Need someone to lead product management at your software company? I build high-craft software and the teams that build it. I'm looking for my next opportunity. Check out my resume and get in touch.

This is the blog of Adam Kalsey. Unusual depth and complexity. Rich, full body with a hint of nutty earthiness.

Buzzword Marketing: Macworld edition

Freshness Warning
This blog post is over 16 years old. It's possible that the information you read below isn't current and the links no longer work.

Josh asked me if I knew of any Sacramento area companies that are going to be at Macworld, so I was perusing the Macworld exhibitor list and found some lovely examples of small business marketing.

SmartMotion Technology says they develop "SwingSeat, the Ultimate Computer Chair. Doctor-Recommend, Reduces Back, Hip and Leg Pain." Sounded interesting, so I clicked their web link. The page has an Under construction banner on it. But there’s a link on the page to their product catalog that has a nifty video showing off their chair. Why not link directly to that?

In another effective use of web traffic from MacWorld, Starking Limited’s web link goes directly to a password protected page. Their company description isn’t too useful, either. "Starking Limited has developed a wide range of products dedicated to music fans. Products are mainly targeting iPod users, but does not exclude other Mp3 players' users either. Starking Limited has become one of the most innovative companies in the multimedia accessories' market, by developing its own designs and adding the newest technologies available. Starking Limited has the Made for iPod licence [sic]."

iStockPhoto has a good description. "iStockphoto is the only image site you need: fast, easy to use, with the best new exclusive content from around the world starting at just $1 an image. With more than 1.2 million royalty-free photographs, Vector illustrations, and video clips, iStock has the right image for every project. Join us today." Tells me exactly what they do, and what value they bring.

LapWorks has a great description for a small business. "We make lap desks & desktop stand for notebook computers that reduce heat, protect the lap and improve ergonomics. 20% to 50% discounts at our booth." As a small business, they have no brand to promote, just their product and their value. From this description, I know exactly what they do and why I should come to the booth.

iSkin makes a great product that’s the epitome of elegant simplicity. My son has one of their covers on his iPod. Their product description is a little convoluted, however. "iSkin, the preferred choice among iPod owners creates new and fashionable ways to protect the iPod without sacrificing the functionality and aesthetics of the device. iSkin makes protective devices for the iPod, MacBook and other Apple products, iSkin is committed to delivering the best protection using the most advanced technology available." How about a simple "iSkin protects your iPod without changing how it looks or works. Also available for many other Apple products."

Recently Written

Building the Next Big Thing: A Framework for Your Second Product
Nov 19: You need a first product sooner than you think. Here's a framework for helping you identify a winner.
A Framework for Scaling product teams
Oct 9: The people, processes, and systems that make up a product organization change radically as you go through the stages of a company. This framework will guide that scaling.
My Networked Webcam Setup
Sep 25: A writeup of my network-powered conference call camera setup.
Roadmap Outcomes, not Features
Sep 4: Drive success by roadmapping the outcomes you'll create instead of the features you'll deliver.
Different roadmaps for different folks
Sep 2: The key to effective roadmapping? Different views for different needs.
Micromanaging and competence
Jul 2: Providing feedback or instruction can be seen as micromanagement unless you provide context.
My productivity operating system
Jun 24: A framework for super-charging productivity on the things that matter.
Great product managers own the outcomes
May 14: Being a product manager means never having to say, "that's not my job."

Older...

What I'm Reading