Pilgrim’s Picks for June 25

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 by Andy Beal

Pilgrim’s Picks for June 25 - Tugboat Edition

I met with a friend for coffee this morning and we discussed coaching/consulting. I plucked an analogy from the air, that he really liked, but I couldn’t think where to write it down–so I don’t forget it.

I’ll share it here, so anyone can use it.

A consultant is a tugboat at a busy harbor. The ship (client) could eventually find its own way to the dock, and may even manage to pull into a slip. However, the tugboat is there to give gently nudges in the right direction, ensure the ship avoids any shallow dangers, and actually berths at the right slip.

So says Andy “the tugboat” Beal.

OK, now for today’s Picks:

Blyk is a European mobile phone service that provides free calls in exchange for users accepting advertisements. Next it plans to expand beyond Britain to markets in Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Belgium.
Semantic “search engine” Evri is launching its limited beta today.
More expansion news. This time search engine analytics service SpyFu is coming to UK.
Just days after we thought Yahoo and Microsoft were done talking–for good–rumors start circulating that the two companies may be talking…again!
BusinessWeek warns bloggers that AP may not be the only media company monitoring the use of its content.
Google’s Asian search market share may only be 15% above Yahoo, but that’s enough to ensure its dominance.

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5 comments on “Pilgrim’s Picks for June 25 - Tugboat Edition”

MB Web Design Says:

June 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Loving the analogy, Andy.

Who needs tv drama when you’ve got the Microhoo saga to mull over? I’ve commented on an earlier post about this, but even if they were to join forces do you think they’d present a significant competition to Google? Not in terms of finances, but in terms of what they have to offer to users and overcoming big G’s market dominance. I often wonder what would have if Yahoo and Apple joined forces. It’s not on the table I know, but hear me out - with Y!s search infrastructure and Apple’s keen sense of knowing what users want, I can’t help but think they’d present an attractive, usable alternative to Google.
Raj Krishnaswamy Says:

June 25th, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Good description for a coach. Well, 1% higher market share is still 1% higher ain’t it.
Keylogger Guy Says:

June 26th, 2008 at 5:20 am

Advertisements via SMS of my mobile service are very annoying, so I’m thinking of change my cheap network to more expansive. I really hate it. That’s why i doubt that Blyk will have success in future and wondering about why they started from UK. These services should be orient to poor country I think.
Nicole Price Says:

June 26th, 2008 at 11:28 am

That is an interesting analogy, the tug boat! Ads on mobile phones are most annoying and I for one would rather use a paid service.

Nicole Price’s last blog post..Top Grossing Films of All Time
SeoPositive Says:

June 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

I agree pone ads are very annoying.

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