To Every Leader, There is a Reason

Looking to write about what is going on with smartphones and tablets right now, has been frustrating. To BlackBerry’s point, the iPhone is looking a little stale and it seems Apple’s biggest praise is coming for their stock initiatives and not their innovation. Samsung, with its Galaxy series, has been clustered together and the concept of “next” seems to be just merely a revision of what exists.

So, what then does it take for BlackBerry and Microsoft/Nokia to get the attention of the consumer?

Both companies’ devices have improved the experience of multitasking and provided innovation on basics. However, I think what needs to happen is a Ron Popeil- like infomercial experience.

The point I am making is Tech pages today are filled with a lot less innovation information and a lot more about stocks and patent wars. Nothing of which is going to drive consumer buying.

It should be that Apple’s and Samsung’s “problems” make room for the third company to step in. But, the reality is there is no space after the coverage of the battle of the Titans gets discussed.

My advice is to gather a studio audience of professional consumers and turn some of them loose with the devices. Then, edit the experience and air the infomercial at the same frequency as the Insanity Workout is aired on television.

Even on the shopping channels, you can already find Android devices from smaller companies with tablets galore.

Speaking of the tablet front, I believe the story is even less compelling. Dancing Teens swapping color tops in a commercial does not take away from the fact that a device is kludge waiting for its OS to be completed. 

On BlackBerry side, the focus has been redirected to the phone and getting Apps. In theory, they have more ways to gain developers at the moment than most companies.

Perhaps another differentiator these two enterprise- friendly former leaders can do is build out a different kind of App Market that is based on solutions selling. IBM and Sun use to have these amazing databases of solutions that ran on their hardware. 

Perhaps the database of solutions should be redesigned to make markets that don’t lump business apps as productivity, but really distinguishes them.

Last, but not least, please stop the fluffy commercials making fun of customer loyalty. The reality is that you once had that loyalty and you loved it. Your ad agencies should be finding ways for people to be loyal to you, and not taking swipes at the leaders.

Caesar would hear from the slave, “All Glory is Fleeting” It was meant to humble Caesar, for you it should be comfort.