Small Giants are companies that aspire to be the best they possibly can be; something that – surprising – doesn’t involve growing. But can these companies survive in an age of cashing-in and selling-out? I review the book by Bo Burlingham to find out.
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Oh my goodness, the browser has filled up with tabs quickly. It’s time to read ‘em through, write ‘em up, and close ‘em out in a recurring feature on Vox Pop that we lovingly refer to as… THE WUNDERKAMMER.
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Last week I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Small and Special Conference, an event about people that had turned their passions into businesses. It was put on by Jackson Fish Market, a quirky software development firm made up of ex-Microsoftees (full recap is now available on their site). There were a number of takeaways – the inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, the eye opening diversity of how people are able to make money, etc. However, for me and my Vox Pops, what was most valuable was the reinforcement that there are alternatives to going big and selling out.
There has been a lot of discussion lately among similarly size conscious firms about labeling. What do you call an organization intent on staying small, nimble, and cash-flow positive? Till now, “Lifestyle Businesses” is about the only thing that has stuck. The problem with that term is manifold, as the 37 Signals blog rightfully points out:
The question was put to many: “Do you want to build a nice lifestyle business or do you want to build a real business.” How condescending is that? I’m not positive I understand the subtleties and nuances of these labels, but I think I have a good idea of what’s meant by them: A lifestyle business is for the hacks and amateurs while a real business is for the big guns and grown-ups.
The Redeye VC blog is currently calling upon its readers for new name ideas. My favorite so far? Freestanding Business. There’s no reference or implication of diminutive size, sounds strong, and reinforces the notion that the doors will stay open without wheelbarrow of investment.
I’ll finish with a great video featuring David Heinemeier Hansson. Sure, he’s a pretty boy. But in a world enraptured with quick wealth and completely automated income its refreshing to hear there are other measures of success.
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As coincidental as the timing may be, my profile on The New Pioneers website is not an April Fools gag. The forthcoming book attempts to examine how broadband access is changing rural life. Its being written by Eric J Abrahamson – previously author of Anytime, Anywhere : Entrepreneurship and the Creation of a Wireless World.
When Eric called me we talked for nearly an hour – hit the right buttons and I go into full on opine mode. The quotes chosen for the online profile put my hometown of Timber Lake, SD in a positively glowing light. However, my real intent was to bridge the gap between rural revivalist pipe dreams and the kind of urban end-all-be-all centers championed by, say, Richard Florida.
The future of work will need both. In a metropolitan area I find a diversity of people and ideas. This cross-pollination (even friction) creates a frenetic, energizing environment. When I abscond to South Dakota for extended periods its because the isolation provides clarity and focus. Technologies, like universal broadband, shouldn’t be seen as just the ability to shore our boats where we’d prefer. Much unlike an anchor, rural broadband would free us to sail between multiple points with ease and fluidity, as the work requires.
Ultimately, the premise is that South Dakota’s technorati, cast out because of an overabundance of education and ambition, would return. I maintain that the goal isn’t some kind of geek-enabled homecoming. The goal is to be able to choose.
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