Book Highlight: The secret language of Competitive Intelligence

By Leonard M. Fuld
Realities:
Intelligence is an art
The Mind Blinds
Use the right framework to create X ray vision
Internet has own secret language
Role models are great teachers of the "art"

Core Concepts:
Understand and define process (Be the pepperoni)
Early Warning - narrate "scenarios" and map reality against those with plans in place for each one

Internet Concepts:
Mass Info & Noise - Lack standards
Follow transactions to find Intel Gems
Look for what is not said or what is missing
Seek the language of anger/venting
Use blogs/Discussion groups to refine thesis
Track corporate DNA to unmask a competitor
Find the right keywords to mine the web- English vs American english terms
Recognize Cultural bias / pol. bias
Use intelligence filters (AND OR NOT and string expressions together)
Use secret language of search engines to put on x ray lense."filetype: doc" Or ".. pdf"

Masters:
Act on critical intelligence with speed - N. Rothschild
You need less information if you build on past experience - W. Buffett
See you competitors through the eyes of your customers - clearest view of all. - S. Walton and M. Dell
Scan the market from all dimensions, including the political one - Richard Branson
(not just competitor)

Six Degree of separation - you can get most info to what you need in a few phone calls.