The blogosphere is aflutter with talk on Apple’s recent customer satisfaction issues linked to the new iPhone 4’s antenna design. A quiet whisper turned into thunderous noise once Consumer Reports decided to not recommend the phone because calls are dropped if the antenna is covered while in use (for example, by the user’s hand holding [...]

I am spending two weeks, mostly in Austria, exploring the Eastern Alps and biking along the Donau (Danube) River, before seeing Wein (Vienna) and Prague in The Czech Republic.  Austria is exquisite. The majestic views here make Wisconsin’s landscapes look like a table model for the real thing. (And I love Wisconsin’s land.) In Saltzburg, [...]

I spoke with Robert Finfrock this week. His company, Finfrock Enterprises, is featured in the introduction to my book, Beyond Price, for how it escaped the ruthless construction industry competition. Bob transformed what had become a commoditized business into a one-of-a-kind business selling its services at a premium. The financial and enjoyment returns have been [...]

The best products and businesses solve problems otherwise left unaddressed. Customers and owners win as a result. Vidalias onions provide this week’s example of a business model innovation with the potential to solve an important problem. Any mother can speak eloquently about the challenges of getting her child to eat healthy foods, with vegetables the [...]