Be The Entrepreneur of Yourself

The world has changed.  My grandfather came to the United States at a young age, with a young son (my father) and he went to work in the Brooklyn shipping yard of an industrial pipe manufacturer.  He stayed with that same company for his entire career, a lifetime, working his way through the ranks from physical labor, to sales, to management, to the proverbial gold watch at retirement (in his case, semi-retirement... I come from a long line of workaholics.)  

There Is No Such Thing As Job Security.

What was a relatively common experience for my grandfather - spending a career at one company - is virtually unheard of today.  The notion of "job security" simply does not exist anymore at any level, from the "C-suite" on down.  Today, the best job security one can have is to not need job security.  Today you truly need to be an entrepreneur.  You need to be the entrepreneur of yourself.  You are the startup.  These are the lessons I am trying to practice myself,* and instill upon my kids, all in their 20's.  This is their world.

The Startup is YOU.

Being the entrepreneur of yourself does not mean you can't be working as an employee for someone else's company.  It does mean that you approach being an employee the way you would approach starting a business.  YOU are the business.  Your current product is the job you hold, and your mission is to attack that job as if it is your company, so that you can produce the best product possible - your work, and your work ethic.  Like a startup, you want to grow your business (yourself) and improve, and learn, perform well and grow a customer base of people who respect, rely upon, and value your product (you).

Be The Product.

When you are the product, and the product is simply awesome, your customers will stick with you. It is no different than with a company.  Apple customers buy every new product Apple makes because their products are great.  Your customers - your co-workers, employers, people you do business with, people you encounter online and off - will support your product - you - no matter what you are doing or where you are working, if your product is always awesome.

Stay Focused, But Plant Seeds.

As the entrepreneur of yourself, you need to stay focused on the product, but also remain aware of the marketplace.  Being awesome at your current job (current product) doesn't mean you can't also have a product roadmap for the future.  You need to.  To prepare your startup (you) to become a sustainable business, you need to have an eye on the future. You need to be aware of other products (opportunities) that may fit into your longer term plan, and you need to plant the seeds (reputation, relationships, resourcefulness) that will leave you prepared to roll out new products (changing a job, starting a new venture) when the market is ready.

I firmly believe that being the entrepreneur of yourself is the best way to take control of your own work destiny, so you can be ready to create your own opportunities within or without your current job.

Do you agree?  Are you the entrepreneur of yourself?

(* In an attempt to practice what I preach, I recently updated my own product and changed my role from a full-time employee to that of a consultant in order to pursue additional opportunities including Social Object Factory. More on that soon...)

Photo Credit: © Konstantin Li - Fotolia.com

Ultra Fun With An Ultrabook and an Ultrabook Dad

(This sponsored post originally appeared at www.Dadomatic.com)

I think you’ll agree that computers are now a part of just about every family's lifestyle (not to mention our business lives...). It has been fascinating to watch the rapid evolution of computers over the years.  Remember the first computer you bought for your home?  Chances are it was a huge desktop PC with a large CPU, and awkwardly heavy CRT display.  Today that early PC is a digital dinosaur, and, arguably, the idea of a big CPU for a “desktop” PC is perhaps on its way to extinction as well.

Lap It Up...

When laptop PC’s first hit the market we were enamored by their portability, but we wanted them to have the same power and capabilities as our workhorse desktops... and soon they were just as fast and capable, with powerful, yet power friendly microprocessors, great graphic and media capabilities, sharp, wide screens, and hard drives with the same capacity as their desk-trodden counterparts.  Indeed the laptop could be a primary PC, but you might not want to carry it with you everywhere (if you value your shoulder).  For many, that big, bulky (but capable) laptop became our main PC, spending more time on our desks than our laps.


Casting (out) the Net(book)

Recognizing the consumer’s desire for “smaller and lighter,” notebooks evolved from the laptop, and then the netbook evolved from the notebook PC.  Small, light and inexpensive, the netbook was one step forward in portability, but two steps backward in power and function.  The shrunken keyboards could be a challenge, along with the small screens and general lack of “oomph” when it comes to speed and pure processing prowess.  A netbook has its place in a pinch, but it is unlikely to ever become a “main” computer.

Enter The Ultrabook!

The desire for small, light, powerful and portable is now being addressed by the many Ultrabooks hitting the market, driven by an Intel reference design.  As I mentioned in an earlier post in which I unboxed the Asus Zenbook UX31E, Ultrabooks are thin, sleek and light.  Most weigh less than 3 pounds, and the Asus Zenbook that Intel sent me is 9mm thick in the back, sloping down to 3mm in the front.  It is an eye-catching brushed aluminum package... and with “instant on” and solid battery life it is a computer you truly can (and will want to) take with you everywhere.  It is a full featured portable computer that fits into any lifestyle and a laptop that is just as comfortable on your lap on the couch as it is on your desk.  The Asus Zenbook is an impressive example of the Ultrabook category and at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) there were some exciting Ultrabook announcements from a number of manufacturers.


The Ultrabook Dads Geek Out On Video

When Intel sent @HighTechDad and I the Asus Zenbooks to review, we wanted to do something a little different.  Any reviewer can tell you the specs of a device.  We wanted to have some fun and give you a good perspective on the Asus Ultrabook at the same time. While we each made our own video, they are actually closely tied together and I hope you’ll take the time to watch them both for the full UltrabookDads treatment.  And please, let us know what you think!

  
 Can't see the video? Click this link: http://youtu.be/GqM3l3n-B3I

 And here is the companion video from @HighTechDad:

 
 Can't see the video? Click this link: http://youtu.be/AhP6XdglaVs 

Michael and I have enjoyed using and talking about the Ultrabook and having the chance to be “UltrabookDads.”  We held a Google Hangout and a fun live Twitter Chat, and one lucky Twittizen, @BadMofo33, was the random winner of an Ultrabook Intel provided as a giveaway. I hope you’ve enjoyed this inside look inside Ultrabooks, sponsored by Intel.

Which Ultrabook features are most appealing to you?

Disclosure:  In accordance with the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration and/or am being otherwise compensated by Intel in preparing to create this content. I was/am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period. My opinions about Intel, Asus, and Ultrabooks are entirely my own and not those of Intel, Asus or any other party.

The Latest Social Networking Addiction: Pinterest

For some, the gateway drug was their first tweet.  For others it was the constant poking on Facebook that nagged at them until one day they realized they had become become addicted to Social Networking.  For the afflicted, every desktop, laptop and smartphone screams out at them to "use me..."  Temptation is everywhere.  Even Twitter co-founder Biz Stone recently warned against becoming addicted to his own baby, Twitter.

So Many Followers, So Little Time

Since I launched Social Networking Rehab back in August of 2007 there has been no shortage of shiny new social networking services to fuel the pangs of the addicted.  While Twitter and Facebook may remain the cocaine and heroin of the socially addictive services, just as on the dark corners of cities everywhere there is always the threat of a new, more powerful drug making its way to the streets.  It seems the latest digital drug to feed the needs of social junkies is Pinterest.  In my humble opinion it is too soon to tell if all the interest in Pinterest is well founded, or if they are riding a wave of aggressive Facebook connecting and the early adopters' seeming obsession with whatever is perceived to be "the latest" shiny new object.

Anything Further For Fodder?

Not one to let the hype go unnoticed, Pinterest seemed like a ripe subject for me to tackle for a (long overdue) new post over at www.SocialNetworkingRehab.com, where the INVITATIONS staff will happily take the necessary steps (12 or more) to help folks overcome their uncontrollable passion for pinning.  Whether you are a true pinhead or not, I thought you might enjoy this (ahem) "news" story, re-posted here with permission.  :-)   Are you addicted to Pinterest?

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Acupuncturist Takes Pinterest Too Far

(Pittsburgh, Pinsylvania) February 20, 2012.  A 47 year-old Pinsylvania man has been arrested for aggravated assault after pinning 134 photographs to the body of an unsuspecting, but very patient, patient of the Always Accurate Acupuncture Center.  The suspect, Ivan Toopoke, is a licensed acupuncturist known for pointedly practicing his profession with piercing perfection prior to this point.  This is the first time he has been stuck with charges of needling a customer the wrong way.  

The patient, who's name has been withheld thanks to the privacy settings on her Facebook account, is a regular customer of the AAAC.  She dozed off during what was to be a routine session of stress relief sticking, only to awaken on pins and needles.  According to one witness, an apprentice acupuncturist, "I walked into the exam room with a cushion full of freshly sterililized needles, and there she was, covered head to toe with pictures of kitchen appliances, shoes, pasta dishes and Ikea Furniture, pinned to her as if she was a human pin-board.  It was shocking."

The witness's reference to human pin-board was on point, as it turns out.  Investigators who confiscated Mr. Toopoke's office computer found evidence of an obsession with the popular on-line pin-board,Pinterest.  Toopoke had set up more than 750 "boards" and had personally pinned or repinned more than 150,000 images since signing up for the sticky social network six days ago.  According to Detective Dick Richardson, "it appears that Mr. Toopoke was addicted to this Pinterest thing to the point where he could no longer distinguish between digital pins and real pins.  In his mind, his brutally abusive acupuncturing of this patient was merely a means of sharing the things he loves."

When asked about the source of the 134 images pinned to the victim, Detective Richardson noted that CSI's involved in the case had photographed for evidence a large refrigerator in the Acupuncture Office that was suspiciously devoid of any cut out pictures on it, despite the presence of a large number of small magnets.  The acupuncturist Toopoke may face jail time as well as revocation of both his acupuncturist license and his Pinterest account.  He has been sent to the prominent Social Networking Rehab facility,INVITATIONS, for observation.  The victim is expected to fully recover, and has asked if she could keep several of the photos of shoes and furniture for future reference.

A spokesperson for Pinterest was not available for comment on the incident.

Don't Quit (And Why Giving Up Is An Oxymoron)

Don't quit.  Sometimes it is the overused, trite and true cliche that still says it best.  Don't quit.  Never quit. Don't give up.  Never give up.  It's all the same, and it is all the truth.  The real truth.  You can't quit.  We can't quit.  You can't let your kids quit, or your friends quit, or your family quit.  Lead them by example. Don't quit. Never quit. 

"Giving up" is an oxymoron.  If you give up, you are not giving anything at all... you are taking away.  You are taking away opportunity. You are taking away dreams.  You are taking away hope.  You are taking away the chance to be all you can be (yup, love those cliche's).  Seriously, the only things you should ever even consider quitting are those things that truly damage you.  If it is toxic, toss it.  Anything else, you have to hang on.  Hang on tight.  For the long haul.  Forever.

If you never quit, time is always on your side.  If you never give up, you always have more to give.  Another step, another try, another shot.  Better this time because you've done it before.  Better this time because you haven't quit, you haven't given up, and you've gained knowledge and experience along the way.  If you never quit your journey continues, and the journey is what you live. Getting to the goal is just the gravy.

Last year I started running, and worked my way up, slowly and surely, to be able to run a half-marathon in  October. It was an awesome feeling of personal accomplishment.  Then I had an accident in December and could not run for several months.  Now I am starting from the beginning again.  I can't do the distance yet.  What was becoming fun and easy last year, is hard again.  Really hard.  It would be easy to quit.  I want to quit.  I really want to quit (especially during those first few steps every time I run).  But I won't quit.  I can't quit. I've done it before and I know I can do it again.

Business is the same.  You can't quit.  Dreams are the same.  You can't quit.  Goals are the same.  You can't quit.  It is NEVER too late.  Anything you want to work toward you can start RIGHT NOW.  Or in an hour.  Or tomorrow. Or next week.  The choice is yours.  You have the power.  We have the power.

Just don't quit.




Photo Credit: © gunnar3000 - Fotolia.com

Everything I Know About Business I Learned From THE TOXIC AVENGER!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Early in my career I spent 7 years working for Troma, the low budget film studio probably best known for the cult Classic, The Toxic Avenger…  As I am sure you know, The Toxic Avenger is the heartwarming story of Melvin, a lowly mop-boy, who, teased and taunted, falls into a vat of radioactive waste and emerges as… The Toxic Avenger - The First Superhero from New Jersey! (And affectionately called "Toxie.")

Making movies is hard work, especially making movies on a shoestring budget… (OK, eventually we were able to advance from shoestrings to Velcro budgets!)  But I learned a lot… how to mix theatrical blood…  How to make a cantaloupe substitute for a head crush…  but making movies also taught me a lot about business and being an entrepreneur...

In truth, an independent movie production is like a start-up on steroids.  You go from screenplay (business plan) to product completion (launch) in a matter of months.  You have to hire, fire, build, tear down, raise money, spend money, rally the troops, fight deadlines and external forces, and make constant compromises all the while fighting to stay the course and make the best film (i.e. product) you can.

Nobody sets out to make a bad film, just like nobody starts a company with the intention of failing...

Ignite Toxie (Thanks to Ford)

I recently attended a great event for bloggers and online influencers sponsored by Ford (who paid for my trip to Detroit) in connection with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). During a dinner event the Ford team organized an evening of Ignite Talks. If you are not familiar with Ignite, it is a great format for short, thought provoking and inspiring presentations.  The presenter has 5 minutes and 20 slides, and the slides advance every 15 seconds, no matter what the presenter is saying.  While I do quite a bit of public speaking, I've never given an Ignite talk... until now.

I thought the Ignite format would be perfect for sharing 5 lessons I learned from my Troma days that I think apply to all businesses and entrepreneurs:

1. Show Up (and be prepared)
2. Collaborate & Delegate
3. Be Passionate, Real and Believe
4. Sink or Swim
5. Commit To Your Culture and Vision

Here is a video of my Ford Ignite presentation, called "Everything I Know About Business I Learned From The Toxic Avenger."  Please let me know what you think in the comments!

Zen and the Art of Ultrabooks...

(Note: this is a sponsored post that originally appeared at Dadomatic.com, but the words and opinions are all mine.)

It is fitting that Asus calls their new Ultrabook line "Zenbooks."  Just one look and you can see that it is a device that exudes a sense of calm and balance, purity and power.   An early entrant in the Intel Ultrabook category, the Zenbook is thin and sleek, capable and fast.  It is the Ying and Yang of portable computing: thin and light enough to take with you everywhere, yet powerful and feature rich enough to function as a primary computer.  Actually, that is the essence of the Intel Ultrabook spec - to pack a full-featured computer in an elegantly thin package, supported by long battery life, best-in-class security, and the convenience of "instant on" (giving the boot to lengthy boot times), all at a reasonable price point.

Intel Inside

As long-time readers know, I have been an Intel Advisor and have written here about interesting technology and insights I have gleaned from attending various events and having the opportunity to peek inside Intel.  Now I am looking forward to bringing you more information about the ultra slick new category of Ultrabooks that Intel is the driving force behind.  Intel has provided me with an ASUS Zenbook, as well as an opportunity for one of you to get an Ultrabook through a Twitter give-away.  I am working hand in hand (or Ultrabook to Ultrabook) with one of my Intel Advisor and Cast of Dads cohorts, Michael Sheehan (also known as HighTechDad.)  If you want to learn more about Ultrabooks (and have a chance to get your hands on one) please follow me (@sass) and Michael (@hightechdad) on Twitter, and keep an eye out for our tweets with the hashtag #UltrabookDads. Michael and I will also be collaborating on some fun video reviews of the Ultrabook, so please stay tuned.

The Wow Factor

As the geek dad in my family, my kids are always waiting to see what new computing gadget or gizmo I will be bringing home.  It has been fascinating to watch over the years as the "wow factor" of gadgets has shifted to the point where the design, look and feel of a device is almost as important as its function and capabilities.  It wasn't too long ago when all we cared about was what a computer could do. Now, as we bring our computers with us to meetings, family gatherings, parks, coffee shops and airports, we also care about how our computers look and feel. That's the world our kids are growing up in.  For them, what their computers look and feel like will be just as important as the "kicks" they wear.  When I look at the Ultrabook as compared to the first laptop I ever had, the advancements, inside and out, are mind boggling.  I can only imagine what ultra amazing computers my kids have to look forward to.  With style, design and performance in mind, Ultrabooks definitely win on the wow factor, and seem to deliver on the promise of taking portable computing into the future.

What’s Next?

I look forward to spending some time with the Asus Zenbook Ultrabook and then sharing my thoughts with you.  Meanwhile, here are a few shots from my "unboxing" of the Asus Zenbook:

 
 Can't see the video? Click HERE.

UPDATE:

As part of our Ultrabook promotion, Michael and I will be doing both a Hangout on Google+ and a live Twitter Chat.  These are just for fun and information.  You don’t have to participate in either to be eligible for the giveaway, but if you want to get our first impressions of the Asus Zenbook Ultrabook we have been playing with, the hangout and chat will be a great opportunity.

Here is the schedule for the Twitter Chat: Google+ Hangout:

Google+ Hangout: Thursday, December 22 at 10pm EST / 7pm PST
Twitter Chat: Friday December 23 at 10pm EST / 7pm PST

We’ll be talking Ultrabooks, etc. for about an hour each night and we hope you can stop by!

Disclosure:  In accordance with the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration and/or am being otherwise compensated by Intel in preparing to create this content. I was/am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period. My opinions about Intel, Asus, and Ultrabooks are entirely my own and not those of Intel, Asus or any other party.


Photo Credit: © Robert Spriggs - Fotolia.com