Challenging Tradition

“Your margin is my opportunity.“
-Jeff Bezos

I was sent this Forbes article about disruption in higher education and I encourage you to read it. Breaking the modern tradition of attending college and then going to work is not a completely revolutionary idea, but it does have broad and deep implications for higher education, competing employers and communities.

It is also a reminder that anything traditional, any practice that has not been challenged in decades, and any high-margin activity is fair game in today’s world. This may make us smile thinking of our consumers and investors, and wary thinking of organization leaders who undoubtedly have aspects of our businesses that will be transformed.

Is there an aspect of your industry or your organization that has gone unquestioned or untouched by technology for quite some time?
Take a few hours this week to ask two questions:

1. First, what is the most traditional aspect or process of your business, and does it still work?
2. Second, if you were a competitor business or organization, how would you attack your business model? This advice applies to governments and non-profits too.

Be inspired with a few more Jeff Bezos quotes – and let’s have a great week.

-Kenny McDonald

One Columbus Update

• This week, we join IEDC in celebrating Economic Development Week, recognizing all of our partners who play an important role in building economic success.
• One Columbus is honored to receive the 2019 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine. Click here to read more.
• We are traveling nationally this week to meet with companies evaluating the Columbus Region.