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I found myself watching the weekly Wall Steet Journal Report on CNBC las night and was pleasantly suprised when Fast Company's Bob Safian and Pratt Institute Provost Peter Barna came on to talk about the importance of creative thinking when differentiating yourself in today's marketplace. They made the argument that, given today's fast-paced, constantly changing economy, an MFA provides invaluable skills an MBA degree often does not. Its about "prototyping through ideas, as opposed to simply applying models", Safian said.
I found myself agreeing with much of the discussion, as I was constantly thinking about the vibrant community of creative-thinkers we are building inside the Furnishly marketplace. From the consignment store in Lincoln Park that curates high-end designer pieces, to the artisan refurbisher in Crystal Lake that breathes new life into unloved decor, these people are creating real ecnomic value by pursuing their artistic passions and abilities. At Furnishly, it is our mission to assist these businesses in establishing their brand and maintaining customer relationships locally.
Steve Jobs used to always say that the original Mac team was comprised of the best people on earth; people that would have considered themselves painters, poets or musicians, if they hadn't discovered a new way to express themselves with the medium of computing. It was their intense creativity that gave them the ability to show the world what personal computing could eventually become. Sometimes the most impactful value comes from those with the courage to think a little different.
With our marketplace continuing its rapid expansion, and our team coming together in great ways, I ask that everyone take some time to embrace their creative side. In a world that's infatuated with process, anlaytics and risk-mitigation, its the content that really, truely makes the difference. For example, recent startup success story Airbnb was started by a couple design school graduates who were most concerned with creating an incredible software experience to enable apartment rentals on a daily basis. It was their well-designed software, and its ability to service the transaction better than anyone else, that built their business; not their revenue model nor marketing strategy. Focus on building a product you are passionate about, and all the peripherals will eventually fall into place.
Furnishly is currently looking to hire. If you are a creative in search of an avenue to make a difference, let's connect - http://www.linkedin.com/in/bryonfinke/
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