Diskette For one reason or another, I always seem to uncover items that are being kept around even though they no longer hold value. Items become obsolete — from this diskette I hung onto for years at my last job to time-sensitive marketing materials that have an expired date or use the old brand identity.

But we hoard these items because of nostalgia perhaps or, more likely, because time or money was invested in them. Whether it’s a well-intended “just in case” security measure or otherwise, it’s usually overlooked or generally accepted.

Loaded Down with Ideas
Hoarding happens with more than just objects. Marketing practices, and internal processes, are sometimes clung to because “that’s how it’s always been done.” It can be understandable due to the success these intangible assets have achieved in the past.

We’ve all been guilty of hoarding at one time or another. Practices or processes don’t take up extra space. But without changing or reevaluating them, they can slow down organizations, impact productivity and over time they can lead to obsolescence.

Stay Close to the Shiny New
I’m not suggesting we change for change’s sake. I’m also not suggesting we flock to the shiny new. But as our industry is in a constant state of iteration, I am suggesting a balance. Even the longest-held practices or processes should not be off limits when considering what’s working, what’s not, what can improve and what needs to be thrown away.

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