http://www.focusonthem.com We are not sheep Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:10:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Since Ask.com's good old Jeeves was fired a few months ago, it's been clear that something was brewing behind closed doors and that a great relaunch was bound to happen soon. It's now happened. A viral, out-of-the-box, really groundbreaking campaign about an information revolution. At least, that's how it sounded back ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/04/07/askcom-campaign-backfires/ Buying home appliances is hardly a rivetting experience, but a few companies are succeeding at making it friendlier, easier and... almost enjoyable! Zanussi-Electolux takes a relaxed and friendly tone in presenting the different customer-related options on their Customer Service page. Zanussi also have a stellar approach to product search. Picking an appliance ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/30/the-paradox-of-choice/ Fred from webreakstuff gives advice on successfully working with remote teams: Be ready to trust Always tell, never hide Help, don't bother Be flexible I can't help but think these apply regardless of working at the next desk or halfway across the world. Trust is key to successful delegation - How ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/22/working-with-teams-near-and-far/ Some people have inspired me to start doing what I do, but also to continue and not give up even when times get tough or creativity dries up. Seth Godin: Create an idea worth spreading. Tara Hunt: Network, be yourself and have fun doing what you do. Oh, and embrace chaos. Kathy Sierra: ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/20/inspiration/ Drinking for Charity: Talking about Wine Relief, Hugh & Tim's contribution to Red Nose Day. "I use this" vs "I heart this": Tara on products we use, those we use and love, and those we love irrationally. We both agree that the Nabaztag falls under thoroughly irrational. Twitter: It's ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/10/hot-links-10th-march-2007/ From the Notting Hill Carnival to the shelves of supermarket giant Sainsburys, via the Mobo awards and the Dragons' Den. What a life path for Levi Roots, singer, songwriter and chef! Since its first season, I've been watching Dragon's Den with amusement. Occasionally, it's been amusement at the poor preparation on ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/10/he-calls-it-reggae-reggae-sauce/ What's the first thing you notice when you approach a Starbucks store? Almost always, it's the aroma. Even non-coffee drinkers love the smell of brewing coffee. It's heady, rich, full-bodied, dark, suggestive. Aroma triggers memories more strong than any of the other senses, and it obviously plays a major role ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/08/aroma-first-thinking/ In the email marketing industry, there is no greater sin than to be a spammer. No one seems to be one or know one, yet this unfortunate segment of "professionals" gives the rest of us a bad reputation. With technology advancements, avoiding spam is becoming easier as filters become more clever. ... http://www.focusonthem.com/2007/03/07/irrelevance-is-the-new-spam/