Keeping up with the "Creatives" not the "Joneses"

For the better part of the last 20 to 30 years (or more) the Joneses were it.  We wanted the job they had.  We wanted the house they bought.  We wanted the car they drove. We wanted to go on the vacations they went on. We wanted their lifestyle. That's why we worked, and worked and worked and worked. We had to work like maniacs to experience life like the Joneses (funny enough the Joneses were trying to keep up with the Smiths. . .but that's another story). Now there isn't a problem with working like a lunatic, but behind the lunacy was there a job you loved?  Was there passion for your work?  Was there deep and personal fulfillment after a long and hard day at the office? 

Maybe, maybe not.

But the reality today appears to be that trying to keep up with the Joneses collapses housing markets, crashes financial institutions, loses jobs and as it turns out, stunts economic growth and stagnates market vitality.  

So maybe we should think about "keeping up with the creatives" instead. These individuals who are pushing for community, creativity, authenticity, connectivity, and honesty. . . just to scratch the surface.

Well interestingly enough one Fortune 500 company appears to get who the new economy is embracing. Maybe their peers should take notice.