Seth Godin offered some interesting insight on the changing nature of the economy and the nature of business in general. Cookie cutter is out and finger paint is in, but not without the ever present risk of getting a little messy!

"The old economy offered a guarantee--time plus education plus obedience = stability. The new one, not so much. The new one offers a chance for you to take a chance and make an impact."

"The nature of the last era was that repetition and management of results increased profits. The nature of this one is the opposite: if someone can tell you precisely what to do, it's too late. Art and novelty and innovation cannot be reliably and successfully industrialized."

I see this every day working in the social media space. Messaging becomes less controlled and more conversational and business leads come from building relationships and providing valuable content, not producing more and being the best bargain.