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Quotable: On Staying in Sync with Change

"Mayer’s job is to be in sync with change. She carries an iPhone 'to have a non-Google product to better simulate the user. Similarly, I refused to get a broadband connection at home until 2004, when over 50 percent of Americans used broadband at home.' Mayer, in other words, is us."

As someone who also needs to "stay in sync" with change in my role with Edelman, I found this passage inspiring. It's important to see the world as others do, not just the early adopters. It's one reason why like Om I felt compelled to use multiple platforms.

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3 comments
Jul 24, 2009
rob zand said...
ha. this is what significant others are for. in all seriousness, watching my wife struggle with keeping her iphone charged and in sync and equipped with relevant apps showed how difficult even the iphone is. e.g. me: use 3g when you need a fast connection but don't have wifi. but don't keep it on too long or you'll drain your battery. her: what's 3g?
Jul 25, 2009
Jason Theodor said...
I agree with Rob: It's useful to have a partner who isn't a complete technogeek. But this also makes me wonder about other disciplines. When I studied graphic design, we weren't allowed to use a computer for the first year. We had to do everything by hand to understand what skills the computer was replacing. Do Xbox game designers have old arcade games in the office? Do farmers experiment with ancient Roman irrigation techniques? Do electronic musicians have grand pianos at home? If they do, it will allow them to see things in a new way and be more creative about solutions to future problems. Understanding the past (which is where most consumers are, compared to early adopters) gives you future insights.

In Mayer's case though, I think she just wanted an iPhone. ;-)

Jul 26, 2009
Jonathan said...
It's an interesting perspective, and I can understand the value in having someone sitting on the curve as long as others in the organisation are ahead of the curve, so to speak.

Working in a public library I am often helping people with the public internets. For me, it's valuable to be a step or two (or plenty more) ahead so I can help them through things.

As previous commenters mentioned about spouses, these library users help me to understand a different perspective.

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Steve Rubel

Steve Rubel

Steve Rubel (bio) is SVP, Director of Insights for Edelman Digital, a division of Edelman - the world's largest independent PR firm.

He is charged with helping clients identify emerging technologies and trends that can be applied in marketing communications programs. He also explores these topics on his lifestream site, a monthly Forbes.com column and in a bi-weekly AdAge column.

Steve can be reached via email at steverubel@gmail.com.

Note: Everything posted on this site is Steve's personal opinion. It does not represent the views of Edelman or its clients.

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