Nate Brochin
May 24, 2008
I’m not a good multi-tasker, never have been. If I do 18 things at once, none of them will get done well. You may think you’re different, but it’s unlikely.
Focusing on a single thing for more than 20 minutes seems near impossible today, even if you’re not a short-attention-span theater goer. My secret? It’s the brother of Uni-tasking, the Art of Saying ‘No.’
On a good day, I end up saying ‘no’ once or twice, politely, of course. Perhaps it’s an invite to a charity event, or to assist with the review of a business plan or even to grab lunch. People may be surprised, or taken aback or even become downright surly. But as I gently explain that with my current schedule, I would not complete their request in a timely manner - they generally appreciate the honesty. I then follow it up with, “Now leave you creep before I pepper-spray your ass!” Problem solved.
Just say No!
Nate Brochin
Apr 29, 2008
I’ve always admired people who can create value from nothing, in any field, in any context and whatever value means to them.
Once there was an idea . . . then there was liability insurance, after that - office furniture and if you’ve been smarter and luckier than most, “I want business class airfare specified in my contract,” will come up more often than you’d like. For the record, the answer to that one is always, no.
But before there are any of these things, there is a line. One the left side of the line (Point A) is your idea and on the right side (Point B) is the launch of your new, can’t fail, light-up boomerang with FM tuner.
How to get from A to B is where all this bootstrapping stuff comes in.
Here are some random thoughts to keep in mind at the start of your journey:
Persuade:
If you have the passion and an idea worth pursuing, convincing other people of its merits is what it’s all about. Where better to start than with those who can help you get it built?
Besides, if you raise a million dollars and pay handsome salaries to people to build it for you, what are the chances that each of your newest employees is as committed as you are? Zero.
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