Countdown - 49 Days 2go

I've just lost 13 days!

Whilst the blog has been quiet for the past two weeks, its author has not. I'm still working through those lists - and each day new items are added.

What is really awe-inspiring right now though is to see the different teams working as one as we close in on 'The Strip'. That's the teams in NZ, the UK, HK and Bangalore. And our first outpost in the US of A.

The past two weeks has seen the recruitment of a non-Executive Chairman for Pingar LP and a massive increase in marketing effort for Vegas. And so to the new Chairman first.

I was delighted last Monday to announce the appointment of Chris de Boer as non-Executive Chairman.

Chris has extensive experience in investment banking, regulation, private equity, venture capital and consulting in London, Hong Kong and Australasia. He was an adviser to the Cable and Wireless Group in Asia/Pacific between 1987 and 2001, director of Optus Communications, Chairman of the Hong Kong Takeovers Panel and an Investment Committee Member of GEMS Oriental & General Fund.

Chris was Chairman of the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund and Chairman of Phitek Systems. He is currently a director of Macquarie Media Group, a director of Mobilis Limited, Chairman of Sonar6 and Chairman of AngelLink.

I look forward to working closely with Chris in the weeks and months ahead.

On matters marketing, a whole series of initiatives have been planned for the October launch. It has been great working with the team at JML Communications. They have it nailed.

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards dinner at Sky City in Auckland. It was an uplifting event at which many of New Zealand's future scientists excelled in a series of excellent presentations. The value of greater funding for research in our Universities cannot be underestimated. Thursday night proved that.

This week has got off to an odd start. I have no engagements in Auckland in the week ahead. That means I can focus on all things Tauranga. And that date in Vegas in 48 days time.

Countdown - 62 Days 2Go

I am looking at a very long list. I have inherited this disease from Jacqui.

It is called 'Lists are Very Important' and my list has both a significant number of headings and a frightening number of sub-headings. Plus dates. 62 days is not long enough! But like Napoleon who could offer his generals more troops, more cavalry and more guns, the one thing he could not offer them was more time. So like Napoleon, we will be ready on the day.

This morning's main focus has been, 'The Stand'. I had it all mapped out until an email arrived from the Expo organisers. Branding issues, restrictions and State of Nevada regulations have meant a total rethink. Fortunately, John at the excellent Textiles Alive has come to the rescue. New plans are being drawn up as I type.

And so to the marketing of 'The Stand'. Julien at JML Communications has taken this baby on board. We are meeting in Auckland to work out the logistics. And hopefully start the process of knocking off some of those threatening sub-headings.

Tomorrow, the focus is product. A meeting at WaikatoLink followed by a meeting with FRST to discuss their new Postgraduate Internship Program.

The list goes on.........

THAT Deal - A Perspective

Since my return to NZ, I have been asked by several people to comment on the Microsoft / Yahoo deal that was signed off whilst I was away.

I have checked back on this blog and the last post which signalled the deal was posted five days before it actually happened. The only surprise is that it took so long to close.

The deal itself is an interesting one since it does not involve an actual M & A. It is built instead on a commercial deal that enables Yahoo to continue to develop its online real estate whilst providing Bing (sorry, Microsoft) with access to Yahoo's advertising sales teams.

It gives the 'Search' capacity of Microsoft a more significant market share. Google is still out there, but the gap has closed and the market is now ready for real innovation to be able to differentiate between the two.

The Search battle ground therefore is now nicely set. And the timing is sweet.

Pingar's time has come. And all will be revealed on 19th October.

On the 'Strip'.

The Blog is Back

Having spent the past 12 days making the most of the sun, sand and sea of Phuket, 'The Blog' has returned to NZ, tanned and re-energised.

The next few weeks and months will be the most momentous in the short three years that 'The Blog' has been posting messages to this address. Starting Monday, 'The Blog' will begin the countdown to October 19th.

Set your watches. On Monday, it all starts again.