If you are not the lead dog, the view never changes
What’s after Silicon Valley? If you are in technology you are probably surrounded by people talking about how your town is going to be the next Silicon Valley. You may have adopted a horrific name like “Silicon Blah Blah”. But what are people in Silicon Valley saying since they are Silicon Valley? They are not saying jack. They are busy leading the dog sled and if you really want to be part of the next Silicon Valley you should consider the following.
You cannot be the next leader of innovation when you are busy following the current leader. By mere definition, anyone following is not the leader and in this case not an innovator. Being next is not cool when being first is the only thing that matters.
You may think that by merely invoking the phrase “the next silicon valley” you not are relegating yourself or your area to second place, but you are. You have literally drawn a box and put your mind inside of said box. You have planted seeds, ideas and feelings that your area is second best.
You are a real smart cookie and you may be immune to this but how about everyone else? Not everyone is as smart or as clever as you. What about the new talent entering the field. These people need to hear the correct message and that message should not imply that you are second best.
No one wants to play for second best.
