At the ortho conferences this year, you will see all the companies copying each other.
When the majority of orthopedic industry people believe in the same thing… this is a problem. This is not innovation.
When all the companies are in agreement, then everyone is wrong. Always.
The masses are average (by definiton)
The masses are status quo.
The masses mindset is based on accepted industry norms.
The masses are focused on incremental improvements, line additions and tiny sales growth.
The masses have tons of competition (everyone is a competitor) and have pushback on prices (think pedicle screws systems) .
When Contrarians believe in radical new ideas and challenge the status quo, there is huge potential for innovation. Contrarians are right. Sometimes.
Contrarians are unique, one of a kind.
Contrarians can move the needle.
The contrarian mindset is based on disruption with unique ways of solving problems.
Contrarians are focused on turning the industry upside-down, and creating completely new categories.
Contrarians have no competition (think early startups like Kyphon, MAKO, Trice Medical, Active Implants, Pivot Medical, Ellipse Technologies, Active Protective) and little or no price pressures.
While the masses maintain the status quo, the contrarians are the ones who impart permanent change on the orthopedics industry.
Always look for the contrarians in the industry. We need more of them.