Just returned from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual conference in New Orleans. We ran into a few of our clients amongst the miles of exhibitors. One of these physicians explained he found a few products he’d like to try, but he was overwhelmed by the number vendors. It dawned on me that the hundreds of companies on the floor were all vying for the physicians business, and many had great products – but that isn’t enough to get the business.

Our challenge is to continue simplifying not just the product, but the availability of that product. The doctors are overwhelmed by what’s available – making a better widget might be an improvement for the surgeon, but it’s not necessarily enough to win the business. Any business is fighting the inertia of existing solutions. My products and services better be radical enough to get noticed and easy enough to make the switch with minimal fuss.

I’m not saying another sport will surpass the NFL anytime soon in popularity, but I am seeing chinks in the armor of what is supposed to be the most dominant sport in America.

It seems to me the NFL has lost touch with its fans. From not being able to pay to watch my team out of state unless I have DirecTV to the outrageous blackout rule – I don’t see the NFL valuing the common fan. Access to the sport is crucial to keep a fan base satisfied, even those of us that won’t spend 10k a piece on seat licenses.

I find it interesting that in Pittsburgh, one of the most fervent football towns on the planet, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the favorite team for many < 30. I’m not saying that Heinz Field is going to close anytime soon, but I think the NFL needs to make more fan friendly decisions. Instead of shutting fans out the Penguins have people camp outside the arena and watch the games on large projectors. Even after becoming popular they continue to offer the student rush program where college students get in an hour before game time at $20.

With the potential of playing a year without the salary cap and tv executives looking for more creative ways to pay for their billion dollar investments, I think we’ll see an end of the ALL NFL era.

Something to remember when being on top – there is always someone waiting in the wings with better ideas and a more aggressive stance to acquire your customers.

I drive 45 miles one way to work each day. It’s mostly highway as I travel from wealthy suburbs in the south to wealthy suburbs in the north.

I have a game I play on most days to keep my mind occupied and it’s stirred an interesting question. Do we buy cars for our existing identity or do we conform to the image portrayed by our cars? I guess what each person in a car looks like before they pass me and then steal a quick glance to answer the question.

Is there such a thing as a transition car? Or do they all carry an identity? Cars like the Nissan Altima seem to lack an identity for their owners. Can a brand survive long-term without an identity?

What about the old Saturns? Used to be only women drove a Saturn, now that they’ve aged I see people driving them because it’s all they could afford. Newer Saturns seem to be like the Nissan Altima.

Is a mid-level sedan the worst car to own? Very few reflect anything other then a generic taste and lack of creativity to purchase something more exciting.