Computational power is rapidly transforming every industry and device on the planet. From power grids, cars, appliances and waterways, the global transformation of processes and supply chains is underway. Going “Digital” refers to joining the list of some trillion devices that are making our planet smarter. And smarter means: keen business intelligence and analytics on the flow of markets and on how to be more efficient and more productive. It is also about meeting the needs of customers in real-time.

So what companies are leading this new brigade? Google? Apple? Microsoft? Well there is a surprise here. One of the players is IBM.

IBM was founded in 1880 and has been a survivor for decades. It began selling scales and clocks then evolved to developing powerful computers and global networks. What is extraordinary is that while many companies in the information age have come and gone, IBM has continued to evolve. They have kept up with the rapid pace of change by contributing innovations throughout the decades. And now they are a front runner in cloud computing solutions showing their customers hot to “Think IT, and Re-invent their Business”.

IBM’s Smart Planet Initiatives have resonated with leaders around the globe. They have reached out to more than 50 countries, both established and emerging, to public and private sectors, all to challenge the development and implementation of smart systems. IBM has even become fun. Yes, they use games as a way to educate their clients on how leading IT solutions can transform business.

But the real impact of IBM’s Smart Planet initiatives has been in the developing world. Thanks to IBM Dubai can now market themselves as safer and cleaner because they have integrated their systems and operations with more intelligence software and analytics to monitor public works, emergency and government services.

Here is a short video to show you how our new activities are leading also to new social interactions. The Internet of Things is no longer an idea but a reality.

If you have a child who exhibits entrepreneurial traits or if you want to foster entrepreneurial traits in your children this is a marvelous presentation made by Cameron Herold at TED. It is never too late to get started. Entrepreneurs not only create a job for themselves but also for others. It is time to stop grooming more lawyers, doctors and accountants and start grooming more creative business builders. Our economic future depends on it.

What drives engagement through Facebook, Twitter and the social channels? When it comes to effective social marketing consumers want to know that companies are committed to a quality relationship and that they care. To avoid “unfan” “unlike” and “unsubscribe” marketers need to realize that the definition of “engaging” and “appropriate” varies by channel. This point couldn’t have enough emphasis given the fact that 50% of consumers stopped following a company when the posts were too frequent and too boring. There couldn’t be a better time than the present to extol the virtues of personalized marketing. Better still, start to implement as part of your social strategy. Here’s an interesting video on current social media statistics and trends.

A gentleman remarked at a recent gathering of the EO Entrepreneurs Organization that an entrepreneur is someone who sees little difference between an obstacle and an opportunity, turning both into advantage.

Winston Churchill said that the point was to “Never, never, never, give up.” Thomas Edison is an example of this. He was quoted as saying: “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that it won’t work.” He discovered the light bulb on his 10,001th attempt.

This inspiring little video on women entrepreneurs is a nice break from a brainstorming project that has turned my office into a sea of drawings and written work. Sometimes courage is a quiet voice inside that says, “It’s ok, I will try again tomorrow.”

I had previously written about what a game changer the iPad is but this video really proves the point. Enjoy!