Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 6/12/2023
Depending on when you were born, you might recall an appliance or tool that lasted for a very long time, perhaps from when you were young until you left the nest. Even if they weren’t maintained precisely, they were built to last.
In the 1950s, refrigerators purchased new would last 50-60 years. That is not a misprint: https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/old-appliances-vs-new-appliances/. Today, depending on model, the lifespan is 10-20 years. Originally built for longevity, today appliances and tools are often subject to “planned obsolescence.”
This is the deliberate design and creation of products and services to degrade, or lose appeal, or fail—with the intention of the creators.
Fashion is an example, whereby styles invested in today will soon simply take up space in the closet because newer styles were already planned to be introduced in the short term. The auto industry wasn’t required to offer “new models” every year, but they did, even when technology and safety didn’t require it. Apple keeps introducing new iPhones with rather marginal improvements, if that.
And, after a while, we find we can’t maintain or repair items on our own because parts aren’t available or the average person isn’t able to do so without expert help. Electronics, toys, and almost any single-use item are all part of this.
The frightening thing is that I think society and business also view people this way. At a certain age, or after a certain trauma or illness, people are seen as “obsolete.” We just assume, because they’re not fighting to get Taylor Swift tickets, or watch every Matrix movie, or they’re repelled by profanity as adjectives and song lyrics, that their useful period of contribution is over.
This is all ironic, because the place where we actually need planned obsolescence is with our attitudes of assuming some people are “damaged” and that some historically effective approaches to life—like civility and courtesy—are metaphors for degraded appliances or rusted ideas.
It drives me crazy to throw something out. I find planned obsolescence revolting. —Jonathan Miles
Planned obsolescence is not really a new concept. God used it with people. —Robert Orben
Alan Weiss: “I’ll quit when I’m no longer on top of my game.” Harvard Psychology Professor Dan Gilbert: “How will you know? Most people don’t.” Maria Weiss: “Don’t worry, I’ll tell him.”
NEW: Autumn in New York: Join me for 2.5 days of a great growth experience. I’ll be presenting new IP on the nature of the No Normal® workplace and how we can best attract and help clients. We’ll talk about new approaches to strategy for all types of organizations. Every participant (who so desires) will get “air time” to discuss a particular challenge, question, or strategy. I’ll take you to dinner at two of my favorite restaurants, we’ll see a Broadway play with great seats, and there will be a tour with a unique New York touch. We’ll start with an opening evening reception. Limited to 14 people. October 10, 11, 12. $12,000 fee (until Aug. 31, after that $15,000), includes most meals and lodging. Join me for a great business and social experience. Apply directly: alan@
NEW: Business As A Second Language: This 90-minute Zoom workshop will deal with reframing, social proof, instant examples, influence techniques, turning objections into selling points, and a great deal more. It will be interactive and recorded for ongoing use. Preparing for meetings is important (until, as the saying goes, you get punched in the jaw). I’ll help you stay in the moment and outduel anyone. Are you tired of worrying about “what you should have said”? Now you’ll be able to say it at just the right time. All this for $350, and you can drink while attending. September 14, 10:30 US eastern time. Recorded for all registrants. (After Aug. 15, $500.) Sign up here: https://alanweiss.com/
Speaking with Alan: One of my most popular experiential events, run twice a year. Learn how to create, refine, deliver, price, and market a speech of any length. A small group practices and video tapes the components over 2.5 days. Are you charging less than a minimum of $10,000 per speech? Are you agonizing over content, or not drawing a sufficient audience? You need this session NOW! Special 1.5 day experience at my home July 11/12. After that, San Francisco, Sept. 19-21. https://alanweiss.com/
Master Master Class II: This sold-out event in March was so popular that I’m running another in October in Newport. I accept 16 people in person (you may also attend remotely on our large screen) and we have 4 seats remaining! I’m creating new material, exercises, and challenges. Past “grads” get a $1,000 discount. One person said, “I’ve known you for nearly 20 years, and this is the best thing you’ve ever done!” (Maybe I just wasn’t that good before!) Register here: https://alanweiss.com/
NEW! Alan’s Advisory Suite: Nine options for groups or individuals to receive “real time” coaching to build their practices and lives on a continuing basis. The strongest, best people in business, entertainment, sports, the media—all use coaches. https://alanweiss.
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Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries. https://
NEW: Million Dollar Consulting® for the World ADVANCED: The new program contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more. https://alanweiss.com/
Sentient Strategy Certification: My new book on the topic (above) has been released, so this is an ideal time to market Sentient Strategy. Write me to apply, join over 70 people certified in six countries. One-time fee of $12,000, includes 90 days of my support, free admission to all future certifications, and admission to a private web board with other Sentient facilitators. alan@
Vancouver Day: I’ll be providing a full day in Vancouver for as little as $300 (US) including lunch on September 9: How to Dramatically Increase Revenues while Radically Reducing Labor. I’ll be returning from an Alaskan cruise and need the money to pay for it! This is a rare appearance in Western Canada. We have 20 people already. https://alanweiss.
