A Recent Setback and a Strategic Vision
We recently faced a setback when we lost a pitch to a large fashion brand. Their feedback? We focused too much on AI. Naturally, our team was disappointed. However, my message to them was clear: hold the course.
When adopting new technologies, it's crucial to revisit the product diffusion curve. There will always be innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and, of course, laggards.
Lessons from Two Decades of Marketing Innovation
Over the past 20 years, we've observed a consistent pattern with the adoption of new technologies in marketing. Businesses that don’t roll up their sleeves and test new approaches inevitably fall behind. We saw this with Google, then with Facebook, and the pattern continues with emerging channels and technologies.
Early adopters managed to lower their marketing costs significantly. Those who were late? They faced an almost insurmountable disadvantage.
AI: A Paradigm Shift for Businesses
My concern for businesses is that AI represents a far more significant shift than what we saw with internet technologies in the early 2000s. This shift will be bigger and hit faster.
Recently, I attended a seminar where Jamil Qureshi was the keynote speaker. Two quotes from his talk resonated deeply with me:
"You don't solve new problems with old thinking."
"There will be two types of organisation in the future: The Brave & The Dead."
These insights underline the urgency and scale of the AI revolution.
Embracing Change: The Call to Action
To emphasise the point, I recall a quote from Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) in Zombieland: "It's time to nut up or shut up." No offence intended, but the sentiment is clear. Businesses must act now or risk being left behind.
In conclusion, while the journey with AI may be challenging, the rewards for those who embrace it early are substantial. At Push, we are committed to leading the charge, helping our clients navigate and thrive in this new landscape.
The time to act is now.
