2 types of people...which one are you?

The way I see it, there are essentially 2 categories of people {and business owners}; the Early Adopters and the Late Majority. It's not that one is better than the other, because in the cycle of business and technology, we need both. However, having primarily favored the category of the Late Majority up until recently, I have some thoughts on why I think being an early adopter and one who EMBRACES CHANGE is everything in today's world. 

The biggest reason being; when you're first to try, you can change and pivot if it's not right for you. But once something is already started you can never go back and be first.

And the benefits of being first are...? They are BIG and different for each industry. Here's what I see in the industries that are my expertise; creativity and entrepreneurship combined with technology. For art collection and courses, in the beginning the price is less and the personal attention is more. Both the early collector and student influence the development of the artist and if/what they choose to teach. The opportunity for feedback and connection is profound. And when it comes to technology and social media your chance to have a bigger impact through building a genuine following and community is way more when you get there first and get to know the pioneers in the space. {And for my fellow foodies, once everyone knows about the next great L.A. restaurant, it means a way longer wait to get a table}.

Maybe you've seen my recent videos where I've talked about how I've realized my resistance to change - aka stubbornness - has impeded my progress. While I'm still a big believer in trusting your individual timing and choices around what's right for you, I am no longer a supporter of even well intended "stubbornness". Things are never going back to the way "they used to be". And especially as a business owner, recognizing that what worked in the past may not be what works now, is the difference between progressing and quitting. Remaining rigid and fearful about changes that are coming is only an excuse to get in your own way.

As I was writing this email, I stumbled across a live broadcast that emphasized and echoed my sentiments about how the PACE of CHANGE today, is unlike any time before. Instead of seeing change as the result of bad decisions; it's that all the decisions that lead us to this moment are the reason for the awareness that embracing change is always the best choice = me now.

This means that we have to be willing to TRY & Explore, because it's the only way to progress. I get that choosing to be in the Late Majority feels less risky. Why not see how it works out for everyone else? Just because everyone's doing it, still doesn't make it right or mean it will stick? or does it? Today, not trying is what's riskier. It's going too fast. You won't just have FOMO {fear of missing out} but you might miss opportunities entirely.

There's never a crowd on the leading edge. And usually when there's a crowd, I want out. And yes I have vision, comes with the entrepreneurial territory. I've been ahead of my time before in my first e-commerce business to choices I've made with Creative Thursday, like podcasting, online teaching, and video. But I left early. This time, I'm not leaving. Because I've realized more than ever that without the early adopters, all the businesses we support, and the technologies that support our businesses wouldn't be here. My early art collectors, like Sharon who bought one of my first {and still a favorite} character paintings featured above, are the reason I'm here. 

To all of you who collect my art , especially my early adopter/collectors, and to those of you who signed up for my very first online courses, backed my Kickstarter, subscribed to my YouTube channel, attend my live streams, and most recently bought a floral abstract and signed up for my newest course offerings, especially the one with a focus on LIVE video, THANK YOU!