Got Cigars?

Sunday, December 15, 2013

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.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Priorities Are The Key


There is so much for an entrepreneur to juggle.  After All, we have to wear many -- and sometimes, all -- hats in order to make our business run. 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 horse power alike.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

An Effective Leader

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


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

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


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

Saturday, July 13, 2013

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. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

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. Becoming self-sustaining and profitable all the more so.  However, that is just the warm-up drill; the real chore is to stabilize, manage, and grow that business in an ever-changing world.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Ready To Get To It


I'm back in Bangalore India and raring to get too 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 death bed, and I am generally excited about the company I am building with a young team of energetic spirits.  

Thursday, March 14, 2013

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