Unstructured Thoughts - Latest Comments in How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

steaner — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:40:58 -0000

That's one hell of a fantastic post, Taylor! There are several good posts about failure out there but I love how much work you've put into that one. Truly useful for any aspiring/failed entrepreneur. I'll make sure to have it close-by whenever someone asks me to share input about that specific topic.

Thanks!

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:12:12 -0000

Glad to hear; drop me a line if I can ever help :)

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Stephen Bussard — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:06:08 -0000

Thanks man! As time goes on I feel more and more that entrepreneurship is the way I need to go.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:55:19 -0000

Sometimes :)

Actually, as long as that is the explicit goal of the meeting, and if meeting in person is the best way to disseminate that information (meaning, it requires a personal touch), then I'm all for it.

My main issue with meetings is that typically they are created without real thought and preparation and that the people meeting aren't given the right base (the right "scene") to make the meeting worthwhile...

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Linda Margaret — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:32:47 -0000

I like it all, but the one about "meeting to decide" could use (as rule no. 25 states) some modifications. I think its important to meet sometimes to disseminate information in person. Rules made at the top and communicated in email or individually to team members can end up being implemented in as many ways as there are individuals in the company. Sometimes, meeting to disseminate information insures that the information is universally understood and uniformly implemented.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:17:20 -0000

Thanks! Any points stand out in particular?

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

daniel — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:46:24 -0000

Amazing article, had to copy the link and sent it around the company immediatly! Thanks for that! We will definitely mention it on our site...

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Honest Internet Businessman — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:48:21 -0000

Good list but "secrets" shouldn't be in the title. Everyone learns from failure and that is no secret.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Scott Mahler — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:21:34 -0000

Great information here. I've always heard it's best to learn from those who have suceeded, but I think there is a lot ot learn from those who have failed, assuming you learn what NOT to do. I've done that with my own business, and have found it to be a great way to avoid mistakes. Thanks for spreading the word.

www.datexmedia.wordpress.com

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Amanda — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:56:13 -0000

#17 is a good one. Accept that you don't know everything and that someone else may have great thoughts and ideas to contribute. If you dismiss or ignore suggestions, you may be missing out on a prime opportunity.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:28:00 -0000

Thanks! Which one do you like best? More people have downloaded the eBook than the PowerPoint so far...

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:25:44 -0000

I'm still guily of some of the points myself :)

Re: New New New: it's interesting to see the difference between early adopters and laggards in how they test, promote and use various tools (online and offline). It's not just about being new: as the user base and audience change, how and why various tools are used tend to morph. Different needs, goals, viewpoints and frames of references.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Andre — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:52:47 -0000

I have to admit that some of the points you point out, I'm still guilty of sometimes. These are some awesome advice. I especially like the New New New! I see this in practically all newbies in the internet marketing world.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

uwak — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:30:35 -0000

thanks...very great evaluation.......to be more better, nice posting

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

MarkoSaric — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:56:17 -0000

Great article... Thanks!

It is a very nice touch that you offer a PDF, PowerPoint presentation etc so your visitors can choose in which format to read your article...

Marko
http://www.howtomakemyblog.com

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:57:01 -0000

Swearing gets people's attention :)

It's not all about maximizing existing opportunities. The decision we constantly face is where and how to invest our incremental time, money and passion. Sometimes it's on the new, sometimes it's on the old: and the key is that simply being new isn't good enough on its own.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:48:25 -0000

Agreed: but I'll admit the problem is that we need to use better heuristics to judge whether we're being determined or stubborn. Typically we judge using the results of our decisions, at which point it's too late to change our approach if necessary. The key is to figure out what to listen to, to determine our own guide. I'm still learning my own...

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:05:41 -0000

Serious thanks: what kind of business?

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tdavidson — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:01:58 -0000

Depends on who is paying for the solution :)

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

compassioninpolitics — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:11:32 -0000

I think the solve your problem vs. solve their problem is an inevitable conundrum for which their is only a situation by situation solution. Great post, however.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Cheryl Hendrick — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:29:13 -0000

Awesome list - thanks for putting into words what so many of us have been struggling with. I'd like to elaborate a little...

Addendum to #10:

First off, I love that you almost dropped the F-Bomb. That fucking rocks. There, now you can live vicariously through my public vulgarity.

Second, I love this point because so many business jump on NEW programs, NEW products, NEW brands - and in the process, loose the brand equity they've created in the OLD. If you're not pulling in the revenue, the worst thing you can do is get desperate and start shooting blindly in the sky hoping you'll connect with a bird. First, focus on making sure what you have is the best it can possibly be - and if you DO introduce anything new, it needs to be strategic and tie back in with your overarching promise to the client.

I could go on, but I would be dithering when I could be out there making money!

Cheryl
www.studioabsolute.com

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Potato Chef — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:09:07 -0000

#17 The Smartest Person In The Room...

It never ceases to amaze me how many people will trade the sale, the progress, or even their whole company just to prove to you beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are smarter and wiser than anyone else.

Of course a lot people talk a big game..but few when questioned about fundamentals and specifics can back up their "big game" talk.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Darren Scott Monroe — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:34:14 -0000

Excellent set! The last is actually a Russian Proverb #25
#1 - #3 was a great reminder for me.

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

tumblemoose — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:28:21 -0000

This eclectic list is kind of a foundation for how any business should operate. In fact, much of the content here could be vamped into a leadership course.
Success is not so much about technical knowledge or business acumen, but it's about the right attitude towards life and specifically towards people.

Great job. I'll be back.

Cheers

George

Re: How to Fail: 25 Secrets Learned through Failure

Vincent — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:28:13 -0000

Being determined definitely helps us to guide us through tough time. I definitely agree that there is a big difference between determined and stubborn. One can aid you while the other can cause you to filter out the reality.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger