As author Thomas Friedman illuminated in his books, The World is Flat and Hot, Flat and Crowded, the world is increasingly becoming more hot (global warming, etc.), flat (simple knowledge dissemination) and crowded (rapidly growing world population).
The middle class in the Eastern world grows daily. In the 80’s and 90’s alone, 200 million people entered the middle class in India and China alone. Twelve years from now there will be 1 billion more people on the planet than there is today – that’s 1 billion more people competing for work and resources. It’s a bit scary to think about… if the world feels crowded to you now, just wait a few decades.
Fear is stupid so let’s be smart
Looking at it from an abundance perspective however, one can see that our rapidly shifting world creates great opportunities for each of us to:
- connect – meet those of a similar mindset
- develop our craft – share our work with others interested in our passions
- collaborate – encourage and support each others work
The only way to stand out in a crowd is to be your Self
So, first things first, get clear on who you are and what value you bring to the world. If you don’t know, no one else will. You can’t rely on others to tell you about you for you’ll learn more about them than you.
Second, effectively and authentically express your value and for god sakes, be sure to do it online. Give yourself the chance to reach everyone you truly can. Authentic, effective online self-expression is your store window, a window through which your clients can become aware of your craft, and connect and collaborate with you.
I get all tingly just thinking about it
We are witnessing an important shift in our world economy and world consciousness. We are observing a movement towards business being the solution, rather than the problem. A shift towards not what you know, but how you apply it. A evolution towards excellence, as mediocrity is quickly forgotten.
So get out there and shoot your flare. Let people know you are out there for there are clients who are looking just for you.
photo credit: National Library NZ on The Commons
