Here is the newly released video:

The newspaper industry could take a few notes on the potential of such a new product design. This tablet-like device allows content producers to develop a branded experience that users cannot get anywhere else. Getting ahead of the curve like SI is how other publishers can compete. Once the device is launched, you have a product that cannot be duplicated and therefore, can be monetized.

Although this new product innovation will not alter the fate of many newspapers, it will give them a leg-up in a game they are losing. Finding new ways of delivering a product unique to your brand and market is how newspapers and magazines can survive.

The procedure that could prevent the over 2.5 million people suffering from MS, might shed some light on how emerging and established industry leaders can make their businesses more effecient. Often times, managers have a narrow view of the entire operation. For instance, let’s say you oversee a team of managers, who then oversee entry level employees. You rely on those managers to give you a realistic picture of what’s happening on the ground floor.

One of your managers appears to be productive, but in reality, they push the people they oversee to work harder so the manager doesn’t have to work as hard. As their superior, you might not see this — as long as they appear productive, you think everything is going swimmingly.

Of course, appearances can be deceiving. Just as the blocked bloodflow in MS patients, you might not at first see the problem. It might be helpful to have an annual internal review, whereby everyone is graded anonymously. This approach will empower those under the unproductive manager to speak up — give you the real scoop. This will help you identify where you have a block in your business. From that point, you can handle the situation accordingly. It is such a simple approach to making a productive, more efficient workforce.

To avoid the death of my new Majesty Palms, I searched online how to save them. Thoroughly water once a week and cut-off anything that is dying. This helps the plant focus on providing nutrients to the healthy portions of the plant. So that morning I removed nearly half of each plant. The next day, I repeated. Now, only a quarter of the plant that I purchased was still standing. I’m happy to say, now two weeks later, the plant is flourishing.

As we consider new ways to maximize our dollars, take example from the Majesty Palm and severe dying assets. By doing so, you can focus your efforts on those portions of your company that have potential to grow new shoots.

Come to find out, the appliances were the cheapest you could buy. Therefore, they would constantly break. Uncontrollable flames shooting from the broiler; 100-year-old water pooling in the loft from a leak in the roof, which then began dripping in the shower below; mice; and paper-thin walls. All of these concerns were met with, “Yeah, we’ll see what we can do. I can have someone fix it in a couple of days.” No shower or dishwasher and a mice infestation and it’s going to take a couple of days?

Thankfully, when the lease ended the experience with the new landlord was quite the opposite. Everything was taken care of quickly and thoroughly. For example, the sink head was slightly leaking. Not a major issue by any means but the next day the maintenance guy completely replaced the fixture. When I asked him why, he responded, “it was old and I thought you could use a nicer one.” It would have taken weeks, if ever, to get a leaking facet fixed at my other apartment.

What really impressed me was when I had to re-set the breakers because I knocked out the power. Not only did the maintenance guy guide me through the process (I’d never done it before) of resetting the breakers, he stopped by that night just to make sure everything was OK and answer any additional questions I might have. It was his day off.

Why such a difference in culture? When I asked the maintenance guy why he puts in the extra effort, he said, “I live here too. The reason I replaced your facet was because I would want it replaced if it were in my apartment.” Eureka! My terrible landlord lived about half an hour away–not in a unit. She was so geographically removed from her work, why would she care if water was pooling in my ceiling and I couldn’t take a shower?

Next time you develop a new product, launch a website, answer a customer’s complaint, start a new ad campaign, or whatever, don’t look at it from your perspective. Quite honestly, your customer or client don’t care. Put yourself in their shoes and see if they would like your new website or new ad campaign. Gaining a little perspective can go a long way in developing a positive customer experience.

Venice has been the home of some of the greatest painters and thinkers of all time. It is through their collective efforts that Venice is the wonder that it is today. Unfortunately, this monument to the human imagination and spirit will slip into the sea.

As business leaders, we strive to create brands that embody the tireless efforts and talents of all those involved in its creation. Unfortunately, Venice’s ultimate demise illustrates the instability and unsustainable structure from which it was built upon. As entrepreneurs constructing new companies, it’s incredible important to build a solid foundation that can support future success. Looking to the long-term sustainability of your company, are you prepared to face the weight of success and challenges of time?

In one of my college art history classes, the professor lectured the class on Middle Ages art and stopped on The Garden of Earthly Delights, by the inventor of surrealism, Hieronymus Bosch.

The professor said he used to keep a print of the incredibly detailed, large painting in his house, but eventually had to remove it and gifted it to a student. He cited insanity as the reason to take it down. Bosch was so detailed in his work that every time you look at the painting, there is another half bird half human character you’ve never seen before. Something interesting pops out every time you take another look at The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Just as an onlooker can find new gems in Bosch’s masterpiece, so too can marketers and brand managers find new ideas within personal and professional networks.

Take brand naming for example. Even the most uncreative people you know can spark brilliant thinking. Send your criteria and some starter thoughts / names to friends, family and colleagues. You never know who will send you that one “it” idea or the one that sparks the “it” idea.

Internally, when ideating, bring a cross section of the company in your brainstorming session. That means account executives, creatives (upper and lower level) and any one else available. And ensure they’re in a comfortable environment. Nothing is more counter-productive than intimidating egoism and elitist attitudes. Bring in some props, role play, do whatever you have to do develop a creative environment.

The most incredible ideas come from the most unexpected places. Just as every viewing of Garden of Earthly Delights shows another gem, so too can friends, family and colleagues give you brilliant ideas.

Though the breaded outside was more like a doughy crumbling shell, it didn’t look terrible. My expectations were very low for my chicken piccata. Since it was my first time making it and stretch outside of my skill level, what could I expect?

As I sat down eat my somewhat mangled looking piece of chicken, I began to feel like maybe I wasn’t that bad of a chef after all. At least it was in one piece. After I took a bite, my confidence dissolved and was replaced by nausea. Yes, I managed to cook chicken that tasted like death. I settled on peas and rice and tossed the chicken.

Unfortunately, some products and services are like my chicken piccata–no one did a taste test before they were sold on it. Had I spent a minute to check the sauce to make sure it wasn’t too acidic, I could have pulled it off. Unfortunately for me, I was too rushed and busy with washing the dishes and making the rest of the meal. I trusted that everything would go to plan.

Before an important project, whether it’s a new product or ad campaign, test the waters. Gaining some perspective in the near-term will save you from regretting your blind faith in the long-term.

Fortunately for me and the rest of the world, I am not a restaurant chef. There was only the sacrifice of having a vegetarian dinner. For entrepreneurs and industry professionals, much more is at stake. It is your career, reputation and money. Just because you might be rushed or pre-occupied doesn’t mean you would want to leave all of that up to chance, would you?