Microsoft Startup Center

Microsoft’s new “Microsoft Startup Center” website is one of the best sites I have seen for startups. The information is comprehensive and complete. They have everything one may need – to go even beyond a startup stage. I like the layout and the partner list is impressive.

But it is a “sales” site – something a marketing team would have created. It is a sales lead generation site. It is a “Buy Microsoft” site. The focus is on selling Microsoft products and not the entrepreneur. Nothing wrong with it – after all, Microsoft is spending time/resources in bringing everything together.

Instead the site needs to focus on startup needs. It should help entrepreneurs with their needs. Entrepreneurs are mission driven people and are always short-handed. Make it easy for them – even if it means to send them to a partner/competitor sites. Gain their trust. And the sales will follow.

While the monies spent on this “Startup Center” may be a small drop in Microsoft’s cash bucket, they can better utilize it by being “truly helpful” – the basic tenet of Marketing and Product Management.

Check out yourself - http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/startup-toolkit/starting-a-business.aspx

Ram.
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Are managers really that bad?

While reading the “It’s Not What You Say…It’s What You Do” by Laurence Haughton [ ISBN:0385510417 ], I came across a study by Professor Paul C Nutt. The study finds that half of all decision fail and that managers use bad decision making tactics in two out of three situations. [ http://mg.boisestate.edu/301H3/Read/WK16Nutt_reformatted.pdf ].

Note: In fairness, I have not read the study yet, am just reading the book.

But those are some startling statistics. So the question is “Are managers really that bad?

The real answer is No. A manager who can keep with the bad 50% is actually right 50% of the time. You should start to worry when a manager either has a higher correct or incorrect decision rate. If managers have a high success rate, they will soon be looking to do something else. If they have a low success rate, then you have an incompetent person in that position.

Often though, it is procrastination and complacency that kills an organization. It is important to be decisive than to be right.

Your comments are welcome.

Ram.
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Great User Interface - little value

Frshbook [http://www.frshbook.com/] has an excellent user interface that displays the cover and back pages for a selection of books. Not sure if the books are featured or on some list. The page turner is cool and looks fabulous. But where is the value.

I know the site will generate a high traffic spike for the next few days as they are featured on, introduced, discussed and dissected. But what after that.

May be there are other plans. But nothing for me to revisit again.

Case of bad product introduction. They could have added reviews, discussions, ranks, etc - if it is coming, then say so in big font on the front page.

Judge for yourself.

Ram.
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One Year Anniversary - New Approach, New Topics and New Format

Over the year of writing blogs, I have learnt a lot from your comments - many personal comments, some online and importantly the silent ones. I know the blog is being read by a lot of people out there. Over this time, I have written about leadership, product management, product development and marketing and many personal thoughts. The popularity of the blog is increasing and I have received several comments on the topics selection and interests.

Going forward, one of my resolutions is to post frequently with a selection of topics that affect day-to-day activities and provide help in becoming the best. These are the things CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, VPs and Directors will be interested in. The blog will focus on core product management and product development issues. These include – technology, product development, product goals, feature prioritization, market sizing, and customer orientation, customer satisfaction, managing the PM process, development methodologies, architectures and such. In addition, I am also going to write about outsourcing, customer support and service and sales support.

As a side, I will review select new website that may be of interest to the community.

Ram. Read more!