The Future of Radio

I recently read the following blog entry from Tom Keene, editor at large of Bloomberg radio and television (http://linkd.in/WtHCKj). I started to comment on it and found my thoughts were too large for a tweet or comment on LinkedIn so I am writing this short blog entry.

I am actually a fan of audio vs video for content. I think audio has a future to compete in the media wars with some unique advantages. I listen to half of my NFL games over the Internet vs. watching on TV. I do this because I don't live in the same area as my home team anymore, but can still hear the game from the perspective of my home team commentators. And I can easily do it on the move or multitasking. However, video has some great advantages over audio in functional areas such as allowing me to make my own judgments on slow motion sports replays for example. I also think video makes it easier to emotionally connect with what I am watching. Think about it. How often would you rather have an important meeting in person than over the phone or worse yet only over email correspondence. It is just easier to read the emotions of others in person. That being said, there are some excellent national radio programs that do a wonderful job of creating emotion and connection - so it is possible with radio just more difficult I think.

I am not a media expert, but it would seem to me radio has to become more relevant than catering to commuters to avoid decline like the newspaper industry. I think that comes down to the content wars coupled with content delivery. Gone are the days where family used to gather  around a radio to listen to content. Radio lacks the social element it once had. Perhaps it is viewed as an individual activity now which would be detrimental to its ability to thrive in an era that is finding new ways to connect and be connected.

Again, I want to be clear, I am not a radio or media expert. I am only a consumer. I don't know what it is, but there is something there with radio to make a comeback with. What is it that would make the consumer in their home turn off the television in favor of the radio? Is it personalization, lifestyle integration, or unique content. Could radio become a real time content provider for doing good or escaping commercialism? I don't know what it could be. This blog entry raised more questions than provides answers. I am sure there are FCC experts, spectrum experts and media gurus who know much more than I do and could sink my ship pretty easily with knowledge I don't have. However, one thing I do know is radio has the advantage of connecting to me without requiring the Internet or paying large amounts of money each month to listen. If the industry could figure out how to be socially relevant and unique in content, I think radio could make a huge comeback.

Recently, I had the chance to attend the Unreasonable Institute (www.unreasonableinstitute.org) opening night. It was an inspiring evening where 19 entrepreneurs from around the world come together for an intense six weeks. They live in the same house and are mentored by some of the countries top entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in the U.S. All this effort is to support a collective group of entrepreneurs who have one thing in common. Their pursuits are unreasonable.

They are tackling world social problems like poverty, clean water and sewage treatment. Many of their customers make less than $2 a day. The inspiration of seeing them introduce their companies and what they hope to accomplish was a "Wow!" moment. In six weeks, I have my ticket to see them again when they conclude their six weeks in the climax session.

What I learned from that session was that I am more passionate about creating value in the same vein as these entrepreneurs than others. I am more excited by solving problems than creating new venues of entertainment. It is by this principle I hope to keep myself on track as I pursue participation in the international start up community, beginning in Boulder, Colorado.

Daily Greatness

I was reflecting on a time in my life when I experienced a maximum peak performance. The event itself and its circumstances are not important to this writing, but the feeling and outcomes are. At that peak moment with adrenaline coursing through my body and the support of a community, it was the long odds that were defeated. It was an experience of victory I will never forget. It is still today a source of confidence and self worth. A sense of achievement and accomplishment. It is proof that hard work and determination pays off even if it may take months to redeem. This day, at this moment, I was triumphant.

When I think of that particular moment in my life I sometimes pause to think about one question. At that moment, was I doing something I loved or something I was great at? The interesting thing is at that moment I probably could not have accurately answered the question and likely would have been puzzled by the inquiry. Looking back from my perspective today I can tell you both were present. That is what what made it so special and an iconic moment in my life. However, I cannot tell you if one or the other were dominant.

Is greatness more achievable by doing what you love or doing what you are best at? I have heard advice which has firmly claimed it is by path of one or the other. Certainly just because you love to do something does not imply you will be great at it. If you naturally possess excellence in something does it mean you will find personal fulfillment in doing it?

All I know is in that one event, I managed to create a defining moment in my own life and even touch the lives of others who were present that day. I would like to have that impact on my own life and the lives of others like that every day for the remainder of my life if it were possible. I would like to wake up each morning knowing I will be victorious against any odds because I am doing that which I should be. I recognize not every moment can be as epic as the one I reflect on from time to time. But perhaps each day can be greater than just existing and striving to get to the next day. Each day can be living a life of personal inspiration. Each day can have the potential for new defining moments.

The question is, would that be doing what one loves or what one is naturally gifted at?

Coffee Meetings

First of all, I enjoy good coffee. I associate relaxation, morning campfires and late night talks with a good cup of freshly ground french pressed coffee. I take it black or when I need a special treat I order up a soy latte of some flavor.

But this post isn't about my fondness for coffee. I had a couple of really great meetings yesterday with local entrepreneurs. We met over coffee and explored ideas for businesses and industries. We talked about past, present and the future of interesting topics ranging from social entrepreneurial activity to the rise of social media as a entrepreneur tool.

When meeting someone new over coffee the hardest part for me is just getting started. That initial introduction in person. Then after that it is almost always truly enjoyable at some level. It reminds me what makes social networks so intriguing, it is the people. I very much appreciate tools like LinkedIn where I can connect with others that I might never not meet with. But simply being in the same professional circle doesn't translate to a true connection. That is why I appreciate the coffee meetings.

I have met several successful entrepreneurs who are more than willing to allow you to come to their office for a meeting. But I have met fewer special entrepreneurs who are willing to meet for coffee and in a more casual way want to know more about me and what I may be doing. Those are the coffee meetings that are memorable. Given the opportunity, I would enjoy having that kind of cup each day.

Oh and by the way, if you are in the Boulder, Colorado area reach out to me if you are interested and lets grab some good conversation over a cup of coffee.

Cultivation of Entrepreneurs

I have been pondering the cultivation of entrepreneurial activity around the world. Most recently I have been considering that cultivation within the United States. I live in the Boulder, Colorado area and in my observation the University does a fantastic job in connecting the students to entrepreneurial activity in the area. I had the opportunity to work with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for a year on a project. There are many events hosted at the University for entrepreneurs in the community, a small venture capital fund run by the students and student business plan challenges campus wide. I have seen the proof. I have met several students turning entrepreneurs and building companies rather than take the traditional career path. With these observations and the advent of organizations like StartUp America and incubators around the country, it is clear the opportunity for recent graduates or even current students as entrepreneurs is encouraging.

Where I am discouraged is our cultivation of entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum. I think lack of know-how, risk adversity and confidence result in many would-be entrepreneurs remaining in the cubicles of corporate America. When equipped, these same individuals could create value and jobs that would benefit the greater community. But instead, with a family and mortgage it is too much risk for a responsible leader. This unfortunately leaves entrepreneurial-ism to a narrow demographic. It appears repeat entrepreneurs are the norm because after selling a company they can afford to take more risk. Or recent University graduates with low expense and responsibility requirements can take a shot for a time. But is that truly a representation of our best entrepreneurs?

Eventually, I believe we will have to coax the entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum to go beyond the safety of a corporate job to building something great that creates jobs for others. Perhaps someone took a corporate position out of college because that was the expectation at the time. However, the support model for entrepreneurs was very different 20 years ago. With the right support, could this same person have made a great company? And now, today... is this person any less of a great candidate to be an entrepreneur? I would argue maybe today they are even a greater candidate.

I started a LinkedIn group called "Help! I want to be an entrepreneur" in an attempt to let people explore these questions - particularly for themselves. Whether in their twenties or forties in age, explore with others whether or not building something is a passion you should cultivate. Learn to create value, jobs and wealth. In that order. By networking with other entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. Get involved in the transition of the global workforce.

Mid-Life crisis

In December 2007, I left my job of 13 years, shaved my head, grew a goatee and moved to Colorado. That was the start of my mid-life crisis and I have been continuing it ever since.

Since being in Colorado, I have learned to go fly fishing and do a little cycling. I gave up cable television and just kept Netflix and Apple TV for on demand viewing every now and then. I no longer have a house phone as we have converted to cellular phones only. I try and get outside more, and this year bought my first pair of snowshoes to give a try.

I have tried my hand at Twitter, Facebook and Google+. I switched from a windows based laptop to a Macbook Pro. I started a small company to help kids balance the time they spend with electronic media (Internet, TV, video games) with other importance activities such as physical exercise, education and community service.

When I moved to Colorado I bought a house my wife not yet seen (yes, she is a great lady) and bought my first truck I have ever owned. I learned to shovel a little snow, but have also learned to play in it. I actually really love the Colorado Front Range seasons.

I have come to appreciate watching hockey and attend the Colorado Eagles games where the puck flies fast and the fists land often. I took my son to a WWE professional wrestling match and conquered the heights of a ropes course at Colorado State University. I attend sessions held for the public at the University of Colorado Boulder law building. And I pop and eat Boulder Popcorn like it is going out of style.

After 4 years in Colorado, I still stand in the streams and gaze at the mountain ranges in awe. With a sports car, I would have drove right past these memorable treasures. Long live the mid-life crisis!

More thankfulness

Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is one of the key times during the year that one stops and reflects. Many times, we plow through life driving forward without pause. This morning I am taking a few moments to do that. Of course, there are several things that I am thankful for that I I am not mentioning such as the support of my family, a stable job, etc. I know that is the tendency of most during a time of reflection. Not that I am not reflecting on those as well, I am choosing to go a little deeper this morning.

This morning I want to thank the small handful of people I have worked with professionally over the past year.

The reason I am thankful for those people this morning are for different reasons. Some of the top reasons that came to mind are:

1. There is one person who has taught me to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others I work with
2. There is another who has helped me learn more patience
3. A third who has demonstrated how being energetic and friendly opens doors of opportunity, rather than just kicking doors down
   
4. Another person who is reserved with their trust, has taught me how to earn that trust

There are certainly more examples. Not all of them seemed like positive experiences at the time. Each of them required growth from me.

This past year I have learned more about myself and others through partners and co-workers than in prior years. This year I am thankful for learning more about the people in my professional life, and the resulting personal growth as an individual.