Sometimes You’ve Gotta Blow Up The Box
- November 26, 2012
- Posted by: Rochelle
- Category: Big Idea, Creativity + Inspiration, Personal Brand
Rayna Jaymes, the country-western legend at the heart of the new series “Nashville”, was stymied. Her tour was cancelled by her record label when she could no longer fill the big venues.
After some creative soul searching, she approached a young, top-selling rock star whose music stirred something long dormant. After a couple of wrenchingly personal turndowns, she convinced him to produce a song for her.
And it changed everything.
Sometimes, you just have to start fresh, incorporating all those agonizing lessons and hard-won talents into a new vision.
You gotta blow up the box.
It rarely happens neatly, except on TV.
We’re talking break-through territory here. The more successful you already are, the greater the courage needed to reinvent for what’s ahead vs what’s already passed. In the product world, remember luggage minus wheels and telescoping handles? When’s the last time you bought a fax machine or a pager?
The same is true for us. For our personal brands and careers and businesses. The minute we can let go of something past its prime—even when it served us exquisitely in its time—we make way for the next game-changer.
Is it time to blow up your box?
9 Comments
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Im breaking the box completely
Thanks. I continue to be shocked at how often I am asked to fax things to sizable organizations. I opened my current company over five years ago and did not buy a fax machine. When I explain that I can pdf the desired item and attach it to an e-mail, that does not fly. I guess it is just inertia.
Thank you Rochelle, for making Mondays possible to get to the rest of the week. I look forward to reading your blogs.
I am one who experienced what you wrote today. About a year ago it became clear to move forward I had to blow up the box and recreate that “something” I needed to have the journey continue toward the goals set, both personally and professionally. Well, the box got blasted and after a few months the new “baby” began growing. Now it is even larger than expected. Things just don’t happen. I am a believer it happens when “preperation” meets “opportunity”.
Rochelle,
This really comes down to the supply and demand thing. Nothing new. The market drives the business and sales. Even if the taste of the buyer is terrible and the work horrible in some cases it will sell well.
There is no accounting for this – it is simply how the market operates.
Thank you for your adds Patricia, K.C. and Ed–LOVE to hear new stuff is percolating. And that no one is buying fax machines 🙂
Totally agree Kevin–our challenge is to anticipate where the market is going and how we best fit….
ROCHELLE — Insightful, as always. And as one whose trade is finessing the subtlety of language, I especially enjoy the clarity and brevity. — Roger Gillott, Gillott Communications LLC.
That’s a great compliment from THE wordsmith Roger–thank you!
It is not just change when needs, but a willingness to constantly self-assess and adapt. Small adjustments over time can also add to that box blown up and rebuilt by others.
Indeed Corey. Essential change comes in many sizes and flavors!