8 old-school customs from the 60s and 70s that aged surprisingly well

When you think of the 60s and 70s, groovy music, psychedelic fashion, and peace signs might come to mind. But there’s more to these decades than just bell-bottom jeans and Woodstock.

Yes, the times were a-changin’, but some of the era’s customs have weathered the storm of time surprisingly well.

In this stroll down memory lane, I’ll be sharing 8 old-school practices from the 60s and 70s that are still relevant – and valuable – in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

These customs not only offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past, but also hold lessons for entrepreneurs looking to build resilient businesses in an ever-evolving landscape.

Get ready to take some notes from the past that could improve your future.

1) Face-to-face communication

In our digital age, emails, texts, and video calls have become our primary forms of communication.

But back in the 60s and 70s, face-to-face interaction was the norm. And let me tell you, there’s something about it that’s irreplaceable.

You see, when you communicate face-to-face, you pick up on subtle cues that get lost in digital translation. The slight changes in facial expressions, the tone of voice, the body language – these all contribute to a deeper understanding of the other person’s perspective.

For entrepreneurs, this old-school custom can make a big difference. Engaging in face-to-face meetings not only builds trust but also fosters stronger relationships with clients, employees, and business partners.

While technology offers convenience, don’t forget the value of a good old-fashioned chat – it might just be the key to understanding your stakeholders better.

2) Handwritten letters

Remember the last time you received a handwritten letter? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while.

During the 60s and 70s, handwritten letters were a common way to communicate. They were personal, heartfelt, and had this unique charm that emails or texts just can’t replicate.

Now, let me share a personal story.

A few years back, I decided to surprise one of my long-term clients with a handwritten thank-you note. I expressed my appreciation for their loyalty and shared how much I enjoyed working with them.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. The client was touched by the personal touch and our relationship deepened significantly after that.

The lesson here? In business, sometimes it’s the old-fashioned gestures that make the biggest impact. So next time you want to make someone feel valued, consider reaching for a pen instead of your keyboard.

3) Supporting local businesses

Back in the 60s and 70s, shopping local wasn’t just a trend; it was a way of life. Neighborhood grocers, family-owned restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops were the heart of communities.

Fast-forward to today, and this old-school custom seems to be making a comeback. In fact, a recent study found that 75% of consumers are more likely to buy from a small business that supports their local community.

For entrepreneurs, this means opportunities abound. By investing in your community and supporting other local businesses, you not only contribute to the local economy but also create stronger connections with your customers.

Remember, people love to support businesses that care about their communities. So, go ahead and show some local love—it’s good for business.

4) Work-life balance

In the 60s and 70s, the concept of work-life balance was much simpler. Work ended when you left the office, and the rest of the time was yours to enjoy.

Fast forward to today, and boundaries between work and personal life have blurred significantly, especially with the rise of remote working.

But here’s something to consider: a study by Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week.

So, maybe it’s time we took a leaf out of the old-school book and started drawing clearer lines between work and leisure again.

A well-rested entrepreneur is an effective entrepreneur. So don’t be afraid to switch off the email notifications after hours. It’s not just good for your health; it’s good for your business too.

5) Treating customers like family

Back in the day, business was more than just transactions. It was about relationships. Shopkeepers knew their customers by name and treated them as if they were part of the family.

I firmly believe this is a practice we need to revisit. In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, it’s easy to forget that behind every transaction is a real person with unique needs and desires.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that treating customers like family can have incredible benefits for your business. It creates loyalty, fosters trust, and most importantly, it makes your customers feel valued.

So next time you interact with a customer, remember they’re more than just a revenue source. They’re part of your business family. Treat them accordingly, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make.

6) Slowing down

In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down might seem like a recipe for failure. But let’s take a step back and look at the 60s and 70s. Life moved at a slower pace, and guess what? Things still got done.

The constant rush we often find ourselves in can lead to stress, burnout, and even mistakes in our work.

Slowing down, on the other hand, allows us to think more clearly, make better decisions, and ultimately, be more productive.

So while it might seem like you’re losing time, slowing down could actually be the key to getting more done. It’s a lesson from the past that could significantly benefit our present.

7) Appreciating the simple things

In the 60s and 70s, life was less about material possessions and more about experiences and relationships. People valued the simple things in life, like a good conversation, a home-cooked meal, or a walk in the park.

In today’s world, where we’re constantly bombarded with the need to have more, this old-school custom is a breath of fresh air.

As entrepreneurs, appreciating the simple things can help us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. It can remind us that while growth and profit are important, they are not the sole measures of success.

So take a moment to appreciate the simpler things. It might just provide the balance and perspective you need to navigate your entrepreneurial journey.

8) Embracing change

If there’s one thing the 60s and 70s taught us, it’s the importance of embracing change. These decades were marked by significant cultural, social, and technological shifts.

As entrepreneurs, being open to change is crucial. It allows us to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. It’s the key to surviving in an ever-evolving business landscape.

So, remember to embrace change – it’s not just an old-school custom, but a timeless strategy for success.

Reflecting on the past

As we journey through this wild ride called entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and technologies. But sometimes, looking back can provide us with the insights we need to move forward effectively.

The 60s and 70s may seem like a distant era, but these decades have gifted us with customs that have aged remarkably well.

These old-school practices remind us of the value of personal relationships, the importance of balance, and the power of embracing change.

So, as we navigate our own entrepreneurial paths, let’s take a moment to reflect on these lessons from the past. They might just hold the key to our future success.

After all, wisdom doesn’t always come with age – sometimes, it comes from understanding what has aged well.