We need to supply oil to the Marketer’s lamp unless we wish to see it extinguished forever.
In Plutarch, one reads of the great statesman Pericles running to the bedside of his friend, mentor, and counselor Anaxagoras. Withering from neglect and privation, the great philosopher bore faint resemblance to his former self. Upon Pericles begging him to regain himself, Anaxagoras famously replied “Pericles, even those who have use for lamps keep them supplied with oil.”
There is such a thing as “too little too late.”
The Greeks were a gifted people. When, however, big-thinking gave way to a martial culture and indolence bread of wealth, the empire declined.
When ideas give way to conquest, the seeds of decline are sowed. Opining about this after the fact is a fool’s errand.
When, in the organization, ideas and creativity give way to short-term business myopia, the same happens to the corporation.
What does this mean for Marketers? For Market Researchers? For creative people in the organization?
Do you need your lamp filled with oil?
About Romi Mahajan
