Recurring Problems Have Both Technical and Psychological Roots I got an e-mailed question from someone who had watched my “The Limits of I’ll Know It When I See It” video. Q: In your talk you say “Most recurring problems are a combination of an unsolved technical problem and an unresolved emotional component to that problem.” […]
Recurring Problems Have Both Technical and Psychological Roots Read More »
This is a start articulating a set of resources for entrepreneurs that are for the most part not yet widely appreciated as applicable to entrepreneurship but that have had a significant impact on my perspective. I welcome any suggestions or lists from readers for what has influenced you, and opened you to new perspectives on your
Articles, Ideas, and Books That Made Me a Better Entrepreneur Read More »
Appreciative Inquiry offers a solid approach for early customer interviews.Ask, “What’s working and what problems do you have?”
Early Customer Conversations: Use Appreciative Inquiry, Amplify Positive Deviance Read More »
Here are three good books for consultants that I routinely recommend: “Trusted Advisor”, “Secrets of Consulting”, and “Rainmaking.”
Three Good Books for Consultants Read More »
Here is the outline and slides from my talk at SFBay ACM on “Limits of I’ll Know it When I see it” about the fundamentals in applying expertise effectively.
Slides from “Limits of I’ll Know It When I See It” Talk at SFBay ACM Read More »
The Venture Hacks e-book “Pitching Hacks” offers good advice for entrepreneurs whether they are bootstrapping or seeking investment.
Pitching Hacks Has $20 Worth of Advice for Bootstrappers As Well Read More »
William Feather’s “Dead Business” details the stark differences between a going concern and all the agreements and understandings that have been reached to make it viable, and a bankrupt one.
William Feather on “Dead Business” Read More »
After thinking some more about yesterday’s post on entrepreneurial motivation I thought I would re-read some Peter Drucker, his clarity and prescience continue to impress me.
Drucker on Profit and Business Purpose Read More »
In April of 2001, as the euphoria from 1999 started to fall to earth again (by October it would be accessible only by Deep Submersible Rescue Vehicle) Daniel Pink wrote “Land of the Free” in Fast Company that was a teaser for “Free Agent Nation” as a hardback in May of 2001 and paperback in
Daniel Pink’s “Free Agent Nation” Worth Revisiting Read More »
What follows are some real questions I have answered either face to face or in e-mail over the last 90 days in response to the current downturn in Silicon Valley. Customer Development for a Consultants in a Downturn Q: I just completed my first two years of consulting–which were spectacular–after 20+ years of full time
Customer Development for a Consulting Practice in a Downturn Read More »
Sean is speaking Thursday November 6 at the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the IEEE Technological Management Council on “Ten Business Books in One Hour for the Busy High-Tech Executive.” Location: Ramada Inn, 1217 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94089 (See Meeting Map) Time & Date: 6-9pm (Dinner included) on Thursday November 6, 2008 Cost &
Ten Key Books for Busy High-Tech Execs @IEEE-SCV-TMC Nov-6-2008 Read More »
A passage from chapter 15 of Jerome K. Jerome’s “Three Men in a Boat” captures the risk that an attitude of perfectionism toward work can hinder startup founders.
Jerome K. Jerome on Work Read More »
David Packard suggested 7 objectives for HP managers at the “Sonoma Meeting” in his book, “The HP Way” that also apply to startups.
HP Way: Seven Objectives For Your Startup Read More »
I was an early fan of Steve Blank’s customer development model. This post was written when “Four Steps to the Epiphany” was only available on Cafe Press and documents the early set of principles he espoused.
Steve Blank on Customer Development Process for Startups Read More »
2003 reflections on the dotcom crash–the year I started SKMurphy, Inc., and 4 rules of thumb from Richard Wiseman on making you own luck.
Entrepreneurs, Luck, and Silicon Valley Read More »
Entrepreneurs often have to ask an expert for help. Here is some common mistakes to avoid and suggestions for how to make a positive response more likely.
How To Ask An Expert For Help Read More »
I came across a good quote on innovation and invention in a 2004 article in Fortune Magazine by Harold Evans called “What Drives America’s Greatest Innovators“ (emphasis added) [The] defining characteristic of the innovator: a determination to bring a brainwave into the bustle of the marketplace. […] More innovations come from borrowing and combining than
Entrepreneurial Innovation Comes More From Borrowing & Combining Than Invention Read More »
A useful basic sales model start with understanding the process that your prospects go through to make a purchase: understand believe act.
Understand, Believe, and Act Read More »
Jerry Weissman’s model for a successful presentation takes the audience on a journey from Point A to Point B: from uninformed and skeptical to persuaded and ready to act.
Jerry Weissman On Persuasion: Getting From Point A to Point B In Your Presentation Read More »
“Nuts, Bolts, and Jolts” by Richard Moran offers a well organized collection of business advice organized as bullet-length prescriptions.
Nuts, Bolts and Jolts by Richard Moran Read More »
