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How often do you mix up your routine? There’s something about getting outside your usual comfort zone, or work environment, to mix things up. You’ll see things in a different way.
I had the privilege of spending some quality time with two people I admire greatly last week – both CMOs at fast-growing tech firms. Spending time with @garyamaral and @darrylpraill was invigorating, as it gave me the opportunity to hear what keeps these guys up at night – and what tech trends I need to follow. These successful leaders just don’t stop thinking about tomorrow!
Give this song by Fleetwood Mac a listen with me as we see what the experts are saying this week…
How Much Cash Do You Carry?
If you’re like me, you don’t carry much cash – the pandemic has made us wary of cash and much more comfortable paying by other means. Do you use Apple or Google Pay? It took just a little while longer than expected for the iPhone to become a wallet – but Apple’s patience is slowly paying off.
What about your customers? One thing that many start-ups forget is that cash-flow is king. SaaS companies that originally marketed their services as a monthly subscription are all pushing for annual (up front) payments! Do you make it easy for your customers to purchase your solution? Do your teams think about payment terms in their negotiations?
A Return to Normal?
The media has been inundated with stories of a return to normal, to what once was, before the pandemic. But what are we really seeing?
People aren’t going to the movies as anticipated – box offices haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Last week, Cineworld warned there had still not been enough major releases to attract cinema audiences and that this is impacting admissions.
And we’ve recently heard that streaming topped cable TV viewing for the first time in July! From Bob Lefsetz:
Streaming services captured 34.8% of total U.S. TV viewing time during the month, while cable TV attracted 34.4%, the ratings company [Nielsen] said in a release published recently. People spent 23% more time streaming content than a year earlier and 9% less time watching cable.
A return to normal? Just the opposite! We’re seeing things in a different way. According to Bob Lefsetz, it’s not the old normal, but a completely new one, and the key definer of this new normal is that it keeps changing. Beware of those who try to convince you to live in the past. It might be good for them, but it’s usually not good for you, and by not disrupting themselves, media and corporations end up having to play catch-up in the future, or losing altogether.
Yesterday’s gone, but there’s plenty to keep us occupied today. So don’t stop thinking about (and planning for) tomorrow, and keep yourself and your business at the head of the pack.
As always, don’t hesitate to call me to brainstorm or just say hello.
Looking forward,
Rick
Rick Endrulat, President | ricke@v-causeway.com | www.linkedin.com/in/rickendrulat