I celebrated the end of the world with a nicely aged single malt.  Once 10:11pm became 10:12pm and that planet hadn’t materialized, I went inside and washed some more dishes. Exciting stuff.

But in the days leading up to the apocalypse, every now and then I would read a story about world end/new age of enlightenment that would hit a nerve and make me think. 

One recurring theme was “what would it me like to have a real countdown…what would really matter?”.  In actuality, this should always be a focus; “what REALLY matters”?  But hey, we’re human and get distracted by “stuff”.

So, back to the world ending…. possessions become meaningless  (unless it’s a rocket with a cryo chamber and enough fuel to get me to the next inhabitable planet with human analogues), cash not worth anything (same as when you die).  Having a few drinks in the fridge would be worth fighting for…and once you work through the list, it’s the memories and being with people you love that find their way to the top. Every time.

Now, in the post Christmas rush of stocktake, stupid amounts of cash wasted on stupid items, clothes we don’t want, food we don’t need, chocolates we complained about receiving  (coz seriously, WTF am I going to do with 1.4 kg of chocolate) it’s a good idea to reflect…

…that for the most part, we DO NOT need many (any?) more material items.  But experience, perspective, time relaxing with loved ones….can you EVER get enough? 

Sounding like the pitch for the perfect holiday?

This can become a great focus for agents making sales through 2013.  Speak to your customers , start seeding it in their mind for the coming year “hey, what better gift than contributing to an awesome experience for someone”.

There is no shame in reminding people that rampant consumerism does not include new experiences,  travel, sights and sounds, hanging with family – all very good things to spend your hard earned on.    “Sure, that television is better, but will it make the cricket any more interesting?”

Have vouchers ready on hand, advertise for wedding registry’s, intertwine this sentiment into your marketing for 2013.

Cash in on the fact that this year, a lot of people will begin cashing out.  The world didn’tt end, but something might just start shifting a little.