
(and have always been) one in the same
Do a Google search for “new businesses” right now and see what shows up. Most likely the results will show more businesses started each day in the worldwide marketplace than you can count. You can get services in India via Fiverr for example, a global online marketplace offering tasks and services, and if Fiverr works then how many move Fiverrs will be out there?
You used to go next door to your neighbor and ask them about what’s going on in the world. Now you are reaching out across the globe and asking the same question, “what’s going on?”, to your new next door neighbors.
The same neighborly principles apply. You wouldn’t throw your trash on your next door neighbor’s lawn. You would be aware of their family, struggles, illnesses, accomplishments… the way I see it, it all comes down to the basic principles of human connection and what we define it as.
There is a need for social support that is found in business, creating allies for business. That’s where the resiliency comes from, creating depth in the relationship.
The term “innovation” has changed everything that is at the core of any business. It’s investing into it, and the nucleus of the business is “innovation”. Competition used to be few and far between, supply and demand was rampant, and business models just worked. Now the true value lies in what a business provides in innovation rather than their quantity of products to sell. This is why big corporations are buying out smaller companies that aren’t even related to their field… Facebook did not spend $2 billion to buy Oculus for the amount of virtual reality headsets made by the small team, but because of the breakthrough potential of innovation that is placed inside of the headset: you can’t put a value on it.
Now the competition is next door and 6,000 miles away, they’re all innovating and finding. The life cycle of a product is therefore much shorter. They become commodities quickly… everyone has them to sell.
My wife the other day said it interestingly. The consumer is expecting more, is more informed, asking questions, wants to know where the product is from, the working conditions of the employees, becoming invested and being educated in the relationship. There is no place for a “here you go, next customer please” type of relationship across any geographic distance. The consumer by nature is more demanding and honest in all aspects of a brand and its products. Price is a given, it’s everything else they expect above and beyond the cost of the service.
When it comes down to it, water, food, warmth, and air are necessities to all people in every location. Everything else is a want or desire, and knowing someone is to understand what those wants and desires are for them… It’s just what we do as human beings. But what is required is to carve out the time to check in, because it’s not that complicated. Drop someone a note.
The birthday card becomes more important than the birthday present, and who do you work harder for and better with: Someone you have a close and deepening relationship with or someone who your relationship with is simply a transaction?
It’s the way I see it.
– Anthony Sulmonte
Your Leadership & Performance Partner