On Saturday I was fortune enough to join a great panel of speakers for a day long exploration of being un-jobbed. Colorado Free University brought in various speakers, including myself, to lead break-out session on topics ranging from time management to social media to creating products. Of course my session was about unearthing all those gems of ideas hidden in your passions and knowledge. The auditorium was packed and I dare say that I had a super duper time!
However, this article is not about the session. It’s actually about a comment made by one of the fellow speakers (an all around amazing lady) that stayed with me for days after. In theory the comment made sense but something didn’t sit right with me. She said that every entrepreneur should have a full library of business books to learn from. Now, I suppose that makes sense but if it’s one thing I know about being an entrepreneur it’s that things happen in real time and learning, doing and reacting happen instantly, not on the pages of a book. Sure, I have a few business books but more often I find myself watching and learning from people, entrepreneurs and companies that are doing it real time. I don’t like to wait five years for them to put it in a book. I would rather observe as its happening and then have the chance to learn and implement immediately. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t about stealing other’s ideas. It’s about learning from people that I consider virtual mentors. The actions they take in their world spark creative thought and action in my world.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy any business books but I am saying don’t hide behind the books. Get out into the world and learn right now!
I met some very cool people at the un-job fair and one fabulous woman in particular asked me if I would share some of the people, entrepreneurs and companies I admire and watch. Well, Ruth, here they are. The list is ever changing but for right now these are definitely on my favs list and here are a few reasons why
Johnny Cupcakes (t-shirts and apparel): This guy knows how to create a buzz. Doing things others in apparel don’t have the appetite to do. He has a Back To Basics Tour where he is going to cupcake shops across the country to do signings…it’s like an old school rock star road tour.
1-800-Got Junk: Smart idea plus great marketing. Unlike other services, these guys don’t bring the trucks in at night to the corporate parking lot. Instead, they put them in big parking lots across the country. Why? Free advertising of course. Why would you lock your truck up when it could be used as advertising in the parking lot of Target? Obvious and genius all at the same time.
Lady Gaga: Ok, she is a huge media sensation but wow does she know how to let her authenticity and personality shine. I love that!
Adam’s Polish: No, I don’t own a car worthy of Adam’s Polish but I have met this amazing entrepreneur and am continually impressed by his ability to create conversations with his customers. He took the power of the community that happens at the car shows and created an online forum for his customers to share and connect. Super cool!
Good Belly: This delicious probiotic drink can be found in grocery stores across the country. It was created by the original founder of Silk Soymilk, Steve Demos – a “natural foods trailblazer.” Steve and his team seem to always be ahead of the natural foods curve. The products, packaging and messaging are unique and definitely stand out in a sea of sameness.
My advice to all you budding entrepreneurs…..put down the books for a little while and get out there! You’ll learn what people are doing today and be able to apply those lessons immediately!
Want more real-time unleashing of your imaginative superpowers and creative potential? Join me in a few weeks for a special event at Colorado Free University. A day and a half of right brain power, imagination and did I mention belly laughter?
Filed under: Tamara's Musings | Tagged: business ideas, business mentors, creativity, entrepreneur, entrepreneurial advice, imaginatation, imaginibbles, right brain exercises, right brain tools, tamara kleinberg, unleashing creativity
I LOVE this post, Tamara! I feel the same way. When I first started my business I read book after book and got bored, overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated but I didn’t get inspired. I get inspired and confident when I talk to other entrepreneurs and when I ask them questions face-to-face instead of spending hours looking for the answer online or in a book. I find most people rely on these books when they get scared. I know I have. But when you get scared you can’t hide in a book. You need to get out there and face your fear in order to grow.
I love to read books but I only choose “business-type” books that are very open-ended and allow for you to find your own voice. One of my favorite “business” books in Renaissance Soul. It’s how to find joy and success when you have too many passions to pick just one. It’s not really a business book per se, but it helped me to clear my thoughts and remember to be myself while trying to grow my business.
My advice is to not put too much stock in books that claim to teach you the way they made millions. Their path is probably not going to be for you. Read with caution and take bits from these books but think very critically and creatively on how that bit fits in your entrepreneurial path.