The Future Depends on YOUR Business

Recently, I did a presentation at Arizona State University that talked about the future of the American Economy.

I pointed out that we recently reached another 100 and 1,000-year cycle. Historically, at those times, brilliant people seem to rise to the forefront and create innovations in arts, science, commerce, and society. 

The question this kind of thinking raises is, “Are you someone who could change the world with your thoughts, knowledge and business ideas in the early 21^st Century?” 

Before you react and say “NO WAY!” here me out. 

Consider the innovations that took place in 1,000 AD. They included: 

The Islamic civilization created the first scientific method, which modern science is based on. 

A Muslim polymath and scientist invents the camera obscura, and writes the Book of Optics, transforming the understanding of light, optics, vision, and science in general.  

The Chinese invent gunpowder and change the course of social history. 

Then, in the first 10-years of the 20^th Century: 

Henry Ford figured out how to mass-produce automobiles 

Tea bags and boxed corn flakes were introduced 

Air Conditioning and vacuum cleaners were brought to the public 

The manned, fully controlled, gas powered airplane made its first flight 

Great ideas and amazing inventions came from average people who rose up to create the extraordinary. 

Many of the early 20^th Century innovators were considered average and perhaps a bit eccentric in their time. They were often laughed at and ridiculed.  

But they had something deep inside that inspired them to keep moving forward.

Edison demonstrated that it takes never giving up to build something that has never been seen before.

Ford’s strength was plowing forward, in spite of all obstacles, and finding a way to accomplish large goals.  

The Wright Brothers gained their skills by working on printing presses, bikes and other machinery. In fact, their work on bicycles helped them to realize that an unstable vehicle like a flying machine could be controlled and balanced with practice.

All of these unlikely heroes were pretty much you and I one hundred years ago. They were people in business who had ideas. 

They shared a common goal of wanting to create values that enhanced the lives of others. 

In 2008, a new paradigm is emerging. 

Today, we have the information age, which has recently given way to the knowledge economy. 

Everyone now has access to all of the information a person could ever need. The question becomes what to do with it. 

Businesses that will soar to new heights are those that find a way to help people use knowledge to create a result. 

This is where you and your business come in.

Your knowledge about your specific area of expertise (your industry) is your key to the door of business success in the first decade of the 21^st Century.  

However, you have to be brave and committed to pioneer your ideas. 

It takes commitment to follow the path of your knowledge and make a difference to the people you serve. 

The big thing to realize is your talent, knowledge and passion for your business is your brand. It is the one true differentiator that sets you apart from everyone else.

All you have to do is spread your knowledge and demonstrate you know what you’re talking about. 

Show how your business helps other people get what they want out of life by sharing your ideas through content. 

To recap the secret to business success steps in 2008:

1. Create value that enhances the lives of other people. 
    

2. Share your vision, passion, and talent through marketing, sales, and content delivery strategies. 
    

3. Once someone becomes your client, treat him or her like a trusted friend. Keep educating them. Look out for their best interests and continuously use your knowledge to help every client get more of what they want.  
    

4. Use your knowledge and talent as your greatest competitive advantage consistently by creating and sharing content. 

When you accomplish that, you’ll be one of the many small businesses who are building a bridge to the future, one client and one piece of information at a time.