Inside or Outside the Box

by Walt Carvalho

Thinking “outside the box” is one term which has gone through many of staff meetings recently. It is referring to the ability to conceive and create beyond the realm of ordinary thought. Hmmm, interesting!…

Well, lets’ take a look at “Inside the box” thinking. To think entirely in the box you must remain in the world of the known, using the systems and approaches of the past. Unfortunately, in doing so you usually do what has been done before. It is the substitution of innovation for the safety of experience. You remain in the common marketplace as a common thinker. You feel very safe in being ordinary but in realty you are constantly falling behind.

Creativity and innovation are the benchmarks of success in this new economy!

The social media landscape enables new creative ways to reach markets through exciting strategic approaches. Unlike the broadcast media’s television, radio, newspaper and magazine outlets, the new availability of social marketing tools have allowed communities to expand brand awareness with the power of digital word of mouth. In this process the receiver of the message also becomes the communicator.

It is through these properly planned strategies that social tools come to life as a viable marketing asset.

Is your view of the box from the inside looking out or the outside looking ahead?

Photo Gneborg

Comments

[Dan Renteria]

Hey Walt! Good thoughts. I feel that people restrained by supervisors or subordinates will tend to "play it safe" inside the box. I think the challenge is to get those people to take a small risk and reap small benefits to show them the "water" is safe. Sole proprietors, like me woud benefit much more, and risk a lot less by "thinking outside the box" using social media.

I think my big problem at the moment is that I don't know what I should know yet. Your articles, however are beginning to open my eyes. Thanks again!