The catchphrase "think outside the box" has been bandied about in the business arena, but how many who espouse this are actually practitioners? More to the point, have our standards changed such that 15 minutes of fame is the new floor regarding quality output?
Social media has altered the way many of us view business and relationships. Who we know — and how well we get along with them — has re-emerged front and centre as a primary determinant for one's popularity and ability to reel in clients and customers.
As an introvert who has figured out my way in the world, and quite successfully, I've never bought into it. My standard for choosing a client or vendor has always started and ended with high performance. I like things done right. I like them done exceptionally well. And I'm willing to pay for both.
None of this means we should end our quest for positive and uplifting encounters which enrich our business and personal experience. I'm just stepping a bit outside the box to note the basics are important and can typically survive the fluff. Indeed, I recognise some things go out of style, but they usually come back round — like bell bottoms and platform shoes. So, too, do foundational underpinnings like quality, commitment, and sincerity.