The Leap

Time to grab your surf board in the business world?

I love this blog post by Seth Godin referring to those entrepreneurs that enjoy the excitement of working hard and catching the big wave in the business world.  As a three year Hawaii native that spent many weekends up on the north shore surfing I can relate to this analogy. There was nothing better than working hard through the surf and waiting to catch the perfect tube on its way in to the sandy beaches. When the surf was bombing everyone on the island ran to hit the best beaches to catch the perfect wave. Some of the scariest moments of my life came on the north shore when I tanked it and the undertow held me down for what seemed like an eternity. The moment you are able to pop your head up in the ocean foam to gasp for air you feel reborn. That moment lasts for seconds as you quickly glance the next monster wave coming right at you and you have to prepare to take action.

I have found the business world to be the same way. There are moments of total exhilaration and excitement followed by periods where the undertows are holding you down for the count and you are fighting for air. What works in the surf on the north shore of Hawaii I have found works best in the business world. RELAX! When you get caught in the undercurrents on the north shore it is critical to not fight it but relax, save your energy and oxygen, and soon you will make it to the surface. The same holds true in the business world.  Everyone will find times where their back is to the wall, where the stress is at epic levels, where everything is on the line and a make it or break it deal seems lost. RELAX!  Being calm and cool on the north shore will save your life and it can also save your business! 

How do you get a great company logo?

Those of you who are starting a new company or business venture and looking for a company logo this is a great article from Inc. magazine on how to harness the power of crowdsourcing to obtain some great ideas. Inc. Magazine, The Magazine for Growing Companies, does a great job with their articles and content. I highly recommend it for anyone who has or is about to make "The Leap."  For those of you who would like to work directly with a graphic designer in the creation of your company logo let me know and I will put you in touch with mine.

Gather talent and collaborate for success!

A key component to someone making the leap and becoming an entrepreneur and being successful in the transition is the ability to associate with great thinkers and business minds that can help you on your way.  This article from Fast Company Magazine highlights this importance and how groups around the country are trying to help people get together to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects.  I've been fortunate to be a member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) which has been an invaluable resource for me in my professional career.  However, when launching a new venture one of the best working groups has been a group of talented friends that I have met with weekly. Many times these meetings would be multiple times a week starting over dinner and would go until 1 or 2am as we hashed out business plans and shared ideas. Three separate ventures are currently underway from these very meetings and I think we all have learned a lot from each other.  

 

When trying to bring a group of people together to discuss your ideas it is important to ensure a diverse background but be sure those involved have true skill sets they bring to the table, are passionate about entrepreneurial pursuits, and are people you would like to be in business with.  I have found these working groups best to be no more than 4-5 people.  You don't have to be in Silicon Valley to launch a tech company or in New York to launch a media business.  If you have a great idea jump start it by gathering your trusted advisors and friends that can add to the project and start working together.  You will be surprised at where it takes you!