ want to expand its reach to all people making the price affordable. They want to increase sales volume, and over the years, their inventors have learned what implementations are required to accomplish this goal. MagicJack sells 10,000 devices per day because of its affordable price and simple setup (ExploreMediaGroup, 2009). Portal Gourmet Sauce™ is still increasing in popularity as a new product in the market. With its new low price, consumers will be able to purchase the sauce regularly.
For almost two years, MagicJack sold the devices only in its website (Hillebrand, 2008). MagicJack is now carried by major companies such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walgreens, and Wal-mart. Small offices need to carry Portal Gourmet Sauce™ to reach more clients. Similarly to MagicJack, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ also needs exposure in different places to increase sales volume.
The main consideration for MagicJack consists in improving the device continually. One of the first improvements consisted in implementing its technology to support Mac computers (MagicJack promises super-simple VoIP, 2007). A future improvement now consists in using a MagicJack to run a phone and a fax line in the same device (Hillebrand, 2008).
In comparison to MagicJack sustaining innovation characteristic, Portal Gourmet, LLC looks to enhance flavors of different sauces. Sauces under the direction of Portal Gourmet, LLC are implemented to utilize ingredients that people consume the most.
In conclusion, MagicJack is a blend of Skype and Vonage technology. MagicJack’s popularity of communication services using VoIP increased due to accessible and affordable prices. MagicJack is not considered a disruptive innovation; rather, it is a sustaining innovation due to similar characteristics of Skype and Vonage services. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ and MagicJack are similar in regards to their sustaining innovation aspects.
Bibliography
Anthony, S. (2008). What is disruptive innovation? Retrieved November 4, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L66OH-x7a4&feature=related
Arnold, J. (2004). VoIP on the verge. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.telecomengine.com/Americas/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_539
Christensen, C., Johnson, C. & Horn, M. (2008). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill.
ExploreMediaGroup. (2009). MagicJack. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_iQMtI2_pI
Hillebrand, T. (2008). MagicJack is not for dummies. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.smartphonemag.com/cms/blogs/9/magicjack_is_not_for_dummie
Hodson, S. (2010). Skype commands 13 percent of international phone calls. Retrieved November 6, 2010 from http://www.inquisitr.com/71802/skype-commands-13-percent- of-international-calls/
Lagesse, D. (2008). Look out, Vonage. Here comes magicJack. Retrieved November 6, 2010 from http://money.usnews.com/money/business- economy/technology/articles/2008/06/06/look-out-vonage-here-comes- magicjack.html?PageNr=1
MagicJack promises super-simple VoIP. (2007). Electronista. Gadgets for geeks. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/03/09/magicjack.voip.adapter/
Ponce, D. (2007). MagicJack to be the new Skype? Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/03/16/magicjack-to-be-the-new-skype/
Portal Gourmet, LLC is a small business located in Atlanta, Georgia that produces a single product, a high quality gourmet sauce. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ is the only gourmet sauce of its kind currently in the market. After a year of customer satisfaction research, the product consistently receives a 100% satisfaction rate in taste, aroma and design. First year sales totaled only about 100 bottles, and the company hopes to increase sales through the implementation of a new business strategy. The Disruptive Innovation model and mobile technology appear to provide the company with its best options for modifying its business strategy to maximize the return of investment.
The DI model suggests that a sales strategy should develop around a product that is simple, accessible, affordable and customizable (Christensen, Johnson & Horn, 2008; Christensen, 2009; Anthony, 2008b). From this perspective, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ started off in the wrong direction. While the product is simple and customizable, problems with pricing and marketing have not made it affordable or accessible.
Establishing a reasonable retail sales price has been a work in progress, and the company has already experimented with several pricing levels. The first 2-liter jars of Portal Gourmet Sauce™ sold for $100 each. Then the price was reduced to $50 per bottle, and after just a few months, the price fell to its current level of $20 per bottle. Portal Gourmet, LLC needs to reduce the price even further to be competitive with other types of sauces. In order to stabilize the price at its optimum level, the company needs to reconsider organizational objectives and business strategies to better adapt to consumer demands.
Even though some customers were willing to buy the product at the highest price level, the financial goal for the second quarter fell far short of expectations. While adjustments in price have already made the product more affordable, accessibility remains a major problem (Anthony, 2008a). The past strategy of just selling Portal Gourmet Sauce™ to people that the sales team interacts with has not yielded suitable results. Selling directly the sauce to retail stores may inhibit growth due to the competition with other brands. By marketing Portal Gourmet Sauce™ in a different way, new possibilities of growth may become apparent (Anthony, 2008b). For example, presenting the product to offices where the employees order food to be delivered may significantly expand the customer base and increase name recognition.
As new strategies for making the product more accessible emerge, customization of the product will be necessary to further expand the customer base (Anthony, 2008b). For example, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ can be customized to meet current popular demand for healthier and natural foods. Since healthy products increase the health and well being of consumers, consumers are willing to pay a higher price. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ already uses high quality ingredients and is easily customized to meet the requirements to qualify for the organic and natural label.
A comprehensive sales strategy will necessarily include consideration of modern technology. Mobile technology appears to be particularly suited for the DI model under consideration. Mobile technology is gaining popular acceptance as new and practical applications are developed (Morgan Stanley, 2009). Smart phones are used by more people than either desktops or laptops. Smart phones are capable of sharing documents (Google Docs), music (YouTube), and photos (Flickr). People with smart phones can make phone calls through Skype, chat with friends using instant messages, or just simply buy products online through Amazon (Morgan Stanley, 2009). Smart phones can utilize networking websites (Facebook) to maintain contact with others (Horizon Report, 2010). A recent research shows that as a result of popular websites, people spend several hours on the internet daily (Smith, Salaway & Caruso, 2009).
This mobile technology not only encourages consumers to spread the word about Portal Gourmet Sauce™, but allows sales representatives to take state of the arts sales presentations directly to the customer. With the trendiest mobile technology, the iPad, associates are able to make powerful and attractive slide presentations where-ever they are needed. These compelling visual presentations of Portal Gourmet Sauce™ encourage people and small businesses to invest in the sauce. The use of animations and special effects add professional quality to the product.
Another important mobile technology that complements the iPad is the iPhone 4. iPhones represent the most popular smart phones in the market (Morgan Stanley, 2009). They are internet accessible and possess business applications similar to iPads that can benefit sales representatives. iPhones 4 have the option to communicate with possible clients using an integrated webcam . Utilizing this capability, sales representatives will improve communication with clients.
Adding the Touch-Pay or Mobile Credit Card Processing technology to the iPhone will increment sales (MerchantSeek, 2010). The Touch-Pay technology permits instant credit or debit card transactions anywhere. Sales receipts are sent via email in case a client requires one. Software is downloaded into the iPhone 4 which allows people to sign or enter their pin number to complete a transaction. The Touch-Pay technology will surprise possible clients positively due to the simple and pleasant process.
Research shows that failure to use technology in businesses reduces economic development in the United States (Nelson & Quick, 2009). Old habits, services, and methods must be improved to facilitate business and connections with clients. Technology helps businesses find new ways to compete. As a result, technology facilitates business procedures anytime and anywhere (Nelson & Quick, 2009). Mobile technology offers a means to efficiently reach more clients. Using the iPad to make slide presentations, the iPhone to maintain contact with clients, and the Touch-Pay technology to complete sales in the field, sales volume for 2011 should dramatically increase.
Portal Gourmet, LLC understands the need to restructure the organizational objective and business plan. Principles of the DI model (i.e., simple, accessible, affordable and customizable products) will be used to market and advertise Portal Gourmet Sauce™ efficiently. Following the DI model and taking advantage of the latest mobile technology should help Portal Gourmet Sauce™ position itself more competitively in the market.
Bibliography
Anthony, S. (2008a). How to spot disruptive innovation opportunities. Retrieved November 3, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGzXWO_anLI
Anthony, S. (2008b). What is disruptive innovation? Retrieved November 4, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L66OH-x7a4&feature=related
Christensen, C., Johnson, C. & Horn, M. (2008). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Clayton Christensen. (2009). Key concepts. Disruptive innovation. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from http://www.claytonchristensen.com/disruptive_innovation.html
Horizon Report. (2010). Retrieved October 25, 2010, from http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2010/
MerchantSeek. (2010). Touch-Pay. Wireless credit card processing. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.merchantseek.com/wireless-credit-card-processing.htm
Morgan Stanley. (2009). Retrieved October 26, 2010, from http://www.morganstanley.com/institutional/techresearch/mobile_internet_report122009. html
Nelson, D. & Quick, J. (2009). ORGB. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
The DI model suggests that a sales strategy should develop around a product that is simple, accessible, affordable and customizable (Christensen, Johnson & Horn, 2008; Christensen, 2009; Anthony, 2008b). From this perspective, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ started off in the wrong direction. While the product is simple and customizable, problems with pricing and marketing have not made it affordable or accessible.
Establishing a reasonable retail sales price has been a work in progress, and the company has already experimented with several pricing levels. The first 2-liter jars of Portal Gourmet Sauce™ sold for $100 each. Then the price was reduced to $50 per bottle, and after just a few months, the price fell to its current level of $20 per bottle. Portal Gourmet, LLC needs to reduce the price even further to be competitive with other types of sauces. In order to stabilize the price at its optimum level, the company needs to reconsider organizational objectives and business strategies to better adapt to consumer demands.
Even though some customers were willing to buy the product at the highest price level, the financial goal for the second quarter fell far short of expectations. While adjustments in price have already made the product more affordable, accessibility remains a major problem (Anthony, 2008a). The past strategy of just selling Portal Gourmet Sauce™ to people that the sales team interacts with has not yielded suitable results. Selling directly the sauce to retail stores may inhibit growth due to the competition with other brands. By marketing Portal Gourmet Sauce™ in a different way, new possibilities of growth may become apparent (Anthony, 2008b). For example, presenting the product to offices where the employees order food to be delivered may significantly expand the customer base and increase name recognition.
As new strategies for making the product more accessible emerge, customization of the product will be necessary to further expand the customer base (Anthony, 2008b). For example, Portal Gourmet Sauce™ can be customized to meet current popular demand for healthier and natural foods. Since healthy products increase the health and well being of consumers, consumers are willing to pay a higher price. Portal Gourmet Sauce™ already uses high quality ingredients and is easily customized to meet the requirements to qualify for the organic and natural label.
A comprehensive sales strategy will necessarily include consideration of modern technology. Mobile technology appears to be particularly suited for the DI model under consideration. Mobile technology is gaining popular acceptance as new and practical applications are developed (Morgan Stanley, 2009). Smart phones are used by more people than either desktops or laptops. Smart phones are capable of sharing documents (Google Docs), music (YouTube), and photos (Flickr). People with smart phones can make phone calls through Skype, chat with friends using instant messages, or just simply buy products online through Amazon (Morgan Stanley, 2009). Smart phones can utilize networking websites (Facebook) to maintain contact with others (Horizon Report, 2010). A recent research shows that as a result of popular websites, people spend several hours on the internet daily (Smith, Salaway & Caruso, 2009).
This mobile technology not only encourages consumers to spread the word about Portal Gourmet Sauce™, but allows sales representatives to take state of the arts sales presentations directly to the customer. With the trendiest mobile technology, the iPad, associates are able to make powerful and attractive slide presentations where-ever they are needed. These compelling visual presentations of Portal Gourmet Sauce™ encourage people and small businesses to invest in the sauce. The use of animations and special effects add professional quality to the product.
Another important mobile technology that complements the iPad is the iPhone 4. iPhones represent the most popular smart phones in the market (Morgan Stanley, 2009). They are internet accessible and possess business applications similar to iPads that can benefit sales representatives. iPhones 4 have the option to communicate with possible clients using an integrated webcam . Utilizing this capability, sales representatives will improve communication with clients.
Adding the Touch-Pay or Mobile Credit Card Processing technology to the iPhone will increment sales (MerchantSeek, 2010). The Touch-Pay technology permits instant credit or debit card transactions anywhere. Sales receipts are sent via email in case a client requires one. Software is downloaded into the iPhone 4 which allows people to sign or enter their pin number to complete a transaction. The Touch-Pay technology will surprise possible clients positively due to the simple and pleasant process.
Research shows that failure to use technology in businesses reduces economic development in the United States (Nelson & Quick, 2009). Old habits, services, and methods must be improved to facilitate business and connections with clients. Technology helps businesses find new ways to compete. As a result, technology facilitates business procedures anytime and anywhere (Nelson & Quick, 2009). Mobile technology offers a means to efficiently reach more clients. Using the iPad to make slide presentations, the iPhone to maintain contact with clients, and the Touch-Pay technology to complete sales in the field, sales volume for 2011 should dramatically increase.
Portal Gourmet, LLC understands the need to restructure the organizational objective and business plan. Principles of the DI model (i.e., simple, accessible, affordable and customizable products) will be used to market and advertise Portal Gourmet Sauce™ efficiently. Following the DI model and taking advantage of the latest mobile technology should help Portal Gourmet Sauce™ position itself more competitively in the market.
Bibliography
Anthony, S. (2008a). How to spot disruptive innovation opportunities. Retrieved November 3, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGzXWO_anLI
Anthony, S. (2008b). What is disruptive innovation? Retrieved November 4, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L66OH-x7a4&feature=related
Christensen, C., Johnson, C. & Horn, M. (2008). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Clayton Christensen. (2009). Key concepts. Disruptive innovation. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from http://www.claytonchristensen.com/disruptive_innovation.html
Horizon Report. (2010). Retrieved October 25, 2010, from http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2010/
MerchantSeek. (2010). Touch-Pay. Wireless credit card processing. Retrieved November 7, 2010 from http://www.merchantseek.com/wireless-credit-card-processing.htm
Morgan Stanley. (2009). Retrieved October 26, 2010, from http://www.morganstanley.com/institutional/techresearch/mobile_internet_report122009. html
Nelson, D. & Quick, J. (2009). ORGB. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
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