So today, I broke the 100 mile mark for the year.  This means that I have run at least 100 miles in each of the past 4 years (yes I have been keeping track) .  I used to track my mileage by manually entering into a training log on NikeRunning.com.  This past January, I began using the Nike+ Ipod System to automatically track my distances and log my results.  I have been impressed not only with the quality of the product but also the design of it.  It is quite user friendly and bottom line it works. 

The product design is only one part of why I am such a strong advocate.  The website and motivational tools that are provided also add to the experience.  After uploading my runs I can visit NikePlus.com to see interactive graphs, accumulated mileage, and personal records.  I also have the ability to challenge other people (e.g., most miles run within 30 days) and I have the ability to join running groups with people around the country. 

In terms of social marketing, they do an excellent job of creating buzz and provide opportunities to share your enthusiasm for the product.  Aside from challenging other friends to run more or interacting with others around the country,  I also have the ability to share my accomplishments.  When I passed the 100 mile marker, I was “awarded” a printable certificate, the ability to have a shareable link to an online certificate, and a medal for my personal records.  Little things that keep you motivated to keep running more.

I can also share my runs with other people on websites, blogs, or social networking sites.  Below you will find my longest run of the year (notice how I died towards the end).  Pretty cool, eh?

As more people spent time watching video clips on YouTube instead of TV, can the inclusion of commericals be far behind?

On the web today, you see advertising everywhere – on personal webpages, news sites, search pages, blogs, email, etc.  The next step is clearly video.  Someone will commercialize a way to easily insert advertising into user generated video.  Whether it be before, during, or after, commericals will start appear on these videos. 

This new pay-per-view model will finally reward viral video creators.  Why shouldn’t the fat kid making funny noises benefit from our amusement?

Being honest with your customers is key to getting the relationship you want out of them — that being long-term, loyal, consumers.  Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook were meant to give the Internet community a way of sharing ideas, creating interaction, and making connections.  Blogs and UGC (user generated content) sites like Youtube were meant to be authentic and allow individual expression.

When companies enter these communities, build product pages, and plant videos, are they still being honest with the intentions of these sites? Are companies just jumping onto the bandwagon to say that they have a Web 2.0 presence?  Alas, companies are not likely to stop strategizing and entering onto these sites but unless they create authentic connections with their customers, it’s unlikely to translate into more sales.

It’s interesting to think how quickly something can get replaced.  If you look over the past twenty years or so, there are many examples of dominant technology that quickly faded away due to an emerging one.

Think about typewriters and word processors and how the PC eliminated that industry. 

Think about VHS and Betamax video cassettes and now how DVDs have revolutionized home videos.

Think about how tape cassettes then CDs and now MP3s/iTunes have become the de facto music standard.

But what’s next?  Is there something that we take for granted that we use everyday that quickly might be eliminated?  A couple examples come to mind:

• Say goodbye to the PC, Microsoft Windows, and MS Office - Who needs to purchase an operating system and business tools if you can get the same functionality from online versions.  Could the future be a box or terminal that merely provides access to the web?  Google certainly sees this and thus is providing more and more online applications and storage.  The quality and functionality is getting quite good as well.  If you haven’t already, check out Google Docs & Spreadsheets and other similiar online programs — you’ll see why Microsoft is scared and falling behind.
• Landline telephones – It’s amazing how many people have cell phones today.   I remember in my undergraduate days, very few people had one.  If you did own one, they were quite bulky and expensive.  People bought them for emergencies and the convenience of not having to use a pay phone.  You never thought of not having a phone at home.  If you had asked someone to name companies that made telephones you’d get names like Panasonic, Uniden, GE, etc.  They had a stranglehold on the home phone.  Today with today’s youth, you’d be hardpressed to find aided brand recognition for these companies and phones.  In several more years will children even know what a landline is?

The key for companies today is to anticipate what might become and not be today blinded by today.  Look at the kings of industries that seemingly overnight get overthrown.  Look at history and the many examples of great leaders, dynasties, countries, etc. who lose it all because they ignore the signs.  Don’t forget that change is inevitable.