The Tech Strategy Podcast

Discover the magnetic world of beauty e-commerce where consumer behavior reigns supreme. Dive into the psychology behind beauty consumerism as societal pressures shape buying choices. Explore how digital technology is revolutionizing the beauty landscape, particularly in the vibrant markets of Asia. Personal travel tales from the Middle East highlight the unique blend of culture and innovation in beauty tech. With a focus on premiumization and the influence of social media, this narrative reveals the exciting future of beauty in the digital age.

This week’s podcast is about personalization and never-ending customer improvements. This is a key operating activity. And sometimes it is a digital marathon that can create an operating advantage.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the Tech Tour.Here are the 4 steps to start personalizing.Step 1 is DOB3 (Digital Core) and DOB 6 (people, culture, teams). Do organizational change.Step 2 is to identify 3-4 Use Cases:These will impact different functions differently.Step 3 is to have an ROI within 6 months.Step 4 is to get the process to 5-7 days.Here are the 6 types of customers (from BCG).Brand advocatesMulticategorySingle-category regularsDeal seekersDisengagedLapsedHere are the 4 stages of extreme personalization and customer improvements.Stage 1 - Personalization MarathonStage 2 - Repeat and Retain Machine.Also move beyond just sales transactions. Do experience management.Stage 3 - Surround Customers with Value. Add complementary services. Bundles. Consumption ecosystems.Including AI services. This is where the Rate of Learning Marathon really matters. Watch for machine learning operating flywheels.Stage 4 - Build a Moat————–I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

This discussion uncovers how digital tools amplify consumer behavior and emotional engagement. It highlights the transformative power of community and identity in shaping brand loyalty. The impact of tribal and belief systems on consumer dynamics is explored, revealing increased retention and network effects. Lastly, the conversation touches on the intertwining of politics with everyday digital interactions, raising important questions about societal implications. Trendy and insightful, this talk dives into the sophisticated nature of modern consumerism.

Discover the fascinating world of network effects and their significant impacts on business models. Learn about four crucial questions to assess network dynamics and how these effects can amplify both user value and economic returns. The discussion dives into competitive advantages that arise from demand-side economies of scale, showcasing examples like Coca-Cola and the ride-sharing market. Uncover the potential barriers that network effects create for new entrants, along with valuable insights on tracking these dynamics as key performance indicators.

This week’s podcast is about TikTok vs. Netflix. And how consumer behavior combines with digital tools in the video space.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the Tech Tour.Here is the interview with Jonathan Haidt. And his book the Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and ReligionHere are the 5 lessons:Lesson 1: High Frequency Video MTV Was More Powerful Than Long-Form TV StoriesLesson 2: Digital-First Netflix Crushed Cable TV with Selection, Price, and ConvenienceLesson 3: Interactive YouTube and Streaming Was More Powerful than Passive VideosLesson 4: TikTok Trumped Netflix Using “Endless Dopamine”Lesson 5: Machine Learning-Centric Video TikTok Was Also Superior for Consumers and CreatorsHere are the 5 mentioned content typesEducationStory tellingMindless entertainment. Including things like comedy.News / PoliticsSports—---I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Photo is AI generatedSupport the show

This week’s podcast is about Coinbase, which has been coming back in terms of share price and revenue.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the Tech Tour.Here are the three lessons:Lesson 1: Don’t get seduced by stories and cool business models. Lesson 2: You live and die with the customer. Bitcoin + Coinbase was a 10x solution to a massive problem.Lesson 3: You can’t disrupt the government. Or State Owned or State-Directed Enterprises. Unless they approve.Coinbase and the Tech Uncertainties of Platform-Protocol Hybrids (3 of 3)(Tech Strategy – Daily Article)After the Fall of Crypto, Is Coinbase an Opportunity? (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)---------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

This week’s podcast is about CloudKitchens, the new venture of former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. And why I think it is a better business model than Uber. In theory.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the Tech Tour.Here is the interview with Travis on the All in Podcast about this business.———I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

This week’s podcast is about Kuaishou. And the key questions that determine its future.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the Tech Tour.Here are my three longer-term questions for Kuaishou.What is the future relationship with Tencent? As it relates to users and engagement?Economies of Scope. Does it need to move beyond video to other content and attention types. Like TikTok and Tencent have done.Economies of Scale. Is it subscale in video and entertainment? As a China-only business?Here is a past article on this. Kuaishou Is Finally Profitable. But Is It Too Small to Win Long Term? (Tech Strategy)Support the show

Michael Porter, a renowned strategist and creator of the Five Forces framework, discusses the nuances of influencer marketing. He breaks down the challenges influencers face in a competitive digital landscape, emphasizing sustainability. The conversation also highlights the importance of content and customer engagement in building loyalty. Furthermore, Porter shares a memorable encounter with whale sharks, drawing parallels between nature and the influencer industry, and suggests a Netflix series that explores these dynamics.

Bilibili's journey from niche anime and gaming content to a broader video service paints a fascinating picture of digital evolution. The challenges of maintaining profitability while competing with larger platforms are critically examined. User engagement strategies reveal how the platform keeps its audience captivated. Discussions on potential content shifts highlight the delicate balance between specialization and mainstream appeal. Will Bilibili choose to expand its reach or double down on its unique offerings?