Let Go of the Ownership Mentality

What is it that has led so many people to want and desire to own anything and everything that is presented before them? There are a lot of factors, marketing being a large one. The idea of ownership has been instilled in us from so many different places that it seems almost natural to own something rather than seeking other ways of having that same thing. It is not that we shouldn’t have or enjoy things- but it is how we have those things that can make a big difference. A lot of this has to do with the ownership mentality. The bigger question then becomes, does it change the experience that you have with that particular product?

The Power of Ownership

We have all experience the power of ownership. To look at an object and to say, I own that. It is a powerful feeling. Yet, does it really make a whole lot of sense? In some cases yes, in others, no. If you are looking to acquire assets over liabilities, a lot of times it does not make sense to own things such as cars. A car once driven off of a dealership’s lot losing 30% of its value instantly. If you chose to buy and own the car, your purchase just became a liability and lost 30%.

However, if you were to lease the same vehicle for a three year term, you would only pay for 30% of the value of the car. If the vehicle was valued at $30,000.00, you may put $2,000.00 down and a monthly payment of approximately $220 for the three year term. Depending on what type of vehicle you choose, you may have a full maintenance package, in which case the car company will pay for all repairs for the duration of the lease term.

The point here is not to have a vehicle, but that you can enjoy a vehicle just as much without actually owning it. In fact, you may enjoy it more, knowing that you do not have to pay for repairs! Is there really power in ownership? Or is it more of a mentality that we have been told to believe in?

The Ownership Experience

Just what makes up the ownership experience? Is it the fact that you can say that under your name, it says that you own a sports car? Or that you own a boat? Is it just an ego booster? It sure seems that way sometimes. What has been your ownership experiences? Why do you choose to own versus renting, leasing, or other means?

Speaking of the ownership experience, does your company offer its clients and customers the opportunity to own something? If so, how is it marketed? Is it more of a need or a want?

Does Your Business Own Too Many Liabilities?

All businesses are different, yet they use a lot of the same things such as computers, office equipment, and so on. When starting out, some companies may use their start up capital to purchase computers, office equipment etc out right. This can take up a lot of capital that could be used for other things to help get the company off the ground.

Computers, printers, and plotters are all liabilities designed to lose value over time. They are designed that way because the companies who design and manufacture them continue to create new models. Last years model, while still as good as new, will continue to lose value as the companies create a new version of the same product. Therefore, it may make more sense to lease the computers and equipment needed, scaling up and scaling down as the company fluctuates.

Coming Up

In an upcoming post, I will discuss the collapsible mobile lifestyle concept and how it can provide you and your company a lot more flexibility versus owning everything. What are your thoughts?