RealLearning

I recently attended a venture managment program at Stanford by the name of RealAcad - www.realacad.com. It was a one week 'boot camp' where myself and 10 other participants spent a week building a real company whle receiving intense coaching from top entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and management consultants. Since I have completed the program, I've utilized the international network of faculty and alumni to launch my own firm. RealAcad also selects the top performers of each program and provides a paid fellowship for them to travel around the world to places like Harvard, Kellogg, Shanghai and Barcelona in order to set up future RealAcad camps. For anyone who is looking to connect to an elite global network or has an interest in starting their own company, I would DEFINITELY recommend applying to attend a RealAcad program.

A Tech Balance

What role should technology play in our businesses or lives? What good is a IT system to manage your financials if you have no $. At some point we have to recognize that technology is only as important as the value it adds to the process. Technology has become so integrated into our daily lives that we sometimes forget to look at whether its really necessary. There are so many fun and exciting ways to 'track' our lives, customers, etc. that we sometimes forget to spend time on creating enough substance to track! One simple tip - ask yourself clearly "how will this improve my productivitiy?"

Little Things

It is the small things that keep the plates spinning. What are your small things? For me, its one part exercise, one part prayer or reading, and two parts face-to-face social interaction. Must keep these things up each day or I begin to slide of course. Plus accomplishing little things each day, keeps the mind busy and creates a feeling of achievement. Do not forget the small things, even when they don't seem to be related. In most cases, they are in fact what keeps the whole thing together.

Becoming results driven

Better to be highly effective in one or two areas than to be 5-10% effective in many. Start small and build momentum. Set a goal of loosing one pound this week or running one mile a day and make sure you get it right. To accomplish the goal, build your day around its success. Don't get too caught up in the perfect balance or having everything neatly maintained. If it is spending extra money for a healthier meal means you will achieve your goal, then do it. Does extra sleep inspire you to get up and run more? Just do it! Find your rythm, your formula for having success in one area. Redefine what you may have thought you 'must' do each day to be productive. Is it really necessary to reply to every email real-time? Worry less about time limits and balance, care more about results and success!