@web smith

SXSW. And I’m not there, this year. The perennial convergence on Austin for all things Tech, Music, and Film is deemed a party to some - and for some, it is - but the reality is that futures will be made off of this weekend. Yes, for the sponsors. But also for the plain jane entrepreneurs who were missing: that one connection to formalize a business plan, that one point of advice from a keynote, the one suggestion from a Gary Vaynerchuk, Brian Solis, or Baratunde Thurston. Or, that one financial nod of approval from an investor that believes in their idea. It may be the greatest, concentrated talent farm in all of technology and art.

This is the idealism of SXSW. Some good, some bad, but its real. I’ve watched a punkish Machine Gun Kelly turn from a local someone to a national somebody because of one coffee house performance that led to another, that led to a meeting with Diddy, that led to a record deal. But in my three years at the festival of knowledge, I’ve learned more than in all my years of school. It’s a place where the passionate travel to drive substance to that passion. It’s helped me to where I am now and I’m so grateful. 

Until next year, SXSW. For all that are there for the first time, you’re life will be a little bit better for it. Really.

A friendly reminder. Here’s to the crazy ones out there that decide not to hedge their futures on a back up plan. Sometimes, insanity is an asset.

Physical Endurance = Mental Endurance. I’m pretty fortunate, 100 steps away from my desk is a pretty cool gym. There, you’ll find me and my colleagues training together. Good practice. It is a great way to blow off steam and maintain a positive composure in a work environment. The figurative Business 101 should add the necessity to maintain the health that you have so that you can focus on the matters at hand. As stress-free as possible. That means eating, sleeping, and training effectively - when possible. 

The above diagram is just a great reminder. Not 100% perfect but great enough. Energy in = Energy out (in most circumstances). Don’t neglect your engine! This “emotional guide to your healthy diet” is a way to a happy, content professional experience.

Discouraged? Think Different. Think that you’re starting small? Feeling insignificant as a business? Check out this crude drawing of the 1978 office of Apple Computer. Take note of the simplicity, the population, the names, certain key words, and well - the lack of a formal diagram. If Apple can come from this to $81 Billion dollars in the bank - you can do _______. 

I’m proud to be a part of what I am part of. And so should you. 

A picture is worth a thousand words and a lot of jobs. What’s your first thought or emotion after seeing this? The source of this graphic can be found here. 

It seems the solution is simple. Buck the service industry trend and build things. And if you do, the global economy will thank you for it. This is why I feel that American manufacturing focused businesses like Rogue Fitness will win out. I’ve learned, from brighter minds, that there is just something about having manufacturing as a corporate priority. When making things becomes a priority, innovative thinking tends to always follow. 

Imagine being able to innovate your business out of a poor earnings quarter or better yet, your country out of an economic slump. The moral of the infographic above is that often enough, you can’t have one without the other. 

BrandZ Top 100: Most Valuable Global Brands | If you care anything about business, marketing, and branding. This report [.PDF] is remarkable.