Fun. That’s the environment Stephen Howard, chief executive at Cookson Group, says is key to developing a successful e-commerce web site – that along with the opportunity to explore, and the ability to provide unique opportunities.
Howard was the keynote speaker at Bryant College’s 16th annual World Trade Day, devoted to “Building Global Markets in the Age of E-Commerce.”
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Speaker after presenter left no question that e-commerce is an innovation that is revolutionary – “the greatest revolution,” Howard said, “since the Industrial Revolution.”
Howard urged his audience to “think global and be global” in a world he described as shifting from manufacturing-driven industries to service-driven ones. Howard also impressed the importance of embracing new technologies while maintaining a local touch.
“Enough about the ‘old’ economy and the ‘new’ economy,” Howard said. “In reality there is only one economy.”
Calling the Internet “unstoppable,” and the dotcoms the “fireflies before the storm,” Howard urged businesses to view e-business “not just as an opportunity – it’s a great opportunity.”
Howard offered these suggestions for moving a business into the future:
“Be attentive to customers, but never assume they know their own needs. Give them something they didn’t know they wantedDon’t try to control the chaotic process of discovery – innovation is not neatCreate an environment where people can have fun.”
Howard’s thoughts were echoed by Sam Missimer, national program manager, Business Information Solutions, AT&T, during the afternoon session of the “E-Commerce: Fact or Fiction?” workshop for which he was one of the presenters.
Missimer’s workshop was one of 10 workshops and seminars available to the 400 in attendance for World Trade Day’s highest attendance ever.
Missimer compared the Internet of today to the automobile of the 20th century, and predicted that just as the automobile shaped the lifestyle and economy of the last hundred years, the Internet will similarly impact the 21st century.
Response was low when the class members “in the information business” were asked to identify themselves. Encouraging participants to open themselves to new technologies, Missimer made the entire room repeat “I am in the information business.”
The day was concluded with the official dedication of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business, followed by an international food festival.
Describing the center as “a dynamic example of true public-private partnerships,” Tyrone Beach, chief, New England region, Economic Development Administration, said he considered it “a model for other trade centers. It is a model that should be replicated throughout the country.”
Bryant College president Ronald K. Machtley described the late Rhode Island senator as “above partisanship – he was the one who very pragmatically got people together.”
“Even though he was known for his work for the environment, Senator Chafee was truly and keenly interested in global trade,” Machtley said. “He helped our state, our country, and Bryant College move beyond our borders.”
