The current business model of the Golden Pages and the Phone Book is no longer sustainable. Consumers do no longer use them, thus are companies no longer willing to pay for their record and advertisement in these pages. Nevertheless, consumers still are in need for phone numbers. And companies are still willing to pay to get their phone number in easy reach of consumers. Although, there are several (free) ways to find a phone number without carrying the Golden Pages with you everywhere you go, these solutions are no new sustainable business models. Take for example the free Gouden Gids application, the several free service numbers one can call or simple Google on ones smart phone. So, what business model is sustainable; which development will make companies eager to pay for to be related to; and which Golden Integration will consumers use as their primary source. As the use by consumers makes or breaks the business model of Golden Pages, key is to think from a consumer’s insight. Consumers want their needs to be fulfilled now, without any hassle. When I am walking through a shopping street and remember I still need to make a reservation for tonight at that cute little restaurant a few blocks away of which I do not remember the name, I want that number now and without any hassle.
A virtual reality app is the solution to this. An app that, when holding a smart phone as making a picture, shows the names and phone numbers of the business surrounding you (like e.g. WayFinder NYC gives you surrounding metro stations, see picture on the right). An app that gives you the opportunity to select a type of business at the touch of your fingertips, in order to filter which numbers you do an do not see. (Via e.g. a ‘wheel’ like shown on the right) But this app goes further. When you physically enter a certain type of business, e.g. a restaurant, the app will save that restaurant’ information (name, location, phone number, website) within the application, sorted in the restaurant section of the wheel. You will be able to write a review within the app, so next time I am looking for a restaurant in the same town, I hold up my phone and that cute little restaurant pops up and I easily remember where the restaurant was, how the service was and whether I would like to go there again or not and if so, the app gives me directions how to get there. Of course, this review can easily be shared through TripAdvisor, Facebook or Twitter. So next time I wonder through town again, I hold up my phone, and the restaurant I am looking for simple pops up. Writing a lot of reviews, or updating company information? Earn loyalty points and badges, which gives you an insiders scoop when visiting a new city! And the business model for Gouden Gids and Telefoonbook? The new app ‘Golden Integration’ will become the spot for consumers to look for their phone numbers and contact details. How doesn’t wanna be in there? And what goes for B2C goes for B2B.
