Conversation Agent - Valeria Maltoni

Worth Noting

Based upon the themes that come up most frequently in discussions and work with clients, I updated the write up I use as a conversation starter with event organizers. My focus is more sharply centered on the impact of making and keeping promises and the emergence of collaboration as a key driver in business. I am now working with organizers to customize topics based on goals and audience for Fall events. A couple of idea starters I came up with are below. Since you are savvy and smart professionals, I was wondering what topics and themes are worth noting in... Read more →

The Art of the Interview

Do you read interviews? I could argue successfully that publishing interviews can go either way in terms of interest. Two ingredients to a good conversation are a subject that has done interesting things, and has an intriguing point of view, and a set of questions that demonstrate the interviewer is interested in exploring some of those projects and has a certain point of view. I'm thinking about Terry Gross at NPR, Charlie Rose with PBS, and Ira Glass in This American Life. There are other characteristics that can make an interview pop. Preparation about the subject matter and the person... Read more →

Nordstrom's Big Secret

"Improve customer service." And that is a direct quote from Jamie Nordstrom, president Nordstrom Direct. Of all the good moves the luxury fashion specialty retailer makes as part of its digital strategy, the best one is remembering that serving customer in store remains a winning proposition. Digital has changed customer expectations. Pleasing customers in 1901 was much different from pleasing customers in 2012, "The cornerstone of the business has always been the people," said Nordstrom. "We spend a lot of time talking about how we can improve our team. … It's the topic at most of our meetings." Most decisions... Read more →