Crain’s newsletter talked to me about how universities have had to change how they attract new students.
Also, they used this picture of me where I look like I’m being tickled, which is fantastic.
Author: louisfmiller
Stuff Business People Say
A peek into my life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHg_M_zKA6Y
I Know a Little Code…
project manager: i know enough coding to be dangerous
*winks*
literally ruins entire codebase
— I Am Devloper (@iamdevloper) February 8, 2016
Where the magic happens
In kicking off a typical web project, there are some generally agreed upon roles and responsibilities that help move the project along and get things done:
- Project/product managers define the project goals, create a project timeline, and make sure that things are getting done as planned
- Information architects organize all the site content into something that makes sense and will help users find what they need
- Designers craft the look and feel of the experience and make sure the site is sticking to brand standards
- Developers code the site and make sure all the functionality is working as it should
- Etc…
- Etc…
All these roles are helpful, and probably necessary. But when things get too structured, it becomes harder for people to push beyond their bullet list of expected deliverables and responsibilities.
So whose job is it to make the magic happen? Who is in charge of pushing the project into uncharted territory? To not just leapfrog the competition, but to chart a brand new path altogether?
Sometimes a budgeted scope is the enemy of innovation. Make sure you leave some room for the unexpected.
The Boss.
I’m reminded of this daily. Sometimes multiple times per day.
The Expert in the Meeting
I know they have good intentions, but this is what many initial client meetings sound like:
Kittens!
Sketch by Lauris Beinerts
These are a few of my favorite things…
I stopped attempting to create annual top 10 music lists long ago, but in an attempt to stay somewhat engaged in culture, I’m just going to take a page from Oprah and list any album, book, TV show, or whatever I discovered and/or dug this year. (Is this two posts in a row with Oprah references? Someone call for help — I’ve turned into a middle-aged woman.)
I think most of these were released this year, but I really don’t feel like doing the research to make sure. This is my website, after all.
OK, here we go, in no particular order (after the jump):
Wharton’s (Half of a) MBA Giveaway
This week, Wharton announced it would start making half of its core MBA classes available for free online.
The series of pre-recorded lectures and interactive exercises last for six to ten weeks, and are meant to replicate the first year of an MBA student’s time at the school.
This seems like a great opportunity for someone to pick up a few advanced skills without the need to drop $100k on a single year of classes.
With the rising costs of education, increased popularity of MBA programs, and the prevalence of free online learning options, this is an interesting move by what is likely the most respected name in the MBA game. It’s not as if the school needs to convince people of the quality of their classes, and I’m guessing that giving away these select courses won’t dissuade many applicants from paying to attend the program. After all, students choose Wharton for more than just the time spent sitting in front of a teacher. These online classes don’t provide any sort of degree, certification, transferable credit, alumni networking or career support.
But I’m guessing that won’t stop a few people from adding it to their LinkedIn profile anyway.
Chromecast: Making streaming to your TV simple
Google is expanding its hardware suite with the launch of Chromecast — a small $35 dongle that essentially turns any TV into a smart TV that can stream videos from a phone, tablet or computer:
This ability isn’t new, obviously. AppleTV, Roku, Boxee, various gaming systems, and any computer with a HDMI output has allowed users to do this for years. What makes Chromecast interesting is that you can finally do this without adding yet another box with more wires to your entertainment system. By plugging the keychain-sized device into the back of your TV, you can start streaming videos on the big screen seamlessly, even while you continue browsing on your computer.
The Chromecast smartly comes with a free 3-month subscription to Netflix. This is the perfect complementary product for users who have been vaguely interested in switching from high cable bills to the more personalized viewing options available on Netflix, easily solving how to avoid watching ‘Sharknado‘ on your 9-inch iPad screen.
The 7-Minute Web Workout
The New York Times recently posted details on a group of 12 exercises that, when performed in rapid succession and with minimal rest in between sets, can mimic the health-improving effects of a long run and hitting the weight room. Even better, the workout requires no equipment other than a chair and can be completed in just 7 minutes.
The appeal is obvious – getting the maximum benefit to your health with only a minimum of effort.
Which got me thinking… what are the activities website managers can do in seven minutes that can greatly enhance productivity and the health of their websites?
Louis Miller | Digital Strategist 