RobiNZ Personal Blog

Sergio Marchionne, Fiat, on the Global Finance Crisis

Sergio Marchionne’s views are well worth reading. 

Truthdig - Reports - Fiat Chief on the Global Finance Crisis

Oscar & Yoplait, a neat story

Yoplait annoy Oscar, age 7, with mis-labelled yoghurt so he writes to complain…

Yoplait makes Oscar mad again » Conor’s Bandon Blog
Osc opened a Melon and Orange yoghurt yesterday to discover it actually contained Fruit of the Forest…

 Yoplait respond, and gain a fan…

Yoplait has a customer for life » Conor’s Bandon Blog
We got a call from Customer support in Yoplait last Friday week asking if we were in to take a delivery and to apologise for the mis-labelled yoghurt…

Credit Where It Is Due - Bavarian Motors Limited

I was reading Earl Mardle’s praise of Thai Airlines good service and thought about a company, I’ve been a customer of for more than 20 years, that deserves a more than just repeat visits.

When first out of tech I purchased a Fiat 127, even then old, which was the answer to getting to my first job. It needed some work, the clutch was “abrupt” & brakes had some travel, but otherwise Ok for it’s age. Cars were expensive in those, pre Jap import, days and it was all I could afford after several years as a full-time student. A few days later while parked outside work a leaflet was planted on the screen advertising “European Car Servicing” at a garage just down the road. Since many shops are wary of Euro’s, even simple ones, I thought worth a try.

Ernst, the owner and BMW guru, took a look at this little car that had absorbed all my spare funds and said: “You need a clutch but that can wait, you must do the brakes now”. I replied “Great, I’ll be back when I get paid in two weeks”. Then he offered to do the work, I could pay him next pay-day. I didn’t know him, he didn’t know me, but that was the start of regular visits to see Ernst.

At the time he had a Fiat road car, I think it started life as a 125 but had been Ernst’ed into something beyond that, and also had a 125 based track car. He works on a variety of cars and it’s always interesting to see what’s in the shop. It could be anything from rebuilt BMW 2002’s, more modern 3 thru 7 series, Porsche, Merc's and I think every Maserati Bi-Turbo in NZ has probably been there at some stage. I’ve been going back for over 20 years with a variety of cars and always had great service except for one thing:

Every time I get asked:  “When are you buying a BMW?”

Bavarian Motors Ltd
6 Colway Place, Glenfield, Auckland.
Specialists in maintaining and repairing BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi. [+ little old Fiats for Robin…)
Ph: 64 09 444 5312.

 

 Inspired by A Networked World: Credit Where It Is Due

Software, the future of Kiwi industry?

The recent move to “un-bundle” our phone network was heralded as the first step towards NZ getting better connected. Rod Drury highlights a couple of recent software deals and points out this industry represents a potential low investment path to increase our productivity. I’d add the work done by local Movie/TV production houses, it’s just another form of software, to this argument for creative “soft” industries being a future path for growth. If you have a great idea, the resources and talent to develop it then distance – the problem our traditional exports face – is not an issue.

Another Big NZ Software deal - Rod Drury
31-year-old Wellingtonian Claudia Batten has sold her software company to Microsoft. For up to US$400 million (NZ$643 million).

“Hasn't the software industry proven it this year already? I just read that the total value of our wine exports in 2005 was 360m.  TradeMe and Massive alone have generated over a 1B of inwards cash already in just 2006.”

After a blog holiday, Scoble shoots for the moon

I don’t blog about work. It’s something I’ve considered but, to be honest, I’m not sure what I could say that would benefit either me or the company so it’s easier to avoid it. Perhaps if I could write like Robert Scoble does I would…

Scobleizer - Microsoft Geek Blogger » How Microsoft can shut down Mini-Microsoft

I dream of a Microsoft that no longer has anything for Mini, or his commenters to complain about.

Quicken 2006 Review

Devon has produced a nice review of Quicken 2006 comparing it with his previous experience with Microsoft Money. I started with Quicken (3?) when contracting and still use it for both business and personal finances. I can’t imagine life without it and once you get over the bump starting, setting up accounts and payments etc, it becomes painless to use & maintain. I can’t comment on MS Money as have never tried it.

Although it’s great software I do have one major problem with Quicken. With just the click of a button it tells me I can’t rush out & get the new DSLR, Car or Tablet/Convertible PC and other things on the current wish-list…

Sometimes it would be better not to know!

Devin Reams | Review: Quicken 2006 | devinreams.com
I decided to get somewhat ambitious, as you may have noticed, and went through all my finances…

Formula One to help Intel "Leap ahead"?

GrandPrix.com see the link between Intel’s increased profile as a Formula One sponsor and their new “Intel Leap Ahead” corporate image. Suspect this is also prompted by the profile AMD have from their Ferrari sponsorship and FIA partnership.

GrandPrix.com > News > Why Intel is in F1

Dream of owning neighborhood coffee shop?

They say you should follow your dream, but go in with eyes wide open. A cautionary tale…

Bitter Brew - I opened a charming neighbourhood coffee shop. Then it destroyed my life. By Michael Idov.

“The average coffee-to-stay customer nursed his mocha (i.e., his $5 ticket) for upward of 30 minutes. Don't get me started on people with laptops…”

via Full Metal Blog

Boeing and the "Battle for the Skies"

Found an Interesting series of articles from the Chicago Tribune on Boeing and the "Battle for the Skies". The latest, BOEING'S BIG TEST: SUCCESS, gives some insight into the challenges facing Boeing, and it’s suppliers, getting the radical 787 technology into production.

Battle for the Skies - Boeing Series - Chicago Tribune news : Business.

During 2005, the Tribune closely examined Boeing Co.'s high-stakes effort to regain primacy in the aviation industry and revolutionise air travel during a critical period for one of Chicago's most prominent companies

Via James Wallace on Aerospace

Santa's Helpers - Amazon

Behind the scenes at an Amazon distribution centre.

Filling Amazon's Tall Orders - businessweek.com
See how the world's largest online retailer ensures that gifts get delivered on one of the busiest shopping -- and shipping -- days of the year

Via Full Metal Blog

Sony CEO Stringer speaks out

Howard Stringer speaks on his plans for Sony after officially being appointed CEO at a shareholder meeting yesterday. Lets hope it’s more than just spin.

Computerworld - Stringer is made Sony CEO, looks to Queen for advice

"Entertainment supports electronics. It's not ... more important than electronics"

Credit to Red Bull for having the courtesy to respond!

Earlier this year I made an approach to Red Bull regarding possible sponsorship for a friend involved in a fairly extreme sport. I imagine they get many approaches but thought it was worth a try so submitted a brief introduction, some web links and contact details via their corporate web page.

It took some time, but recently I got an email with a detailed response. Although not able to help with the project it was great that they took the time to respond. Thanks to Red Bull Austria and New Zealand, it was appreciated.