On being digital, transparent and generous

One of the issues that is gaining salience today is that of companies being generous and positive with their work and their information if they want to stay in the game. Jeff Jarvis has a piece in the Guardian on why Google defines the new economy in this matter. In his opinion, there are three main reasons why transitioning to a ‘Google economy’ is inevitable: 

1. The fact that they are digital: No one in their right minds would want to, for example, do something physical like sell CDs in today’s world, compared to setting up an online space, if they had a choice. (I genuinely feel bad when I go into a HMV store, for example – in the age of music-at-your-fingertips, selling CDs must be a difficult proposition for them). Information is migrating online, people need information – ergo, people need digital solutions. 

2. The fact that they are transparent: Google is open about the way it functions, and thereby forces businesses working around them to become transparent as well. Jarvis notes how a situation like the financial crisis, which created an artificial value, is unlikely to re-occur because people will demand knowledge, having burnt their fingers. If a business wants to succeed, they can no longer hide behind curtains. They’ll be sniffed out. 

3. ‘Don’t be evil’: Relationships between consumers and companies are built on trust, and trust comes from relinquishing control. Google’s tools, for example, are free to use – they have no desire to be in control. 

This last point links very well to a presentation by Neil Perkin that captures thoughts of many bloggers on the topic. Worth taking a look at.