Triple Constraint: A Project Manager's Guide to the Meaning of Life

The triple constraint of life is happiness, health, and productivity.  In project management, it would be cost, time, and scope.  Optimizing these three things in either case defines quality.  The quality of your life or the quality of your project.  Tackle life with a triple constraint mentality and I believe you will optimize the quality of your life.

Lacking focus on any specific method in project management can allow for scope creep to happen, throwing money at a problem or not taking the time to clearly define the plan.  You can go months or years over schedule or just scrap the project altogether.  That's a sucky way to spend your time and money, but it happens.  More often than you might think.  

I like to think that when a strong project manager gets put in place that they will set and adhere to a firm budget.  The due diligence to estimate the time needed to complete a project accurately and address the risks will happen at the onset. They will clearly document, plan and communicate the scope effectively.  On launch day, everyone walks away happy having succeeded at what they set out to achieve. 

In life, many people will pick one thing and excel at it.  If you ask some people what the meaning of life is they may simply answer: happiness.  My problem with that answer is that you could achieve that through drug abuse.  If the meaning of life is simply obtaining your own happiness, the quality of that life could be suspect.  Focusing on health helps you put some control over the amount of time you have for this life but overfocus and it could be to the detriment of your family.  And an overworked person could be the pinnacle of a productive life but if you leave your health and happiness behind, it likely will not end well.

The triple constraint of life is happiness, health and productivity.  Find a balance between these three and you'll find a quality of life that is optimized.  Let the happiness be your own but also that of others around you.  See the opportunities to give and share kindness.  Try hard to make healthy decisions, enjoy the natural world around you and share these experiences with people you love.  Be productive, seek to make a positive impact on the world.  Don't kill it at work and let the rest of your life suffer.  

The Creative Corridor Thesis

I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Dan Reed speak with a small group of Creative Corridor citizens about the role the University of Iowa can play in spawning entrepreneurship and innovation for our community.  The reality is that the University of Iowa is a significant competitive advantage for the Corridor but the truer reality is that I'm not convinced that we know how to fully leverage that advantage.  I hope Dr. Reed and the University continue to blaze that trail forward with the entrepreneurial community and that we create a startup culture that is the envy of the planet.  It is clearly in the realm of possibility and, with the right mindset, it could be easier to achieve than many might think.

Dr. Reed proposed what I'll refer to here as the Academia Thesis.  These are my words and not his but they address the brand, social network, and knowledge transfer he referred to as essential parts of the academic experience.

The Academia Thesis:

1. Academic institutions have a brand and aligning with that brand provides benefits.
2. Within an academic institution exists a social network. Inclusion in that social network is of paramount importance for a successful future.
3. The knowledge transfer that occurs within the framework of an academic institution is not easily replicated outside of the institution.

Brad Feld proposed the Boulder Thesis in his book, Startup Communities.  It's required reading if you want to develop a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Boulder Thesis:

1. Entrepreneurs must lead the startup community.
2. The leaders must have a long-term commitment.
3. The startup community must be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate in it.
4. The startup community must have continual activities that engage the entire entrepreneurial stack.

So, how do we maximize the value of having such an amazing research institute within our community? How do we create and publicize activities that include both the academic and the entrepreneurial stacks?  What if we look at the social network of the University and the Creative Corridor as one community?  If we look at the similarities between a startup community, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and an academic institution we can find common ground to develop a thesis that is true to what we aim to achieve.  

The Creative Corridor Thesis may look like this:

1. Foster creativity and entrepreneurship at an early age.
2. The brand is a sense of pride.
3. The community is inclusive and everyone that wants to be make a positive impact has the tools to do so.
4. Consistently hold events and activities that include the entire community to showcase our citizens. 
5. It is led by citizens. 

What is the Creative Corridor? 

I believe we are defining it now with the actions we take.  We should choose to make it exceptional with a vision for the success of the next generation.  A place where people are overwhelmed by a sense of pride in what we have built together. 

Feedback is worth more than money

This might sound crazy, but there are companies out there that say: "We're not looking at revenue models right now, we're just trying to build an awesome product."  One might be tempted to respond: "Money makes business fun and you should try to make some money now."  If you are looking to build a small business, the quickest way to a dollar is often the best path to choose.  When building a startup with high growth potential focusing on dollar signs early could become your killer.  Thinking that you can disrupt an entire industry takes time and is a crazy idea that often requires a counterintuitive strategy.

When putting together a business plan you may focus on the price of the good or service, doing enough research to think (rather confidently) that if you make it and sell it for a profit, you win.  Successful business launched. Who knows when you'll hit capacity.  

Know that there are different mindsets working in the business community.  Validated learning and customer feedback can be much greater long term than the fastest path to a buck.  The quickest path to your customer is the smart decision if you want to build something that will be useful to the largest audience.  The more customer interactions the better and paying customers can be harder to find than early adopters.  Give it away for free, so that price is not a barrier, and gain the feedback that makes the product more awesome over time.  

It's hard to get people to understand the mindset of a startup entrepreneur.  Someone that doesn't just want to be self-employed and have enough money to live.  These are the people that have a crazy level of passion for building something that could change the world and positively impact the most people possible.  I find the most joy in thinking I can change the world and if I fail, I fail.  Trying the hardest I can possibly try to be the most awesome I can be is far more enjoyable than just being self-employed or collecting a paycheck.  There is more to life than a dollar.  

Next Generation Schools

This week, as part of The Billy Madison Project for TransformEd, I got to sit in on a few high school classes.  I wasn't a guest or a visitor, I was a student.  I got the same assignments and was expected to do the same work.  


In English class I was on the edge of my seat as the teacher introduced the kids to Pixton, a Click-n-Drag Comics™ technology that allows anyone to create comics.  When he announced the assignment as: "I want you to get into Pixton, mess around and make something"  I must have been visibly giddy.  An English teacher introducing a technology and encouraging kids to create something had awesome written all over it.  Later in the class, he handed out copies of Maus by Art Spiegelman and I thought I might embarrass myself with my enthusiasm.  Inside of 30 minutes, I got that adrenaline rush you get when you are so overwhelmed with excitement that you have a hard time articulating a cohesive thought.  

Next generation schools must help kids explore creativity and give them opportunities to experience new things by encouraging the maker mentality and having them take action.  The kids in this class wanted guidance on how they were going to be graded but this teacher could hardly wait to see what these kids would create when given access to a technology as powerful as Pixton. How do you put a grade on creativity?


Pixton is one of many things available with the ability to transform education.  A spark of creativity and the encouragement to use your imagination are all you need to create something way beyond awesome.  Now go get after it!

What is a startup mentor?

A startup mentor is a person that gives their time and knowledge to a startup with the sole purpose of improving the startup community and the greater entrepreneurial ecosystem.  A startup mentor doesn't have a contractual obligation to the startup to provide the service and has every right to end the relationship if the value proposition is not significant.  

I don't think there is a shortage of potential or prospective startup mentors.  I do believe there is a shortage of active mentors.  I believe much is lost for want of asking.  I believe many successful business people would be eager to serve as startup mentors if they were simply asked.  There is a way to create events within a startup community that would increase participation from experienced entrepreneurs and help them learn how their expertise is a critical need for economic development.  

People sometimes consider the lines between mentors, advisors, and investors to be blurry.  I think anyone with money and connections can become an investor.  Anyone with connections can become an advisor.  But the real value proposition needed to build a thriving startup community is found in bringing a large number of startup mentors to the table.  These are people that aren't asking for an equity stake in exchange for money or knowledge.  These are people eager to give back to the community.  People that take pride in their town and want to see others succeed.  A great startup mentor answers the call and aligns themselves with entrepreneurs that see a ton of value in the mentor's past experiences.  A great mentorship doesn't need to take up a lot of time and will put the shared knowledge to practical use.  

We can do a lot in this world and most of us know we can't do it alone.  

Learning To Pitch

An essential skill for any entrepreneur is public speaking: learning to convey a message clearly and effectively in various (and sometimes uncomfortable) settings.  

Really, anyone needs to get their personal brand message together in a way that they can explain who they are and what they do in a very concise way.  When given a specified amount of time to explain who you are and what you do, you should be prepared to use that time wisely.  

In the environment of an entrepreneurial ecosystem you will eventually find yourself in a situation where you have less than 30 seconds to make a point.  Sometimes you get a minute and sometimes you get five.  Never will you get an infinite amount of time.  You don't get to stumble through your message and expect positive results.  

So pitch and pitch often.  Practice, and work your way through the message until it's clear and you can convey the message clearly in virtually any setting.  Find an audience that is willing to provide you with critical feedback.  An audience with experience listening to pitches is ideal.  Every successful startup community should have regularly scheduled events that provide a platform for people to pitch ideas.  If you don't have one, start one. 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Kauffman Foundation is beyond awesome for a myriad of reasons, not the least of these is the Kauffman Sketchbook.  

Their Foundation focuses on Education and Entrepreneurship and is at the top of any game around.  Anyone interested in either of these subjects needs to take some time to dig into the foundation, its mission, and what it is doing to influence policy, promote innovation, and make a positive impact in the world around us.   

If you want to get a taste of what they are all about- here's a link to 19 of their Sketchbooks.  You'll get just enough to get you going but what you do with the information is up to you. 

It's time to get going.  The only one stopping you is you.

The 20 Year View

Imagine if all the successful business people in your town felt an inherent obligation to give back to the community as startup mentors and advisors. Imagine if they took their stories into K-12 schools, colleges and universities. 

Long before a young, inexperienced entrepreneur really needs money to accelerate their idea they need knowledge. Anyone trying to get exposure to the world of self-employment needs to spend time listening to the people that came before them and hear the stories of the successes and failures.  

Too often people see successful people and the businesses that have been built to last as something unobtainable to the average person.  This is false.  The earlier we start educating our kids on the vast array of options available to them, the better these future generations will be. A future filled with leaders: the hackers, makers, movers, and shakers. 

What does a startup community need to succeed? One thing is inclusion. That means everyone gets a seat at the table and can join in the conversation. Brad Feld refers to including the entrepreneurial stack in his Boulder Thesis.  In my opinion, that starts with kids. 

Isaac's Idea Book

My 9-year old has been obsessing this weekend over a Rube Goldberg machine.  He gets frustrated when it doesn't work but tinkers and toils along for hours just the same.  If you haven't heard of a Rube Goldberg machine, let's turn to Websters for a definition:

So, belly up to YouTube and watch a few videos on these inventions and then go around the house and fill a box with a bunch of whatever stuff you can find and then help your kid design their own Rube Goldberg machine.  

Isaac's Idea Book is a place for him to document his invention ideas.  After participating in Invent Iowa this past year the interest in finding solutions to problems has become something he is constantly considering.  The engine of creativity, when sparked in a child, is hard to turn off.  I'm a pretty lucky guy to get to witness innovative awesomeness on a regular basis from the comfort of my own home.

Youth Entrepreneurship

A Startup Semester at a small, liberal arts college in Iowa.  In my world, that is awesome news.  Read the article from the Silicon Prairie News here.   If this kind of news excites you, tweet me some enthusiasm. 

I'm a guy that thinks we should be teaching kids to code.  The only thing that approaches my passion for kid coders is college entrepreneurs.  You shouldn't have to attend a major university to get exposed to entrepreneurial skills.  We still live in a world where kids get out of college expecting a long line of employers handing out money for a 3.5 GPA or higher.  But if cash money doesn't fall at your feet you should be ready to create your own job and make your own paycheck.  I'd be happier if my kids grow up to know they have a lot of options.  Far from the least of these is self-employment. 

At the core of The Center of Awesome will be programs to teach kids to code and learn entrepreneurial skills that will help them no matter what they decide to do when they grow up.  If The Center of Awesome can forge partnerships with small colleges across the country to accomplish that goal I think we'll all be better for it.  

Coding 101

Every kid in America should be exposed to coding no later than age 10.  

Imagine what the world will be like in 5-10 years if we start taking our kids' futures seriously and teach coding and engineering in elementary schools.  Stop and think about how ridiculous it is that we are not already doing this.  

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a business pitch from a few high school students that designed their own app that would have a very positive impact on their community and provide a real service.  I was inspired by what young minds can create when presented with a challenge and the opportunity to solve real world problems.

The barriers to entry into coding are lower than ever.  CoderDojo and KidsRuby make getting started beyond easy.  If we don't see Kids Code Camps popping up in every state by the end of the year, I think we are doing ourselves a huge disservice.  

If you haven't seen the video from some of our time's greatest innovators and creators, I'd suggest the 9-minute video on Code.org. 

My Best Clients

Any day that starts with a bit of fitness is likely to be a good day.  Today is no exception. 4 1/2 mile treadmill jog at 0600 had me pointed in the right direction.  By 0900 I was on a call with a new client in Atlanta looking to hire agile craftsmen in Iowa. 

Here is what I love about recruiting:

1.  Getting a new client through a referral.

2.  Developing a relationship that is built on mutual benefits. The cliche here is the difference between a vendor and a partner.  When a vendor doesn't produce results, a smart client picks up the phone and makes a call. That call tends to be to someone they consider a potential partner.

3.  I thrive on working on ridiculously hard requirements for clients that have reasonable expectations.  I know there are agile craftsmen in Iowa and I know that there are some that aren't but would come.  The hunt is hard- not impossible.  

4.  Having a small number of great clients.  The type that know how important a killer culture is when you are looking to attract top talent.  A culture where people are pushed to accomplish amazing things and rewarded for being awesome.  A culture that appreciates the human need to continuously learn and become great. 

This isn't a sales call but if you are reading this and know your vendor list is filled with recruiters that aren't producing results, my phone number is 319-431-4740. 

This is what's up.....

This blog will capture every crazy idea I take the time to write down.  

Here's a sampling of some of the crazy stuff I might remember to blog about:

Tech Staffing- my job for 14 years.  It's a ridiculous business ready for some serious disruption.  

Entrepreneurship- startup cultures and their ecosystems; tech and education startups; and all the hackers, makers, movers, and shakers that make a community thrive.

Education- I'm working on the business model and business plan for The Center of Awesome, an organization focused on finding fun and engaging ways to teach kids critical skills through innovative programs.

Health and Fitness- a runner obsessed with documentaries about food.  Seriously, this could be mildly entertaining.

There, first post done.  The rest is yet to come.