This Week's Herman Trend Alert

Nail-Painting Robot Coming
to a Salon Near You

 

  The Herman Trend Alert

July 11, 2001

It's Not Just Kid Stuff Anymore

Many young people spend considerable time conversing through Instant Messenger, whether using AOL, Yahoo, or ICQ. Relating with friends and acquaintances near and far over the Internet is fun. Now some corporations use the channel for doing business and find that it's faster than using cell phones and MUCH less frustrating. (We don't know about you, but we're fed up with the challenges of getting cell phones to work in many places in the country.)

That's why Loyd Ivey, CEO and chairman of the Mitek Corporation, a manufacturer of commercial audio products, uses remote instant messaging to keep in constant touch with his plants. Ivey, who is also a vice-chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association is even acquiring the service for his key sales people. "I don't use my cellular anymore--too slow," says Ivey.

Yes, our society is speeding up. The speed at which business moved in the past simply won't do for our new, "improved," instant corporate culture. We demand to be "in touch" all the time and some of us even feel isolated when we cannot be in total communication. There's a whole movement of people who are "unplugging" (See Trend Alert of May 9, 2001), choosing to disconnect for peace and serenity, among other things.)

But do not expect the corporate world to be particularly understanding in the years ahead. More companies are asking their workers to carry pagers, cell phone, and PDAs with the purpose of being available 24/7. This high level of availability is in serious conflict with workers' increasing desire for life balance. As these divergent philosophies settle out, we will see increased efficiency at work supporting the ability to stop work, so people can enjoy their personal lives.

The speed of communication through instant messaging will enable companies to operate more smaller facilities in scattered locations. Employees will know each other better in each facility and through constant, quick communication will share a similar relationship with people in far-flung locales. Corporate leaders, like Ivey, will now have more real-time opportunities to influence the company's culture.


© Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. 1.336.210.3548 or https://hermangroup.com. To sign up, visit https://HermanTrendAlert.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."

HEAR JOYCE SPEAK TOMORROW AT 11:30 AM EDT
Tomorrow morning, Joyce will be a Fireside Chat Speakers at the Brightside Business Women Empowerment Virtual Conference where she will talk about how business women can use the insights from her new, groundbreaking book, EXPERIENCE RULES, to be successful. Register for FREE at https://brightsideglobaltrade.org/women.

GET COACHING FOR YOUR PEOPLE FOR LESS THAN $1/DAY!
Gain access to dozens of coaches for the same low price. Find out more by visiting https://ingomu.com/joyceg

JOYCE IS ON THE RADIO EVERYDAY NOW
To listen to Joyce's TV shows on the radio, simply visit RadioFutures.com. Joyce's show is streaming every day at 3:00PM Pacific Time.

To read this Herman Trend Alert on the web: https://hermangroup.com/alert/archive_3-29-2023.html.


Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers.

New subscribers are always welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is read by over 30,000 people in 90 countries, including other websites and printed periodicals. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert.

Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Herman Trend Alert service.


Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert
View this week's Herman Trend Alert
Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


[ Home · About · Products · Resources · Media ]

 

7112 Viridian Lane
Austin, TX 78739
Voice: 336-210-3548
Toll Free in US & Canada: 800-227-3566
E-mail: info@hermangroup.com


  © The Herman Group. All rights reserved.

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.