Even in the 21st century, we are sometimes overwhelmed by technology. However when we look back over 15,000 years, we can see how far we've come. Technology is only another small step in our evolution.

1. One Minute Potted History of Commerce
From Silk Road
to Silicon Valley
by
Helen Cousins
© Copyright Helen Cousins, Xcel Business Solutions Sept 2012

2. Building a Business in the Digital Age
People, not technology, build businesses.
Nothing will change that.
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3. Maslov’s Hierarchy of Needs
Adapted by Helen
Self Actualisation
Morality, creativity…
Self
Esteem
Trade
TRADE:
My addition to Love
Maslov’s Hierarchy
Safety
Physiological
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4. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Stone Age trade
• Hints of long range commerce
• By boat 15,000 years ago
• Cave paintings / tools
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5. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Silk Road
• China to Mediterranean
• Goods travelled by camel
• 200 BC to 1400 AD
• Ended by Black Death
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6. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Medieval Trade
• Da Gama – East
• Columbus –West
• Dutch – Australia
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7. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Corporate Trade
• Corporations
• East India Company
• Limited Liability c 1800
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8. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Internet
• Roots in US military 1950’s
• First email in 1971 (40 yrs ago)
• www began 1991 (20yrs ago)
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9. Stone Age => Silk Road => Silicon Valley
Beyond eCommerce
• Web 3.0?
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10. It’s complicated…
Business needs to work.
Technology is not complicated.
Technology can’t fix broken business models.
It’s people that make it seem complicated.
Make it simple.
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