Blame the designer – or adopt Crowdsourcing

In the immortal words of consulting guru Tom Peters, “blame the designer!” We have the ability to take comfort when things go wrong because we can readily see a product's flaw. Like when the Starbucks lid allows coffee to splash out onto your white shirt. And you mutter “who designed this lid” along with a string of sailor approved expletives!

Companies know that you know what you want. Interactive Web 2.0 technologies are now enabling businesses to use their customers to lead product design, create content and solve problems. “Crowdsourcing”, which allows people to take part in online discussions and vote on what the company should be doing, is already starting to take off.

Dell’s IdeaStorm web site, launched last year, lets members post, discuss and vote on suggestions. The decision to offer PCs with the Linux operating system pre-installed came from a proposal on the site – and took less than three months from concept to launch. As crowdsourcing gains traction, it will no longer be used just by large firms. It will be used by emerging companies and federal agencies as a way to solve problems faster to tap the wisdom of crowds.

Do you need to tap the wisdom of crowds? Come register for our Web 2.0 conference on Nov 1st, the largest Web 2.0 conference on the east coast.

Tim Ferriss

Work Less.

Are you still working more than 4 hours per week? Yes, I meant to type “4”. Then you need to either read Tim Ferriss’ #1 New York Times Bestseller “The Four Hour Work Week” or come and see him speak on November 1st. Details here, open to all. Special deal for POC members here.

General John F. Sattler

General John F. Sattler to Speak on 11/15

November is the time for Thanksgiving. Give thanks to our troops. 3 Star Marine General John F. Sattler, of the Joint Chiefs J5 will be speaking at the Potomac Officers Club. He will present his straight-forward opinion, as only a Marine can. So leave the newspaper and media filter behind and come to hear this exclusive POC event on November 15. Click here to register.

Best place to post a job and reach the executive crowd. executivebizjobs.jobexchangenetwork.com

Advertising here is smarter. Find out why & reach nearly 50,000 execs each week.

Best of the ExecutiveBiz Blog

• Chris Rasmussen: A Dynamic Thought Leader in Intelligence
  October 12, 2007 by Karen Mortensen
  Since 9/11, the intelligence community has been looking for ways to do a better job of sharing information between agencies. Chris Rasmussen is a knowledge manager and trainer for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency within the Department of Defense, and he’s a dynamic part of that effort. He’s a thought leader in the application of Web 2.0 tools to intelligence goals, especially social software. You won’t want to miss his session in the government track at the upcoming Web 2.0 conference on November 1; Rasmussen is an exceptional speaker.
• WiMax and Sprint: Forsee opts to Xohm Home
  October 11, 2007 by Brian Lustig
  By the time it was reported earlier this week that Sprint CEO Gary Forsee resigned from the company, the news - which had been rumored for some time - held as much shock value as a 2pm traffic jam on I495 . Forsee, who assumed the CEO mantle in 2003, engineered two mammoth corporate moves that will forever shape the company. In 2005 the No. 3 U.S. wireless carrier executed a $35 billion merger with rival Nextel in a move designed to elevate its national footprint on par with that of Verizon Wireless and AT&T. Second, Forsee spearheaded Sprint’s $5 billion headfirst dive into WiMax – the technology aiming to be WiFi on steroids, minus the disgraced athletes and tarnished medals of course.
• How Web 2.0 Is Shaping Politics
  October 9, 2007 by Karen Mortensen
  All of the panels at the upcoming Web 2.0 conference on November 1 look excellent, but there’s one I’m particularly interested in. “Politics on the Web, by the Web, and for the Web” at The New New Internet conference features four very talented individuals from the world of politics and technology. Together, this panel should offer a fascinating and balanced look into the way Web 2.0 technologies are shaping our political future.
• Dr. Brand Niemann: A Web 2.0 Leader in Government
  October 4, 2007 by Karen Mortensen
  Dr. Brand Niemann is a leader in the use of Web 2.0 technology in the public sector. With a 27-year government career under his belt, he currently serves as Senior Enterprise Architect in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Environmental Protection Agency. ExecutiveBiz is honored to have him speak in the government track at our upcoming Web 2.0 conference on November 1 at the Reston Hyatt.

Read and comment these posts and more at blog.executivebiz.com

Advertising here is smarter. Find out why & reach nearly 50,000 execs each week.

Chris Cooley

Nordstrom and DC Magazine invite you to an evening of
FASHION, FUN AND SHOPPING
Enjoy Cocktails*, Savory Treats and Good Music

Thursday, October 18
6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Men's on Two
8075 Tysons Corner Center - McLean, VA
RSVP by October 17 | 202.572.0154 or by email: rsvpdc@modernluxury.com
Fashion Show Begins at 7:00 P.M.

Meet Chris Cooley from the Washington Redskins and experience men's fashions in a one-of-a-kind runway show. Be the first to see what's new for fall from some of our favorite designers including: Joseph Abboud, Armani Collezioni, HUGO BOSS, Canali, Hickey Freeman, Sanyo and Robert Talbott. Design experts will be available to assist you in finding the look that is right for you.

*Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol at Nordstrom.

Globalization, competitiveness, and innovation are at the top of management agendas in business and government. Yet there is no clear consensus on how organizations should go about becoming more innovative – and more globally competitive. The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is pleased to present two unique opportunities to help you meet these challenges. Each conference is offered at a $25 discount to readers of ExecutiveBiz! Select “general registration” then use discount code “execbiz” when you register.

CIBER Innovation and Globalization Conference
November 8-9
Learn how to manage the challenges involved with research and development, intellectual property and other concerns related to innovation and globalization at this conference sponsored by the Smith School's Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).
Register today!

CIO Forum: Technology and Innovation
Friday, November 9
How do CIOs inculcate an innovation culture in the organization? How do they evolve new business models and new business practices that are built on the capabilities of new information technologies? Find out at the Smith School’s 8th Annual CIO Forum, featuring keynote speaker Lemuel Lasher, CIO and president of Computer Sciences Corp.'s Office of Innovation.
Register today!

Fight Night 2007

When: Thursday, November 8, 2007
Where: Washington Hilton & Towers, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Who: Fight Night 2007 Chairman:
Chuck Kuhn, President & CEO, JK Moving and Storage.

Click here if you are interested in sponsorship information. For more information please contact Liz Warnecki at (202) 772-0416 or Liz.Warnecki@fightforchildren.org.

The Greater Baltimore Technology Council will host the 18th Annual TechNite

“Small Giants – Feel the Mojo”. Come network with local technology and business companies, meet this year’s BETA and Connector award winners and find out if you have the “mojo”.

Where: Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street
When: 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday October 24, 2007
Cost: GBTC Members: $155, $1,450 for a table of 10
Non-Members: $185, $1,750 for a table of 10
RSVP/Info: www.gbtechcouncil.org/technite2007

27th Annual Kidney Ball benefiting the National Kidney Foundation
Stir It Up!
An Evening with Patti LaBelle
November 17, 2007
The Hilton Washington
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Cocktails & Silent Auction at 6:30 pm
Dinner at 8:00 pm
Live Auction at 9:15 pm
Entertainment at 10:00 pm
Black Tie

Tower Club Fall Business Mixer
Hosted by Young Executive Society
Monday, October 29th
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
$30 Inclusive Members/ $40 Inclusive non-member

The event is open to Tower Club members, their guests, non-members, as well as members from other organizations in the local area.

Enjoy our exquisite hors d’oeuvre buffet and refreshing beverages. Please call for reservations 703-761-4250.

ExecutiveBiz works in partnership with The Potomac Officers Club. The Potomac Officers Club is a non-profit board of trade dedicated to improving business conditions in the Greater Washington area. For more infomation, please visit www.potomacofficersclub.com.

Thanks, Potomac Officers Club Sponsors

J.D. Kathuria

Message from the Editor

This digital magazine is designed to serve the needs of the local business community. Please contact us with your content ideas or advertising requests. We currently reach nearly 50,000 area executives.

I would also welcome the opportunity to speak with you about our membership organization. We're growing fast and already have over 700 members, with more joining every day.

J.D. Kathuria
ExecutiveBiz Editor
jd@executivebiz.com
703-226-7010