Something Big is Afoot

By leelefever on March 25, 2005 - 10:54am.

I’ve noticed interesting words coming out of my mouth lately. Mostly the words are something like:

“I think the world of business communication is changing right now”

“I can feel a big wave coming”

“Something is happening right now that is really going to change the business landscape”

Often, this type of talk is prompted by “What do you do Lee?” or “What’s up with all the blog stuff I’m hearing?”

I’ve been trying to figure out what makes me feel so strongly right now. The first time I read the ClueTrain, it I was filled with these feelings, but I felt like the only one -- that the ideas they outlined were in the distant future and we had a long way to go. It was crazy-talk for some back then (all the way back to 1999!).

I think what makes me feel so strongly right now is that the ClueTrain stuff is really happening -- finally, the business world is waking up. It took new tools, lots of talk and some early successes, but the world is changing. I see the basic change like this:

Businesses are finding that the most effective way to communicate to the market is by giving employees and customers the opportunity to interact informally on the web.

I know, breathtaking, eh? Not really, but it is the most basic point in my mind – businesses are learning to communicate like people instead of businesses. There is certainly a long way to go, but I do think it’s finally happening and I’m excited.

Submitted by jbr (not verified) on March 28, 2005 - 6:07am.

Lee, your feelings are totally correct. There is a BIG change coming and isn't it a blast to be a part of it?!

I am glad to read that you had the same impression of Cluetrain as me. Before starting blogging, I stumbled across it and read it. For me, the 'train is the thing that made blogging make sense. The entire market conversation theme is exactly what can happen via a blog. Without the 'train, blogs don't seem to make sense and without blogs, the 'train wouldn't be anything more than another biz book. They are the yin/yang for the this communication revolution.

In fact, whenever someone asks me about blogging, the first thing I tell them is to read the Cluetrain. It provides context and illuminates the possibilities for blogging.

So, trust your gut....there is a big change underway and it is just starting. Enjoy the wave!