Rochelle Grayson

Yesterday, I read a great post by Alex Samuel, “Even in a virtual world, where you live still matters“. Her thoughts were incredibly apropos because recently, I’ve been stewing about what the city of Vancouver has to offer business people like myself. As I stated almost two years ago, Vancouver has the potential to truly become a global business centre. I’m sitting on several municipal, regional, and industry Boards to play my part and what I hear over and over again  is that Vancouver lacks the senior management talent and financing/investment ecosystems to reach its full potential. And, I couldn’t agree more!

I’m often referred to as one the “Exotic Birds” here in Vancouver. (I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. ) I have lots of senior management, operations, finance and investment experience and the city would like to court more people like me. So, why aren’t there more people like me in Vancouver? Well, based on my experience, I think there needs to be a realignment of what it “costs” to be a global business player.

Recently, I’ve been approached by several local companies and organizations to join their teams, and while the opportunities have been very exciting, the conversations have come to a screeching halt (a little exaggerated) once dollars start being discussed. Now, I do understand that Vancouver isn’t NY, San Francisco or Toronto, but why am I consistently presented with compensation packages that equate to what I earned 10 years ago?! (And, this is not to point the finger at any one Vancouver company; this has happened numerous times.) At the same time, I’m being heavily courted by companies in other cities that are offering packages that are 2-3 times higher.

I really want to stay in Vancouver! But, as a business person, I am trained to balance opportunities with maximizing revenues. And, that’s exactly what these companies want me to do, once hired. So, why would I act any differently when it comes to my own earning potential. Now, I am not completely mercenary. (Frankly, if I were, I would be much richer and definitely NOT living in Vancouver.)

So, where does that leave us… well, I would like to see a shift in valuing those very skills that seem to be lacking here.  Right now, we aren’t raising the bar to make Vancouver business opportunities attractive on a global scale! (To this point, I have spoken with at least a dozen phenomenal/qualified/ambitious colleagues in the past two weeks and we all joke that we’ll meet at YVR on our way to companies that do value us.)

Vancouver did a fabulous job raising the bar for the Olympics and for two weeks it truly felt like a global city! Now, we need to take that same energy and investment to make it become a world-class business environment! I’m not leaving, yet…but, I am putting the city on notice!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

I just read this interesting MediaPost article about consumer trends for consumer packaged goods and wondered how these food trends translate to the games space?

Trust
Players are looking for game publishers they can trust! Of course, they can always go with the tried-and-true, but they may also be open to trying out new publishers and indie games, especially if the price is right! For existing big players, now is the time to solidify your relationship with your dedicated and hard core fans. Find ways to make them feel like a VIP. And, for indie developers, now is the time to launch those innovative games at the right price…which brings me to the next point…

Control
As the MediaPost article states,”People are continuing — and in some cases, intensifying — their efforts to save money and cut costs.” Players are looking much more closely at getting the biggest bang for their buck. So, it’s up to game developers and publishers to deliver this promise! Find ways for your players to feel like they’re getting a true bargain!

Simplicity
As part of the trend to control costs, people are looking to simplify their lives. This recession may, in fact, provide a great opportunity for online and mobile games. These games can be much simpler (and cheaper to develop) than their console counterparts. They are also much easier to distribute and deliver. There you have it, simplicity in game development, game-play, as well as delivery. Who’da thunk?! Start thinking about what you can do in these markets. If you don’t, you risk the chance of losing traction in players’ minds, especially in some of these emerging (North American ) markets.

Playfulness
Do not focus on simplicity at the cost of game-play! Players still want compelling and fun games! As the MediaPost article states, “People are looking to up the fun factor in their lives”. So, give them more fun! And, be creative in how you increase the fun factor! It can’t simply be more of the same. Playfulness should include finding fun and entertaining things in unexpected ways. Right now, creativity is more than King, it’s God!

Trading down, up and over
To make every dollar go further, players are accepting trade-offs. Whether it’s “tricking” themselves into thinking that spending smaller amounts makes a purchase more attractive or just realizing that they really don’t need to buy only AAA titles, players are now exploring and willing to try out new (and cheaper) titles. Make it worth their while to try your game and surprise them! If you do want them to pay more for your game, make sure there is a premium experience to go along with the premium price tag!

If you can successfully translate the above trends into your game, you just might have a recession winner! No guarantees, but you’ll definitely be closer to aligning yourself with those consumer purchase behaviors we’re seeing at ALL levels.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Happy Labor Day! Today is the last day of summer and now, it’s time to get back to business as the “New Year” begins. I’m re-reading a few books/posts as I prepare for my next venture (yes, there is something incubating and I’ll report back in a few weeks or so )

I am finding some interesting (and unsettling) discussions about “old” leaders/entrepreneurs. On the interesting side, there was a post in Techncrunch this morning about the benefits of older entrepreneur leaders, and I was also impressed with Jay-Z’s recent interview on Bill Maher, especially in answering why an “old” man (40) like him is still successful in a industry that’s all about youth. On the unsettling side, I do get a sense that a quote in Seth Godin’s, Tribes, best describes what I sometimes hear/sense from younger entrepreneurs:

…some people admire the new and stylish far more than they respect the proven state of affairs…As a result, new ways of doing things, new jobs, new opportunities, and new faces become ever more important.

Well, technically, I now fall into the “old” category! (Although, thanks to my parents, I’m told I look younger ) Am I one of those “old, stodgy, outdated” leaders/entrepreneurs?! I’ve always said:

I’m a Gen Y in a Gen X body! I’ve always been a change agent and have even been too early to a market.

So, what makes me and my “older” colleagues successful in industries that seem to value youth?! I would argue that it is a combination of curiosity, flexibility, AND experience allowing us to have a unique perspective, as well as, partnering with 20-somethings who have the energy, time, and market insight to launch new and sustainable ideas!

Perhaps, I’m only saying this because I’m 40. If I were 28, I might be disagreeing with this argument. There are still a lot of amazing opportunities out there and I plan to bring ALL of my experience (and flashiness ) to every endeavor I’m part of. I’ll be sure to keep you posted…

Happy New Year!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Hi and thanks for coming by to check out my web site! You got here, so clearly you know my name already – Rochelle Grayson And, here’s what I look like…yes, even online, it’s nice to put a face to a name!

Who am I? Well, for starters check out my About page…but, beyond what’s there, I’m a curious and dynamic lover of all things technology, entertainment, and business. Interesting mix, huh? What really turns my crank are tools and experiences that let people play with one another in the here and now. Still not sure what I mean? Think about the crazy collision course of mobile, web, social communities and entertainment and I’m at the heart of that impact and it feels really good!

I’m also a huge fan of bold (some might say loud) colors…just like this website

Want to start a conversation or do you have something really interesting to share? Drop me line! I look forward to hearing what you have to say…believe me, I certainly can’t keep up with everything that’s going on!

I’m looking forward to 2008 and all of the amazing experiences that will pop up in the “social media” space! (I hear that’s what they’re calling it now !)

Happy New Year!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites