I have just finished reading Small Giants, Companies that choose to be Great instead of Big (thanks Paul, will post back to you this week) and I am also browsing Ernst & Youngs Entrepreneur of the Year book for the 2nd time (recommend both - very different styles and emphasis but strongly case study focused.)
My title in dbTwang is CEO and I am an anomaly - the only one of the team shown in the business proposition who knows nothing about guitars (I will post more on the team next Sunday). For a business which is exclusively focused on building the web’s favourite community for those who share a passion for guitars this seems like a hindrance. However it will work.
My job is to get a team together that can execute, to lead and inspire individuals who are far more talented and skilled than I am and whose sectoral knowledge is immense. I will help to develop our strategic approach and take responsibility for cashflow management and have primary responsibility for fundraising. I will also project manage our technology build.
The only downside is having to sit through long and passionate conversations about guitars! Yet every time I hear one of those I am reminded about why this business will succeed and how important it is for us to stay close to that passion. Everything we do has to be focused on making it easier for our users/members/subscribers to learn from each other, share their passions and knowledge and allow them to trade with each other in a trusted environment.
The next couple of years are going to be fun. And tough. Both of us as founders (myself and Fintan) will be balancing our day jobs as consultants in the internet/IT sector with developing dbTwang and making it a success. That gives us a strong incentive to make the Series A round which will follow the current Angel investment a success - from then on we earn salaries and can commit 100% of our time to dbTwang.
This is what I want to do. And it will be enjoyable doing it :-)
keith
Fun and tough but tough is fun!
Posted by: Damien Mulley | July 27, 2008 at 15:31
For sure Damien. Just got to keep some balance so my family do not suffer :-)
keith
Posted by: keith bohanna | July 27, 2008 at 16:57
Bah, it'll be a walk in the park for you :)
Posted by: James Corbett | July 27, 2008 at 23:41
Thanks James, altho to a man on crutches a walk in the park is a mighty fine goal to aim for :-)
keith
Posted by: keith bohanna | July 28, 2008 at 06:29
Good stuff.
SBP article was great news.
Posted by: Robin Blandford | August 03, 2008 at 09:16
@robin. Yea nice article by Emma.
keith
Posted by: keith bohanna | August 03, 2008 at 09:21