A couple of days ago my house was burgled. The thieves went through every room in the house and went through all of my personal belongings, cupboards, drawers... you name it. Ironically the only part of the house that these guys were not interested in was the study. The study On that bookshelf you have everything… Continue reading My House Was Burgled
Month: November 2016
Regulations
I find it really interesting how rules and regulations often stop people from doing important work. Everyone knows how it often stands in the way of justice, of positive change and innovation. Looking at countries instead of organisations is an interesting thought experiment. The countries which have the longest democratic history are the countries with… Continue reading Regulations
Disruption Looks Like A Toy
When the first iPhone was released it was flown over to Nokia headquarters. One of the divisions in Nokia had already been working on a similar product and was asking for some more money to develop it further. One of the executives held the iPhone up and asked the fatal rhetorical question: "What's their market share?"… Continue reading Disruption Looks Like A Toy
Make It Count
Easy Wins Don't Count If someone gets the grades by cheating or gets that promotion because their dad is the boss then it doesn't count. They know it and everyone else knows it. What's more, because they didn't earn it they have no character, integrity or insight. They haven't learnt how to work with people, how to bring… Continue reading Make It Count
The Process
People focus on events. Whether it's when someone sells their company for tens of millions, or when someone wins gold at the Olympics, or when someone graduates from a prestigious University with a good degree; people focus on the event. What they don't focus on is the process. The process is the hours of work, of… Continue reading The Process
Be An Artist
Creating a start-up is like being an artist. What do we love about our favourite artists? Whether it's Leonardo da Vinci or Metallica, what is it that we love about people who create art? In my opinion we love them because they were willing to be exposed. To put something out into the world and… Continue reading Be An Artist
Go Around
It used to be that if someone at the top said no, then that would be it. You've hit the dead-end and you can't go any further. Now, when people say no, what you should be hearing is; "it's not for me". In this connected age if someone says no, all you have to do is… Continue reading Go Around
How To Evaluate Business Ideas
First off, I'd just like to mention that ideas are worthless. Anyone can have an idea - it doesn't mean a thing. Execution of the idea is king. If I went to Elon Musk and gave him a rubbish idea, I can guarantee that he would make it into a million (if not a billion!) dollar business. If… Continue reading How To Evaluate Business Ideas
Reasons To Start A Business
A lot of people start a business for good reasons. So that they can be their own boss, to make more money, to make a difference and have an impact in the world (you can debate how true each one of these things actually is, but this isn't what I want to address today). What I find… Continue reading Reasons To Start A Business
Self Awareness
You've been given a hand to play with. There is no point in dwelling on your inherent nature or your perceived shortcomings. If you're less patient than others, you can get things done quicker. If you're short-tempered, you can harness your discontent to propel you forward. If you're opinionated, you can make yourself be heard… Continue reading Self Awareness
