I’ve been in the enterprise software industry for more years than I would like to admit, although my staff never misses an opportunity to ask “seemingly interested” questions about punch cards, 8 inch diskettes, and what it was like when developers used Pascal. I have witnessed many mind blowing advances in technology, process improvements and creativity. What doesn’t seem to change however, are the fundamentals of growing a company and running a good business.
Granted, many times through the last 24 years, people have claimed and tried to declare “a new model”, one where profits didn’t matter, customer service was to come later, the practice of spending on dreams vs. reality, and betting exclusively on the 1 in 1 million break through that will change the world we live in. Don’t get me wrong -- I love those life changing things – but they ARE 1 in 1 million. For the day in, day out, building of a great company; one that will make their customers always happy and provide value in exchange for dollars – the basics have stayed the same. Regardless of the “wild anomalies” that occasionally appear (remember when the market thought Touthpaste.com would have us all brushing online).
I interact often with investors, venture capitalists, engineers, suppliers, attorneys, salespeople, marketers, customers, industry analysts and the media. They are a diverse bunch and I tend to gravitate towards the optimists vs. the pessimists, but I will say that a common trait seems to be the desire to find “the new, new, new thing”. Not just the new, new thing. That is so 90’s. I am an out-of-the box thinker, as those that know me, can attest. However, some things SHOULDN’T be the new, new, new thing. Things like a) respect for your customers, b) respect for your employees, c) making tough decisions quickly, and d) leading a team vs. administrating a team. These four things are the foundation, in my opinion, of how great companies are built and run. I know, I know, a dude wrote a whole book titled “Good to Great”. It was a study of the habits and traits that were common amongst good companies that became great companies. It is a good read, but I believe that if the basic tenets that I mention aren’t followed, the rest just can’t happen. There, I saved you $24.75. Not really, you should check it out. But if you do, also read “Blue Ocean Strategy”. A good read that discusses changing existing markets. But, I will say again, without the foundation of the four basic tenets, it simply doesn’t matter.
So, if you are starting a business, running a company, or even in charge of a team, remember: 1) respect your customers, 2) respect your employees, 3) make tough decisions quickly, and 4) lead, don’t just administer. It has always been that way, always will. Wow, a Déjà vu moment – again.
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