Inspirational and Scary – Acknowledging the Impact of Our Digital World
“The biggest opportunity for the music business is to combine permission with subscription. The possibilities are endless.” Seth Godin
Seth Godin just reposted this article which he wrote 4 years ago but which continues to be highly relevant. It draws parallels between the impact of technology on the music business and publishing.
However, it is also a straight-shooting wake up call for every business to evaluate how it can adjust to the reality of the changes relentlessly imposed by technology.
My business has changed dramatically and continues to do so. About half of the studies I conduct are directly about “technology” in the form of website usability and the development of online products. The other half of the projects I conduct typically are using technology in the form of online surveys, bulletin boards or other methods of communication. This is in stark contrast to what I did just a few years ago when I traveled much more frequently to conduct live research.
Frankly, I found Seth’s unflinching “get over it” and “get on with it” attitude in this piece both scary and inspirational. In short he states that how I feel about the “good old days” is irrelevant. If I want my business to survive I have to change with the times. Check it out.
