Over the last few days I’ve been exploring the world that has been dubbed, ‘The Internet of Everything’. It’s a terribly fascinating movement that in short plans to bind all things organic and digital into one singularity, as per Ray Kurzweil. When I look at it from a business perspective, there is incredible chance for organizations to benefit from a brand and customer-loyalty standpoint. All of this is a wonderful thing, but I cannot help but ask…
What About Me?
Yes, Jon, what about you? Who am I in this new world of technology? This seems a very selfish question, but it needs to be asked. So, let’s see. I am 25 years old and know nothing of software development or mechanic engineering. I’ve effectively removed myself from being a part of building the Internet of Everything. I am not going to come up with that groundbreaking algorithm to help your business decipher a better way to organize your inventory. I can help you with all of these things and teach you how to use them, but I am not the architect.
And How Does That Make You Feel?
I feel a bit overwhelmed a lot of the time. Today happens to be one of those days. By looking around at this new, emerging, and exciting world, I feel out of place in many of the conversations and circles. Perhaps it is just part of the learning curve or I should ‘fake it til I make it’. I’m a horrible liar; a decent actor, but Jon Steiert is very poor liar.
The way I came into the marketing industry was by accident. I am not a marketer ‘by trade’. I don’t think I’ll ever label or think of myself as such. But now that I’ve told the Sorting Hat that I’m not a marketer (I’m just playing on social TV), who am I to tell you who I am?
The World’s A Stage
My brother was watching A Knight’s Tale two nights ago and I found myself looking up from my reading from time to time. I found myself remembering the character of Geoffrey Chaucer, the ‘front-man’ for Heath Ledger’s character, William. He didn’t seem to have a tangible trade or craft, but what he did have everyone loved him for. He had the gift of gab, the sorcery of story, and a way with words. His introductions for Sir Ullrich were incredible, all improvised (scripted for the movie of course, but you felt the character doing these things off the top of head) and building to crescendo.
That is who I want to be. No, not some English gent who introduces Jousting Knights, rather a creative soul who is gifted the chance to be the wordsmith for the blacksmiths of the world. I want to tell your story. My passion is your passion. It’s a tough position at times but it’s understood immediately when I am on stage or preparing to craft a brand’s narrative. It’s talent that is inherent in me, I hope. In a world where everything is connected, I will be the translator and the connector. That is where I’ll stand.