Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft recently gave a commencement speech at the University of Southern California. I thought this piece of advice was particularly useful, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs.
I would like you to think about three things that I’ve had a chance to decide are really important based upon the time I’ve spent at Microsoft, and I’ve spent in the information technology industry.
Number one, great ideas matter. Number two, find passion. And number three, be tenacious, be irrepressible.
BUT, Steve-o has a fourth that’s been in public view for some time now. In Steve’s case – it “Promote that you’re an idiot, and hope that the board isn’t watching”.
So,
1) Nokiasoft – Phase 1 – $ BILLIONS to Espoo for what??? A hope and and a wish for 2015??
2) Micro-Skype – $ 8.5 BILLION for a business that makes NO MONEY AND now, you get to screw it up – your way….aarrgghh…
3) Nokiasoft – Phase 2 – The rest of Nokia.. Like the folks in Scandinavia don’t despise you enough??!!??
4) Who’s next – FedEx ??