Comments for Thresher Online

Comment on Entrepreneurial Common Sense. by Steve J. Smith

Steve J. Smith — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Robert,

I just returned from vacation and finally had a chance to go back and catch up on some posts. You’re was fantastic! You’ve said so much in a clear, susinct manner that I’m forwarding this to all my clients and networking colleagues.

Thanks for sharing these principles. I’d say you’ve covered just about all the important areas of self-evaluation.

Comment on How Are You Reclaiming Momentum? by Steve J. Smith

Steve J. Smith — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:04:24 +0000

Walter,

It’s always good to learn from the experience of others. Your 4 rules have universal allpication and I thank you for sharing them with us.

From my own experience, I have found that difficult times such as the ones we face now are a prelude to a new set of ‘rules’ for the marketplace. When everything seems to be changing at once, I find that having a blunt conversation with yourself about what you really want is in order. I transitioned into the business I have now after coming to grips with a level of dissatisfaction in my prior field that was nothing short of debilitating.

Once I got clear about what I really wanted from an occupation (hint: it wasn’t all about money) the next thing I did was determine how best to use my time to pursue my passion.

These two things have freed me from the burden of the unexpected. The marketplace is still in a tumultuous state but my purpose and the people who will benefit by it, are the things I stay focused on.

Comment on How Are You Reclaiming Momentum? by Esther Jeles

Esther Jeles — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:38:48 +0000

Walter,
Your 4 rules for Momentum are as refreshing as a Red Bull.
I’m exchanging my wall plaque of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People with your 4 rules!
Thanks Again for your contribution.

Comment on The Nude Beach, The Entrepreneur and The Enforcer by RobertS

RobertS — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:48:24 +0000

I agree with Don. Here is a quick anecdotal, but absolutely true story. In a particular consulting engagement, I met with Dr. Grimes, VP of R&D at a medium size public company. I asked Dr. Grimes, “What new products are you developing?” He replied, ” We have this great video maker that runs on a computer and it is exactly what are customers need.” I asked, Dr. Grimes, “How do you know what your customers need?” He replied, “I know what they want and need better than they do.”

You know the rest of the story. I encouraged the CEO of this company, under confidentially agreements, to disclose the multi-million dollar new product development activity to his 25 best customers. Shortly thereafter, the new product development activity was terminated. No customer wanted the product or needed it an any price.

Dr. Grimes, the all knowing, enforcer was also canceled. In this case, the common sense of an entrepreneur prevailed. I am always amazed at how many companies do not bring their customers into their product development activity at an early stage. Enforcers try to keep the customers out while entrepreneurs want to bring the customers in.

Questions to customers such as; “Would you buy this product if we developed it?”, are often too simple to be seriously considered in a world that frequently associates the complex with value .

Comment on The Nude Beach, The Entrepreneur and The Enforcer by Esther Jeles

Esther Jeles — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:16:42 +0000

I LOVE Don’s queries:
“So how do you run your business? Do you know there are ways that things would work better? Do you try and establish firm policies and procedures to keep them in line? Do you notice that your business has been declining?”

These questions can peel the (business) layers back… some what likened to the metaphor of being without protection “naked”… exposed so that we can see how to arise “anew”!
I have not previously heard the Enforcer & Entrepreneur bipartisan view so eloquently articulated, and it makes me wonder?? “Can more of us wield the actions of enforcer & entrepreneur with an eloquent ease and grace?”

So my personal answer to Don’s question: “Do, you have everything you need to create a spectacularly successful business?”…
I answer YES!! Because in a business ailing environment I see both qualities becoming the “extra credit” financial win. I see “us” (the service provider) in need of both; a clear view for how things need to be, and a clear view of what clients / consumer are seeking : -)

Comment on 24-Hour Media Is Making Us Stupid by Esther Jeles

Esther Jeles — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:30:01 +0000

I’m in line with Nick’s thoughts regarding Journalism not having the time to research, report, and follow up on poignant stories. Often, I find myself asking; “what’s the latest news on…”! The rapid pace on “new” news does do a disservice on issues that need long term monitoring. How can we as a race resolve critical and detrimental social, economical, and behavioral ailments when we allocate “brief” awareness to the issues?
I’m not sure if there is a balance to be reached, be it less information, or more attention towards certain topics, because it would be hard to be the judge and jury as to what needs to be reported and how it should be reported.
I guess (as I sit here and write), I’d advice my self to get “smarter” on my investigating skills of what i know and how much i can understand. : )

Comment on 24-Hour Media Is Making Us Stupid by WFawcett

WFawcett — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:28:43 +0000

Not sure if it is the 24 hour media that is making us stupid, but it is what the people are watching and discussing. Digital TV and the Internet provide nearly unlimited choices and unfortunately, the masses are choosing American Idol over Senate confirmation hearings. The masses are choosing Facebook over political blogs. We will send 50 emails a day for personal or business, but never write our Senator or Congressman.

Why?

I think a lot of the reason has to do with complacency. As a society, we have had abundance which has led to an entertainment and materialistic culture. Given the current economic picture, it appears that our way of life is not going to be sustainable.

And possibly this hardship caused by the current economic situation will force society as a whole to reengage in the political discussion…that is a discussion about policy and values rather than Dem / GOP.

And if this happens, maybe we will see the masses demanding better news and media coverage. Maybe the ratings for American Idol will plummet and 60 Minutes sky-rocket. Our media is by and large run by for-profit entities that above all else will look to make a buck. If the people demand better news coverage and better multi-faceted discussion of the issues, I am confident that the media will change…at least a little bit.

Comment on Pioneering from Compassion by NMorgan

NMorgan — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:55:16 +0000

I love Esther’s comment. The new world of information sharing means that entrepreneurs can’t be prevented from succeeding just because they can’t get their hands on information. We need to define Glenn’s idea of compassion as broadly as possible to include acts of generosity and kindness of the small, daily sort as well as the larger ones of founding companies and movements. Sharing information can help us make both kinds of generosity more widely known and then more widely emulated.

Comment on Pioneering from Compassion by Esther Jeles

Esther Jeles — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:26:43 +0000

We’ve all heard the saying “knowledge is power”, I have my own, slightly edited, version of this quote… “Sharing knowledge makes us all POWERFUL!”
In pondering the question: “who else’s world will you change”, I’m really enjoying these new platforms of knowledge sharing such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogs etc. Valid comments debating for and against these new “share” medias have been presented, yet for me, I love the accessibility in knowing (at times directly from the source) what is happening to people, to our society, to the world. These platforms give me an opportunity to witness the magnitude of generosity that people give towards their personal causes; be it non for profit or other streams of intense personal interest. The quick spats of information allow me “food for thought” throughout my day, and like all things: there is benefit when one puts their attention to something (even for a minute).
I see each person being in an act of entrepreneurship when participating in the act of “sharing” information. See you all there soon : )

Comment on Pioneering from Compassion by WFawcett

WFawcett — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:46:16 +0000

This is a great topic for today’s times. Today, because of the turbulent economy, there are millions of “involuntary entrepreneurs” who, forced out of the traditional workforce, are getting in touch with their entrepreneurial spirit. This is a very scary journey for most.

This is where compassion comes in…many is this situation are in debt with little income and some major responsibilities including family and strong drive not to be a drain on their community.

What the involuntary entrepreneur needs more than anything else is compassion and reassurance from the community to keep pushing ahead and to trust in oneself. And this is truly the time for the “experienced entrepreneur” to share the harvest. Not with money but with compassion, advice and relationships.