More than a living

I was thinking about Kumquat, again. Constantly.
This time, I was trying to figure out why the idea behind Kumquat appealed to me, so that I could explain to other people why its an important shift in thinking.
Somehow, “I think it’s a good idea” just doesn’t carry that sort of cache I’m seeking.
And then it dawned […]

It’s become clear that more interaction with our reader base would be both welcome and warranted. Toby has mentioned it, both in conversation and in posts. Amy has mentioned it. And I know I could use it.
I mean, as much as I like to think that I’m the smartest guy in the room, this is […]

[Editor’s note: I couldn’t decide if this post was more appropriate for hypocritical or for here. I opted for here. Feel free to slam me, via the comments, should you disagree.]
Have you read Good to Great? Well, we happen to be big fans.
In fact, I’m in the middle of re-reading it, just to refresh my […]

I was chatting with Toby, this morning, about his “Professional Peer Referrals” post. And as I was describing my issues with the whole “pay to play” concept, something dawned on me.
I have a really, really hard time charging people for intangible work that I enjoy.
Now, what–he says, gracefully sidestepping the “oldest profession in the world” […]

For those that have jumped the fence into the world of consulting, the question invariably comes up on what is a qualified referral worth? Thanks to the Bay Area Consulting Network, I’ve found the first of what may become a body of reasonable guidance:
Fee sharing may range from 0 – 40% and should always be […]

Have a good weekend. Try to unplug. But if you wind up online, here’s some stuff to peruse:

Head, shoulder, foot!
“Most founders think about complementing technical or business skills when they build their intial team. Fewer think about the emotional components required to marshal the operation to success.”
The Pmarca Guide’ to Startups, part 7: Why a […]

You ever been around someone–you, me, anyone–trying to come up with a “rough estimate,” off the cuff?
As opposed to a smooth estimate? A solid estimate? An exact guess? Whatever. Oxymorons aside. Bear with me. I have a point. No really. For once.
Anyone trying to create a rough estimate out of thin air tends to go […]

Yes, yes, yes. “transparency” is a complete buzzword. I agree.
What’s a better word or phrase?

Honesty
Telling the truth
Not lying
Not fudging
Telling it straight
The real deal
That’s how I roll

You get the point.
But to be blunt, lying has become as commonplace in businesses as, well, breathing. So, businesses have come under a great deal of scrutiny. And, because of […]

I’ve been digging through some of the Web logs. Trying to get an understanding of what’s popular, what’s not, what works, what doesn’t, what motivates people to comment, what draws no reaction whatsoever.
I know. Strange, huh? I’m wacky that way.
In any case, I thought it might be interesting for you to see what your fellow […]

Two little words. But they can provide a whole lot of clarity.
“Define success.”
Say it to yourself. Say it to your boss. Say it to your client.
“Define success.”
Forming the response to this question does two, critically important things:

It forces you to consider what “success” really means for this particular case.
It sets a definitive objective for your […]