Based on hard-won experience I have pulled together a comprehensive model to help enterprises health-check/audit whether they are fully exploiting the many great tools available (mostly free) to turbo-charge their outbound, inbound and two-way sales and marketing communications. Download the full model for free here!

I have been intrigued with a new iphone app called RoamBi ("roaming business intelligence") which allows the creation of "secure mobile dashboards and visualizations" on iphones and ipads for individuals (free) and enterprises (not free) using data from excel plus other data-rich enterprise applications such as Business objects and Salesforce.com.

I am involved with a UK programme which is facilitating fast-track business collaboration between enterprises in the Interiors and Lifestyles markets (furniture, jewelry, ceramics, soft furnishings, clothing etc). The project is taking its own medicine and operates as a collaborative between Birmingham City University (BCU) and The Ceramics Industry Federation (CIF).

Three new types of graphing/charting object - sparklines, bullet charts and heat maps used in conjunction with a powerful new technique known as micro-charting, which allows complete mini charts to be embedded in single cells, can transform online dashboards, business scorecards, and what-if simulations. Here is a simple introduction.

One of the most powerful team exercises is to explore team leaders and team members "mental models" of teams, networks and groups. Mental models are the, often invisible, dictators of what actually happens in a team as opposed to what team leaders would like to happen. Here are some practical techniques for uncovering these "icebergs of the mind" before they sink your teams.