I am currently on a family vacation; but cannot resist logging in onto the web to share my thoughts on the book that I have brought with me to read while away from home. An ex colleague, who is still in the banking profession, introduced me this book some months back. He had remarked that I was the only one in the circle of friends participating actively in the revolution that is taking place - the level playing field created by the power of the internet. I only picked this book up just before flying off.
Yes…I am referring to the bestseller “The World Is Flat”. Anyone who is in online marketing will appreciate the thoughts espoused in the book. Outsourcing, the emerging economies of India and China, technology flatteners, freelancing are terms that online marketers are pretty familiar with. What is interesting is that this book is backed up by interview after interview with CEOs like Bill Gates and conducted in various far flung countries.
Here are some key lessons that can be found in the pages of this book:
* How to address the loss of an American job to an Indian or a Chinese worker who is willing to work for less than half your pay and 7 days a week?
* How to prepare yourself for Globilization 3.0 and beyond?
* How to make use of the flattening of the world to empower yourself?
* What are the factors to innovation and creativity?
* How to make sure that your kids are prepared for the new emerging world?
* Is it all about letting your kids play around with the PC? What values do you teach your kids?
* Why some countries like Mexico are losing out to China?
* How Ireland took the necessary steps for change and is now benefitting?
Although I am one chapter short of finishing the book, I can conclude that it clearly deserves its 5 star rating. For online marketers, especially, the book reaffirms that you are plugged into a flat system that gives you plenty of opportunity to succeed if you know how to make use of the changes that are taking place. To be in an advantageous position and to know what the changes are, read the book!