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seats at the Met. And the sound quality is better. Wonderful, but now, who will go to a local opera
performance?
Teleaction reduces the value of local mediocrity. The claim “Well, I’m not the best, but
at least I’m here” loses value in a teleaction world. In 1990, when former Secretary of Labor
9
Robert Reich wrote The Work of Nations, he could sensibly claim that those who provide routine
face-to-face services are exempt from the dangers of offshoring. That claim loses validity in the
teleaction world.
By 2026, the value of the top-notch performers increases, possibly exponentially. Four million
people watch the average Met Live broadcast; agents for the artists who perform at that venue will
negotiate a sizable part of that $120 million gate. A famous surgeon or skating coach can reach
a bigger market, faster and better, and be much better paid. So, if you can be the world’s best at
s omething, do it!
But what about the rest of us? If you’re not the world’s expert at something, then find a way
to be indispensable to someone who is. Own the theaters that broadcast Met Live. Own the skating
rink for the remote figure skating coach. Be the vendor of the food at some teleaction event.
Or become essential to the development, use, and management of information systems that
support these new opportunities. A business background with IS expertise will serve you very well
between now and 2026. The next six chapters discuss many existing and new IS applications.
Keep reading!