Managing complexity and uncertainty was the focus of Dr Atul Gawande’s commencement address at Williams College on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 (Reprinted in New Yorker as “Failure and Rescue“). The entire talk is worth reading and offers a medical case history as a compelling context for his points. “…the critical skills of the best surgeons […]
Dr. Atul Gawande on Managing Complexity and Uncertainty Read More »
While subsidizing entrepreneurs may produce startups, subsidizing startups will not produce entrepreneurs.
Subsidizing Startups Does Not Produce Entrepreneurs Read More »
Three excerpts from “Physics and Politics” that highlight impact of rapid change, value of perseverance, and importance of collaboration.
Three Insights from Walter Bagehot’s “Physics and Politics” Read More »
Innovation often obsoletes assumptions: when a business adopts a new technology to support a process it often changes political boundaries and alters existing relationships.
Innovation Often Obsoletes Assumptions, Political Boundaries, and Work Process Read More »
Two excerpts from E. B. White‘s 1949 essay, “Here Is New York,” that I thought were also applicable to life in Silicon Valley.
Finding Silicon Valley in Two Passages from E. B. White’s “Here Is New York” Read More »
Our collaborative writing approach has no backstage: clients see our ugly early first drafts, but this “wiki style” collaboration allows rapid iteration.
The Benefits of Collaborative Writing, Interviewing, and Improvisation Read More »
Growth is an outcome of impact. Focus on impact and innovation before investing efforts in growth. Once you have identified an opportunity to make an impact you can plan for growth.
Startups Should Focus on Impact and Innovation Before Growth Read More »
In the “Origin and Evolution of New Business” Amir Bhide advises startups to start with affordable bets in markets too small to interest large players.
Amar Bhide: Start With Affordable Bets in Markets Too Small to Interest Large Players Read More »
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Quotes For Entrepreneurs–September 2012 Read More »
For the third year in a row I will moderate a panel of startup founders sharing lesson learned bootstrapping a technology startup at Silicon Valley Code Camp. This “Working for Equity” session will be on Sunday Oct 7 at 9:15am. Here is the announcement Many of us in Silicon Valley seek to found or be
Startup Founders Announced for Working For Equity Panel at SVCC 2012 Read More »
Cardwell’s Law (named for British historian Donald Cardwell): every society, when left on its own, will be technologically creative for only short periods. I explore the implications for Silicon Valley and for entrepreneurs.
Joel Mokyr on Creative Forces and Cardwell’s Law Read More »
A custom solution that has been adopted by a paying customer can be the basis for a successful product. This is a common way to get started.
Q: Can a Custom Solution Be The Basis For A Product? Read More »
Mastermind Open House 11am Sat-Sep-22-2012 at GroundFloorSV When: 11am to 1pm Sat-Sep-20 Where: Ground Floor Silicon Valley, 2030 Duane Avenue, Santa Clara, CA Register: https://www.meetup.com/SKMurphyMastermind/ Cost: No Charge for Open House but a monthly charge will apply if you want to join a regular group We launched two new Mastermind groups about six months ago
Mastermind Open House 11am Sat-Sep-22-2012 at GroundFloorSV Read More »
When you are trying to choose from a range of opportunities, a key step is to consider what’s changed that makes this a compelling opportunity for you.
Consider What’s Changed And What You Bring To An Opportunity Read More »
Here’s why I am excited about attending the Lean Startup Conference on Dec-3-2012 and offering a workshop there with Scott Sambucci on “Engineering Your Sales Process” on the day after. Q: What aspect of lean startup methods most inspires you? Lean Startup methods recognize that new markets in particular require a scientific approach that relies
See You at Lean Startup Conference 2012 Read More »
While good surveys spark conversations with prospects and customers, poor surveys waste their time and exhaust their patience.
Good Surveys Spark Conversations, Poor Ones Exhaust Prospects’ Patience Read More »
Successful entrepreneurs have a passion to see their inventions adopted as innovations not admired as works of art. This is the science of startups.
Entrepreneurial Passion and the Science of Startups Read More »
Take a Moment To Remember 11 Years Ago; The 9-11 attack may be the question for my middle age that “where were you when John Kennedy was assassinated?” was in my youth.
Take a Moment To Remember 11 Years Ago Read More »
I am reading “The Wide Lens” by Ron Adner for a second time this year. It’s that good. I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it
I Am Reading “The Wide Lens” by Ron Adner Read More »
We offered a Book Club for Business Impact webinar on Sep-4-2012 that addressed “Lessons Learned Implementing The Great Demo Methodology” based on the Great Demo! book by Peter Cohan. We had two change agents join us on the panel: Barry Nelson and Jolie Rollins and our intent, consistent with the Book Club’s promise, elicit actionable
Recap and Audio From “Lessons Learned Implementing Great Demo! Methodology” Read More »
