opportunity__cost

http://live.prokhorenko.us
Jul 22 2010

How bad MBAs for your startup?

Despite of the common belief that MBAs are typically bad for the startup, I want to disagree with this statement.  And to support my point, lets dig into the grounds of the issue.  

Entrepreneurs (typically, without MBA, so let me call them non-MBAs :) are coming to form the company, ready to fight for the vision, to lead the passion.  At some point there is a need for somebody educate to come onboard.  And when MBAs are coming in, entrepreneurs are often making a huge mistake: blinded by the name of b-school and degree, they forget to test candidate to share the same vision and passion.  

More than that, some entrepreneurs I know, don't think they need a passionate MBA.  Instead, they want a super smart and knowledgable person, to use the best of his knowledge to apply to their problem.  They don't even understand why passion is needed for these brutal business men, who are born (or made) leaders.  

But the startup is built by those who came to lead, not leaders.  MBAs may apply the best of their knowledge, but this wouldn't help to win the market, if they are non guided by passion and belief.  Yes, they'd definitely get some portion of it, but never the hearts of mass market, what you are really for.  

Disagree?  Try Start with Why http://www.amazon.com/dp/1591842808/?tag=iwhite-20 by Simon Sinek first.  And than lets talk.
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Jun 29 2010

Leaked iPhone 4 troubleshooting guide

1. Keep all of the positioning statements in the BN handy – your tone when delivering this information is important.

a. The iPhone 4’s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. Our testing shows that iPhone 4’s overall antenna performance is better than iPhone 3GS.

b. Gripping almost any mobile phone in certain places will reduce its reception. This is true of the iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS, and many other phones we have tested. It is a fact of life in the wireless world.

c. If you are experiencing this on your iPhone 3GS, avoid covering the bottom-right side with your hand.

d. If you are experiencing this on your iPhone 4, avoid covering the black strip in the lower-left corner of the metal band.

e. The use of a case or Bumper that is made out of rubber or plastic may improve wireless performance by keeping your hand from directly covering these areas.

2. Do not perform warranty service. Use the positioning above for any customer questions or concerns.

3. Don’t forget YOU STILL NEED to probe and troubleshoot. If a customer calls about their reception while the phone is sitting on a table (not being held) it is not the metal band.

4. ONLY escalate if the issue exists when the phone is not held AND you cannot resolve it.

5. We ARE NOT appeasing customers with free bumpers – DON’T promise a free bumper to customers.

Quite interesting leaked guide for AppleCare representatives on how to troubleshoot (and keep the iPhone in hand) when being asked about reception problem. The bad thing is that they decided to go against the customer.

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About Olexandr Prokhorenko

My name is Olexandr Prokhorenko. I am passionate about building products that users *love*.

My LinkedIn profile is www.linkedin.com/in/white.


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