“It’s not that I reject categories. It’s that I don’t really know what categories are.” – Ornette Coleman

Musicians have to struggle with categories.  Should they conform to a particular format, style or even the expectations of their fan base?  If they do, they can win short term success but in the end, they are known for the past.

Entrepreneurs can get into the same trap if they look where everyone else is playing.  Incremental improvements on other’s ideas won’t change the world.

It’s easy to be a critic.  Critics report on the status quo.  Critics react to change. Your job is not to please the critics.  Rather, create something that will delight your customers.  Give them something they’ve never had before.

Let the critics create the categories…AFTER you’ve already been there.

“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.” – Ken Olsen, President, Digital Equipment Corp. 1977

It is amazing how some brilliant people and thought leaders get so focused that they miss true opportunities.  This is proof that technical genius is NOT necessary for entrepreneurial success.  Michael Dell is one of the people that brought the computer to the masses and he didn’t complete his degree.  His products were not all invented by his company.

But, he had a solid business model.

 

“We cannot predict the future. But we can create it.” – Jim Collins

The iPod led to the iPhone and the iPad.  Was it intentional?  Probably.  Regardless, five years ago, tablet computers were expensive, bulky and generally worthless.

The future happens quickly.  The iPad was introduced less than two and a half years ago and yet it seems like they’ve been around longer.  That’s how it is with innovation.

Read “Great By Choice”  by Jim Collins

 

“Do something hard and lonely.” – Jeffery J. Fox

Distance runners, cabinet makers, cyclists, solo musicians all have something in common. It takes time to be good at what they do and no one else can do it for them.

Taking on a hard, physically demanding avocation will help focus your mind and build your internal confidence.  Plus it will give you time to think.

You need time to think.  Away from everything and everyone.

Read “How to Become a CEO” By Jeffery J. Fox

“It’s important for entrepreneurs to understand that their “Brand” is the collective emotional response to their product or service.” – Mike Troiano

The days when companies can control their message and protect their brand are just about gone with the dawn of the social media age.  Consider the airline industry.  About the only company that advertises is the one that hasn’t alienated their customers…Southwest Airlines.

The only way to “protect” your brand is to delight your customers.

“Hedgehogs…understand that the essence of profound insight is simplicity.” – Jim Collins

The Hedgehog Concept described in Jim Collins’ “Good To Great”  is a great tool for developing a strategic vision for your startup company.  It is the intersection between what drives your passion, what you can be really good at, and what can make you money.  These are the essence of a good startup.

Read “Good To Great” by Jim Collins