“There are two challenges here. The first is that in a connection economy, the idea that others need to be in coach for you to be in first class doesn’t scale very well. When we share an idea or an experience, we both have it, it doesn’t diminish the value, it increases it.
And the second, in the words of moms everywhere: Life is more fun when you don’t compare. It’s possible to create dignity and be successful at the same time. (In fact, that might be the only way to be truly successful.)”
– Seth Godin, in his January 10, 2016 blog post
Yes, I have a business crush on Seth Godin because a) he makes me think and b) he makes me better.
Seth evangelizes the “connection economy,” and it’s the most compelling conversation in business today, unless we’re ultra-paranoid or devout protectors of the status-quo.
In 2000, a team I led stopped responding to Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) because they were destructive comparisons; bake-offs that stripped every responder of their dignity and differentiation. It was risky and scary, but we went on to win almost 50% of all the deals in our target market for the next couple years, which sort of validated the decision but more importantly freed us up to “connect” with well-qualified, highly targeted prospects. It was a compelling time, as we moved intentionally to a model where ideas were the primary currency.
Sharing ideas (and experiences) increases value, Seth says. Comparing and competing for class rank ring hollow when weighed against sharing and connecting. (It is not lost on me that I just used a comparison to try to convince you not to compare, but bear with me, people!)
How much of a difference will it make when we, figuratively, give up our seat in First Class and hobnob, share and engage with the folks in coach, with the intent of solving a problem, creating a great idea or simply making a difference?
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