Hi everyone,
Fun case.
Imagine you're excited to start making real changes in a company or help your friend. You're ready to use everything you know to help it succeed. But there's a twist: the company hires another person to make sure you're doing things "right."
Good start for today’s edition
I wanted to share one of the cases I recently had with a company. I wanted to help with the business model, operations, acquisition, etc. When we started, I drafted a plan, and we were about to execute it, BUT they wanted to be sure and get another person on board as an “expert.”
They were supposed to be experts who knew the best ways to do things because of their experience and knowledge. But instead of helping with honest, practical advice, all they did was walkie-talking about big ideas and methods that sounded good but pissed me off. (I’ll DM you if you want to know how that story ended).
It was like being given a map of a treasure path that didn't exist.
This made me think a lot about how, sometimes, the advice we get in life or business is more about theories that sound good on paper than about what we can actually do to improve things. It's frustrating, especially when you know that what really helps are actions, not just big words or ideas that don't fit the situation.
Today, I want to address and discuss “experiences.” I want to share why it's essential to focus on what works, on the experiences and actions that make a difference, not just the theory and the books.
Why do I hate business books?
Have you ever read a business book, thinking it would help you a lot, but then found out the advice doesn’t really work for you? I feel this way a lot. It isn’t very pleasant.
These books are often written by very successful people. Their success often came from being in the right place at the right time or just a bit of luck. From my experience, when I try to do what they say in their books for my own businesses, it doesn’t work. It’s like trying to use the wrong key for a lock.
Business is complicated, and every business and person is different. What works for one company might not work for another. But many business books act like they have the secret recipe that works for everyone. This isn’t just unhelpful—it can lead you in the wrong direction.
I do think we can learn from other people’s stories. But it’s not good when their advice is like a one-size-fits-all hat.
I’ve seen advisors who seem to take ideas straight from these books without thinking about what the business really needs. It makes me wonder if these books are more about making the author look good than actually helping us.
I’ve learned how not to read that shit to be careful with that kind of books. It’s okay to pick up a few tips, but you have to think about whether they really make sense for you.
Success isn’t about copying someone else.
It’s about making your own way, learning from many different experiences, and sometimes just being lucky.
This is why I prefer to read sci-fi or fantasy. Oh yeah, it's time to read Dune.
One-Size-Fits-All
After sharing my experiences dealing with business books and random consultants, it's clear that not all advice works for every situation. This brings us to a big issue: the "one-size-fits-all" approach. It’s like when something that worked for one person is expected to work for everyone, no matter how different they are. The same is true for companies.
Think about it.
Every business has its own story. What works for a big tech company might not make sense for a small coffee shop.
In case you missed one of the previous editions, that highlights why smaller companies (underdogs) can compete with bigger ones.
Nevertheless, many experts act as if their advice is perfect for everyone. This isn't just wrong; it can also lead businesses in a direction that doesn't fit them at all.
Strong advice for everyone. Don’t outsource your brain.
I don’t want to be rude, but I've seen this happen too often. (probably an idea for the new newsletter).
People try to follow general advice only to find that it doesn't match their needs or companies. This can be frustrating and can waste a lot of time and resources.
This is why it's important for advice to be flexible and adaptable. It's not about changing your business to fit the advice; it's about changing it to fit your case.
From my own journey, I've learned to take general advice as a starting point, not a final plan. I ask, "How can this apply to me?" and not, "How can I make my business fit this advice?" This way, I can use what's helpful and leave what's not, shaping the advice to meet my business's unique challenges and opportunities.
Let’s move past the one-size-fits-all approach to custom, dedicated, dive-deep approaches. Or do everything with care if this is even possible.
Nature of Experience
Experience is a tricky thing. No two paths are the same because we all start from different places and face different challenges. What leads one person to success might not work for another simply because our lives, backgrounds, and challenges are different.
Diversity in paths underscores a simple truth: personal growth can't be templated. It’s a deeply personal process that depends on who you are, where you've been, and where you want to go.
Always remember that each journey is distinct, filled with its own set of lessons and challenges.
Diverse Experiences
Speaking of it. You already know me as someone deeply involved in entrepreneurship, with extensive knowledge in product building, sales, and marketing, among other things.
A few years ago, I made a fascinating discovery about myself: how my brain functions when I engage in activities unrelated to my day-to-day routine.
For example, when my wife gifted me a course to learn everything about wine and its culture (terroirs, history, etc.) or I started learning French. (Bonjour cher
). I used to rely heavily on physical notebooks to jot down my plans and to-do lists. However, as I dived deep into learning completely different skills, I noticed a significant improvement in my memory. I remembered details vividly, almost word for word, image by image, which I found quite remarkable.I want to say that immersing yourself exclusively in business activities, business books, constant business learning, or just hitting yourself with back-to-back meetings may not be as beneficial as you think. You could have a greater impact by investing in yourself and embracing diverse learning experiences. This enhances your personal growth and can unexpectedly improve your professional performance.
I can bet on this.
When it comes to personal development, nothing beats the hands-on experience. You can read all the self-help books in the world, but real change comes from applying what you’ve learned in real-life situations. It's about taking action, stepping out of your comfort zone, and learning from the outcomes, whether they're successes or setbacks.
For instance, if you're working on becoming more assertive, you don't just read about assertiveness techniques—you practice them in your daily interactions. Each conversation becomes an opportunity to try something new, learn, and grow.
This hands-on approach not only helps you develop new skills but also builds your confidence through real-world practice.
I encourage you not to limit yourself to the familiarity of your professional field.
Venture out, explore new interests, and challenge your brain with activities that seem unrelated to your work. You might be surprised by how much these experiences can enrich your personal and professional life.
Remember, investing in your personal development is just as important as investing in your business. It's about creating a well-rounded, fulfilling life that goes beyond your professional achievements. Let's embrace the journey of continuous learning and growth together.
Post Credit Scene
And just as the credits roll, remember: your story of growth and learning is ongoing.
There’s always something new to discover about yourself, a new skill to master, or a new challenge to overcome.
Keep an open heart, embrace the journey of self-discovery, and always be ready for what life throws your way. Because in the end, it's the growth along the way that truly defines us, not just the milestones we reach.
There are a few general tips that will help you embrace and learn from your own experiences without comparing them to my experiences.
Stay Open: Every step of your journey offers valuable lessons. Be open to learning from both successes and setbacks.
Embrace Unique Path: Your journey is exclusively yours. Don't measure it against others’ paths, but cherish its individuality.
Reflect: Regular reflection helps you understand what you've learned and how to apply it to future challenges.
Seek Diverse Experiences: Broadening your horizons through varied experiences enriches your understanding of the world and yourself.
Adapt and Modify: Be flexible in adjusting your goals and methods as you gather new insights from your experiences.
Share Your Stories: Sharing your journey with others can enlighten and inspire them, offering new perspectives on your own experiences.
Learn from Others: While your path is unique, others' experiences can offer wisdom and inspiration without exact replication.
Embrace Change: Change is a constant and integral part of growth. Welcome it as a catalyst for personal development.
Trust Your Intuition: Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from within. Trusting your instincts can guide you through uncharted experiences.
Be Patient with Yourself: Personal development is a journey, not a race. Give yourself grace and time to grow.
Seek Support When Needed: It’s okay to ask for help. Support from others can be a strength, not a weakness.
Challenge Yourself: Growth often lies just beyond what feels comfortable. Dare to stretch beyond your current boundaries.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: A positive outlook can make challenges more manageable and enrich the lessons they bring.
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude transforms your perspective, making you more receptive to the lessons and beauty in every experience.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Cherish the journey itself, as it’s within the process that real learning and growth occur.
Remember, You’re Not Alone: Everyone's journey is unique, yet sharing this human experience connects us all. You are part of a larger community, each exploring their own path.
Films and TV shows about Experience.
The Intern - This film showcases how experience doesn't just fade with age. Robert De Niro's retired executive character becomes an intern at an online fashion retailer, proving that his vast experience can still add immense value in a modern and youthful workspace.
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV) - Starring Brie Larson, this show is based on the novel by Bonnie Garmus. Set in the 1960s, it follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant and ambitious chemist who, despite her extraordinary abilities, faces sexism and discrimination in her field. Forced out of her lab, she finds herself hosting a TV cooking show, where she uses her scientific expertise to teach the nation not just about cooking but the science behind it, challenging societal norms in the process.
A Beautiful Mind is based on the true story of John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician. It highlights his journey through the challenges of mental illness, showcasing the power of experience in overcoming personal and professional obstacles.
The Pursuit of Happyness—This film tells the true story of Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle to be homeless with his son. It shows how his experiences, both good and bad, shaped his path to a successful career and a happier life.
Ratatouille is an animated film about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef and tries to achieve his goal by forming an alliance with a Parisian restaurant's garbage boy. The film emphasizes the importance of passion and experience and does not judge talent by appearance.
Finding Forrester is a movie about a young writing prodigy who finds a mentor in an eccentric, reclusive writer. The story highlights the transfer of knowledge and experience from one generation to another and how it can change lives.
The Tree of Life - Directed by Terrence Malick, this ambitious and visually stunning film explores the meaning of life through the experiences of a Texas family in the 1950s. At its core, the movie juxtaposes the life journey of Jack, the eldest son, with the origins of the universe and the inception of life on Earth. As Jack navigates his complicated relationships with his parents and his inner turmoil, the film delves deep into themes of existence, the human connection with the natural world, and the impact of personal experiences on our understanding of life's grandeur and complexity.
Wishing everyone more advice that is worth it and people that care.
Vlad