Dead Ahead: The Web Dilemma and the New Rules of Business [Hardcover]

Laurie Windham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1999

The visionary business strategy set forth in this dynamic guide defines and helps resolve the key challenges that all companies face as the Web becomes an integral part of doing business. Lucidly written text details innovative ways to facilitate consumer behavior on the Web; create a game plan that fits business needs; resolve leadership, organization, and budgetary issues for Web strategies; establish a brand, gauge competition, internationalize Web presence; and invest in the right technology to succeed.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Managers who recognize the Internet's importance but don't know how to incorporate it into their own operations will benefit from Dead Ahead. Written by consultant Laurie Windham with Jon Samsel, it introduces six utilitarian cyberbusiness guidelines derived from firsthand research and observations by practitioners such as Robert Olson of Virtual Vineyards. They are: satisfying individual market requirements (such as information, sales, distribution, and support); resolving conflicts with existing strategies (such as those related to Encyclopedia Britannica's total reconfiguration of its sales procedures); establishing and sustaining customer loyalty (by addressing factors including visibility and awareness); creating appropriate executive and organizational structures, skill sets, and funding models (with suggestions for "educating and energizing" management, among others); making long-term technology decisions (through explanations of hardware, content, and additional components); and understanding barriers to global expansion (with, for instance, advice on learning specific local regulations). There's also a useful concluding chapter with checklists and questions to help put the ideas into practice. --Howard Rothman

Review

"Dead Ahead articulates the challenges every company faces as the Web becomes a more integral part of doing business. The lessons Windham provides are based on real-world experience and will add value at every stage of a company's Internet strategy." -- Tony Winders, President, Interactive Agency, Inc.

"Dead Ahead asks the right questions . . . . When Web-focused start-ups are saying 'Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!' can any company afford not to learn the new rules of business?" -- Ned Hoyt, President and Founder, iOwn.com

"Dead Ahead is an invaluable strategy guide for executive managers across all business sectors and a blueprint for competing in the New World arena. A fresh and fast-paced read for today's dynamic business environment." -- Chris Sinton, Director, Cisco Connection Online

"I'd like to smack this book on the side of the head of every CEO who thinks the Internet is only about collateral distribution, banner ads, fancy graphics, or online sales. Businesses have to realize that the playing field is not only leveled by the Internet, but that it's going to favor those who's entire company fully understands and embraces it. Dead Ahead has identified the iceberg and has shouted the warning. . . . Will your company be able to maneuver in time?" -- Anthony Sanchez, Senior Manager, Internet Programs and Development, Oracle Support Services

"This book provides a clear vision of what is required of business leaders facing the Web dilemma head on. Windham's seminal analysis of the six new rules of business is both informative and extremely valuable. A fresh, intelligent survival manual." -- Barry Peters, Director of Marketing, ONSALE

"This easy-to-read, easy-to-understand guide should be on every executive's 1999 reading list. Regardless of industry, knowledge of how to move the enterprise into the Internet economy is critical. Dead Ahead is an indispensable reference." -- Pamela Roberts, Senior Director, E-Business, Symantec Corporation

"Windham is an authority in what is the new culture of business. Dead Ahead is more than a good read it's an indispensable road map for developing an effective Web business strategy. Ignore her advice at your peril." -- Charles Austin, President, Austin Digital Media Consulting

"Windham's insight on the importance of first mover advantage is right on target. This fact means that existing businesses must not only move to the Web, but they must do it quickly if they hope to take advantage of this discontinuous innovation. This book clearly explains how companies can move forward successfully in this new environment." -- David Perry, CEO and Founder, Chemdex, Inc

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (September 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150334
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150339
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,526,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful and well-written book on e-business strategy, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dead Ahead: The Web Dilemma and the New Rules of Business (Hardcover)

I was drawn to this book after searching for ways to help my business survive the ever-changing Internet economy. Ms. Windham's book offers incredibly helpful advice and is full of examples on how to stay ahead of the competition. This was one of those books that was difficult to put down. A must read for anyone who wants to transform their company into a profitable e-business.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Must" reading for web-based entrepreneurs., March 5, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead Ahead: The Web Dilemma and the New Rules of Business (Hardcover)

Dead Ahead covers the 'new rules' of web-based commerce, from using existing businesses and strategies to succeed to establishing recognition and associations via the internet. Important chapters on investing in the right technology and conducting e-business make for important insights on the rules and atmosphere of the web.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars!, July 13, 2000

By 

Sam Dunn "SammyDunn" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dead Ahead: The Web Dilemma and the New Rules of Business (Hardcover)

I must congratulate Ms. Windham on her excellent book "Dead Ahead". I think I must have read it more than three times by now. I am a consultant and my company is involved in web design and development. On many of my assignments, I relied on this book as a guide and many of her ideas have worked very well with my clients.