Attention: The New Currency in the Disruption Era

Growing up, I've always held a firm belief that competition isn't just about who's in your immediate environment. It's not about the biggest names or who's making similar products or services. It's often about those hidden gems, the unknown unknowns, waiting to disrupt your success.

Recently, I attended the Global CCU forum, where this belief was magnified in a way that I hadn't expected. It came during a presentation on Ed Tech and disruption in learning. The presenter kicked off with an intriguing question: "Who is the real competitor of Real Madrid?"

I initially thought of Barcelona or Manchester City, their counterparts in the football arena. But no, the presenter argued that the true competitor of Real Madrid isn't another football club. It's Fortnite, the wildly popular video game.

At first, this seemed unconventional. But it didn't take long for the room to nod in understanding. Just like how Netflix's real competition isn't Amazon Prime or HBO, but our sleep. In this digital age, where the competition for our attention is fierce, the actual rival is anything that diverts or captivates that attention.

So why Fortnite for Real Madrid? It all boils down to the precious currency of attention. With each passing moment, Fortnite is engaging millions of potential Real Madrid fans or viewers, pulling them away from the football matches to the virtual battles on their screens.

Similarly, in the realm of online streaming, Netflix is vying for our attention against sleep, work, or anything else we might choose to do with our time.

These are profound revelations. They remind us that disruption doesn't always come from where we expect, and our competitors aren't always those offering similar products or services. In an age where attention is the new currency, we need to be mindful of the unknown unknowns that may be quietly siphoning it away.

In our businesses, professions, and even our personal lives, it's crucial to recognize that our real competition could be anything that diverts and consumes the attention of our intended audience. To stay relevant and continue growing, we must always strive to capture, and more importantly, retain this new form of currency - attention.

Continuing from that thought, it's clear that if we wish to thrive in this age of attention, we must learn how to gain and hold it effectively. Here are five strategies that can help you do just that:

1 Tell a Story: Stories have always been a powerful way to capture attention. They appeal to our emotions and curiosity, making us more likely to engage. Whether you're a business, a content creator, or an individual, try to weave a compelling narrative around your work or product.

2 Add Value: Attention is usually given to those who provide value. This could be in the form of helpful advice, valuable content, or a service that solves a problem. When you consistently add value, people are more likely to give you their attention.

3 Build Relationships: Personal connections often lead to sustained attention. Take time to interact with your audience or customers. Respond to their comments, ask for their feedback, and show genuine interest in them.

4 Use Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words, and in today's digital world, visuals are more important than ever. They can grab attention faster than text and are more likely to be remembered. Use high-quality images, infographics, or videos to make your content more appealing.

5 Stay Relevant: Keep up with trends and changes in your industry. By staying relevant, you're more likely to attract attention from those interested in your field.

Remember, gaining attention is just half the battle. The real challenge lies in holding onto it and turning it into engagement, loyalty, and action. As we navigate this era where attention is the new currency, these strategies can serve as our guide to stay ahead of the curve and thrive amid disruption.