Be There Fast, Be There First, and You Win. WRONG.

©2024 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

From thought leader Jim Collins:  "I recently [2000] met with the CEO of a hot Internet company who described his concept for competing on the Web: “It’s a big land rush,” he explained. “It’s all about being the first to build critical mass and create a brand name.” Then, in a bizarre twist, he admitted that his company’s Web site didn’t work all that well and that customers might be disappointed by their early experiences. “But it doesn’t matter,” he said. “The whole game is to stake out your territory.” His strategy hinged on one simplistic idea: be there fast, be there first, and you win."  

When Jim asked to explain what would protect his company from the inevitable assault by huge companies with deep pockets and vast preexisting customer sets, he said: “Inertia! Our competitive advantage is their inertia. By the time they wake up, the game will be over, and we will have won.”

WRONG.

Jim states:  "It doesn’t really matter who gets there first, so long as you figure out a way to produce a better solution, doggedly persist in bringing that solution to the world, and continually improve. And if you happen to have the misfortune of being first, of being the early leader in market share, then keep in mind that someone—right now—is learning from your mistakes."

Read the full article here for context and understanding.

As Jim Collins Says, "Begin With Who, Not What"

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

According to thought leader Jim Collins (pictured), "good-to-great leaders understood three simple truths. First, if you begin with “who,” rather than “what,” you can more easily adapt to a changing world. If people join the bus primarily because of where it is going, what happens if you get ten miles down the road and you need to change direction? 

Jim is all about getting the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off the bus).  Read on to learn the other two simple truths.

Favorite Moments at the Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF) in Colorado Springs 2024

Photos/videos:  ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.  Learn more about WPO.

Thought Leader Jim Collins Presents at the Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF) in Colorado Springs

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What a privilege to attend the Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I spent quality time with my Chicago members, listened to several amazing presentations, including one by thought leader Jim Collins (pictured), and connected with more than 700 women business owners who all aspire tremendous growth for their companies.

Our WPO CEO, Camille Burns, sums everything up nicely:

"As I head home from Colorado Springs, I’m reflecting on all the inspiring and extraordinary women who attended the #2024EEF. The collective energy, brilliance, and strength of these women from around the globe is truly unparalleled. Here's to the continued success and global impact of women business owners!"

Hear, hear!

Jim Collins Delivers What Makes a Good Leader

Article of Interest: How to Go From Good to Great in 10 Easy Steps

How inspiring to have Jim Collins as one of our keynote speakers at our WPO Atlanta Conference this year (2012)!  Adding to that, I had the great pleasure to meet Kimberly Weisel, the talented author and entrepreneur behind the following article.

Jim Collins:  Good to Great in 10 Steps

As Jim says:  Do ten things that will dramatically improve your company. What are you waiting for?