Farewell Words from STEP Graduate Jeff Bargiel

Dear Fellow and Future STEP Students,

As my awesome time at Case comes to a close I've been reviewing some of the best pieces of advice and articles I've gathered these last 21 months. Some are STEP core and some are from other sources. These are the things I could think of off the top of my head. I'm sure there is plenty of sage wisdom I have already forgotten and that's why I'm reviewing the things I remember for myself and decided to share with you all.

The Three Gifts You Can Give Yourself and Everyone Around You*:

1. SMILE! Smiles tear down barriers and are the portal to forgiveness.
2. BE LIKEABLE! Everyone who gives you a break must like you first. It's just the way it works.
3. POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE! (PMA)

Ask questions. The idiot is the one that walks away not knowing.

If you're so smart how's come you ain't rich?
Answer: You need a CUSTOMER, then you need a VALUE PROPOSITION (adds value to life), then you need a PRODUCT. In that order. If a business or entrepreneur doesn't know one of these things, walk away. Make sure everyone in your startup knows these three things.

80/20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20% of the work will get you 80% of the way there. Don't waste 80% of your time on 20% of the problem. Know the critical path. Ask yourself, is this important or interesting? Fermi problems are the only types of problems that good CEOs do.


The Billion Dollar Idea*:
It is really hard to get somewhere if you don't know "where" is and even if you do know "where" is you'll need a map. This is something that all of the best people we know use whether to be the best business person, teacher, wife, brother, or friend.
Keep three-ring notebooks: one for each part of your life you want maximize (student, business person, sister, etc.)

1. In the notebook first answer this question: What one thing could I do (that you aren't doing now) that if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous positive difference on your life?
2. Write up to 5 goals for the next year that will have a the biggest payoff.
3. Action Steps: at least 50 for each goal with a timeline.
4. List 5+ obstacles preventing each goal
5. List 5+ action steps to eliminate your obstacles
6. Put everything in your calendar where you will remember to perform those action steps and celebrate milestones.

Building on Strengths is 10 times more likely to make you a success than fixing weaknesses.
Think about it. Do we pick things based on key differentiators or lack of weakness. Being strong in a few areas can shadow many weakness in others. Fixing weaknesses can only make you average.

Strategy is... those few questions you ask whose answers are fundamentally difficult to change once started.
Examples: What is my product? Is it niche or commodity? Bootstrap or raise? First customer?


Only two things needed for a successful business and both point to hiring the best people you can't afford:

1. Privileged access to resources
2. Superior execution

Use morning huddles. Just like the ones described by Carlson & Wilmot. Everyone puts their daily goals on the board and discusses. Everyone makes a commitment to everyone else in the organization to get them done.


Don't Overdo KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). It's a good mantra that means good logic needs only a simple presentation. It does NOT mean treat your audience like babies. They will end up resenting it and you. The better mantra is Keep It Simple but Smart. It also does not mean assume that your audience has a PhD in deciphering crazy-ass jargon. Being smart means being simple, but not stupid. "I would have said it shorter and better but I didn't have enough time." Well, spend the time and say it shorter and better. If you can't, then something else is wrong.

I'd rather be lucky than good, but you can make your own "luck."


Good luck,
Jeff

P.S. Keep reading.

*As taught by Richard L. Osborne - Weatherhead School of Management