When Disadvantages Are Actually Advantages [NFTW #49]

What’s good my people? I hope we’re all doing well and have had a good weekend. In this week’s edition of NFTW there are a few thoughts that I want to share. One of them in particular was prompted by a conversation I had with a friend regarding reframing what we may see as disadvantage—and how sometimes with the right lens they can actually provide an advantageous foundation.

(Dis)Advantage

Sometimes, what may initially appear as disadvantages can actually have hidden advantages or positive aspects. In 1990, Howard E. Aldrich’s study of entrepreneurial networking noted that women tend to form larger numbers of strong ties; this over-investment in the maintenance of networks can translate into business disadvantage as a “woman entrepreneur risks spending much of her time on relationship matters rather than business ones”.

While this has been stapled as a con I think revisiting this thought is worthwhile. Today the world looks extremely different to the world that we had in 1990 and the ability to build and cultivate communities is a highly-sought after skill in the sharing economy. Community building can improve the efficiency of the sharing economy. Participants can collaborate, coordinate, and communicate more effectively within a community. For example, sharing economy platforms often have features that allow participants to rate and review each other, helping others make informed decisions about whom to transact with. By leveraging the collective knowledge and experiences of the community, participants can make more efficient use of shared resources, reduce costs, and optimise their sharing experiences.

While disadvantages may bring initial challenges, they can also hold hidden advantages. By embracing them, individuals can tap into their potential for creativity, resilience, learning, and growth, ultimately turning disadvantages into opportunities for success.

Less Will Always Be More

I’ve been working on finding the best system for me to take notes. I initially started off with a simple Notes setup on my iPhone and after a whirlwind of different note-taking systems I’ve come full circle all the way back to Notes. Less is always more.

A simple note-taking system promotes efficiency. When the system is straightforward, you can easily capture and retrieve information without wasting time on complex processes. The focus remains on the content and the task at hand, rather than navigating a convoluted system. This efficiency translates to increased productivity and effectiveness in managing and organising your notes.

A simple note-taking system promotes clarity and focus on the content itself. When the system is straightforward, it avoids unnecessary distractions and complexities that might hinder your ability to capture and comprehend information effectively. By eliminating unnecessary features, you can direct your attention towards the core purpose of note-taking: capturing and organising information in a clear and meaningful way.

Simplicity contributes to the sustainability of a note-taking system. When a system is kept simple, it is easier to maintain and sustain over time. Complex systems often require more effort to maintain, update, and troubleshoot, which can lead to frustration and eventually abandonment. In contrast, a simple system is more likely to be maintained consistently, ensuring that your notes remain organised and accessible in the long run.

What about yourself? How have you gone about keeping stock of your thoughts and ideas?

Jazz’s New Princess: Samara Joy

Samara Joy's second album, Linger Awhile, is a collection of jazz standards and originals that showcases her mature vocal stylings and her ability to tell stories through song. Overall, Linger Awhile is a stunning album that showcases Samara Joy's immense talent. Her voice is a gift, and she uses it to tell stories that are both personal and universal.

Favourite songs from the tape:

• Guess Who I Saw Today: a swinging ode to new love. Joy's vocals are playful and confident on this track, and she clearly enjoys the lyrics, which she delivers with a wink and a smile.

• Round Midnight: is a classic jazz standard that Joy delivers with her own unique touch. Her voice is both delicate and powerful, and she brings a new level of intimacy to the song.

• Someone to Watch Over Me: A duet with guitarist Pasquale Grasso. The song is a classic love ballad, and Joy and Grasso's voices blend together beautifully.

Until next week. Peace.