The “corporate America” image Zappos wants to avoid is basically what most CPA firms are stereotyped as being. I found this video interesting because their goals of providing high quality service and having enthusiastic, well-trained employees is essentially the same as what those CPA firms are aiming for.

Of course, your average corporate customer perhaps doesn’t appreciate the “little bit weird” core value, the same way your average individual consumer does, but it is interesting to think about!

Also, I wonder if the way they treat their employees is something that we’re going to see more or less of in the future. They provide free food and snacks, and encourage employees to decorate their offices to express themselves. The CEO has a desk/cube that’s just the same as everyone elses’.

So I was just looking at Cisco Systems’s website, when I saw a big link on their main page to a comic book drama they have posted. While it’s hard to avoid cheesy lines about fighting spam, I am super impressed by the comic!

The art and music definitely set the dramatic mood, even if lines like “I hate malware!” make you remember you’re watching an elaborate ad. It’s certainly a captivating and entertaining ad.

There are only two (I think of four?) episodes posted so far. I think it is a really thoughtful way for them to connect with customers.