Now that things are easier to do, plenty of posers have taken opportunity to imitate the winners. We can always find knock-off products. In the talent game, the same is true. Marketers, salespeople, executives, and owners are getting jostled by the forces of change in the new economy. If you are not creative, then one non-creative strategy is to copy the winners. Some could say this is a form of flattery. Or it could be a veiled form of laziness.
There is a reason there are copyright laws. We understand it is wrong to plagiarize books or redistribute music and media without consent. What about the ideas, strategies and systems of what we see every day visually in the information age?
Well, it’s a great thing that humans are adept at recognizing the difference between authenticity and imitation. We are tuned into the difference between 99% and 95%. Being 95% Tiger Woods is pretty common. The rewards for 99% are far greater, however. The nuances separate the winners from the rest of the pack. There is an intuitive difference between marketing and connecting; obligation and love; showmanship and leadership; appearance and value.
We are past the age of mediocrity. Our ability to choose from a universe of options leaves us wanting the best. Relentless pursuit of the last 5% which separates good enough from greatness is where the battle for the winner’s spoils are happening. If you are posing, the futility of never winning may dissuade you over time. If you are focused on winning by living where the art lies, rather than the mundane, then the votes, cash, and rewards naturally converge to your door. A continuous pursuit of excellence appeals. Continuous scavenging falls short. Posers beware.
