James Gaskin has written an interesting article in IT World about why one web site entrepreneur has declared he is fed up with the "freemium" business model. Freemium, widely used in the software and applications industry, allows a product to be distributed free of charge in its basic configuration, but then charges a user for more advanced versions or features. It's free to join LinkedIn and use it to post your profile and connect with others, but LinkedIn Premium services allow you to do things like see who has viewed your profile, search more thoroughly for others outside your connections, and reach out to people you aren't yet connected with. I play chess online for free, but for $5 a month I also get access to 25 chess tactics problems a day. My Xobni application is free, but with an upgrade my Outlook will automatically fill in many more email addresses, and do a number of other things that are highly useful to any heavy email user. Several higher-end media and content offerings are made on a freemium basis, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Times of London, and Harvard Business Review.

Continue reading "Freemium: Why Non-Paying Customers Are Harder to Satisfy" »

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The credit crunch is taking its toll on both consumers and banks alike. Since the credit crisis began in earnest in 2008, banks have absorbed massive losses across a range of consumer credit products. Profits continue to shrink, particularly in mass-market segments.

Continue reading "Relationship Banking: Targeting Customer Needs in the Credit Crunch" »

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There is a treasure chest of data sitting within most companies, waiting to be opened. Companies collect a wealth of customer-related information that they rarely use. Using this information effectively, however, would allow them to clearly understand what is happening in their business, what will happen next, and how they can influence future performance.

We believe that companies can approach their data initiatives in a smarter, more strategic way. Peppers & Rogers Group has introduced a methodology called info|SMART.

Continue reading "Is Your Business Info Smart?" »

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