My purpose in this article is to highlight two particular ways of thinking about progress/success that I have observed; one I will call “lottery” thinking and the other “compound interest” thinking. Adopting the “compound interest” mindset is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself. The…
Is failure the best teacher?
Meeting a lot of people with a strong desire to change the world, either personally or through their business, I am convinced that everyone who wants to achieve anything of significance has a lot to learn. When you are doing something challenging, it is almost certain there’s stuff you don’t…
The circle of competence
I was just browsing the Buffet FAQ – a compendium of Q&A’s with Warren Buffet – and my eye chanced on a question about buying companies where the numbers told him not to. I think this is very interesting, here’s a quote: But if you don’t know enough to know about the business…
Discovery workshops for the discerning investor
The key ingredients for a successful internet startup are a great team, a big vision, and a clear technology strategy. As an investor you are probably very finely attuned to issues with team setup and whether the vision is attractive and challenging but will they be able to deliver that…
Entrepreneur Kickstarter
Today I was at the School for Social Entrepreneurs giving a half-day workshop I titled Entrepreneur Kickstarter. Given that I’m still carrying a cough I was a little afraid that my voice wouldn’t hold up but fortunately, if croakily, I made it through. We had 9 entrepreneurs in attendance coming from a…
Remote working may be closer than you think
Some notes from a talk I gave as part of the Chartered Management Institute’s event The Technology of 24/7 and Remote Working part of their management trends network. I’ve been remote working for much of my professional life. Not since 2001 have I had a classic “desk job” where everyone in…
Introducing M/V (part two)
“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ― James A. Michener I’m happy to be co-announcing Mower/Valdemarin, the latest incarnation of Paolo and my quest to conquer the world. We’ve been friends and collaborators for over 12 years.