Author Archives: codemizell

Takeaway #198: empire of innovation

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That’s what ya get when ya misuse what I invent

Your empire falls and ya lose every cent

For tryin to blow up a scrub

Now that thought was just as bright as a 20-watt light bulb***

Wu-Tang Clan  ♦  Protect Ya Neck

Takeaway #198:  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but makes lousy business in the age of innovation.  Copycat status and second mover advantage cannot build bank.  Get your own style, that’s the right-bright idea.

What Innovation Looks Like:  Stanford-alumni-fund-new-innovation-center-in-Ghana

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Audit rights – from Do or Die + Chilla

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 And if I can’t add it, then I won’t divide it

And if I can’t seek it, then I won’t find it

 Do or Die f/Chilla:   Stay Focused

Takeaway 90:  The audit provision in the deal where is it.  Splitting the GAAP net profits on incremental does not mean a thing if you don’t have the right to check your partners books.  Without that, my forensic accountants are a waste.

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Takeaway #29: Diversify to elevate your game – inspired by Sir Mix-a-Lot

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UhhhRrrollin’ with my posse we’re gettin’ kinda’ bored–

there’s not another posse with more points scored–

. . ..Larry is the white guy people think he’s funny —

a real estate investa’ who makes a lot of money–

Clockin’ lots of dollas’ we all got gold–

cruzin’ in the Benz ain’t got no place to go—

 

Sir Mix-a-Lot  ♦   My Posse’s on Broadway;  Swass

This is the snapshot of the organization that needs to elevate its game to the next level.  The SWASS crew had dominated its market of Seattle, long before Microsoft and Starbucks, and now needed to take its market national. 

Okay to fully appreciate this song, you do have to recall the video image of the collection of characters riding around in the vehicle.  They had the greatest mix of people.  The organization was ethnically and fashionably diverse.  Effective recruitment insured, that they appealed to a wide marketing demographic and brought a varied enough skill set to the table such that a wide array of problems can be solved.  I am sure this is the first hip-hop crew that touted REIT or residential/commercial real estate investment.  Even Kid Sensation brings some skill to the table.  Listen to the track.  The mixed bag of players is working for them.  Got Diversity?

            The critical point, however, is that there are no challenges left.  They are bored with no place to go.  Have you exhausted the challenges?  If so, it’s time to take the firm to a new arena of challenge.  If not, you will be hanging out at the coffee machine or cruising Broadway until they downsize you out of existence or sell your organization down the river.

 

BPM TAKEAWAY#29:

  • CHALLENGES ARE DIVERSE, IS YOUR ORGANIZATION?

  • WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE PLATEAUED ITS TIME TO ELEVATE YOU FIELD OF PLAY

VIDEO BONUS: Prahalad: Complex People Solve Complex Problems

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#135: No False Starts via #RappperBigPooh

…Jimmy Dean bright and early, scrambled eggs and grits

Got that toast buttered up ready to serve you quick…

Rapper Big Pooh ♦ Sleepers

Takeaway 135: Pooh will not be working your diner, but he will be fully fueled to take it to you today.  How is your morning routine?  Exercise, big breakfast, meditation…whatever, get it right.  You can’t serve the competition with a false start.

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