What other things besides communication and education can technology redefine? For Polo Ralph Lauren, it’s the word “shopping”.

 

?Speaking of the “s” word, Polo Ralph Lauren plans to make it big this year, as the very first luxury retailer to revolutionize online shopping through a mobile e-commerce site. According to the retailer, the idea of buying train tickets and vending machine products for example, is not out of the ordinary in Japan. Ralph Lauren says phone shopping is not commonplace in the U.S., it’s something viewed to be only for people who are comfortable with technology, though not age-specific per se.

 

?Why phone shopping, you might ask? Being first in the U.S. to launch the technology is one thing, keeping up with the trend as a fashion mogul is another. Anyone would probably agree that in addition to feeling the need to keep up; Polo Ralph Lauren discerns that technology-savvy fashionistas would appreciate the convenience that phone shopping can offer.

 

?To counter the U.S. economy’s recession, a new-fangled inventory management system is definitely in order. The designer of the high-end apparel has thought of setting special codes in print ads, mailings, and store windows alongside the U.S. open tennis tournament beginning later this August. This means all the shoppers have to do is whip out their camera phones, download some special software, and use that to scan codes. Through this, they can access the Ralph Lauren website (which they have designed to be phone-friendly) to start shopping, read company profiles, or even watch tennis videos.

 

?The question still remains as to how much Polo Ralph Lauren invested on this technology or how this will either make or break their projected sales. This opens up a possible demand for mobile phones with built-in code readers; these phones are anticipated to be out in the market within the year, as per the apparel-maker’s heads-up.

 

?Phone shopping will definitely be groundbreaking; an event that will grace the morning papers and fashion magazines from here on. 

 

If you invested heavily in Apple around 5 or 6 years ago you’re probably feeling pretty financially savvy. And with the stock up 1,474% since 2003 you very well should. On top of this huge stock gain, Apple is sitting on 20.8 billion dollars in cash and short term investments. I’d like to take a brief moment to put the number 20,800,000,000 into perspective. Around 20.8 billion seconds (659 years) ago it was the year 1349. Right about the same time marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire, the Hundred Years War, a few serious plagues that wiped out large portions of the population, the invention of a technique called knitting, and Mel Gibson played the heroic character Braveheart, who won Scottish independence from British tyranny. If Apple decided to give you 1 dollar for every second that you are alive, and you live to be 80 years old, they will only have to pay you 2.5 billion dollars. Think that is impressive? Analysts predict the company’s hoard of cash could surge to nearly $30 billion over the next year because of strong sales of computers, iPods, and iPhones. This would put Apple well passed Microsoft’s 23.7 billion dollar bank account. Don’t remember Microsoft? They had that innovative software back in 98’. They were also noted in the 1999 definition of oxymoron: ox·y·mo·ron. Noun. – “contradictory words in conjunction.” see: Microsoft Works. Also see: Government Worker”   So what is Apple going to do with all that money? There are a number of things. For one the company could seek acquisitions (For Microsoft Corp. we will start the bidding at 1 billion dollars do I hear 1 billion dollars?). The market is down, and Apple has the marketing ability to turn emerging technologies into the next big thing. Alternately Apple could take advantage of the dire straits that the major record labels’ are in. Or Apple could simply put some money into raw materials. As prices of everything rise, it would be nice for Apple’s suppliers to stock up. And what if Apple keeps putting it all away? Where they will go only Apple knows. If Apple needs a few ideas for what to do with 20.8 billion dollars, I have some ideas here: With 20.8 billion dollar bills placed side by side Apple could make an 18 foot wide path around Earth’s equator. Or placing 20.8 billion dollar bills end on end Apple could make a path to the moon and back 4 times. Maybe Apple is feeling generous? If so they could give every person on Earth $3.15.

 

 

In the United States, business cards are a matter of simple design and casual distribution. They are an exchange of contact information, a forget-me-not. Most of us have quite a few random cards tucked away in our wallets. They contain mystical powers, like birthday cards– After the first few days you don’t really need (or want) them anymore, yet it’s still so hard to throw them away. There was effort and thought put into them. Keep this in mind if you will be traveling overseas, as the social gesture of handing over a business card will only be magnified in many foreign countries.

 

Here are a few examples of how foreign business card differ from American, and some etiquette on how they are exchanged:

  RUSSIA The actual exchange of cards will be casual, But the card itself indicates your status. A Russian business card should clearly state the year your company was founded and your title. “Eastern Europeans are very into hierarchy,” says Neil Payne, founder of Kwintessential, a cross-cultural communications consultant in London.   CHINA In a show of deference, give and receive cards with both hands and a slight bow. Take time to comment on the card, and don’t write on it or shove it into a pocket—put it carefully into a card case. A typical Chinese card might display lucky colors such as red and gold. If you’re traveling to China it might be a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters. Make sure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect, i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin. Like Russia, it would be a good idea to include your title, and any fascinating facts about your company.   INDIA After shaking hands, business cards are always exchanged with the right hand. How do you exchange two cards if you are both holding them in your right hands? I do not know. Education is very important in India, so the card itself is likely to display a university degree or any educational honors earned. Unlike China, English is widely spoken within the business community. So if you will be traveling to India don’t worry about having your card translated into Hindi.   JAPAN Concerning business cards, Japan is perhaps the mirrored image of America. An exchange of cards might be more aptly called a ceremony. Similar to Russia, a Japanese business card will often display status and hierarchy such as title. When you receive a card, treat it as if you are handling the giver themselves. You may give a card with one hand, but always receive one with both hands. During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated. When the meeting is over, thoughtfully put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio. If you are heading to Japan, it’s a good idea to invest in quality cards,  and always keep them in pristine condition. Remember, when you are visiting another county, you are the foreigner, and everyone understands that. So don’t sweat it.   According to Payne:

“Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous consequences.”

  If all else fails, pay attention to what the people around you are doing, and follow their lead.   Sources: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/10-16-2004-60519.asp http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_66/s0806028858156.htm?chan=m