Self-Evaluation is Important

Self-evaluation is important as part of the learning curve, and an important skill of being an entrepreneur in general and a C.E.O. in particular. Sometimes it's easier said than done. Time is evasive when you're knee deep in development and juggling a multifaceted effort. The other day I had an associate evaluate my management style. He offered insight to what he thought were my strengths. Then he asked if I'd mind hearing the negatives.

Priorities Are The Key

There is so much for an entrepreneur to juggle.  After all, we have to wear many -- and sometimes all -- hats to run our business. Certainly, the short list includes sales, marketing, operations, and accounting. 

Even when I had fifty employees and could delegate the responsibilities of entire departments, I still had to wear multiple hats -- because in the end, the buck always lands at your feet. Hey, you thought being an entrepreneur was easy? Ha, no sweat, no glory kids. It takes passion, commitment, brain power, and horsepower alike.

An Effective Leader

An effective leader can lead—even when they’re following. Sometimes it requires command of a situation, while others require simply knowing when to get out of the way.

Just as there is a great divide between business theory and business practice, so too are there great divides between dictatorship and leadership, and between leadership theory and leadership practice. 

Should one command obedience or inspire greatness? Can they do both?

Business theory provides the blueprint for setting up and running a business; it outlines the operational architecture one should create and the management hierarchy one should employ, all on the promise that this will lead to the land of milk and honey. 

Win or Fail Depends on Defense

Many years ago, I was having dinner with David Graebel, where we discussed business in general, and the keys to being successful in particular. 

Get Stuff Done

Getting stuff done is at the root of any business venture.  It may sound trivial, but many start-ups strategize themselves right out of business because they don’t get stuff done!

Launching a business and turning it into a revenue-generating enterprise is daunting, and becoming self-sustaining and profitable is even more so. However, that is just the warm-up drill; the real chore is stabilizing, managing, and growing that business in an ever-changing world.

Ready To Get To It

I'm back in Bangalore, India, and raring to get to work! That is one of those statements you'd think you'd never say—like on your death bed, you'd never say, "I wish I spent more time at work!" But I'm not on my deathbed, and I am generally excited about the company I am building with a young team of energetic spirits.  

It Ain't Easy! If it Were ...

Starting and running a business is not easy; if it were, everyone would do it.  It requires vision, discipline  dedication, and ... perhaps, a little serendipity