I’ve been thinking about Netflix recently. As a customer I was directly impacted by the company’s decision to change its pricing model. I watched as the company’s all-streaming offering was split off into a separate company called Quickster, and then watched as Quickster was shelved when customers revolted. Many critiques from customers, journalists and analysts focused on perceived profit taking, or greed driven pricing as argument against the moves.

Looking deeper, I saw Netflix transforming its operating model to one that delivers value to customers via streaming – hoping that customers would come along. And thus my headline. 

Because I checked in late the night before, I dug out the hotel’s vinyl binder of information and read the times for breakfast, “Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 11 AM.”  Great, I thought as I planned my morning.  I could work out, shower, eat, finish packing, and head to the airport with time to spare. 

Aveus partner, Linda Ireland presented a keynote speech at the Avtex User Conference for Interactive Intelligence Customers on "Optimizing the Customer Experience."

We’ve been inspired by Steve Jobs for years, and many of us drew courage from him. We relate to one or more parts of his life that made him Steve: We fight illness. We have dropped out of college (or something else others expected us to complete). We are determined entrepreneurs. We have been ousted from things we love. We try to make a difference in the world.

Aveus Partner, Sue Gillman recently shared an article on SupplyChainBrain about supply chains and performance chains.  In this article she answers the question, what is the difference?

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to present to a large group of smart operations executives at the 2nd Annual Singapore Productivity and Innovation Conference. My topic of choice? Productivity and the performance chain.

One of the interests that all Aveusians share is our love of travel. How can we not when we work with clients across the globe? This month, Aveusians share pictures (and one video!) of those travels, including  some that were work-related and others that were from family or personal vacations.

When you think of the world’s most efficient and successful performance and supply chains, what comes to mind?

For many, large corporate giants like Dell, Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola instantly pop into our heads.
But few, if any, would think a cultural structure and meal delivery system in Mumbai would be among the world’s most successful performance chains.

SAINT PAUL (May 23, 2011) — Aveus, the St. Paul-based global strategy and operational change firm, announces that it is the first U.S. consulting firm selected to partner with the Economic Development Centre at Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (EDC@SMa). The organization provides resources to assist Singapore-based businesses grow and improve their operations through diagnostics and consultancy services.

Reach for the stars! Set your sights high! Climb the organizational ladder! James Womack makes it clear when he talks about Gemba walks. “Walking” your business from your service or product’s point of view show us that value for the customer gets created on the factory floor or the bank lobby – or wherever your organization “assembles” what you sell to customers. At the source. It’s often (although not always) at the bottom of the organizational ladder.