5 Mega Companies and Their Founding Facts (and Myths)
Great article via American Express OPEN Forum on 5 Mega Companies and Their Founding Facts (and Myths):
As business owners, it’s easy to be drawn to real-life success stories of businesses that started with nothing and wound up as empires. These stories make great tales, some even fit for the silver screen (see: The Social Network). Occasionally, however, the facts of these founding stories become embellished, turning more into what sounds like a movie script as time goes on. The five massive companies that have amazing founding stories, with a few myths sprinkled in.
Companies Include: YouTube, Threadless , eBay, Google, and Dyson
VIDEO: Management Lessons from the Girl Scouts
Video from the Harvard Business Channel from YouTube on management lessons from the Girl Scouts.
Key Lessons:
- Real change begins from the inside out
- The way you build the future is to rediscover your past
- Real strategy change is about bottom up conversation and participation not just top down communication
- To build a great organization, it takes a lot of smart cookies
Too Few Women in Tech? Stop Playing the Blame Game
Allyson Kapin, a Fast Company Expert Blogger and Founder of Women Who Tech, wrote a great piece about women in technology, called ‘Too Few Women in Tech? Stop Playing the Blame Game‘
The article wasn’t an in-depth, profound analysis of women, or the lack thereof, in technology but it was motivational and personally came right on time for me.
Kapin responds to Michael Arrington of TechCrunch wrote a blog post saying, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, what sex you are, what politics you support or what color you are. If your idea rocks and you can execute, you can change the world and/or get really, stinking rich.”
Really? Are we still playing to the notion that it’s a level playing field out there? Of course there are exceptions like Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact but for the most part women are still lagging behind. Arrington does a great disservice by dismissing the challenges – often unspoken – women face not only by trying to break the “glass ceiling” but simply trying to get a seat at the table.
Instead of the playing the blame game, Kapin creates an action plan to get more women launching startups and involved in tech.
Check out the initial five steps:
- Build Meaningful Relationships with Organizations
- Break Out of your Comfort Zone
- It’s a Numbers Game: Ask for Several Suggestions
- Share the Spotlight
- Diversify Your Rolodex
- Start Organizing
Also note that the 3rd Annual Women Who Tech TeleSummit takes place on September 15!
National Urban League Centennial Conference Online: Promotes Economic Development
The National Urban League’s Centennial Celebration is taking place in Washington, DC, July 28-31. I’m watching the online stream of the conference and feel empowered. The conference has brought together some of the “leading business, community, and political figures” in the African American community. I am excited to see that the focus has shifted to promoting strong economic development.
Follow on Twitter #IAmEmpowered and #NUL100 | Learn More | Watch Online
Inc Magazine Releases List Of 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30
Inc Magazine launched the 2010 list of top entrepreneurs, age 30 or younger. The 30 under 30 list features ambitious and inspirational young entrepreneurs who are bringing a whole new level of innovation to the business community.
* There is actually 49 people featured as some companies have multiple founders.
Where are They Now?
Read more about the young entrepreneurs who have appeared on our annual 30 Under 30 List in the past.
View Previous 30 Under 30 Lists: 2009 | 2008 | 2007
You can also vote for fave start-up on the list here