Deeply engrained in Japanese
philosophy are the principles of universal transference and infinite
reinvention, or “mugen no sai Hatsumei”. Pioneered by the Land of the Rising
Sun, these precepts quickly made their way into what was, at the time, the
mainstream business sector. This development gave way to such historic events
as the formation of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the ending of the Period of Warring
States (Japan’s expansive and brutal civil war), and even the rebuilding of
Japan’s economy following World War II.
Upon
further analysis, it isn’t difficult to make the connection between this
near-ancient school of thought and modern business intelligence. The principles
of universal transference and infinite reinvention are echoed through author
Robert Greene’s The48 Laws of Power, specifically Law #25: Re-Create Yourself. This particular
evolution has seen prevalence in business and the arts alike. Corporations like
McDonald’s, Walt Disney Co., and MSNBC are in a perpetual state of re-imaging,
as the public’s demands dictate. The rise of the “social media revolution”
brought with it the demand that business professionals and corporations alike
constantly innovate their business models by incorporating trends found
intriguing by the public in their marketing, and soliciting contributions from
the consumers themselves.
The concept of reinvention is
becoming more and more commonplace in the music industry. Soundspike.com
reported that recording artist and industry veteran Stevie
Wonder will be on tour through the month of November, celebrating his 1976
release “Songs in the Key of Life”. “Weird
Al” Yankovic, after a 31-year contract deal, has gone the independent route
and is now marketing his music through Youtube. In both cases, the artist has
seen a bounty of success in his respective genre and is transitioning his
entrepreneurial focus through more enticing and unorthodox means.
Keeping
pace with your specific industry takes a few things. First, you must show
humility in realizing that your current business model isn’t the work of art
you think it is. It is but a work IN PROGRESS. One that must be cultivated and
adapted to suit the demands of the consumer. Secondly, you must show vigilance
in your knowledge of the industry. The CEOs of companies don’t rise to such a
status without keeping themselves abreast of key developments or breakdowns in
the market. RSS Sites like Feedly
offer access to massive cache of industry trade publications, blogs, and other
official correspondence from industry leaders around the world. Finally, you must
direct your creativity with reason. Imagination is the fiber from with
innovation is created. However, in order to become viable, efficient
innovations, creativity must have more direction than restraint. Such is the
difference between Lycos and Google, Hardeez and McDonald’s, Fox Sports and
ESPN, you get the idea.
