1. Ignore the real world
I’m sure many people have been told, “That would never work in the real world”. Whether it was a childhood dream or an entrepreneur with a funky idea, we've all heard something like it. Many of the most successful companies ignored this notion and ended up with more than anyone could imagine. The real world excuse is full of pessimism and people assuming society is not ready for change.
“The real world isn't a place, it’s an excuse. It’s a justification for not trying. It has nothing to do with you.”
2. Workaholism is stupid
Working more does not mean you are more productive or care more about your company. It just means that you work longer. Working insane hours is likely to burn you out and over time, is not sustainable. Workaholics can hinder a business because they try to fix problems by working longer hours, not more efficiently and productively.
“Workaholics aren't heroes. They don’t save the day, they just use it up. The real hero is already home because he or she figured out a fast way to get things done.”
3. Your work needs to matter
“To do great work, you need to feel that you’re making a difference”.
What you are doing should help make your customers’ lives easier. You should be solving a problem that they have, not just throwing things at them. If you were to leave, they should notice.
4. No time is no excuse
Some of the busiest CEOs have time to tweet, write blog posts and interact with customers. It’s unlikely that you are busier than them. If you want to get something done, forget watching that hour of TV or sleeping in. Get up, and do something. The perfect time to start is never going to come. Start now.
“It’s entirely your responsibility to make your dreams come true.”
5. Focus on what won’t change
“The core of your business should be built around things that won’t change. Things that people are going to want today and ten years from now”.
It’s good to add new products and features, but only if it aligns with the overall core goal of your business. 37 Signals for example, focuses on simplicity, speed and ease of use. They don’t add in new features because they’re requested if they don’t mesh with their core business goals. If you try to please everyone, your product will not be useful to anyone.
6. Do less than your competitors
Excel at the things you do best and leave the tough challenges for your competitors. Simplicity and ease of use will always attract and retain customers. Sometimes simple is better.
7. Tell people how you do things
People want to know how things are made and the decisions behind them. If you share some of this information with people they will feel more connected to your company and you will have a better relationship. They will also appreciate what you do more once they understand it.
8. Five years experience
What does this really mean? Someone can have years of experience and be completely unfit for a role. What matters is an individual’s dedication, personality, intelligence and willingness to learn. You can’t measure how great someone will be from the years of experience they have.
“How long someone’s been doing it is overrated. What matters is how well they’ve been doing it”
9. The power of a good environment
Great entrepreneurial environments stem from trust, autonomy and giving people the tools that they need to succeed. If everything needs approval and all actions are being watched, this relays the idea that employees are not trusted. Who cares if someone goes on Facebook for a few minutes? People cannot work eight hours straight and breaks help refresh the mind.
“We’re all capable of bad, average, and great work. The environment has a lot more to do with great work than most people realize”.
10. Inspiration is perishable
“We all have ideas. Ideas are immortal. They last forever. What doesn't last forever is inspiration. If you want to do something, you've got to do it now. Later, you won’t be pumped up about it anymore. Inspir
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