Podcast: Entrepreneurs can save America
In this episode, we discuss the power of entrepreneurship as the answer to our economic and political woes. It is the answer to keeping the American Dream alive, creating jobs, bringing financial stability, and bringing America back to its roots!
Listen up and let us know your thoughts by commenting below…
Taming the lizard brain – Seth Godin talk
Posted by Billy in Business Theory & Strategy on June 2, 2010
Seth Godin is a favorite marketing guru here and his latest book Linchpin is a great read. This talk is based on a few topics therein. Check it out!
The productivity framework – 4 key components
Posted by Billy in Productivity & Personal Growth on May 31, 2010
For my own productivity ‘system’, I have identified 4 key components that simplify the understanding of any system out there. The framework is completely underpinned by your personal modes of operation and your core purpose and desire. With this, here is the framework:
The 3 areas within the framework, as you can see, are tools, tactics and processes. They are defined as follows:
Tools – these are the technology pieces and other systems that help you facilitate your productivity. This would be your computer, smartphone, and software. Also included here are your notebooks and pens, post-it notes, etc. Whatever the tools are, these are here.
Tactics – these are the individual tasks or simple strategies within your system, such as a weekly meeting or daily download. Other areas include how you handle email, how you communicate and how you filter your information flow.
Processes – these are habits, routines, calendar events, and general management of your tactics and tools. It is essentially methodologies that govern the cooperation of tools and tactics.
Now remember, as I mentioned, if your system is not grounded in the foundation of your mode of operation (M.O.) and your core purposes, it will likely fall apart and you will be miserable doing it. The goal isn’t simply to get stuff done but the right stuff in the right way, going for accomplishment and not simply busy-work. Your M.O. is how you work most effectively. Not everyone operates exactly the same and this must be considered when deciding how to get things done. Your core purpose includes your personal mission and life vision. What are you trying to do with your life and does your system move you properly? Think about this and move toward identifying the 4 components for yourself and how they meld together.
What do you think? is this framework descriptive of your system of accomplishment?
Podcast: The Pivot Point
- Its all about the “pivot point” in entrepreneurship. That is the point when the model is revealed, the niche is understood, and the organization shifts to match, followed by powerful growth.
- Most first time entrepreneurs experience this and many “serial” ones as well. All organizations experience small pivot points, often regularly.
- Discussed Groupon.com and their pivot point to the “coupon” business that is creating overwhelming results.
Keep it up and check out other posts and articles regarding this concept!! Let me know what you think, share examples, and give feedback!
Get creative to get the introduction
Posted by Billy in Trends & Ideas on May 18, 2010
Networking is a crucial part to entrepreneurship. It is often a “who you know” business and industry (if you can call ‘entrepreneurship’ an industry…). Getting creative may be needed, especially if you are attempting to jump the proverbial ‘line’, striving to meet a much bigger player than yourself. The below video shares how one gentleman landed a job by getting creative. Now most of you are likely not looking to land a job but the concept is still an interesting and creative way to meet people your looking to connect with! Check it out:
Getting creative doesn’t always pay off and if you are too creative, it could backfire, but hey, just another risk of the game! read the article from Bnet here.
The importance of “Why” for your business
Posted by Billy in Business Theory & Strategy on May 11, 2010
Why do you do what you do? Don’t think just ‘what’ or ‘how’ but WHY!! This is a great talk that discusses the importance of purpose in motive (and sorry, profit is not purpose but result). This is a great way to start the conversation about your business’ mission, vision, and values. I hesitate to even use those buzz words as they’ve been so prostituted out they’re nearly worthless (thanks in large to monotonous academia, sorry you crazy academics but its true). If these concepts can penetrate to the core of who you are and who your organization is, THEN they become powerful enough to overcome all odds, just as the Wright brothers example given in the vid. Ensure you check out the last post here to continue the conversation of “why”. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Passion is more important than Genius
Posted by Billy in Business Theory & Strategy, Trends & Ideas on May 10, 2010
Malcolm Gladwell shares his thoughts on the importance of passion and attitude in regard to business success. Do something you are passionate about!!!
Podcast: Your productivity, seeking purpose-driven accomplishment
Today’s show topics:
- exploring personal and business productivity
- How can you look for purpose-driven accomplishment and not simply get more stuff done
- Is there an ideal system of productivity for you out there?
- The starting point is to understand yourself, your talents, and your mode of operation
- Tools and tests to identify your mode of operation and strengths (www.kolbe.com & www.strengthsfinder.com)
- See a current blog post on this topic here.
Innovators: Solar Power competes with fossil fuels?!
Posted by Billy in Trends & Ideas on May 6, 2010
eSolar, an Idealab company founded by Bill Gross, is working to introduce and expand its solar-thermal energy solution around the world. One question I have is what the land-usage efficiency is. That is, how much power is produced per square foot of land it takes up. This may not be a huge factor as they could simply be built in inhospitable desert climates where land and space is not nearly the concern of local placement. Just a thought though… if anyone knows more about it, comment and fill me in!
The Power of Visual Triggers in Business
Posted by Billy in Business Theory & Strategy on May 5, 2010
Many businesses have goals to be “customer-centric” and follow the classic “customer comes first” mantra. There is obvious value in such an approach, especially from a customer service approach. One simple and often overlooked step is to simply setup specific and obvious visual triggers for both employees and customers. Having a sign on the wall that says specifically what you are trying to do openly tells the customer and reminds the employee. They will both seek out the mantra simply by being reminded of it. Customers will look for how the employee is doing this, noting it and appreciating it more consciously while the employee will subconsciously think whether they are holding to it as well. Other obvious ones may include wearing a button or tag and the like. Change it up from time to time as the trigger will be ignored as time goes on.
Other use of physical space to enhance or influence can be very powerful. As in this study, voters are more likely to support tax increases for education if they cast their vote at a school! Think about how your environment promotes what you want your customers to think, feel, desire.
This is just a simple tip to improve your results, buy-in of employees, and success rate of implementation of your mantra or goal, whatever it may be.







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