Every day. Fast Forward.
Quite often I find that what I set out to do is not the same as what I end up doing. And I believe I see that happen a lot at startups too. The explanation is pretty straight forward: There is NEVER a straight line between the original idea and what you end up bringing… Continue reading Taking stock
There are quite a few really good arguments for why you should focus on the problem rather than the solution, when you're trying to build a successful company. But there is one that I think takes the prize as the most powerful one: By focusing on the problem, you broaden the opportunity for yourself, your… Continue reading Be problem-driven
Recently I wrote about the 3 problems of purpose. It is thus only fair that I also offer a few words on how a deep-felt purpose can serve as rocket fuel for your business. Lets start by taking a step back: More often than not you know what and your company does and how to… Continue reading The rocket fuel of purpose
There are three problems with purpose. The first problem is that a lot of companies really don't have a big interesting purpose aside from making a profit no matter how hard they might go looking for it (which is absolutely fine in itself). You can put a lot of standard webshops into this bucket. None… Continue reading The 3 problems with ‘purpose’
When you're passionate about something, it is very easy to let passion get the better of you and lose the grander perspective on things. That's the trouble with passion; it has a capacity to leave you blind-sighted during the very times when you need perspective the most. You focus too much on the here and… Continue reading Passion versus perspective
When I was a kid, I enjoyed playing chess. I was part of my school chess club, part of the first team and at one time actually won the local county (amt) championship in my age group. Chess was fun and interesting. And taught me a couple of important lessons about life; Looking and planning… Continue reading What chess taught me
2021 is upon us. And for many that signals the roll-out of a new strategy or annual plan. While those often seem intuitive - sometimes even banal - getting them right is super hard. It is vital to be able to focus on executing on the plan. Yet, it is also vital to be open… Continue reading The Catch 22 of strategy
When I read about advice for startups, I am often struck by the sheer banality of a lot of them; how easy they make it seem to become a successful entrepreneur. Maybe it is (somewhat, see below) easy. I guess it depends on your ambition; If it is to use a tried and tested formula… Continue reading Making bit bets