This Is What The Phrase, “Innovate Or Die” Means

It’s not easy to be innovative.  It’s uncomfortable because all innovative ideas sound crazy at first.  It’s scary because failure is an integral feature of the process. It takes a great force of will, especially in a large company because the status quo is the governing force.  And yet, no matter what business you’re in, you have not choice.

If you don’t take the phrase “innovate or die” seriously, consider these industries:

• Magazine publishing
• Book publishing
• Bookstores
• All retail stores
• Travel
• Advertising
• Banking
• Telecommunications
• Computers
• Photography
• Television

Just when you think you’re in an industry that is about the next new thing, boom-you get disrupted.  I’m in digital marketing and over the last 5 years, since it was a barely a twinkle in the eye of most companies, I’ve been adding social media to the marketing mix.  The hottest consultants and the fastest growing area of digital marketing (just try to follow a Twitter feed with a social media hashtag) in this brief period have been in social media.

Now, someone believable, Tac Anderson, is predicting that 3-4 years from now, there won’t be any “social media” specific jobs.  (after clicking scroll down to see the post called “advice for My Social Media Friends.) He’s very likely correct.  Social media is going to be integrated into business as a whole.

Change used to happen more slowly.  But Moore’s law is catching up with us and we have to be lightening fast on our feet to stay viable.  Maybe a new field of innovation consultant will become the latest fad.  If it does, I’d suggest that you get in and plan your next move immediately.

I know there are other industries that should be on the list.  I welcome you to add one or more in the comments.

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