[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: An Amateur Link

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
An Amateur Link
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1215053038.shtml


   Looking at my last two posts, I realize I have the makings of a
   Soucheray link. Maybe it's not so much a link as a contrast, which is
   why the Mayor of Garage Logic cautions us amateur linkers.
   Compare the late Ken Macke of Daytons and Target and, to put a face on
   it, your favorite Minneapolis Star Tribune Publisher.
   One worked tirelessly to please his customers and thereby find new
   ones. The other seemed to take his existing customers for granted, and
   unwilling to consider what one third to one half of his potential
   readership might want. One company grew, the other shrank.
   One changed with the times, migrating over time from low volume high
   margin department store retailing to high volume low margin discount
   stores. The other has dabbled with the Internet, but still clings to
   the old formulas. One company grew, the other shrank.
   One kept touch with and supported the community, at every level, in
   many creative ways. The other chose largely to hobnob, often
   encouraging those who were creating problems for the community. One
   company grew, the other shrank.
   When venerable IBM ran aground in the 1ate 1980's, their Board brought
   in an outsider (from Pepsi!) as Chief Executive. They felt (correctly)
   that the traditional method of grooming insiders would only perpetuate
   the outdated "IBM way" of thinking.
   How interesting it would have been for the Star Tribune to bring in a
   leader like Mr. Macke ten years ago.