The Great Indoors

It’s been a while since my last blog, which usually means I’m in deep thought about something. I bring some observations, some realities, and some creative challenges to jump on business opportunities.

With that being said, I’m not sure what those opportunities would be... that’s up to you.

Our world is changing at a speed that has never been seen before. We are running from the past, and rocketing ourselves into the future. I am not convinced that some sort of fear isn’t driving this change, or if it's purely convenience. Our needs and our wants are forcing a change in how we live our lives. And how we spend our money. First, let’s agree that everything we do starts with our smartphones.

We used to have huge computers, then desktops, then laptops, tablets, etc. Today the most used device is a smartphone. When I'm gathered with my family or friends, at nearly all times at least one person is on their mobile device. We're constantly on Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube. We're not only communicating, but we're the CEOs of our worlds through our phones.

And I don't only mean being the CEOs of our professional lives, I mean our entire lives. From our phones, groceries are ordered and delivered to your home; lights in your home are turned on and off; your thermostat is adjusted; your doctors communicate with you; you order food from restaurants; you do your banking; you book your travel, etc. It goes on and on. All on one device.

It leads me to wonder if we are becoming tethered to the place that makes us most comfortable: HOME.

I love to go to the movies but streaming options and upgraded TVs cause me to say, "will movie theaters exist in 10 years?" I love to go out to eat, but if someone will deliver from my favorite restaurant to my home, why should I leave my comfort zone? Maybe restaurants will eventually downsize and increase their delivery and takeout services. I love to go grocery shopping, but if I can place an order and have it delivered at home with price incentives, why wouldn't I?

Even sporting events! I love attending, but parking stinks, bathroom lines are long, and being around 50,000 people doesn’t excite me. At home the food is better, the view is better on your TV, and the bathrooms are cleaner.

When I look at all this, I think of the following questions:

1. Is it cheaper to stay home?

2. Is it safer to stay home?

3. Can I multi-task at home and be more comfortable while doing it?

4. Do I have to worry about traveling (traffic, expenses, safety, parking, etc.)?

Perhaps now is the best time to invest in your home. For years, everyone went out to spend and to be entertained. Now all of that and more can come to you. It is more of a sanctuary than ever.

So, where are the business opportunities? I wish I knew, because they are out there just waiting to be used for profit. Everything will eventually be automated and brought to your door or done for you. Opportunity Fields Forever! It's not going back to the way it was. It's going to places we have never been before.

My advice? Find a way to cash in. Spend time thinking about how you can make a road to riches. Or, maybe soon, as Dr. Emmett Brown would say, "Where we're going, we don't need roads."