In today’s rapidly evolving business world, you would not be wrong to think that technology reigns supreme. In many ways, it does. Just the other day, I found myself in conversation with friends – all entrepreneurs, successful business owners and peers of a similar age bracket – who highlighted just how dramatically business methods have transformed over the years.
However, as we engaged in shared anecdotes and lamentations over our lack of adeptness in navigating modern tools such as mobile apps, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and the nuanced complexities of social media, we arrived at an unexpected epiphany.
It’s easy to feel like dinosaurs in today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world. A place where typing numbers into calculators and making clever puns when turned upside down has all but been eclipsed by sleek software, algorithms, and digitalisation.
However, it became increasingly clear to us that while the mediums through which we conduct business have undeniably shifted, the core essence of business has not.
Think about it: the more things change, the more they remain the same. I remember my father imparting a similar nugget of wisdom when I was a child, telling me that innovation largely revolved around delivery rather than the creation of something entirely new. This point was illustrated in the transition from postal letters to faxes and eventually to email and messaging apps. Despite these drastic shifts, the primary purpose – communication – remains the same.
The same principle applies to business today. Business fundamentals haven’t been drastically altered, rather, it’s the mechanisms used to carry out tasks and compile management information that have. Ultimately, the responsibility of running a business lies in the hands of capable leaders who, much like the definition suggests, should be ‘directing.’ Delegating processes allows leaders to keep their eyes on the bigger picture and direct their focus towards steering their businesses to success.
Some might argue that such an approach might make us ‘business dinosaurs,’ especially in contrast to those hands-on entrepreneurs who aim to have their fingers in every pie. Yet, the wisdom gleaned from our past business experiences still holds its weight in gold in this new era.
If the machinery has merely evolved, with the fundamental essence of business staying the same, it simply means the tasks associated with those newfangled tools should be delegated to those best equipped to handle them.
At the end of our meeting, my friends and I concurred that while the methods of running a business have drastically shifted, the essential principle of ‘business is business’ hasn’t. It isn’t about stubbornly sticking to the past but embracing the understanding that while change is necessary, there is also immense value in years of business wisdom and experience.
So, perhaps we are not business dinosaurs but timeless entrepreneurs who remain relevant and ever ready to take on the new challenges and adventures of the business world. With the experienced and knowledgeable team at Nordens, we’re here to offer that wisdom to fellow entrepreneurs aiming to navigate this digital era while working towards their business goals.
If you’re looking for help to thrive in this exciting and challenging business landscape, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
