I remember the bane of 'analysis paralysis' from my corporate years - there was always one faction that favored lengthy and laborious analysis before even agreeing to a proposal, sometimes to the extent that the proposal became obsolete. While understanding and supporting the need for analysis, I personally preferred the 'do your homework quickly, highlight the risks, plan an escape route and then go for it' approach myself and often had to dig in deep to find patience when faced with endless analysis that I couldn't control.
But for an entrepreneur, quick decisions are a necessity not an option. In an earlier post I'd written about the adaptive startup and why it is important for a startup to change, but there has to be a decision to act first in order to have something that requires change. As an early stage entrepreneur, you have to remember there's no such thing as a perfect product or a perfect market or even a perfect team - you've got to lead with what you've got and make something happen. Granted you may find that you've headed in the wrong direction and you have to make course corrections, but at least you're moving. It's hard to be agile if you're static.
I was reminded of this recently by two things. First, I was contemplating launching a new program but was concerned about the fact that the software was missing a couple of features that I felt to be key and that I didn't have dedicated resources to get started. Most of all I wasn't sure this program would even be successful though on paper it seemed so, and it didn't help that everyone around me was in tactical mode and couldn't meaningfully engage in a discussion in a timely manner. The standard process would have been to take more time to do deeper analysis on viability as well as assess the software changes impact before making the decision to go ahead. All it took was one simple 'aha' moment to remember that the program could be launched as a contained pilot and the software features could be (I was sure they would be) suggestions from the users and prioritized by them. I made the decision to get started and I'm happy to say the program's well on its way and everything is falling into place as part of just getting it done - that includes the resources.
Soon after I'd made the decision, I ran across this post which delivered a virtual pat on the back validating the entrepreneur's need for quick decisions - and by implication, quick action. It is well known that the idea alone is not sufficient for a successful startup, it's the execution of the idea that counts - and execution is all about deciding and doing. As an entrepreneur remember you have a need, a need for speed!
Channeling the inner entrepreneur who views life as a startup. Musings about people, their spirit, the startup ethos and the entrepreneurial attitude, with an emphasis on education and social ventures. The 'how-to'? Not so much. But definitely the why, the what and the whatever.
More on asking
A few posts ago I'd written about how important it is for entrepreneurs (probably everyone, but entrepreneurs in particular) to get comfortable asking because in a startup you're going to be in ask-mode much of the time (read more here). Believe me, it gets easier with practice - it may still qualify as one of your least favorite activities, right down there with doing taxes, but you get it over it much quicker.
Recently I ran across this post on the Groundswell blogs (the book's by Josh Bernoff and Charlene Li - more info here) on how to get help from people you don't know. In short, Josh suggests you send an email. He gives a lot more advice, ranging from how to word the subject line to your signature. This is a good 'how-to', informative and with examples. I personally like an email better than a phone call because you give people a chance to think about what you're asking without feeling pressured to respond right away (not to mention that most of the time when you call someone you don't know you end up in the dreaded voicemail zone). For sure you can't ask for help from someone you don't know on Facebook unless it's for a crowd-sourced thing, ditto for LinkedIn. If it is personal involvement you want your options are basically an email, a phone call - or a carefully plotted 'casual' encounter which is clearly entering sitcom territory.
Yes, Josh's suggestion email suggestion is a good one, but if you're an early stage entrepreneur you need to take some more steps. Don't go on and on about your startup - keep it close to the elevator pitch. Do mention common (and well respected) friends/acquaintances if any, preferably in the subject line if you can do a 'referral'. Most importantly don't include links or attachments - unless you want your email to end up slumming in the junk folder. Get a response first and then, when you're past the spam filters, you can send your exec overview or a link to your demo or both. Do ask, do tell, and hope you do get what you want!
Recently I ran across this post on the Groundswell blogs (the book's by Josh Bernoff and Charlene Li - more info here) on how to get help from people you don't know. In short, Josh suggests you send an email. He gives a lot more advice, ranging from how to word the subject line to your signature. This is a good 'how-to', informative and with examples. I personally like an email better than a phone call because you give people a chance to think about what you're asking without feeling pressured to respond right away (not to mention that most of the time when you call someone you don't know you end up in the dreaded voicemail zone). For sure you can't ask for help from someone you don't know on Facebook unless it's for a crowd-sourced thing, ditto for LinkedIn. If it is personal involvement you want your options are basically an email, a phone call - or a carefully plotted 'casual' encounter which is clearly entering sitcom territory.
Yes, Josh's suggestion email suggestion is a good one, but if you're an early stage entrepreneur you need to take some more steps. Don't go on and on about your startup - keep it close to the elevator pitch. Do mention common (and well respected) friends/acquaintances if any, preferably in the subject line if you can do a 'referral'. Most importantly don't include links or attachments - unless you want your email to end up slumming in the junk folder. Get a response first and then, when you're past the spam filters, you can send your exec overview or a link to your demo or both. Do ask, do tell, and hope you do get what you want!
Universal new year euphoria
On New Year's day I was with friends and family (watching the Rose Bowl was our purported goal) and we got into a discussion about how New Year celebrations were unnecessary and forced on everyone when it was just a day like any other. While I'm all for people not being compelled to do anything, least of all wear silly hats and drink copious amounts of faux champagne, I believe there's a lot to be said for marking and yes, celebrating, the beginning of a new year (emphasis on the new). Sure some might feel a perceived peer pressure to have 'epic' experiences on December 31, but that's like any other social expectation which most secure adults should be able to withstand comfortably. What excites me, and what I like to signify and celebrate, is the feeling of newness and the myriad possibilities starting January 1 - because even though it appears to be just a day like any other, it becomes special just by thinking it is so.
The best thing about an observed new year, regardless of the calendar you choose to follow, is the shared perception that it is open to change - of the good kind. Of course you can resolve to change your life starting September 23 or July 17, it is perfectly doable and people do it all the time, but unless that happens to be 'new year day' in your part of the world you'll be the only one doing it. January 1, on the other hand, is when billions around the world are clearing out cobwebs, literally and metaphorically, and gearing up for the good stuff in work, play, health, relationships, spirit, and all things important. There are the best-of and looking-ahead lists, the planning seminars, the health club discounts, the rejuvenation conferences for minds, bodies, careers, the how-to launch your business workshops, sermons, prayers and rituals of renewal - there's a 'fresh start' zeitgeist that generates a heightened sense of hope and determination that could last for weeks after the new year.
This universal euphoria pulls everyone along, and it's a good thing, particularly for entrepreneurs. It helps you reflect and plan, review and re-energize and often provides a convenient point to shake things up and create new goals and programs. And nobody questions the timing - changes are pretty much the norm for the new year and everyone, whether team member, advisor, investor or customer, is primed for it. Yes, the new year may be all in your head, but when it's in all our heads at the same time, it packs a pretty powerful punch and may be just what you need to make the changes you desire.
The best thing about an observed new year, regardless of the calendar you choose to follow, is the shared perception that it is open to change - of the good kind. Of course you can resolve to change your life starting September 23 or July 17, it is perfectly doable and people do it all the time, but unless that happens to be 'new year day' in your part of the world you'll be the only one doing it. January 1, on the other hand, is when billions around the world are clearing out cobwebs, literally and metaphorically, and gearing up for the good stuff in work, play, health, relationships, spirit, and all things important. There are the best-of and looking-ahead lists, the planning seminars, the health club discounts, the rejuvenation conferences for minds, bodies, careers, the how-to launch your business workshops, sermons, prayers and rituals of renewal - there's a 'fresh start' zeitgeist that generates a heightened sense of hope and determination that could last for weeks after the new year.
This universal euphoria pulls everyone along, and it's a good thing, particularly for entrepreneurs. It helps you reflect and plan, review and re-energize and often provides a convenient point to shake things up and create new goals and programs. And nobody questions the timing - changes are pretty much the norm for the new year and everyone, whether team member, advisor, investor or customer, is primed for it. Yes, the new year may be all in your head, but when it's in all our heads at the same time, it packs a pretty powerful punch and may be just what you need to make the changes you desire.
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