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The path toward world domination (Part 1)
After nearly 44 years of careful consideration and study, I have compiled this brief manifesto for success. We all define success in different ways. I don't care what motivates you, if you do all of these things your way, you will be a successful person. You will live long. You will prosper.
Be enthusiastic. Be a complete and total spaz. It's infectious and more impressive to other people than confidence. Think Roberto Benigni's chair jumping scene at the 71st Annual Oscars. See it here.
Be weird. If you haven't read Seth Godin's new book, I highly recommend it: "We Are All Weird." We are in the middle of a social revolution that has been spawned by technology and historically unparalleled prosperity. Conformity is no longer a good plan for long term success. Your strength is in your individuality. Embrace your inner weird.
Hire weird people. Find people who innovate and give them the freedom to explore and express their ideas in a non-judgmental environment. Here's a hint on how to find these people: Everyone is weird. The secret? Hire the right weird person for the job/position you have available and let them be weird.
Work out. According to Richard Branson, this one activity alone will net you 3 to 4 hours of productivity per day. I never said world domination would be easy.
Say 'Thank you' and 'I'm sorry.' The trick is to say it only when you really mean it. People can tell when you don't. Encourage those around you to do the same.
Take shortcuts. But only take them if they do not compromise quality or service. Another good read here is Tim Ferriss' book: "The 4 Hour Work Week." Design systems and implement them but encourage and accept criticism for these systems from others. If they are true innovators, they will likely come up with an even better system.
Fire people. Your company is a money making machine. Each employee is a part of that machine. Take the weird people you hired and install them in appropriate positions within your machine. If a part is broken or doesn't fit, replace it. Sorry to sound cold, but if one of your weirdos is not a good fit, you are not doing yourself or your company any favors by keeping them around. In the end you are doing them a favor too.
Listen with your eyes. Study body language and facial expressions. You will learn more from non-verbal cues than you ever will from the spoken word.
To be continued....
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