Friday Funday . . .

September 29, 2017Uncategorizedgmtartaglia@aol.com

THE FM CHIP IS RADIO’S FOOLS’ GOLD: Every time a natural disaster strikes radio broadcasters raise the call for “FM Chips” to be activated in iPhones. The chip is basically a switch inside a phone’s hardware which allows users to pick up local FM stations. The broadcasters’ argument is that when something bad happens and internet service goes down people look to broadcast radio for emergency information. So by allowing smartphones to receive FM signals critical information can still get out sans internet. Most Android phones have the chip enabled, but Apple still does not. That’s why FCC Commission Ajit Pai and scores of broadcasters are turning up the heat on Apple since the recent rash of hurricanes. Most people would agree that getting more information out during a disaster is a good thing, so the broadcasters’ FM Chip argument is valid. But I also believe there’s a back door agenda here, based on the belief that if FM stations are available on iPhones users will naturally listen to more radio during non-disaster times. This is an incorrect assumption by the broadcasters. When’s the last time you, or the millennial sitting next to you with earbuds on, got frustrated that they couldn’t tune in WXYZ on a phone? It never happens because there are about 50 other ways to hear the same songs on your connected device. So yes, having FM Chips activated in iPhones during times of peril is a good thing. But Radio shouldn’t be fooled into thinking it will suddenly become relevant in the digital age if Apple activates the FM Chip in it’s phones.

NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: There’s an interesting cause-and-effect occurring in the world of commerce which is effecting both Retailers and the CPG companies who sell products within those retail locations. First the Cause. The retail experience is transforming before our eyes. Not only are B&M footprints shrinking, thanks to eCommerce, but next generation in-store floorplans are much more interactive and experiential than ever before. Forbes has a great write up of what this looks like in the attached link. Now for the Effect. As the in-store experience transforms traditional shelf space is going away. And when that happens products which rely on share-of-sight for sales will start to feel the pain. This is already happening in the CPG sector, as noted in the attached CNBC link. Even the reliable old grocery store is transforming from a grid of aisles to a wandering shopping journey filled with fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals. With less shelf space comes fewer product SKUs, which hurts CPG manufacturers’ ability to bring their products to market. Unfortunately for many companies out there, I think we’re just at the beginning of this transformation.

WEEKEND INSPIRATION: Finally, I’d like to leave you this week with some inspiration from our very first DG Guest Contributor. This post comes from Pandora VP of Sales Priscilla Valls. In a recent team meeting she showed the attached video from a TedTalk event conducted by renowned psychologist and best-selling author Shawn Achor. It’s an uplifting segment that’ll have you challenging yourself on how to be better than just the Cult of Average. I’ll leave you with Priscilla’s own description . . .

“I shared the TedTalk and not only did it provide a few laughs but it gave the team perspective on the ways we can control our activity. The video is twelve minutes long, but it feels like five. While some may want to do all of the activities at the end of the video, after watching, the team committed to do two things: 1) Start Your Day With Intention. We can all be busy with to-do lists. Instead, choose three things that are most important to get done every day. Hold yourself accountable to them (i.e. share with your team/each other/your boss), and celebrate when you accomplish them. A few critical moves everyday over time make for HUGE accomplishments. 2) Commit To Three Conscious and/or Random Acts of Kindness/Gratitidue. A small positive gesture to our clients (a thank you note/email, catered lunch when they’re working long hours, etc.), and to each other, as we work to support one another in our goals to be the best we can be as a team and as individual human beings goes a long way. #payitforward”

Inspirational words Priscilla, thank you!

Have a great Friday (and weekend) guys!