We’ve experienced more change in business in the last decade than the last 50 years, we all know this and we continue to repeat it. But what is really happening? Twitter? Nope, more than that. We can’t compare this time, right now, to any other point in history. But what the heck does that mean?  It’s about technology. Thousands of workers have reevaluated their careers, started businesses, and creatively positioned their talents in a newly defined workforce. But quite a few haven't figured it out. Where we are today is different than where we will be 6 months from now. Does this mean we need both a new workforce and workplace? We need new leaders? We need new assholes. 

Lately I've felt as though quite a few leaders in digital are in agreement. We're all getting along splendidly. For the first time in recent years I feel as though we've hit a plateau. Have we debated all there is to debate? This morning I read the 1000th blog post about the new face of the CMO. Same stuff, different date.

I challenge my colleagues to find a few new points of contention. If you can't find one, make it up. And it's not about digital vs traditional, don't even try it. It certainly isn't about big vs small or who is leading what.

This is the start of my dig. So, please stop getting along and be more of an asshole.

A new type of business - a model for the future - this seems to be the topic du jour among colleagues. We've reached a critical juncture, leaders are talking less about 'doing' and more about 'supporting' and 'structuring'. Meaning, how do we create workplace environments where all of this great technology, creative and business thinking can thrive? I hear a lot about 'the organization' but very little about 'the people'. Change in business structure should be human-centered, the same approach we use when designing great applications, experiences, and interfaces. It's my guess that this exploration will lead to interesting new business models. We're seeing some of this in the agency world. I'm doing a bit of research in this area, if you're interested in the topic and would like to part of the discovery - please reach out.

At the end of 2009, it's the economy. At the Defrag conference in Denver, the opening speaker begins by talking about 'defragging' economic realities. By kicking off with jobs and technology, jobless recovery, history, worker classifications, productivity, professions, and other related topics, the conference has definitely set a tone.

This is one of the first conferences I have attended that I am truly unsure, even after reviewing the list of companies and attendees, what the heck to expect in the next two days. This is not a bad thing. Actually, the mystery of the purpose and content make it interesting (at least so far).

This brings me to the larger issue I plan to focus on in the next two days - what do I get out of this? Spying, documenting, and networking my way through a down and dirty research project focused on digital conferences.