Discussion #1. Ideas for new products often start with desiring a product or service that isn't available in the marketplace. Many innovators have created products out of frustration because they had a need that wasn't being met.
For your discussion, describe a problem that really frustrates you, or a need you have that is not satisfied by current market offerings. Share your ideas for a product or service that would solve this problem or satisfy this need.
Discussion #2
In a few short months you've managed to make a real impact on the success of this company. I can't say I'm surprised considering that you had me as a mentor, but it's impressive nonetheless. New management trainees are already hearing your name in the halls as someone to emulate. One big thing that I've been noticing is that these new hires aren't nearly as knowledgeable about the business process as you were when you first started. I'd like to try to fix that. Digital International needs you to find a couple of resources for continued education that provide ongoing information about the business world. These can be Twitter accounts to follow, email alerts from reputable business websites, or anything else you can think of. We just have to find a way to get them up to speed on changes in the business environment as they happen. It wouldn't hurt for you to use them yourself if you don't already. Get me an email with a couple suggestions with explanations of the value they provide by the middle of the week.
Send Tom an email back with the following information:
• Two reputable sources of continued education that could be used to stay updated on happenings in the business world. Examples of this could be newsletters, email updates, periodicals, twitter accounts, etc.
• Each source should have a paragraph summarizing it and the benefits of using it.
• If possible, subscribe or signup to the source yourself. You're going to need to stay sharp and informed in your future career, and this is a great start.