Author Archives: jonpdale

Business, Life

Why the New Apple TV could change EVERYTHING!

I just finished watching Steve Jobs’ Macworld 2008 Keynote.  In the address Steve announces the launch of movie rentals on the Apple TV.  I believe that Apple is about to do the same thing to TV with the Apple TV that they’ve done to radio with the iPod.

Apple_tvWhat excites most people about the new Apple TV (and why I think people will go out and buy one) is the addition of movie rentals.  Now, from the comfort of your living room, you can rent HD movies with 5.1 Digital Surround, watch HD TV shows on your own schedule (who needs a TiVo?), browse YouTube Videos…and of course listen to anything in your iTunes library. All of this for less than the cost of either a BluRay or HD DVD Player.  The Apple TV costs only $229 for the basic model that stores 50 hours of video (they also offer a $329 version that will store 200 hours).

So why does this change everything?  The feature that most people are overlooking but I believe is the most disruptive is the Apple TV’s video podcast access…in the living room…on the TV…in High Definition. What used to be the realm of 2 inch iPod screens is now going to be available in HD on your TV. This allows podcast producers around the world to compete directly with Broadcast/Cable/Satellite TV all at no cost to the end user.  For only the cost of a HD digital video camera and some basic video editing software anyone will be able create their own on demand HDTV channel and offer it to millions of people across the globe…right there next to the big boys. 

In the past high production costs and limited distribution channels meant well funded studios were
the only ones who could produce and distribute content…drastically reduced
production costs combined with global distribution over the internet have the potential to shift the power of content production to the masses…and that changes everything…just ask NBC.

Standard
Business, Leadership

Your Method is The Message

How you say it is just as important as what you say. 

I just finished an interesting exchange with a political activist who spammed me after finding my email address on an association website.

Hello my name is XXXXX. I am involved with the XXXXX in XXXXX and am
looking for information from like minded people about Congressman Ron
Paul. Can you help? all I have seen on him for the most part is this
interview (link to 60 minute Ron Paul promo video) please help with what ever information that you can.

Since I don’t know the guy but he claimed to be associated with some friends of mine I wrote back to him and suggested that he try a more honest approach. The individual told me he had tried being very upfront and that didn’t work so it was worth being a little misleading in order to get people to watch the video.  He told me that so far he’d emailed over 800 people and he received responses only when he was indirect in his approach. When I suggested that he may not be accounting for the hundreds of people he was irritating and turning off when he tried to mislead them unfortunately the conversation went downhill.

Here’s the problem for Ron Paul right now…I believe many of his supporters are hurting him more than they’re helping him.  His followers would do well to read and really understand this post on spam.  Just google "Ron Paul" and "Spam" and you’ll see from all the complaints that he has an image problem.  I have no idea if the "troops" are being told to spam or if they’re just being overzealous…but those supporters should consider the consequences of articles like this on the widely read Wired blog accusing them of criminal activity.  If they believe as this guy told me that "all press is good press" they should remember what happened to another Presidential hopeful named George Allen. 

Either you respect people or you don’t and spam is disrespectful.  I’m sure that much of what Ron Paul is saying needs to be heard…but you can’t avoid it…whether you’re selling a politician or product…your method is the message.

Standard
Business

The Death of the CD

Ps_i_love_youI just took took my wife to see P.S. I Love You (probably the best date movie I’ve seen this year).  After the movie we stopped at Wal-Mart and grabbed the soundtrack to the movie. I did this because I don’t have the cable for my iPod with me and wanted to enjoy the music from the movie on my way home (we’re on vacation in Texas). 

Here’s the problem though…the CD cost me $14.88.  After listening to the whole album I realized I only like 4 of the songs…that means I paid $3.72 per song…for songs that I could have purchased on iTunes for $0.99 each.  Or…I could have purchased the whole album for $9.99 on iTunes skipping the inevitable step of loading the CD into iTunes so I can have them on my iPod. I made the comment to the three other folks in the car with me, "I don’t think I’ll ever buy a CD again."  Is music packaged as albums and sold on CD’s really dead…probably not yet, but I think it will be soon.

I have a lot of friends who are professional musicians…I think this change has significant implications for the way they should be creating and packaging their music.

Standard
Adventure

Horizon Quest

Hqlogo_2Imagine a place of rustic luxury…in the mountains of Colorado…a ranch. You are there with five of your closest friends…for a week.  You are served like royalty…the finest food…the most comfortable surroundings.  You spend your days sharing stories…your stories…your friends stories.  You share adventure…on horseback…shooting shotguns…fly fishing.  Now imagine its all a gift from someone you don’t even know…all you had to do was show up.  Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it.

That’s what I thought too.

Actually this place isn’t just a figment of my imagination, its real and its called Horizon Quest.  I just returned from one of the most phenomenal weeks of my life.  I journeyed there with five of my closest friends and I was blown away by the experience.  If something in your heart comes alive…perhaps you hope this is real…then check out their website.  If you choose to go it’ll change your life.

UPDATE: Unfortunately Horizon Quest closed in 2010. Thanks to the team who provided such a gift to so many.

Hq

Standard
Leadership

Ransomed Heart Launches a Podcast

Rhlogowhite_2I helped one of my clients, Ransomed Heart Ministries (home of Wild at Heart Author John Eldredge) launch their new podcast today.  The first episode features the first session from The Sacred Romance Audio CD’s.

The easiest way to subscribe to a podcast is using ITunes.  This is a free download from Apple and will allow you to automatically download both Audio and Video Podcasts.

Visit www.ransomedheart.com/podcast for instructions on how to subscribe.

Standard
Business

Who is your blog about?

Here’s an excerpt from a great post by Seth Godin.

The mistake most blogs and books make: they are about the writer, not the reader.

Years ago, a friend (a former judge) wrote a thriller. It was based
on a true story that actually happened to him. It was terrible. Why?
The fact that it had actually happened was interesting to him, but the
typical reader didn’t care at all. That’s because the typical reader
didn’t know him.

The things that fascinate you about your life are almost always
banal to strangers. Strangers want to read about their lives, not
yours. And guess what? The same thing is true about prospects and
customers and just about anything you can imagine marketing.

Read the full post here.

Standard
Business

Buy One Give One Free

Seth points us to TOMS Shoes.

Their approach is brilliant for two reasons.  For each pair of these economical shoes you buy…Tom donates a pair to a child in need…no complicated formulas.  The shoes themselves become more than a fashion statement…they become a conversation piece.  Unless you wear Keens when was the last time you had a conversation about your shoes?

Watch the video here and ask yourself "How can I build giving into my business plan?"

Standard
Business

Rock, Paper, Scissors…or having fun with your customers

Rochambeau_2

California Tortilla is offering its customers a chance to save a buck by beating their cashier in a game of rock, paper, scissors.  Its simple and its fun and most of all it engages the front-line employees with their customers. 

How often have you been to a fast-food restaurant only to have the cashier act as if you are an inconvenience in his day.  This promotion is brilliant because its so much fun.

Why not do the same with your employees?  Give them the ability to reward an especially nice customer.  Worst case scenario…they become more engaged with their customers and have fun while they work.

Thanks to WeWriteGoode for pointing us to this one.

Standard
Leadership

Jon’s Bio

A Brief History of Me

I was born in London, England, in 1977. I moved with my family to Texas at the age of 10. I started my first business at age 15 and have been a serial entrepreneur ever since.

I married Amy in 1996, and we live in the mountains of Colorado with our four incredible children. I’m an avid outdoorsman. In the winter, you’ll find me snowboarding with my kids. When spring comes and the snow starts melting, you’ll find me whitewater kayaking on rivers throughout Colorado.

In 1996, I started my first marketing firm. For the last decade, I have worked with medium and large-sized companies helping them develop and implement innovative marketing strategies.I specialize in helping organizations develop effective strategies using social media.

In 2009, I participated in the most selective and unique MBA program in the country, a six month journey working directly with Seth Godin and eight other amazing people in New York City.

In September, 2010 I co-founded Moolala.com with a phenomenal team who have had several successful start-ups, their last company was recognized as one the 25 fastest growing companies in the United States.

View Jonathan Dale's profile on LinkedIn

 

What Others Are Saying About Jon:

“In the last 6 months I have engaged Jon to completely direct and build our new ‘idea network,’ www.48Days.net.  Its clear that Jon is a voracious student of the concept and has established himself as a leader in this emerging field.  With a thorough grasp of front-line technology, he has adeptly handled every issue and challenge as they are presented.”
   –  Dan Miller, Author 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Mondays

“Jon Dale has an innate passion, gift and vision for the power and productivity of strategic marketing. His integrity and commitment set him apart from the pack.”
   – Morgan Snyder, Director, Strategic Development, John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart Ministries

‚ÄúI continually return to Jon for cutting edge advice and counsel regarding anything in the digital marketing world. His advice and recommendations actually make it into implementation!……AND produce results! I highly recommend Jon’s coaching and work to anyone wanting to stay on top of this quickly changing segment of marketing.‚Äù
   – Mark Weaver, Owner, Ascent Commercial Group, LLC

“As a marketer Jon brings out-of-the-box vision and conviction. As a businessman Jon brings trust, faith and hard work. As a father Jon brings compassion, love and understanding. As a friend Jon brings unbiased, non judgmental friendship. I’ve known Jon since 1994 and count him as a trusted business confidant and personal friend.”
   – Stephen Warren, Founder, President & Director of Sales & Marketing, Warren Solutions

‚ÄúJon Dale has a life that explains his unique creative abilities. His background, his experiences, and awareness of the world around him, and its motivations, make him an asset for someone needing new marketing eyes for their business.‚Äù 
   – Xan Hood, Author Untamed: Becoming the Man You Want to Be and Founder, The Training Ground

Standard