Road Improvements
“What's on Your
Whiteboard?"
By Mark Matteson
When
Jeff Bezos was a college student at Princeton, he slept
at the Math and Computer lab, literally. As a result he
enjoyed a 4.3 GPA. Upon graduation he accepted a job with a
one of the large brokerage houses on Wall Street and did
pretty well.
Being a math whiz, and an insatiable student of business and
trends, the idea of an online book store consumed all his
spare time. On a trip to Seattle, the idea took hold and he
made the bold leap. He drove to the Northwest from NYC in
his beat up Honda Accord and set up shop in the funkiest
part of downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square. Amid the needle
exchange junkies, skid row bums and homeless shelters; he
rented office space in the worst part of town.
He went to Home Depot and bought a door and two saw horses.
His first desk. Microsoft in 1996 was hiring the best and
brightest from all the major universities and attaching
their loyalty with golden handcuffs, stock options.
NO ONE was leaving Microsoft. One their brightest and most
respected employee was a gracious, 31 year old Marketing
Executive named David Risher, paid a visit to Bezos' office
one day. In his office was a giant white board. It had 200
action items listed in no particular order. After pitching
his vision to Risher, he threw down the gauntlet. You see
Risher had been one of Bezos' classmates at Princeton.
“Prioritize the list for me.” By the time the list was
prioritized Risher realized he and Bezos had a lot in
common. Before the left that day he was sold on the
community of people and Bezos vision. He became employee
#16. Another fortune awaited him….
Jeff Bezos was rigid about the quality of the people he
brought on the Amazon Bus. At times in early days, when
fulfillment and reputation were expanding he would interview
50-60 people before he would say yes to a new hiree. It was
painful. It meant 16 hour days for those that were employed.
He wouldn’t bend. Smart people. Dedicated people. Passionate
people…or no deal.
Years later Bezos was criticized for pouring profits
back into the company in the form of technology and
innovative process and fulfillment. He stuck to his guns
again. Most people thought he was mad.
Most people never enjoyed a 4.3 GPA in college. Most people
are not that frugal. Most people don’t understand which
values and principles will insure long term success. Jeff
Bezos does. He recently sold his original “Door Desk” on
e-bay for $30,000. The original shareholders of Amazon are
enjoying similar returns on their investment.
What are willing to stand up for? Fight for? What is on YOUR
whiteboard?
*************************************************************
Each of is limited by childhood programming that came from
parents, relatives, teachers, coaches and friends…even
customers. In my early twenties, I remember sharing with a
Chimney Cleaning Client my 80-hour a week schedule. He
listened then remarked, “You’ll be the richest man in the
bone yard.” That statement hit me right between the eyes. It
made me doubt my goals and negatively inspired me to back
off on my aspirations. Sad.
Be aware of who is influencing your thinking now. Take some
time this summer to think about your childhood programming
and examine some old limiting beliefs. Consider your
business or financial goals. Here is a little exercise to
get the ball rolling:
1. Write down your
limiting belief
Money is the root of all evil
2. Challenge, make fun of, and argue with the limiting
belief
Money is the root of all philanthropy (ask Warren Buffet
and Bill Gates)
Money is the root of the best vacations I ever invested
in
Money MIGHT be the root of evil for someone who is evil.
However, I am a loving, generous compassionate soul who
will use the money to create good in the world.
3. Create a Positive Opposite (Turnaround Phrase)
Create a new belief that is the opposite of the old one.
“It feels great to give my time and money to worthwhile
charities (Make A Wish)” Once you create the new belief,
put it one “Dashboard Decree” and say it aloud for 30
days!
The Boulevard
Now released: "13 Secrets of World-Class Goal Achievers". Click
for your fr*e*e copy!
PLANNING ON KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? According to Purdue
University, and most experts, it’s not only important to have written
goals, but you must have a plan to reach your goals.
Goals 2007 is the complete program to help you "create a life on
purpose." Will 2007 be just another ho-hum year that started with good
intentions? Or will it be YOUR Year! Your year to lose that weight
you're tired of carrying...start that business you've been talking
about...get out of debt for good. Are you tired of being stuck in the
same gear?
Go see why one program graduate, Lucy O. said, "Breaking through, or at
least finally recognizing, what my barrier is with writing goals, is a
MAJOR accomplishment - one I've been trying to find for over 15 years!
And I finally got it - I GOT IT!"
Click
Here
One for the road
Hey - Check out Doug Bench’s
website www.scienceforsuccess.com
Book of the Month "The Success Principles"
by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer
Did you know?
Did you know that "Father's Day" was started in 1910 in Spokane
Washington by Sonora Smart. President Calvin Coolidge made
it a national event in 1924 but it wasn't until Lyndon Johnson made the
proclamation in 1966 and then Richard Nixon made it permanent in 1972.
And you thought Tricky Dick didn't do anything important.
Watch "The Road" Buddy!
A few
new items to ponder:
Thing One,
Thing Two
The Boulevard
Now just released: "13 Secrets of World-Class Goal Achievers". Click
for your fr*e*e copy!
PLANNING ON KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? According to Purdue
University, and most experts, it’s not only important to have written
goals, but you must have a plan to reach your goals.
Goals 2006 is the complete program to help you "create a life on
purpose." Will 2006 be just another ho-hum year that started with good
intentions? Or will it be YOUR Year! Your year to lose that weight
you're tired of carrying...start that business you've been talking
about...get out of debt for good. Are you tired of being stuck in the
same gear?
Go see why one program graduate, Lucy O. said, "Breaking through, or at
least finally recognizing, what my barrier is with writing goals, is a
MAJOR accomplishment - one I've been trying to find for over 15 years!
And I finally got it - I GOT IT!"
Click
Here
The
Wire's Conduit
Well well well. You thought I as gone. I
merely stepped away. A new cell phone arrived the other day and I thought I would
tell you about it. My "provider" is the big "V".
(reminds me of an old
sci-fi TV show a while back (OK it was '83),
anyway the "V" aliens preferred to eat live food. I don't know why it
reminds of my wireless carrier) OK - I got a new phone because I recently
purchased a bluetooth ear piece from
Jawbone and it is awesome. It's
noise cancelling is the best but my old tired "M" phone wouldn't stay
connected so time for a new one. My new phone came with a warning:
Keep the back of your phone a minimum of .6" away from your body" and
"Do not use the phone if the antenna is damaged as it may cause minor
skin burns." SO there's more reasons to use the Jawbone lest you
fry your ears or other body parts!
Questions? email Kevin at
kevin@mattesonavenue.com
End Construction
Thank You again for your valuable time. We
appreciate you!
If you enjoyed receiving E-Zine Street, consider forwarding it to a
friend by clicking "Forward Email" below.
Join "The Road" to Continuous Improvement!