Online Internet shopping looks to be cementing its place in the retail landscape with Americans spending over $100 billion shopping online last year, a 24 per cent increase when compared to 2005 figures.
Analysts say the healthy figure is an indication that e-commerce will enjoy further growth in the near future; it is estimated that US online sales will grow by 20 per cent in 2007.
The busiest e-shopping period for 2006 was November and December with consumers flocking online to snap up Christmas gifts without leaving their home or office.
The researchers believe the figure proves retailers must take Internet shopping seriously or face being left behind. Jewellery, apparel, appliances and furniture are highlighted as product categories with considerable e-commerce potential.
Resource allocation drives strategy
Lost Many companies veer off their strategic path because of an inherent disconnection between strategy and resource allocation, according to a new book on the factors that shape company planning.
In From Resource Allocation to Strategy, Joseph L. Bower and Clark G. Gilbert, argue that strategy is not like a software program that you install and it suddenly all works; it’s a fluid process that is shaped by a range of internal and external forces.
It is claimed that resource allocation must not be viewed as something that gets in the way of implementing ideas but understood as a force that can lead a company in new and unforeseen directions.
Examples, such as Intel’s strategy that saw its managers continue to think of the firm as a memory company when in reality it had become a microprocessor manufacturer, are used to illustrate the book’s argument.
Surviving in a man’s world
Umbrella Being the only woman in a predominately male environment can leave many workers feeling like a fish out of water. Don’t feel insecure or intimidated, suggests UK jobs site monster.co.uk, be prepared by arming yourself with the right attitude.
- Be yourself – think about the qualities that got you the job and develop these as your personality ‘brand’
- Play on your strengths – find ways to utilise the skills that women are generally better at, such as people management
- Go home on time – ensure you maintain a healthy work/life balance by not buying into the macho long hours culture
- Don’t be pigeon holed – have clear boundaries; be helpful but don’t be a doormat
- Stay cool – don’t find excuses for male colleagues’ bad behaviour; be assertive and confront aggression in a measured, professional manner
- Find a role model – seek a mentor who has succeeded in an all male environment and learn from their experiences
- Get networking – get involved with professionals outside your workplace (male and female); a good chance to learn and share
Coming soon… your mobile everything
Mobile The world’s love affair with the mobile phone is not going anywhere soon. In fact, the relationship could soon be taken to a new level as the communications device converges with a range of other handy tools, Fast Company speculates. Are you willing to buy calendars, order Family Planners here.
In an article on the future of the mobile phone, a range of expected uses are outlined to give you a taste of things to come. In summary these include:
- Your entertainment hub – you’ll be able to download feature films and TV shows (ETA: three to five years)
- Your uber remote control – your phone will allow you to control room lighting, room temperature, play music and video and even unlock the front door (ETA: five to 10 years)
- Your medical monitor – your phone may be able to help you and your doctor keep an eye on various medical conditions, including heart problems or stress. (ETA: eight to 12 years)
- Your wallet – emerging technology will allow you to buy a range of items, such as snacks or train tickets (ETA: four to seven years)
- Your information finder – increased storage levels will allow you to carry more information on your phone, such as an entire reference library (ETA five to 15 years)
Mobile work dream gains momentum
Escaping the office to enjoy a more mobile approach to work is a new year’s resolution for 43 per cent of Australia’s small business workforce, a new study has found.
And it’s a dream that many plan to turn into a reality with 22 per cent of workers polled saying they would actively attempt to find work with a more progressive employer in 2007.
How mobile do these workers want to be? Apparently 44 per cent of survey respondents said they aspired to a job that allows them to spend at least half of their day working remotely.
The article suggests the survey results are a wake-up call for employers who are keen to hold onto their most ambitious staff as these people are usually the first to become restless in a job.