One must run as fast as a rabbit and a
Be as patient as a turtle
Have an organization chart and strategy in line while you are growing in interviewing people for those positions
Mission vision and values- people are hired, fired, and promoted based on these values
There was no challenge too big for this guy
Jack leads the company like he plays chess
Jack used eBay's tactics against them in a judo like fashion
Business is fun, competition is fun, but don't take it too seriously. You have to add value in the marketplace.
It's not about competing with others, it's about creating massive value for others.
It took 8 years since he joined for them to IPO. He moved 6 times since he joined.
Don't change because you have a little money, don't change because you have a little prestige. We are still small and sometimes we are wasteful and sometimes we are too slow. We have to be forward looking and we have to stay dreaming.
“Today is tough. Tomorrow is much tougher. But the day after tomorrow is beautiful. And most people die tomorrow evening. You will never be able to see the sun shine on the day after tomorrow—unless you work really hard.”
- Jack Ma
Alibaba went public after 15 years of existence
Lessons Learned
- Dream really big so you have something to work towards
- Never underestimate yourself or your competitors- hard work and education can bridge any gap
- Have a concrete plan
- Be focused on the long term
- The bigger the problem- the greater the opportunity
- Endure the struggle
- Focus on the customers and the end user
- Learn from the competitor but never copy them.
- Stay focused on your central mission.
- It's more important to be the best not the first
- Find opportunity in crisis
- Realign yourself yearly to the goals of the organization
- Avoid burnout with periods of immersion and maintenance
- Embrace your instincts and your gut
- Be action oriented, calibrate later