WRITING
If The Little Engine Did It, So Can I?
If The Little Engine Did It, So Can I? Maybe not. The other week I was talking to a founder. I knew things weren’t going well. “How are things?”
Creativity is as Creativity Does
I recently moved into a new house. It isn’t far from my last house. In fact, with just the right angle and velocity, I could probably huck a rock into my old yard. One street over. Four houses down.
The $12 Alarm Clock
The beauty of single use devices. This past weekend, I decided to get away from the city and spend a wonderful time with 12 of my favorite people. It was my last real “trip” before the real life trip of getting surgery on the 13th of November.
Writing is More Than Words
Over the past several weeks, I have begun to really fall in love with writing. I have no idea if I am good at it, but I enjoy it. So I have decided to try and write something very often and post it unedited. I am back using 750 words, and writing about random things. Like this. Its about my morning. Feel free to give me suggestions and thoughts.
What Do You Mean I’m Not Superman?
An MRI of my neck. The medical term for my condition is FUBAR’d Neck. Invincibility doesn’t exist. I can’t remember a time I didn’t think I was invincible. When I didn’t know that I would always come out of everything ok. Superman didn’t have shit on me.
The Rule of Awesome
Thirty days to prove it out. For years I have struggled with the concept of “hiring only A players.” After all, what the fuck is an “A player?” Is there a test? Is there a list of characteristics that outlines the specific nature of an A player?
Next Time, Pow! Right in the Kisser!
“Hello there.” “Hi! How are you?” I had just pushed the fence post to the right and reached with my left hand to lift the latch as the omnipresent bark of my parent’s neighbor’s dogs boiled my blood. Just once, I thought to myself, it would be so nice if those fucking dogs would just shut up.
What Your Product Tells Investors
Team. Product. Market. When raising money, we are told those are the three things to think about. Team. Product. Market. But what does that mean? Which one is the most important?
I am Gay
Living a life of acceptance means more than being tolerant. I originally wrote this in 2008 right after seeing the movie Milk. Six years later, given what has been happening here in the US, I thought it was good to revisit it. I present it with minimal edits and no deletions or additions.
Fat is Spelled F-A-T.
Why skinny people just don’t understand. That’s me at 17. I weighed 178 pounds, and my mom said I looked good. I had just lost about 35 pounds (it would have been more if I cut my hair).
The Most Important Startup
ever. This morning I read a facebook post from a friend about how he has gotten to the point that he realized that his family mattered most to him. He had read a post by Chris Brogan, Build A Home, who has really begun to hit his stride in prioritization of self, work and family.
3 Lessons That Make A Market
Its never team first. Its always market. Last week I wrote a post about Fundable Founders. I started with the team because so many seed investors talk about how important the team is to the investment. Do you know why?
8 Traits That Make Founders Fundable
Are you a startup person? It was pretty late, past 9 pm. Late enough to be aware that it was late. I looked at the phone, saw the name and thought twice about answering.
Founders Are Fixers
But we cant fix ourselves. “You need to see a doctor.” “But, I am. Isn’t that why I am here?” “I am just a therapist. You need to see a psychiatrist.”
It Looks So Easy
So what’s stopping me? Robin Williams died today. It’s sad. I feel bad for his family; I feel bad for his friends; I feel bad for the people in his life. And I’m jealous.
Fucking Kids Today
We were so much cooler. Every Sunday, my goal is to do nothing. Nothing, as in making a sloth look hyperactive.
The $200 Challenge
$200. 10 days. possible? Over the past couple of weeks, I have done three things (almost) every day. I used Luminosty (to stretch my brain); Treehouse (to challenge my brain); and Headspace (to relax my brain). In the Luminosity app, they have various skills that they rate you on (Attention, Focus, etc.). The one I am in the 98 percentile in is Problem Solving. Of course. I’m an entrepreneur.
I Deserve It
right? Do me a favor. It’s a small one. Close your eyes. Think for a minute about something you want or a goal you have. Now say, “I deserve it.” How do you feel? If you are like me, your first reaction was “no you don’t.”
Cultivating Dark Matter
Do you have an answer to this question: “What is your value?” Recently, I asked a friend, “if you were going to hire me, what role would you hire me for?” I don’t have any specific skills. I don’t code. I don’t know finances. Operations is not my strength.
Dark Side of the Curve
Who wins? Users or Growth? Aaron Batalion and Arin Sarkissian are obsessed with podcasts. Last week, over a donut, they were suggesting podcasts and apps to me like the proverbial drug dealer.