From the outside, things do look easy. That's what happens when we see success. We see how easy it looks. We don't see the reality behind the success.One of the worst things you can do is underestimate the work and the courage it takes to build something great. Work is the determination and … [Read more...]
Friday, May 11, 2012
A Strategy For Working With Fewer Customers
I don't find mass market appealing. If you have to work with many people at a low price point then your job is to get distribution and transact as much as possible. If you are starting a business, you might find the right market and tap into it. Put a net out in a stream teaming with fish and you … [Read more...]
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Pivoting When Things Change
It is difficult, and almost impossible to predict the changes coming in our industries. The trick is not digging our heels into the conventional way we may have approached things, but it is in being able to pivot when change hits us. We must change. Being able to maneuver in the midst of change … [Read more...]
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Perils Of Diving Off The Deep End
You may be thinking about building something. Perhaps you have dreams of building a business with employees, square footage and equipment. Or you might see an opportunity in a market and want to automate it with software. I have been a part of many ventures and can see the allure and draw for an … [Read more...]
Monday, May 7, 2012
Competing On Predictability
When I am on the road, I love to experience new services. It is a break and an adventure. However, when I have a lot on my mind, there is solace in franchises and brands that are consistent whether I am in Texas or New York. Restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops and hotels can provide a predictable … [Read more...]
Monday, April 16, 2012
Recognizing And Respecting Feedback
Feedback is critical for success. We have ideas all the time but they have to be tested in reality. The universe has a way of giving us feedback to help us along the journey towards success. Feedback comes from many different places. The ignorant or foolish person cannot recognize this. Leaders and … [Read more...]
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sell Something First
Before you build something, sell something first. There's a common safety zone which pseudo-entrepreneurs find refuge in when launching a venture or trying something new - they overdesign. It's safer in that space. You can imagine what the world needs and wants and build it. There's no rejection … [Read more...]
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Someone Is Paying The Price
What can't you learn? It is all available now. What will you learn? That's a huge differentiator between the new haves and have-nots. There is not a gap in access anymore. That was taken care of once we got online, went social and could search. I work across many different industries, and while … [Read more...]
Friday, March 23, 2012
Don’t Fail Stupidly
I encourage entrepreneurs, business owners and knowledge workers to embrace failure. Failure is not the goal. It is part of the process of learning and getting to the ultimate goal we set. The problem is that there is rarely a straight path, especially if we are innovating with layers of … [Read more...]
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Balancing Perseverance And Flexibility
When you are dealing with the vast uncertainty of entrepreneurial ventures, there may be lies in your head. The lie to never quit or only persevere is one-dimensional. It can be dogmatic to one's detriment.One of the traits I have observed in the instincts of true entrepreneurs is the ability to … [Read more...]
