The Business Brickyard

Jason Calacanis sent out his latest email blast this weekend (That has replaced his blogging) and has turned his attention to how startups can/should react to the present and future economic pressures.  Many interesting points to consider (Although not necessarily agree with). You can read a reprint here.

I like this idea in particular:

American Express has launched a terrific campaign called Member's Project. What they call project is what I call purpose. A fundamental goal that states how you will make a difference in the world. And purpose is the rocket fuel for passion.

United Airlines launched a campaign of TV commercials during the Olympics that were absolutely stunning. But what caught my attention more than the visuals is that familiar, and almost forgotten, United Airlines signature theme song. That theme song immediately took me back...

I was honored to be asked to be a "Cool Friend" by TomPeters.com. Really happy with how the interview turned out. Hope you enjoy the read.

Howard Mann - "Cool Friend" Interview - TomPeters.com

Watching the venerable Lehman Brothers breathe its last gasp of business independence (and the reminders of Bear Stearns similar fate) shatters any illusion that any business is ever "out of the woods" when it comes sustained profitability. Despite what the Government is trying to do, the idea that something is "too big to fail" is flawed logic. Companies fail for a reason and, good or bad, that is how it should be.

I probably have bought something at a Barnes & Noble bookstore 50-60 times in the past year. EVERY time I come up to the register the cashier immediately asks "Are you a member of our frequent readers club?"

I always answer no. To my continued amazement, they then simply ring up the sale without further comment.

I recently stumbled upon this great little story about a set of "rules" created by Robert Neyland, the storied football coach of The University of Tennessee. Before every game his teams recite these seven sentences that he felt captured everything it took to win a game. Now known as "the Seven Maxims of Football," or "the Seven Game Maxims."

To this day, Tennessee football teams recite them before every game.

"That won't work in our industry"

The biggest road block to breaking free from the gravity of past habits (yours AND your competitors) is to conclude that any new idea won't work.

First exhaust a discussion on ways an audacious idea COULD work... Then toss it aside if it really can't.

Try that for 30 minutes once a week with your team and see what ideas make it through.

John arrives at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter tells John that he has the unique opportunity to take a look around at Heaven AND Hell and decide where he wants to spend eternity.