Make a Difference

Recently I read three books that I would not call "self help" or business books.  However, they did have impact on me.   While they are bit more general topic oriented, I think these books are interesting beacons for entrepreneurial success.  The common thread: small numbers of people can make a huge difference.

If you have time this summer check out:

Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell.  I now find myself classifying people as Connectors, Mavens or Salesmen.  Entrepreneurs needs all three capabilities (or at least the founding team) to get their business off the ground and attract other folks of similar ability.

Freakonomics by Steven Levitt.    I now find myself wondering more about direct causation and perverse incentive structures that can infect a startup.

Jump In by Mark Burnett.   I see a lot of the Tipping Point and Freakonomics in what the author is talking about, basically starting with his set of experiences and building a significant empire in a relatively short period of time.   I think a lot of entrepreneur throw away where they come from and who they know, and it's their most valuable asset.  And sometimes you gotta say "What the F%$#$!"; you are never going to have it perfect the first time you try something out, and if you wait until you do, it's often too late, or you're dead. 

Frankly, if you think about the whole blog phenomena, it does appear that a small number of people can have a big impact on others as well.   

It's a big thought "You can do it", but a lot of people kind of take that for granted and go ahead for the wrong reasons (or not) or assume it away that it doesn't apply to them. Or then fail in the execution of their dream because they don't rely on their network of people or improperly incentive the stakeholders in their dream.

It's empowering and confidence building to the not just believe, but understand better the dynamics behind making huge differences in the world-- if you just think a bit deeper from time to time about the incentive structures that motivate people to do certain things, better leveraging the relationships you have with the right people and increasing your appetite for risk.  Sounds pretty easy, right? ; )

Comments

[Daniel Nerezov]

Great post Steve!

I especially feel your last points. I am finding that working with people and bringing out the best in individuals, with nothing but the smell of the proverbial oily rag, is THE entrepreneurship skill.

Truly, I think there isn't enough gratitude in the world to thank those who can inspire and lead others to making a difference. What I wouldn’t give to be just a little bit better at listening and communicating.

[Rajan]

The author of freakonomics runs a blog by the same title you might find it interesting too.

http://www.freakonomics.com/blog.php

[Ward]

Great reading suggestions. IMHO, 5% make it happen, 20% watch it happen, the remaining 75% say, "What Happened?" Successful entrepreners are in the first group because they leverage what and who they know, then execute the plan when they are about 60% confident of success. Many VCs burden great opportunities with over analysis because they become risk mitigators within the definition of "venture" in order to demonstrate their value to the enterprise beyond the core purpose of bringing capital to the deal: thus handcuffing the very opportunity they seek to facilitate.