Book Outline “Crush It!” part 4, when should you quit your job

eviator — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:15:47 +0000

Many people will tell you that marketing and branding online is the way of the future. I disagree with this; it is the way of the present, and those companies and individuals that don’t catch up now will be eating dust for years to come. We are entering a new year, and it’s a good time to think about the future. In his fourth chapter, A whole new world, Vaynerchuk discusses the future of business, and argues that individuals should eventually quit their current job so that they can live their passion. His reasoning is that as long as you are working for someone else, it is impossible to live entirely true to yourself and your passion.

Personally, I disagree with this. I’m sure there are many individuals out there that love what they are doing, and wouldn’t even bother to think about quitting their job. There are excellent companies out there with cultures that will match just about any personality. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a job that they love. So when should you quit your job?

According to Gary Vaynerchuk, you should quit if you can’t answer yes to the following questions:

Are you happy with your present job?
Do you work for a company that allows you to have a public persona?
If you’re not allowed to develop a personal persona at work, are you allowed to do so in your personal time?

In today’s tough economy, it is probably unwise to quit your job outright. However, Vaynerchuk makes a good argument. If you are not able to build your own personal brand, you will be left in the dust, and should at least start preparing your resume. Chances are, there’s a better job out there for you, one that will enable you to prepare for your own future success as well as the company’s.

What do you think? When is it appropriate to quit your job? Let me know at edwardviator [at] evil-marketer [dot] com

Notable quotes from this chapter:

Crying about how things should be instead of embracing how things are doesn’t do anyone any good.

The middleman has not yet been eliminated but we’re getting there.

The changes that will be wrought by the internet are as fundamentally transformative to content and commerce as the printing press. It’s a whole new world; build your personal brand and get ready for it.

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How can studying about investors and entrepreneurs be used?

Steve — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:16 +0000

Part 1 of 3.

After looking at this blog, Bart Kemper wrote:

Steve — I haven’t approached any VC stuff. … You’ve seen my website … how would VC be applicable?

Bart also mentions he does not want to give up any ownership. That is for discussion at another time; let us first focus on how this blog could help the your company if you are not an investor and not seeking investment…now.

First some background: Bart’s business is Kemper Engineering Services, LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The web site is www.kemperengineering.com. You can read about their background, client list, goals, market, and mission statement. There is an impressive list of clients. Their goal is to grow to become one of the “premier engineering companies for the innovation, design and analysis of equipment and products”.

Bart is far from retirement and Kemper Engineering Services will be around for a long time. They may never need an investor. However, I am thinking of the possibilities…what situations could arise that Bart could use this knowledge? Go visit his site and think about how he could use this information…

What if they are working with a client that needs them to evaluate a product design? It could be a startup for the client to invest, or it could be for the client to attract investors. Understanding the concerns of the client is first step in landing that client and then following through with delivery.

One of Kemper’s engineers develops a patented item, and they want to take it to market.

What if the company decides the best way to fund it is with outside investors? So, they seek out and design their own patented product, form a company around that, and seek out investors to take it to market.

What if a startup is seeking funding, and asks Kemper Engineering to be on standby so that once they get funding they can fund Kemper Engineering to help them develop a product?

What if a startup asks Kemper Engineering to bet on the future with them? Assuming that Kemper Engineering even considers that, how would Kemper Engineering evaluate whether the startup was worthwhile? It may be a cool, useful product that is very marketable. However, the startup may have problems. Kemper Engineering should act like an investor.

FYI, not every company should consider “betting on the future” projects.

What if Kemper Engineering is asked by an investor to evaluate an engineering company or to come in and help an engineering company on the short term?

I think you get the idea. It opens up more markets and types of clients; especially for a growing company working in high technology.

Kemper Engineering is working with high technology and will be exposed to many new patentable products. They could be in a situation that they are working with someone who is trying to attract investors, or they might be working with the investors! By being versed in the considerations for an investor and a fund seeking firm, they would more likely be the company of choice when someone considers hiring them.

At the very least, it can be some interesting conversation fodder at his next networking meeting, opening up some doors to new projects.

Another answer published Next Monday wh one more answer a week after that.

PS Bart: You will have to come back then.

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Book Outline “Crush It!” part 4, when should you quit your job

How can studying about investors and entrepreneurs be used?