Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

I just spent a few minutes pouring over the articles and columns that I read in the past month.

One thing is clear: We live in amazing times. Challenging times.

• The way we consume media is in great turmoil. Cable TV is being turned on its head. Just ask ESPN. I wonder how many 10-year-olds can name the four big networks of NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox? But I bet they know about Amazon, Netflix and YouTube. And newspapers and magazines? The changes are even more drastic. 
• Retail is in great turmoil. Fewer and fewer people go out to brick and mortar retailers. Sears, Target, J.C. Penneys and others are scrambling to catch their breath. We buy things just as much. But we do it more and more online.
• And finally, automation and big data are coming into the forefront. This means a good deal of disruption to the labor force. Factory jobs are being automated. Services jobs as well. Automation is good for business. But it can be disruptive for the workforce.

 

I don't think this is bad news. It just is the way things are changing. 

As I look at the companies that do well in my eyes - the companies that get my business, they adapt to these changes. But they also have certain things in common. (My mechanic, grocery store, local wine store and a few others come to mind.)

• They treat me as an individual.
• They are responsive to me.
• They provide wonderful service.
• They are good at what they do.
• They respect me and my time. 

Those are the constants. As much as things change, those items never will.

So how do we fit in all of this? 

I think quite well.

As long we can change where we need to...and never forget those things that should never change.