The Revolution, which the Howard Dean Internet Communications Pioneers set in play, is over. Now that model of accessibility and affordability has become mainstream.
The last shot was fired yesterday by Google when it announced an open source operating system [OS] that will be out there by 3Q 2010. Later this week, Eric Schmidt, Larry Page and Sergey Brin will provide the world with more details how its innovation can and will make traditional approaches like Microsoft's anachronisms.
The old guard in every industry is finally becoming bug-eyed. From their pricey real estate where they rent space in Manhattan and live in Greenwich, Connecticut they are spotting The New Barbarians climbing over the gates.
Of course, The Establishment has the branding, money and influence to hold off for a while the zeitgeist of high quality at affordable prices. But not forever. Traditional powerhouse Cravath Law Firm is seemingly experiencing threats it probably never anticipated. Five years ago when a client needed for me to interview a Cravath attorney I was briefed beforehand on how to be properly deferential and efficient, even though I have been interviewing experts for decades. My, my how plates in the power structure can shift beneath us.
Yesterday also, likely no coincidence, major brandname in public relations Edelman announced that it was cutting four senior executives, one who headed the growing category of crisis management. Are clients demanding more? And at a more reasonable price?
Incidentally, from Canada, the UK and UAE, I am now being contacted by well-credentialed experts who ask about my services. Me? What attracts them is the complimentary consultation, with lots of insight and no pressure. Unlike The Establishment, we New Barbarians aren't afraid of "giving away the store" in the initial handshake, in-person or digital, with a prospect. There's no store to give away. Knowledge, perspective, experience morph too quickly to be contained in any store.





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