I was in the offices of the West Australian just before Christmas and appreciated seeing this relic from a bygone era. It was terrific to see the display, a wonderful reminder of the history not only of the West Australian but newspapers more generally.
Going through photos yesterday I was reminded of the display. It got me thinking about the history of newspapers and, in turn, the history of newsagents and newsagency businesses.
While we are in the middle of a tornado of change in and around our businesses, we need to connect with history through the change, to bring our customers with us. This is a massive challenge as there is the economic imperative of future relevance yet the emotional connection of a rich past.
There is the business we want to be and to be known for, the business we are known for today and the business we will be able to sell in the future. All three rely on customers who are prepared to spend money.
Back when the machine in the photo was in use we were agents, the final step on a tightly managed conveyor belt. Today, we are not agents. Today, our future is 100% up to us. We have many decisions, large and small, to make. Whereas in the past these would have been made for us, today, we have to decide our future, and out connection with the past, for ourselves.
T2020 is the nudge many newsagents needed / need. It is loaded with opportunities. Embracing them and finding our own way will dilute the newsagency channel and maky many businesses stronger at the same time.