Mood:  a-ok

Digital pages are fast.  They get you fired up.  They touch you in some personal way.  They are relevant and remarkable to you.  They make you want to text a friend and download a link to what you just read. Fast pages are not only about you - they are about you in terms of your Clan or Tribe.

Would you like to rent a Digital Warrior?

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 11:39 AM EADT

Updated: Friday, 30 January 2009 11:54 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

How good does it feel to live in a world where you can be yourself.  This world of mobile phone pictures of you at this event or that party show you as you really are seen most of the time by your family, friends, and colleagues.  Sure you still 'scrub up well' for those special occassions but that is not really you - just as those 'air brushed' pictures of the famous models are not really them.  So how good does it feel to live in a digital age of high quality image reproduction and know that you can just be yourself because if you do not like this picture of you there is another one on its way.  The digital age is changing the way we interact as well as the way we do business.  How good does it feel? 

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 7:36 PM EADT

Updated: Thursday, 29 January 2009 7:46 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Scoble is streaming live interviews from the World Economic Forum in Davos.  You feel like you are right there.  In some sessions you can tweet in your questions for the presenter.  Just a few years ago web-based communities were discussed at Davos as 'the next big thing'.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 7:31 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Part of my storyline for 2009 is to urge Barack Obama to withdraw from the 'tribal wars' in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  That is a 'big picture' storyboard and thus it is not within my control although it is within my sphere of influence. My  'small picture' storyboard  says I want to eliminate 'tribal wars' in business and at the same time encourage the formation of positive 'tribal business communities'.  Tribal communities can work well - Dell Computers Mark I built its success on dedicated tribal communities however Dell Computers Mark II is struggling with the fragmentation of those tribal communities into warring factions.  

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 11:12 AM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 28 January 2009 1:25 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

We all need a simple storyline for ourselves and our colleagues for a recession clad 2009 and beyond.  Do you have two or three words that A) describe you or your profession B) describe how you do what you do.  The two words I use to describe myself are 'digital warrior'.  The three words I use to describe how I do what I do are Clear, Hold, and Build.  What is your storyline?  What are your simple descriptors?

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 10:33 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Your first goal today is to make sure you understand these times. If you think you do then think again.  Perhaps you are blocking out the real nature of what is happening around you?  That can easily happen to you because you are fighting against the negative impact of this recession on your plans and systems.  This means your current capabilities are wrong for these times.  It also means you can not get to where you now need to be by just re-organising what you have built up to achieve your past plans and goals.  You need to rethink everything.  You need to look first at the environment in which you now have to operate and will have to master over the next 5 to 10 years.

Perhaps you need to rent a digital warrior to help you ....

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 3:38 PM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 24 January 2009 4:00 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Where do you fit right now?  This question is well worth thinking about as you enter 2009.  This recession will change your opportunities in some really positive ways if and only if you understand precisely where you fit.  Here are two tools to help you.  First you have to determine if you are a systems based person.  Do you fit best within defined systems?  If so then educated yourself about digital systems and find a place in a global network.  Second you have to determine if you are a people based person.  Do you fit best within loosely defined people based systems?  If so then educate yourself about web-based social networks and their impact on consumers and find yourself a place in a national or local network serving consumers/users.

If you are in a position to re-engineer your business you might like to rent a digital warrior to help you.  Guess what?  I know one you might like to consider.

Richard Lipscombe is a digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 2:57 PM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 24 January 2009 3:08 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

I see Barack's blackberry as a lifeline to the outside world - a source of liberation and solace from the constant beat of 'group think'...

There should be a sign on every office door of the West Wing - "Welcome to The White House were every problem ever faced by mankind has already been solved" (please be assured that in your top draw is your unique code - enter it into your computer and you will never have to "think" for yourself or by yourself ever again - Welcome to the world of 'group think')....

Strikes me there are just four people in this new administration that must not be allowed to become swept up into White House 'group think' - Barack, Rahm, Valerie, and David. I am sure that fighting the powers of 'group think' is what prematurely ages Presidents.

The President will go into a meeting day after day with 'new and bold ideas' only to return to the Oval Office with the same old problem - how to get the White House staff to do what he wants them to do...

Barack's blackberry will be a symbol of change for me - it will signal to me that he is willing and able to take on (if not to stare down) the White House 'group think' regime....

Would you like to rent a Digital Warrior?

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 12:00 PM EADT

Updated: Thursday, 22 January 2009 12:06 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

May the new White House become a place of vigorous discussion and debate, of hard won discord rather than ideologically driven accord, of transparency, accountability,and community, of hope sprinkled with imagination and purpose, of determination, focus, and faith, and of reconciliation and peace.

My best wishes, in all future circumstances, go to Barack Obama, Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett, and David Axelrod - they will soon come to know just how it feels to have so much expectation placed on the shoulders of so few....

The first big test for the new President is not what most people think - it is will he get to keep his blackberry?

Would you like to rent a Digital Warrior?

Richard Lipscombe is a digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 8:50 AM EADT

Updated: Thursday, 22 January 2009 9:00 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Twenty twenty hindsight usually helps us to untangle the good from the bad and the ugly.  But when the basics - that is first principles - of your models are over run it is difficult to come up with a storyline to explain what just happened.

Want to adjust your conventional thinking for the digital age?  Rent a Digital Warrior.....

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 10:39 AM EADT

Updated: Tuesday, 20 January 2009 11:06 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Linux Mint is the product of a set of "nobodies"...  These "nobodies" have produced a great product.  These "nobodies"  were able to do this because we live in a digital networked world.  Digital networks favour "nobodies" because they actually provide the least friction to their rapid expansion.  Digital networks become more efficient and effective as they expand - if they do not expand they deflate or implode.  Digital networks expand because they appeal to cluster upon cluster of "nobodies" who are eager to become linked.  Linux Mint is a group of "nobodies" who are extraordinarily talented as individuals and even more so as a collective.  Truly extraordinary.  Working together, as a cooperative, this talented set of "nobodies" ensured that Linux Mint remained a product that is both relevant and remarkable.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 4:25 PM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 17 January 2009 5:08 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital communities are cooperatives.  They are formed around sharing not competition.  They are transparent not secretive.  They are networked not interconnected.  They are social entities not economic drivers.  They are based on barter not money.  They are very different to what passes as a community today.  

Do you want help building your digital community?  If so you may need the help of a digital warrior.  Richard Lipscombe is a digital warrior and he is now for hire.  His strategy is simple.  Clear.  Hold. Build.  Clear out the old ideologies from your existing online community - anchor your change with new ideas and a framework for action.  Convert your best ideas into prototypes - test them until you find those that work best.  Attach a revenue model to the most successful prototypes.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 9:50 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital networks will offer new jobs.  One job I guess is the role of moderator - this is a new role in organisations.  This job is already being done on blog sites today but most incumbents are not paid.  Moderators keep the conversation focused, moving, and if possible remarkable.  Revenue models start with giving your best services away free - if you do that then the network expands if you do not do that the network implodes.  An expanding network ensures you have opportunities to customise products or services for individuals or groups who will pay a small premium.  Global reach can mean lots of subscriptions, fees, or payments for products and services.  Business practices in a digital network are based on the need to cooperate or co-produce with your users. The user is an integral part of your business - users often provide the innovations you need to keep your digital network expanding.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 5:48 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Everything you see and read right now is about government actions to try to save the analogue economy.  To save jobs.  Perhaps your current job.  The one thing  you should be inclined to do in 2009 is slough off your connections with the analague economy.

Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 9:22 AM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 14 January 2009 9:27 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital assets are infinitely scalable because they are networked.  Networks can be global or local - each as efficient and effective as the other.  Thus the organising principle can be centralist or decentralist.  Automated digital networks provide a platform for unforeseen productivity gains.  Focussed digital networks provide a platform for unforeseen global and local cooperation on purpose-driven projects.  Uncluttered digital networks provide a platform for unforeseen socio-economic change.

Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 9:04 AM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 14 January 2009 9:21 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital networks supported by cloud computing - which is a web-based computing capacity that you have access to as if it was inside your PC.  Cloud computing is just one more step towards the fast approaching digital age.  Taking full advantage of this digital age will not be difficult for those who give up their analogue thinking.  Digital thinking is based around network not private capacity, notions of abundance not scarcity, and cooperation not competition.

 Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 9:52 AM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Your ongoing understanding of C21st business in theory, and in practice, could come down to the quality of your insights into the web, clans, and tribes.  To help you to better understand those entities you may need to slough off much of what you hold as indisputable truths.  I suggest you take more comfort from your imagination than your intuition until things settle down around 2015.

Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 1:36 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital clans are innovation cells or incubators.  They are formed by early adopters of new ideas.  They are formed by people who cooperate to pursue their collective idea through new design or prototypes.  They are informal clusters that are connected by the web.  They form to dissippate rather than store ideas or information.  They lack processes, due diligence, and rigor. They are great siphons for the ideas of others around the global digital network. They often lack purpose and drive.  They often get side tracked into the new and the bold.  They are constantly reforming.  They are exciting clusters to participate with or within.  They are cooperatives. 

Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com. 

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 1:26 PM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 11 January 2009 3:35 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

Digital tribes are quickly recognisable among > 55 year olds.  Yeah it is the old guys and gals who use digital technologies the most to do what analogue technologies use to do for them.  They shop online.  They bank online.  They search for a raft of services by going online.  I call  them digital tribes because they have changed the way they do things but not their core values and beliefs.  They have embraced digital technologies and networks as a convenience without embracing the digital revolution.  Digital tribes exist amongst the < 55 year olds too.  These tribes are very different because they embrace the new possibilities brought to them by hand-held devices, web-based social networks, blogging, news feeds, etc.  These digital tribes are establishing new mores, values, and sets of consumer behaviours that match the global reach and connectivity of this new technology platform.  These tribes are consumers of products and services that are purpose-built for their needs.  These tribes are forming the anchor for digital businesses for the next hundred years.  These tribes are reframing the production and distribution processing within their global digital networks.

Would you like to rent a digital warrior?

Richard Lipscombe - digital warrior for rent.  I work on digital business issues for a monthly retainer.  I will travel to a client site anywhere in the world but I prefer to work as a virtual input to your business.   I prefer to work on digital network design, build, and maintenance issues.  Also, I prefer to work on user or customer issues - with a clear emphasis on building web-based networks that link clusters, clans, and tribes.  I can work equally well with your staff or with your customer base.  Contact me at lipscombe.richard@gmail.com. 

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 11:18 AM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 11 January 2009 3:36 PM EADT

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Mood:  a-ok

2009 is the time to go digital at your workplace.  It is the time to build automated networks.  Networks that link clusters of users.  Networks that facilitate those clusters that are full of innovators and early adopters - here we call them Clans.  Networks that facilitate those clusters that are full of ritual behaviours and ideologies - here we call them Tribes.  Automated networks with rapid feedback systems is what is needed in these testing times.

Posted by richard-lipscombe at 11:54 AM EADT

Updated: Friday, 9 January 2009 12:34 PM EADT

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