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February 27, 2006

Growing Ideas

"There's nothing more appealing than someone who wants to try to grow their own idea."
--Gary Cowger, president, North American operations, General Motors

From Fast Company's recently released book, The Rules of Business: 55 Essential Ideas to Help Smart People (and Organizations) Perform At Their Best

Posted by Kevin Ohannessian at February 27, 2006 11:58 AM | Category: book discussions | 2 Comments

2 COMMENTS

Posted by: Bill Ricardi at February 28, 2006 12:23 AM

All I can say is: God I hope he's right. Having started 2 internet based companies previously, I always felt trapped behind the curtain. But with my latest web based real estate venture, I have to sell myself as much as I sell my product. Wish me luck, Mr. Cowger. :)

Posted by: Mark Alan Effinger at March 1, 2006 12:22 AM

Hmmm... let's see what Gary is saying here: It may be appealing... but few are tempered in enough overall skills to truly succeed.

I've been counseling inventors for two decades, and am a serial entrepreneur, founding a dozen companies in that time.

In the very BEST of circumstance, it's tough.

With a great team, it's tough.

With the wind at your back and little market resistance, it's still a struggle.

I would recommend to ALL fledgling entrepreneurs to do one of two things:

If this is your first venture, build a killer team, and a killer board.

If this is not, but your first one failed for whatever reason, find a good (SEASONED, experienced and professional) coach or consulting expert who can help you analyze your "issues" and clarify what you need to do to succeed this round.

Now, don't get me wrong: I THRIVE on the entrepreneurial spirit. Nobody is as infectiously passionate about starting and growing companies as me. And I can see a guy coming from the bohemoth that is GM as very much appreciating this same spirit...

But I wonder if that's more a sly comment, with a wry smile out the corner of his mouth...

OK, I'm done with the rant.

I wish ALL of you the most phenomenal year in your business lives (followed, of course, by an even better one in '07!)

Best regards,
Mark Alan Effinger
Online PR Strategies
RichContent.com