Back in the late 1940s a study by the prestigious Brookings Institute concluded that the more education you had, the less likely you were to become a risk-taker.
It’s interesting to note that neither Bill Gates nor Steve Jobs graduated from college.
In fact, you’ll find creative people in all walks of life who either never got the chance to receive a formal education, or who couldn’t fit the mold even if they did.
I think one reason for this may be that, until fairly recently, even Kindergarten kids used to be taught that it is a bad thing to fail.
As a result, most folks ended up being so afraid of failing that they just toed the line and memorized the formulas.
Worst of all, they lost the urge to try something different.
I know a fellow from Edmonton who makes the tip the trip down to Okotoks two or three times a month on the QE II.
In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never tried any other route. Not once. Think of that.
Half the world is east of the QE II and the other half is west, but it never enters his mind to get off to have a look.
Creative people think differently. They relish the challenge of finding a new way.
How does that apply to business in our town?
Well, a week or so ago I picked up a take-out dinner from a fancy restaurant – the kind that normally requires a jacket and tie.
The meal was terrific but the guy who handed it to me wasn’t wearing a tux like the waiters usually do.
In fact, he looked like he’d just come in from doing yard work.
If your business is trying to survive the pandemic, it’s important to remember that for many people, the experience of shopping is just as important as the product. If you want to keep those people coming back in times like these, you need to pay attention to the little things can that turn an ordinary shopping experience into a memorable one.
How you do that is up to you, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
If you’re seeking inspiration, a good place to begin is by asking what Santa Claus might do.
After all, he’s built up a surprisingly good brand from what is essentially a home delivery business.
Society still encourages acceptance of the conventional wisdom and it can be risky to stray from the mainstream.
Getting off the QE II can be a big challenge. However, it can also reveal new possibilities. Things I wish I’d said first...
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off occasionally, or the light won’t come in.” - Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)
