Do rising tides really float all boats?

These past weeks and months have been exciting times with Tech Giants and incumbents all coming out with innovation and investment, supporting stories for the growth and disruption in the tech, media and communications markets.  From AR to MR to large investments in content rights, programming, infrastructure and services, it is obvious we are in a time of transition and disruption.  At the same time we have witnessed nature at it's worst and the resilience of people, business and government in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances with the Hurricanes in Texas, The Carribean and Florida.

The analogy 'Rising tides float all boats', has new meaning for us these days. We should adapt that statement to read 'Rising tides float boats, surging tides do not'!   Like the extreme weather patterns, the market has many unforeseen circumstances and predicting the paths to progress in business has become much more challenging combination of art timing and science.

The analogy goes further than that though.  We all live in our busy insulated worlds making decisions and progress, taking a lot for granted and from the past learnings.  Many take a safe approach and put the blinders on to the forecasts and factors about to influence them in ways unknown.  Entire markets, like broadcast, sports, cable, streaming and more are unable to properly predict these days and hence they fail to plan or adapt and get caught in the storm without seeing it coming or simply ignoring the realities that are coming into their world. Others prepare for the change and look out beyond the horizon while making preparations. They do their homework, collaborate, partner and are agile & smart enough to avoid the major effects, coming out on top with regular frequency.

The disruption in business may not so obvious as in storms, especially if the models, indicators or people are ill prepared at predicting the future and planning for various scenarios. We all need to maintain a course that takes in all factors, absorbs some of the effects and ultimately keeps the business afloat and moving into more predictable results. It is amazing how many people, businesses and markets fail to adjust and join the wrecking yard in the digital media space.  

As we all make the yearly pilgrimage to IBC, remember those less fortunate in life and in business. Contribute what and where you, learn from mistakes and course correct. Collaborate, partner and continue to make the hard decisions that will keep your business, your employees and your customers happy. Learn and adapt. Network and progress. The more you prepare the more you will reap the benefits and you will increase your chances of surviving in this ever-changing, challenging, yet awesome market.