Post image for Not A Matter Of If But When

Not A Matter Of If But When

by Rich Lazzara on February 5, 2010

It’s not a matter of if you have an idea, but when, what will you do with it.

It’s not a matter of if you have the talent, but when, how will you use it.

It’s not a matter of if you have the determination, but when, will you act on it.

It’s not a matter of if you have an opportunity, but when, can you recognize it.

The problem with many is that we get hung up on the if and miss the when.

{ 2 comments }

Comments
add yours
Post image for Don’t Be A CEO

Don’t Be A CEO

by Rich Lazzara on February 3, 2010

It seems like you can’t go one day without reading about some CEO who does something stupid, selfish or both.

CEO is an immediately recognizable abbreviation for Chief Executive Officer. It’s one of those titles that many young entrepreneurs aspire to reach. And while the aspirations may be pure I want to challenge you to think differently about what a modern day CEO should look like.

When you break down CEO word by word a clearer picture starts to develop

Chief – One who is highest in rank or authority
Executive – A person or group having administrative or managerial authority in an organization
Officer – One who holds an office of authority or trust in an organization, such as a corporation

The reoccurring theme in each is “authority”. Authority can be such a tricky thing. Used incorrectly it can lead to abuse while conversely , in others,  it brings out admirable leadership. In any event  when you read those individual definitions of the words it doesn’t seem to paint a picture of some of today’s next generation CEO’s. Tony Hsieh of Zappos certainly doesn’t fit the old definition of CEO, nor does Nick Sarillo.

Examples like Tony and Nick should lead us to rethink what a CEO of the future stands for.  Phrases like Creative Energy Offered, Chief Example Officer, Caring Excited Outgoing, Crazy Energy Offered are just a few that come to mind.  The  old Chiefs and Officers are no longer effective, like the business environment in the hit TV series Mad Men, it may have worked like that in the past, but no longer . Looking to the future it’s about something far greater than authority, it’s about inspiring by example, leading by serving, and bringing new ideas to the work environment.

What kind of CEO will you be?

{ 1 comment }

Comments
add yours
Post image for A “Connect The Dots” Guide To Success

A “Connect The Dots” Guide To Success

by Rich Lazzara on February 2, 2010

When you were little you probably had one of those books that had a hundred ”connect the dots” pictures just waiting for you to complete. You know the one with the dots that were so close together it wasn’t very hard to see what the picture was going to make once completed.  As I would flip through the book  I could see the pictures that were there and I would systematically eliminate the ones I didn’t want to do.  Once I found the one I wanted I would go to town, 1-2-3 until the picture was fully there.

I think this is a perfect example of what so many people are looking for when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur.  A step by step, connect the dots guide to success. If that’s the case your setting yourself up for failure.

[click to continue…]

{ 2 comments }

Comments
add yours
Post image for Enemies Of The Now

Enemies Of The Now

by Rich Lazzara on February 1, 2010

That idea you’ve had in your head for some time, you know the thing your gonna get around to someday. When are you gong to do it? When is it your time?

“Soon”, “later”, “tomorrow”, “before you know it”….said any of these before? I know I have.  The problem is that each of them are enemies of the now. It’s “the now” in the execution of your idea that’s missing.  It’s not the idea, it’s not the plan, heck it’s not even the how, it’s the now.

In fact instead of doing something towards your idea you get caught up in the idea of the idea.  You spend time thinking about the idea instead of executing it.  You spend time thinking about what if and how to and it’s paralyzing your progress. The difference between people that are doing things and those that don’t is “The Now” .  There is no waiting, no contemplating, no hesitating,  just now.

What are you doing right now to reach your goals?

{ 9 comments }

Comments
add yours
Post image for 51 Excuses Entrepreneurs Hide Behind

51 Excuses Entrepreneurs Hide Behind

by Rich Lazzara on January 29, 2010

Everyone’s an Entrepreneur, why not you? Which excuse are you hiding behind?

  1. I’m not creative – Everyone is, look at your dreams, your personality
  2. I don’t have money – Almost all start without money
  3. I’m not talented enough – Determination trumps talent
  4. I’m not capable – You’re the only one who is.
  5. It’s too risky – Doing nothing is much more risky
  6. It’s too much pressure – No more than not being in control of your future
  7. That’s been done before – Execution not originality leads to success
  8. That’s never been done – Pioneering something can pay off
  9. I can’t focus – Sure you can, it just takes some practice
  10. I can’t make decisions – You do everyday, what to eat, what to wear, where to go
  11. I make decisions to quickly - Timely decisions are important
  12. My parents weren’t and it worked for them – Perhaps but it won’t in the future
  13. My parents were and it didn’t work – Your opportunities are better
  14. My ideas are horrible – Horrible ideas can be successful too
  15. I have ideas but I don’t know what to do – You’re already well on your way
    [click to continue…]

{ 8 comments }

Comments
add yours

← Previous Entries