Blog

  • Strategy and execution

    strategy.jpg

    2 different ways to look at strategy & execution:

    On one hand as a journey using a map 🗺 with precise indications 🔤

    In this approach the all-knowing CEO 👨🏾‍🍳 figures out precisely where to go, how to get there and gives clear instruction to his employees what to do every step along the path.

    It implies a static view of reality, an infallible “boss” and an army of robot-employees 🤖needing to avoid mistakes when following orders. Mistakes are not an option here.

    On the other hand a journey using a compass ✨ combined with landmarks ⛩

    Essentially a team-approach 🤝 where the vision on where to go is shared but not the details. Milestones ⛩ are agreed upon and function as landmarks. Each owns a responsibility to figure out and decide how exactly to reach them. Mistakes are part of the learning curve.

    This view implies an ever changing world, full of opportunities. It comes with the need for critical, self-starting individuals that aim high 🏹, and therefore sometimes miss.

    Which one is the “right” one?

    Essentially this is up to how you view yourself and you view the world.

    For me it is pretty easy. I very much enjoy working with a bunch of high-energy, strong-minded, smart people.

    What about you 👉🏼?

  • Business schools and success

    real-simple-quote-1-picture-quote-1.jpg

    So you wonder. Do I need to go to business school to be successful with my start-up?

    Warren Buffets opinion:

    Business schools reward difficult and complex behaviour more than simple behaviour. While simple behaviour is more effective.

    It boils down to mastering the Art of Simple.

    • Bring order to chaos.
    • Serve your clients by making things easier.
    • Offer clarity and understanding.
    • Use a compass  to navigate towards simple, not a map.

    Simple will beat complex in the longer run. Always.

  • Karma – the law of equilibrium

    f5dc68c34caad5c917fa9ce200d1a605-karma-quotes-revenge.jpg

    Karma means everything has consequences. Favourable or unfavourable.

    Karma implies everything is interconnected ⛓. Touch a little thing and it ripples  through the universe 🎇, it affects everything.

    Take Karma into account as a small business trying to have a BIG impact💥.

  • R&D👩🏼‍🔬 and Cash💰: a balancing ⚖️ act

    fullsizeoutput_12d7.jpeg

    As a technology business we need to keep innovating 👩🏼‍🔬, test new products, build new solutions. Without it we stand still and die a slow/fast death.

    Innovation needs money💰. Lots of it sometimes…certainly when operating at the higher end of the market.

    So we are in a constant balancing act. ⚖️

    A few things we have done over the years to get the balance right (and there is more):

    • be first to market with true innovations – early adopters typically provide initial ROI
    • partner up with manufacturers and offer structured feedback on beta-versions (vs always buying every new product that comes out)
    • we have created an Outlet on our PartnerZone to give super deals on (nearly) new equipment to our clients
    • work closely with our best integration partners to co-invest & co-test together
    • when building new solutions act as if it is going to a client. Often the result will be an innovation investment you can sell on later on. No cutting corners – go for perfection.

    Combining innovation + positive cash flow is more of an attitude 💪🏻 and culture 🤝 than a plan. But it is absolutely essential to be successful as a small company.

    PS: quick reminder of why cash is king (beyond what you already knew…)

  • The art of plorking. ⚒+ 🎮

    2fab8a42988ceee41db7451bb1eacd27.jpg
    The art of plorking.
    Do the best you can but do not take it too seriously.  🤡
    You are not at your best when you are simply working⚒. Nor when you are just playing🎮.
    You are at your best when you do both at the same time…and that my friend is plorking ⚒+🎮.
    Say it out loud 📣: “I am at my best when I am plorking”.
    Imagine the smile on your face, the creativity and productivity.
    It is infectious and obvious. It is how you create a BIG impact 💥.