During a Skype call with my colleague in Slovenia a few days ago, we were exploring some ideas for promoting our business growth methodology in Europe.
He had been speaking to a couple of people who questioned whether the approach we employ is able to “solve problems of today and tomorrow” as it is “based on a methodology has been around for more than 40 years”. (I think they were in their 20’s).
We both found this view surprising and interesting because in our experience clients want to be assured that our approach is (among other things):
- founded on proven methodologies that have been successfully applied
- demonstrably positive in impact over a long period of time
- applicable in a variety of businesses at different stages of growth
Their assumption that because something has been in existence for a long time means it is not relevant in today’s context certainly contradicts our experience of what successful businesses want and need.
It got us thinking that perhaps we just weren’t very good at getting our message across, or maybe to their young eyes anybody over 30 is too old to understand the brave new world!
Whatever it was, I had to conclude that, unless there is evidence to the contrary, wisdom and experience is developed over time and us old fogies have a lot to offer in helping these young high fliers to successfully grow their businesses.
In the words of Sophia Loren (you will only know who she is if you’re as old as me)
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring… When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
I would love to hear your views on this (whatever your age).