Best of Everyman Links #7

Measuring User Response to Application Changes

Richard Millington from FeverBee describes Facebook users hating the introduction of the News Feed, but it became successful because Facebook’s data showed them that members were interacting more. “Only data yields you the answer” on user reaction to changes in your application.

#applicationdesign, #ux, #metrics

Moving Train Platforms

The author acknowledges that high-speed rail in the United States will probably not appear any time soon, so here is a brilliant idea to add while still in the planning phase. Rather than use stationary train platforms that require the train to come to a complete stop, why not use moving platforms for transfers and taking customers to the station, saving both time and energy.

#future, #highspeedrail

Cool Future Gadgets Video

This Microsoft video is titled “Productivity Future Vision,” and is very similar to Corning’s Day of Glass series. Over 4 million views on YouTube, so you may have already seen it. It’s the one that starts out with the young woman putting on her translation glasses on the way to the hotel.  Many cool gadgets to follow.

#futuretech, #youtube

Social Networking Paradox. Enter the Community

The paradox of social networking described in this Techcrunch Article is “as the size of the network increases, our ability to be social decreases.” Tweets, Wall Posts and Check-ins become broadcasts of an individuals’ experience to a vague and undefined audience.  Enter the Community, where we get back to shared experiences, comparing notes and personal perspectives.

#community, #socialnetworks

The Gig Economy

Other names include Freelance Nation, the Rise of the Creative Class, and the e-conomy, with the “e” standing for electronic, entrepreneurial, or perhaps eclectic.  When so much is reported about conventional employment figures, this Atlantic article is a reminder that many of us don’t fit the profile and why the Freelance Economy is a good thing.

#career, #freelancing

Selling Rules

This Copyblogger post lists several good rules for selling. 1) Forget about the sale and focus on helping people, 2) Listen for 20 minutes before mentioning the product, 3) Teach, 4) Increase product value to 10x’s its cost, 5) Post-sales support with satisfaction guaranteed.

#marketing, #sales

The Peanut Butter Strategy

Interesting story describing how a hotel gained the loyalty of a customer by purchasing a jar of peanut butter for his morning toast.  Subtheme: Sometimes you only have to go the extra inch to please the customer.

#sales, #service, #customersatisfaction

The Pitch

We all need a good Elevator Pitch. Freelance Zone has some guidelines, including keeping a journal of your accomplishments along with project details, date and contact info for the perspective client. An up-to-date portfolio, and having your top three most impressive accomplishments at the tip of your tongue.

#marketing, #career

Why Your Blog Is Your Social Media Hub

Free ebook from Debbie Weil titled “Why Your Blog Is Your Social Media Hub.” Experts like Godin, Kawasaki, Meerman Scott and others weigh-in on the importance of having your own blog. (Links to PDF)

#marketing, #career, #blogging