Welcome
We've been out and about the past three months meeting with information industry executives and hearing about the impact of the economic downturn on business. The silver lining is that companies are transforming their products and processes, which will benefit the entire industry. This Spring issue of our quarterly newsletter focuses on exciting updates to our services, and how we can help you retool for success. We always welcome feedback, so feel free to send us an e-mail.
CEO Reflections: Walking the Talk
Greetings! We've been saying this is the year of No Guts, No Glory, and leaders – as they focus on their markets and ever-changing demands, and transform their organizations – must pay attention to five key themes:
- Content, Platform & Experience
- Business Model Focus & Execution
- Social Media/Community
- Strategic Marketing & Product Marketing
- Operational Execution
At Outsell, we're of the industry we serve, and we respect the privilege and responsibility that comes with this. We know that we don't get a "bye" in this economy and that we must do what we advise. You'll see in this issue and in the coming months that we're busy with transformational change ourselves. We've strengthened the coverage of one of our flagship services, for enterprise information management executives and their teams. We're revamping platform-based creation and delivery of our services, and over the coming months you'll see online community and user-generated content evolving in several areas of our business. The launch and creation of our expert network is a first step, beginning in our custom services and eventually extending to the way we serve clients through all of our products and services.
Our fact-based analysis remains front and center, and our upcoming research agenda focuses on "following the money." Whether understanding library spending, ad spending, or the workflows and content spending of end-users - we have data from two very recent studies and one we're running this month. We will be syndicating research on win-loss and customer satisfaction of narrow sets of competitors, and we're actively consulting with large enterprises that must rationalize ever-tightening content budgets.
In our databases, our reports, and our consulting, we are staying close to who's winning and why - and what success will look like as we move through these turbulent times.
We're here to help and we welcome suggestions. Contact any of us with your questions or feedback.
Anthea C. Stratigos,
Co-founder & CEO
What Is Good Performance in 2009? Latest Outsell Research
Are you looking for benchmarks or context in which to view your organization's or department's performance? We've got it. Our analysts recently calculated new information industry forecasts for 2009 based on developments in the first quarter. We shared these forecasts plus metrics for measuring performance and innovation during an Analyst Q&A Forum in April. Click here for the recording.
For additional data and analysis, see our report, What Is Good Performance in 2009.
Spotlight on: Information Management Service
In response to market demand, we're moving to deeper and more comprehensive coverage of the information management space and offering clients increased flexibility in choosing their coverage.
All services start with a base of six core reports that look at essential metrics for enterprise IM. From there, clients may choose specialized, dedicated coverage including reports and webinars in one, two, or all three of the following topics: Knowledge Management/Records Management; Library Management; and Vendor Portfolio Management.
For senior-level executives and their teams who oversee enterprise IM, we offer a service that includes all of these reports and webinars as well as analyst access (inquiry privilege), a customized benchmark report, and access to Outsell's rich data assets covering information providers, users, and information management benchmarks.
To augment all of this we've launched membership councils for enterprise IM leaders, vendor portfolio managers, and senior managers of libraries and information centers. Each provides a confidential forum to problem-solve, share case studies, and exchange benchmarks, best practices, and ideas with peers.
Find out more from Mary Corcoran, at mcorcoran@outsellinc.com.
Outsell's Expert Network is Coming
Outsell is forming a selective network of deeply knowledgeable industry experts from across the globe and all industry sectors, who will collaborate with us to provide consulting and custom research solutions for our clients. This extends the depth and breadth of our coverage as we continue to provide our clients with the highest level of expertise and remain attuned to their needs. For more information about access to our experts, or to apply to join us as an expert member, contact Leigh Watson Healy at lhealy@outsellinc.com.
Outsell's Signature Event - Full Steam Ahead to Ireland in October
We've talked with many C-level executives over the last three months about implications of the economic downturn. We've heard loud and clear that business travel is being scrutinized this year, but also that executives are keen to meet with others in their shoes to share insights and strategies for navigating these turbulent times.
Supported by this feedback, we're moving ahead full steam in planning for Outsell's Signature Event, co-produced with The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. We're delighted to welcome McKinsey & Company as the Exclusive Knowledge Partner sponsoring the event.
This highly acclaimed event for CEOs, COOs, and Managing Directors from all information industry segments will take place Oct. 4-6, 2009, at The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow, Ireland. We've negotiated excellent rates that will keep costs reasonable, and our program will feature senior information industry leaders sharing hands-on case studies about leading in turbulent times.
To register, or for more information, visit our Signature Event website.
To request an invitation, contact Emily Pilk at epilk@outsellinc.com
When the Going Gets Tough … The Tough Turn to Custom
As economic disruption continues to impact publishers and information providers, as well as information management functions in businesses, academia, and government, we've seen an increase in requests for decision support and custom research solutions.
Keep us in mind when you need action-oriented advice and recommendations. We work with clients to develop strategies and tactics to optimize revenue and ROI in a constantly shifting environment. Our services range from market segmentation and opportunity assessment to branding and perception studies to customer satisfaction and loyalty measurement.
Right now we are also working closely with information managers on vendor portfolio rationalization, given the extreme pressure to react quickly to the economy and reduce budgets and spending on information.
To learn more about specialized advice from Outsell, contact Leigh Watson Healy at lhealy@outsellinc.com or visit our website.
On Our Website: New & Improved Company Profiles
Outsell clients: When you need a quick take on an information industry company, check out our new and improved profiles of the 7,000+ companies we cover. See revenue growth, market share, major players in the segment, a dynamic comparison with other companies, and more.
Log in at http://www.outsellinc.com using your e-mail address and Outsell password. (If you've forgotten your password visit http://www.outsellinc.com/send_password.)
Not a client? Contact us for more information about what our services can do for you.
Outsell's 30 to Watch
Take a look at Outsell's "30 to Watch" - innovative companies that we believe exemplify the theme of "No Guts, No Glory" and shed light on where new competition and threats are emerging in the information industry. See who's on the list.
What Are We Thinking?
Spice up your day by reading our analysts' relevant, snappy, and even irreverent musings about the information industry, agile publishing, the world of education publishing, and disruption in the legal information market:
|
