Some of us are old enough to remember the excitement as social media arrived on the scene; the early noughties arrived with lots of expectation for a business boom, opportunity – and more.
Before long, though, the anticipation of new horizon was replaced by the realisation of a new formula of business practice entirely – and lots of distraction.
It’s a little like today: we contend with AI, awaiting the arrival of a myriad of solutions, driverless cars, bikes, AI-assisted medical procedures, robots to beat the fastest of men and of course, Art that looks … vaguely familiar.
We’ve had twelve months of anticipation in what this new technology may provide (in much the same way as social media). There’s the same great excitement, with the race to embrace the next best thing and perhaps even steal a march on the business competitors.
Until that is, we see that once again the disruptors are at work once more. There’s a learning curve we must embrace, and perhaps realising that … there’s more to this new tech-thingy, and it may take a little while as we endeavour to embrace the magical, formula for success.
Or we could simply ignore it?
It’s that similar resultant fallout we witnessed twenty-five years ago – eyes off the ball, distraction through disruption … something certain business thrives on.
Do we need distraction? As a writer, no, I don’t. I do remember 2004, and the changes as much as anyone – the challenges were similar for most of us in business. No, the distraction wasn’t welcome … but … the thing is, could we use a little more business? (a silly question by Charlie.)
The distraction that faces us is a dilemma – of course we should listen and move with the trend, although with one eye on our historic skill-set. My advice to anyone willing to listen is to be true to your specialist path. Use the new tech to complement (enhance) the reputation you already may have in your field; there’s opportunity for everyone, and yes, distraction abounds. We don’t have to be entirely engulfed by change. I’ve already considered the distraction and what may be useful by learning as I continue to establish my own specialist niche.
It may work out if we’re honest and transparent with our skills.
I do smile, though, as I wonder what constitutes the “front pages,” contending for the title of ‘great distraction’ in 2052!
Business is seasonal, let’s go with the flow.
CharlieKenny.me 
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