"One robin does not make a spring." -- Author unknown
When Deborah Adler's grandmother mistakenly took her husband's medication, she became part of the 60% of prescription-drug users who have taken medication incorrectly, according to a Target study. Deborah decided that part of the problem was the amber presecription bottles (introduced in the 1940s) and the tiny type on the labels. She began working on a radical redesign of the bottle and the result is ClearRX, which literally turns the bottle upside down, makes it easier to read and color-codes the bottle for each individual family member.
So what? Just another nice idea? ... Or a nugget that might stimulate thoughts for your own business or customer base? ... Or an early warning marker of a sea-change headed your way? The world around us is full of new stuff and it's important to be aware of changes. However, it's not enough to notice something new ... such as a new prescription bottle ... what's truly important is to connect it to our own lives, businesses, products and services. And, to go a step further to determine whether this is a one-off change or whether it might be pointing to an important new direction.
So, what about the ClearRX prescription bottle? It is, of course, related to the metatrends of an aging population (more medications, weakening eyesight). But, what might it mean to you and does it signal something bigger?
Here are a couple of other "robins":
Outdoor living is a piece of the trend toward spending more time at home. Of course, backyard cooking has been around for decades but outdoor kitchens have now zoomed past the friendly hamburger and hot dog grill. CalSpa's Tuscany, which includes a grill, fireplace, fridge and 2 person hot tub, will set you back $48,000. So what does that mean to you?
In California, Blue Cross just increased its benefit package for accupuncture treatments from 12 per year to 24. So what does that mean?
As you go through the next week, keep your eyes out for "robins" and think about what they mean. Are they a sign that spring has come or just a lonely out of place bird? Share any robins you spot, and what you think they mean, in the comments section below.
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