So I’m browsing away at some of the projects that I’m keeping an eye on today and as I browse through them (I bookmark them and go look every so often) I keep seeing “stalled” projects…you know, ideas that sound so freaking cool and the “founders” are convinced is the “next big thing”….and they’re stalled.  Oh don’t get me wrong, the “simple and beautiful” design work is done, the business models are written…spreadsheets of life changing sales projections are completed, but the project AT ITS CORE has stalled.  No sales, no “weekly” updates, no “new and exciting” product launches…the update emails that I’m waiting for come for about 2 weeks and then…….crickets.

Seriously people….FINISH YOUR F***ING projects.  And by “finish” I mean follow the damn thing through to it’s success or failure (p.s. most things when followed through will be successful).

So here are the steps:

1. Create a kick ass business model

2. Strip all of the cutesy b.s. out of it

3. Find the fastest way to REVENUE (hint: this does not include writing quirky email auto responder copy)

4. Ignore ANY consultant who says that right now you should be “building awareness and brand recognition”.  Trust me, if your product kicks ass and does what it’s supposed to and you SELL IT, your brand recognition and awareness will be very strong.

5. Rinse, Repeat

Once you’re selling some product and have proof of sales, THEN you can create some quirky web copy that makes you feel hipper than you actually are…

until then….you’re not a thought leader….you’re a wannabe.

Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi and Flow

In his seminal work, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi outlines his theory that people are most happy when they are in a state of flow— a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation.

Flow is essentially the convergence of a high level of skill and a high level of challenge as shown in the video. When in “flow”, people typically experience a sensation of “time flying” and “deep purpose”.

In your business, this state is when you’ll feel that you are most productive and driven.  Additionally, you’ll likely be most successful in this exact moment.

So what’s the moral of this “story?”  If you’re not fulfilled, increase your skill level and your challenge level and hang on for the ride!

I’ve said for a long time that there isn’t such a thing as a “tech” company…all companies are tech companies in that they all use technology to “do” business. Reading, Writing, Arithmetic…and Tech….

On another note, I bet this Mom would die for her son….or at least interrupt a Michael Buble concert and risk televised humiliation to help him out…yeah, you need to watch this.