One Measure of Success

"My life has been the poem I would have writ,
But I could not both live and utter it."

-- Henry David Thoreau

Sorry, I haven't blogged for a while.

I've spent the last two months working nonstop in my "real" job. The client is a leader in quad-play IPTV technology. That's the World Cup on your 60-inch plasma or your mobile -- with live stop action, on-demand player stats, and the power to select your own camera view, or any other aspect of your entertainment experience via your laptop, handheld, or TV remote. (Whose technology? you ask. Hint: Check the fantastic quote on my homepage.)

I mention this engagement because it is why I haven't had time to blog. But it also gave me an idea for an interesting project. Here is the premise:

The most successful people are the busiest people and those are the people with the least amount of time to write their own success stories. (That's probably why Jack Welch is both retired and uses a ghost -- John A. Byrne). In fact, one litmus test of whether you are truly successful is whether you have time to explain why. If you are, you don't.

Among other things, that probably means that some of the best business cases -- the ones that offer the best lessons for others to follow -- are not being written. Yes, it's great to read about Jack Welch's or Lou Gerstner's exploits from years past -- and those are true classics. But wouldn't it be great to read stories told by people who are making their mark now? And are doing it in technologies and industries that require their full-time attention?

That's the idea behind my Heroes Project. I'm looking for today's unsung high-tech hero -- and I will write his or her business case for free. If you are one, or if you know of one, call me at 617-227-0987 and I will fill in the details. Or use this contact form. If I get enough interest, I will publish a collection.