If you haven’t been called crazy, you haven’t done the extra-ordinary

How do you react when you are called crazy? Sounds like an insult? Sure, it can be. What if you invent a technology that makes people see into the future, you will be called crazy.

In her book, CRAZY IS A COMPLIMENT, Linda Rottenberg explained how to beat the ordinary. She talked about how to take the smart risk without risking it all. She stressed on the importance of why everybody needs to act like an entrepreneur.

GET GOING

Many times, you believe that if you don’t get the support of some certain people, you won’t move on an idea. Sometimes, you even try to find every means possible to talk yourself out of the “crazy” idea. Linda couldn’t agree any less.

“The most valuable backer you need to start any venture is not your mother, father, spouse, boss, banker, or friend. It’s not anyone else at all. It’s YOU.” — Linda Rottenberg

After getting yourself in a proper frame of mind, it’s time to know about the categories of entrepreneurs:

1. Gazelles

These are classic entrepreneurs — those who start new businesses and aim to become hot phenomena. Think of Google, GoPro or Spanx. “Gazelle” describes high-growth businesses whose sales double every four years. Like the animal, gazelle entrepreneurs are fast-moving and high-jumping.

2. Skunks

The term “intrapreneur,” coined in the 1970s, refers to innovators within large corporations.“Skunk” describes people that decide to work for existing companies become innovators in their niche and help the company they work at grow.

Pretending your job is safe and your company is stable leaves you dangerously exposed. If you think risk-taking is risky, being risk-averse is often riskier.

Even if your company continues to thrive, your ability to survive in it depends on your capacity and willingness to innovate. Job security these days depends on the same qualities that make good entrepreneurs — agility, imagination, persistence and execution.

3. Dolphins

Dolphins are contrarians in the nonprofit or public sector who are willing to buck convention and agitate for change. Why dolphins? Because they’re smart, social and among the few altruistic animals. But they’re not pushovers: harm a dolphin’s pod and watch out!

4. Butterflies

The last group that needs to be more entrepreneurial are small-scale or lifestyle entrepreneurs — plumbers, yoga instructors, bakers, craft makers. “Butterflies” describes people inspired by freedom and creative expression, crave flexibility and independence. They grow intense desire to offer their gifts to the world.

Being a small-scale entrepreneur doesn’t hinder innovation. You need to be disruptive. Even butterflies need to spread their wings wider. Don’t wait for changes to happen, make changes happen.

Whatever your passion, pick one of these species and start writing your story — or risk being an ostrich, with your head stuck in the sand. — Linda Rottenberg

~ Stop planning, start doing.

GO BIG

Now that you have been able to pick a species of entrepreneur that best fit you, Linda Rottenberg described the entrepreneur personality. Entrepreneur personality focus on your strengths and pitfalls as a leader. She put these into four different groups:

1. Diamond: Visionary dreamers leading disruptive ventures. Diamond entrepreneurs envision a more exciting world, then inspire others to help them achieve it. Diamonds are brilliant but it’s often about them.
2. Star: Charismatic individuals building personality brands. These are dynamic trendsetters with big personalities who inspire deep loyalty among diverse audiences. Stars are often one-person show, change their minds frequently and can be undisciplined with time and money.
3. Transformer: Changemakers reenergizing traditional industries. Transformers are catalysts for change. They have the tendency to transform their industries causing through innovation and modernization.
4. Rocketship: Analytical thinkers making strategic improvements. Rocketship entrepreneurs are penetrating thinkers who apply focus on metrics to accelerate growth and change. They tend to understand the language of data.

Just as there is no singular path to being an entrepreneur today, so there is also no set entrepreneur personality.

Look inward, figure out what you’re good at — and what you’re not — then play up your strengths. The first step to going big is to know thyself. — Linda Rottenberg.

GO HOME

Linda Rottenberg made it clear that this is the most important lesson of all. Go home. Make time for the ones you love.

Your skills as an entrepreneur don’t apply to your work only. Don’t settle for a successful career or a meaningful personal life, aspire for both.

Instead of choosing to Go Big OR Go Home, you can choose to Go Big AND Go Home.

Take chances, girls. Take the journey with others. And don’t forget to take time to enjoy what you create with those you love. — Linda Rottenberg to her girls.

I recommend you take the time to read the book. You won’t regret it. Cheers!