Being Like Everyone Else

Community

The discussion on community participation highlights the contrasting views on its importance among professionals. Blair Enns expresses his skepticism about the value of engaging with peers in the same field, noting that creatives often prioritize community over business opportunities 1. He finds it fascinating that many creatives prefer speaking to their peers rather than potential clients, which he sees as counterproductive. David Baker adds that while designers see themselves as part of a guild, the concept of community is less relevant for those who create unique spaces, like Google 2.

   

Individuality

Individuality in business is a recurring theme, especially in consulting, where Blair prefers independence over community involvement. He shares his lack of interest in joining associations or attending conferences, viewing them as homogenizing forces 3. Instead, he values personal exploration and learning from diverse experiences, such as traveling and engaging with different cultures. Blair believes that many creatives see business as a necessary evil, while he prioritizes direct client engagement over peer interaction 1.

   

Monopolies

The concept of creative monopolies explores how innovation can lead to unique business paths, reducing reliance on community norms. David Baker contrasts the idea of creating a monopoly with the commoditization of services, urging firms to focus on individual growth rather than collective solutions 4. He criticizes the reliance on benchmarks, viewing it as intellectual laziness, and encourages firms to seek inspiration beyond their immediate peers 5. Blair echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of courageous choices that differentiate a firm from its competition.