Have You Learned to be an Early Adopter?

“His parents were simply early adopters of what will become an essential learning tool for the next generation.” (speaking of a three year old in Sweden working “on his music” on an iPad). – Michael Saylor, The Mobile Wave

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Here’s a short but important thought for a Saturday.

I’n in Natchitoches, LA, for our annual get together at the Jefferson House, the bed and breakfast owned by my older brother.  My younger brother, Mike, the business genius of the family (CEO of Novotus), just explained to me why MySpace was left in the dust.  MySpace tried to keep current with a too-soon-obsolete platform.  He understands this stuff, and I don’t.  But I get the idea – you don’t win Wimbledon with a tennis racket made of wood when new technology leaves those now-obsolete rackets behind.

So, here is the thought.  You really do gain an advantage by being an early adopter.  And you face certain failure by being a too-late adopter.

So, have you learned to be an early adopter?