Field Notes from the New Economy
As the Wall Street Occupiers know too well, the old economy is a sinking ship (same goes for much of our old culture, prejudices, and values). It’s inspiring that the Occupiers have the passion to stage nationwide demonstrations, but I have an even better idea — moving forward. Moving forward means, not protesting the sins of the old economy, but designing a New Economy. Moving forward means collaborating with creative thinkers who haven’t yet been jaded or compromised. Moving forward means dedicating our lives to doing what we love –which, when done on a massive scale with innovation and perseverance, just might end up saving the world.
Below is the first installment of No Brand Like Home’s new series, “Field Notes from the New Economy” with Kareem Ahmed, who recently quit his dream job to start New Economy Labs and carve out his own creative business niche.
Kareem is already living on the front lines the New Economy. And he’s (not so) patiently waiting for you to join him.
Take it from here, Kareem.
The New Economy: a magical land in which employees are employers, work is fun, imagination runs rampant and the prehistoric thinking of the business world is extinct.
Sounds too good to be true, right? I thought so too. Then I realized that the New Economy is already today’s economy.
A by-product of the Internet age, the core elements of the New Economy were originally brainstormed by myself and the incomparable Chris Cloud. It was birthed out of the necessity of the recent recession, which ushered in a wave of changes in the way we communicate and interact (with each other, with brands, etc.).
There’s suddenly an entire world of people who know their value, aren’t afraid to take risks, and are make something tangible out of nothing more than a dream. So what are some ways to thrive outside the status quo, and win the battle for your personal and professional happiness? The following practices are how I learned to stay afloat in the New Economy.
EXPLORE
For optimal results, exploration is key. Explore various mediums, methodologies, art-forms and lessons from history. It’s easier than ever to consume information, so consume more. Digest more. Explore more and get out of your comfort zone.
EXPERIMENT
We’re all mad scientists. We learn by doing. You’ve got to test and optimize what’s right for you, right for your business, and right for your lifestyle. Experiment out of need, experiment out of want. Find what works for you, because your needs may differ from those around you.
SHARE
Give to people. Share your thoughts, insights and creations with the world. Give input. Speak up during meetings. Give entertainment. Give knowledge. Give something useful. Give yourself.
COLLABORATE
We’ve evolved from: HSTDI (hire someone to do it) to DIY (do it yourself) to DIT (do it together). Collaboration is the most important element of participating in the New Economy.
FAIL
If the third time’s a charm, the first two were disasters. No one gets it right the first time. Be proud of your failures; carry them like trophies.
There is an alternative to the mindset that’s broken our nation. Kareem is one of many examples from the trenches, showing us that a New Economy isn’t only possible, it’s necessary. So while occupying Wall Street is an understandable way to vent our frustrations toward the powers-that-be, let’s instead consider occupying our dreams, and see how far they can take us.
James McCrae is a creative strategist, culture addict and writer broadcasting from Minneapolis. 
