Calling on editors, book designers and marketing gurus

At Net Minds, we are changing the way publishing makes books. (see my previous post on the startup I’ve cofounded.)  We are a networking service that partners authors with publishing talents to produce great books that are effectively promoted upon release.  After publishing four books through the antequaited traditional model, I realized that there had …

Want To Extend Your Reach? Don’t Hire A Babysitter!

        I assume that most of you who read my blog or subscribe to my newsletter are those who have something to say or sell, whether it’s your own or someone else’s. We’re all trying to be seen or heard and that’s increasingly complicated in a noisy world.  Wouldn’t you agree? The problem …

What Tim Draper Looks For In A Startup

Last week, I attended the startup conference in Mountain View, CA.  It was the center of the startup universe.  There was even Startup Village, a trade show meets speed dating center, where CEOs or techies pitched their ideas and prototypes.  At the end of the row was the Draper Fisher Jurvetson booth, with Tim Draper …

About my new venture: Net Minds

It’s time for me to spill the beans about a startup I’ve co-founded.   The company is called Net Minds, and we are a networking service that partners authors with all the talents they need to produce great books that are effectively promoted.  We believe the future of publishing is in groups, think joint ventures. …

Why Lunch Is A Bad Setting For Real Business

One of worst techniques you’ll pick up in business is “let’s do lunch.”  It sounds like a great device for conducting business, be it a pitch or project work.  Often, your offer is accepted, after all, we have to eat!  It sounds less ominous than, “I’d like to setup a meeting to come talk to …

Three compensation innovations that will change your culture

That which is compensated, is motivated.  Nothing more, nothing less. Between my speaking and consulting, I have many opportunities to compare comp plans and the resulting corporate cultures they create.  If you want to have a strong customer service culture, for example, you’ll need to aim all compensation plans at achieving it.  If you want …

Is Your Company Culture All In?

Recognition experts Adrain Gostick & Chester Elton have pivoted from recognition to culture with their new book, All In: How The Best Managers Create A Culture Of Belief and Drive Big Results. And well they should, as today, culture is more important to your company than ever.  Why? Transparency, the cloud and a new generation …

How To Make Someone’s Life At Work

A touching thing happened on the way to my last keynote speaking gig.  The night before, I attended the company’s dinner function, which started with a retirement sendoff for Marc.  He was a long time manager and employee of the company.  As we were served food, a stream of co-workers presented their account of the …

Four Things I Learned From Eric Ries of the Lean Startup Movement

Last year, I was blown away by The Lean Startup by Eric Ries.  It was the top read of the year for me, and the most impactful book on my business life since Good To Great.  Why? Because the Lean Methadology changes the game, whether you are a startup or a big-old-company.   When you …

The Value Of Friday Shout Outs

For leaders of all types, here’s an assignment: Hand out some praise today.  Think about how long a weekend can be for someone who feels under appreciated or over worked. It’s emotional stew time, and you aren’t around to defend yourself.  When Monday rolls around, your team members are not refreshed.  They are back to …