Blue is the new Black!

For starters, it’s good to be back on the blogging scene.  I spent most of May traveling to Asia (Hong Kong, China, and Bangkok) getting an whirlwind overview on their economies, doing business in these booming markets, and what we can expect over the next few years.  Needless to say it was a great education…

Now… back to the topic at hand.  To clarify when I say “Blue is the new Black”, I’m not referring to fashion – in fact, I’m the last person that should be writing about that topic!  I’m talking about business… in accounting slang, it’s understood that when your business is operating in the “black”, the company is actually operating above the bottom line – in other words, doing well.  Conversely, when the company is operating in the “red”, it means the company is on fire and may need to be saved (or shut down – depending on which is more prudent). Continue reading “Blue is the new Black!”

United We Stand… Global Citizens.

Today marks a momentous day in modern history with the demise of Osama bin Laden and for many, a feeling of closure, has finally arrived.  In the face of terror (or any form thereof), we must stand united regardless of our race, religion, or country for it is a common enemy that afflicts us all.  For some, today is about celebration; for me, it’s a day of reflection to realize what our freedom really costs us and to offer our thanks to those who guard it with their lives.

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Yes, No, Maybe So?

Of the many decisions a start-up company founder has to make, “to sell or not to sell” ranks right at the top of the list.  With the underlying assumption that the founder has arrived at this point because the company is doing great (or on the verge thereof), not only is this is a good problem to have, but it can mark a critical point in not on the entrepreneur’s life but also in the company’s legacy.  Selling at the right time to the right partner could bring tremendous value to both the start-up, acquiring company, employees, and shareholders.  Continue reading “Yes, No, Maybe So?”

One of my life’s greatest lessons…

While it’s nice to be important, it’s more important to be nice…

What Are Your Rules?

I’ve always found it interesting when a successful executive takes the time to write down what they believe have been their core success principles.  Given the vast majority of topics available, it’s not that easy to narrow down to a select few.  More importantly,  those that have been identified as consistent and repeatable – this ability is, in many cases, equally if not more important, than the principle itself.

I came across an article yesterday where Pepsi’s CMO, Salman Amin, defined what his six principles of success have been and I’ve shared them below.

Continue reading “What Are Your Rules?”

The Culture Driven Company!

About ten years ago, Reed Hastings co-founded a small company in Los Gatos, CA (Silicon Valley) that would mail you DVDs.  Ten years later, they are a force to be reckoned with and are disrupting how you watch TV and movies!  With an IPO price of $15 (May, 2002), today their stock is trading at over $240/share and the company has a market cap of over $12B!

One reason for Netflix’s ongoing success is the company’s culture, which emphasizes performance, freedom, and responsibility.  If you want an example of Employees First and Customer’s Second, search no more!

Continue reading “The Culture Driven Company!”

10 Entrepreneurship Rules You Must Know!

If there is one person out there who knows the rules of engagement for a new start up, it’s Reid Hoffman. He’s the co-founder of LinkedIn – the original business social media site that has become a part of our daily digital lives; which, incidentally, has also recently filed to go public. In addition, Reid is a partner at Greylock so he’s intimately familiar with both the entrepreneurial and venture rules of success. Recently, I was able to hear Reid speak to his rules for building companies and thought it would be great information to share: Continue reading “10 Entrepreneurship Rules You Must Know!”

Silicon Valley – Respect!

The hype around “Silicon Valley – no longer the place to be!” seems to be everywhere in some form or another nowadays.  Whether it’s in the news or some high profile former valley exec (who, by the way, probably loved the valley at some point because it helped them get mega-rich!), they are all touting the challenges associated with doing business not only in the valley but California too – and, in some cases, doing business in the USA in general!  Fair argument… let’s see if we can break this down… Continue reading “Silicon Valley – Respect!”

I was here FIRST!

In business, never underestimate the value of true first mover advantage.  True first mover advantage reflects not the first actual mover, but the first mover to garner significant market share.  In fact, the gains can be tremendous – become recognized as the leader in the space (whereas everyone else becomes the “me too”), get customers (and revenue) before any competitor can arrive on the scene, and reap great profits and possibly gain monopoly-like status.  An entrepreneur’s (and the VC who backed the company) dream come true! Continue reading “I was here FIRST!”

Gone in 60 Seconds!

No, we’re not talking about that awesome movie with Nicholas Cage… we’re talking about someone bailing on you when you ramble on about your idea!

It’s all about the ‘art of the pitch’.  When you have an idea that you want to share, it’s important to understand that your ability to sell the idea, in the beginning, is potentially more valuable, than the idea itself. Continue reading “Gone in 60 Seconds!”