Comments for Robert F. Bruner, Dean

Comment on A New Bubble? An Old Meme? by Viki

Viki — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:20:36 +0000

Please read ‘The Black Swan’ by Naseem Nicholas Taleb before making a decision on how to deal with bubbles.

Comment on Career advice: Go where the competition isn’t by Keith Bobbitt

Keith Bobbitt — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:45:25 +0000

On that note, I’ve become a mentor here in Lima, Peru for a Start-up incubator organization yesterday called “Founder’s Institute”, which I was part of last year in New York during a solid career in finance. I listened to 16 pitches from aspiring entreprenuers and it was pretty cool to have them ask for feedback. There’s definitely a lot of smart, relevant business plans that are similar to proven models in the US – proven successes like Yelp, Hotelnow.com, etc. That’s one reason I’m totally in agreement with the article after seeing the fierce competition for small parts of the pie in NYC. For the adventurous souls there’s a lot out there.

Comment on My advice at Graduation 2013: Hang on, hang in, and make a difference by George W. Logan

George W. Logan — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:28:05 +0000

Bob: A spectular piece of advice, and also an equally powerful admonition to the Class of 2013. I so profoundly hope that these wonderful young people whom I have encountered this past year, read and understand your observations.

My best to them all, and to you for your words of wisdom.

George W. Logan

Comment on Career advice: Go where the competition isn’t by Amy

Amy — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:25:45 +0000

I think I enjoy the concept of going where competition isn’t…However, isn’t it competition that makes us work harder, think more strategically and move mountains where they try to hold us in place? Competition, whether it be in sports, grades, sibling competition, etc. allows us to grow character, become stronger and more driven. If we don’t have competition, how can be what the American Dream has the ability to give us? Throughout time, whether it was Carnegie or Rockfeller, there was competition…It is the basis of capitalism. So, if you want to go where the competition isn’t, perhaps it is due to the fact that while you may have an Adventurous spirit, but you don’t truly believe in yourself or your product. Why not have an adventurous spirit here in the States, work to bring prosperity and jobs to those of us here who need it and work to make our own economy better? Just a thought…

Comment on Career advice: Go where the competition isn’t by Bob Bruner

Bob Bruner — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:38:43 +0000

Adam:
You’re right about exporting your know-how within a developed economy. Think of “developing” as a descriptor not only for a country, but also for an industry, or a problem in society. For instance, social entrepreneurs apply their know-how in the inner-cities and distressed rural areas of the United States. And tech entrepreneurs apply their know-how to the “frontiers” of big data. They all go where the “competition” isn’t.

Borrowing “eating money” from old family members is essentially what all entrepreneurs do in starting a company: it’s called looking for “angel” investors. And you don’t need to be constrained by looking to old family members. Other possible sources include friends, neighbors, former employers, and folks who call themselves “angel investors.” Small business incubators (like Darden’s) function in the same capacity.

The “other constraints” you mention are relevant to many entrepreneurs. In no small sense to a spouse and children make a sacrifice on behalf of the entrepreneurial venture.
–Bob

Comment on Career advice: Go where the competition isn’t by Adam

Adam — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:22:30 +0000

I like the idea of going where the competition isn’t, but Train’s specific recommendation of exporting your advanced economy know-how into a developing economy seems pretty limited to people who have “old family members” to borrow “eating money” from and few other constraints (e.g. spouse, children, MBA debt).

My pessimism aside, I’m sure that you certainly can apply the general argument of this post in a more limited fashion in developed economies.

Comment on Why Companies Transform: Standing Still Is Not An Option by Amy

Amy — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:34:31 +0000

In the restructuring process, one of the reasons (having been through this over six times myself) it takes so long is during the process there is the restructuring of the organizational chart, meetings with HR for the writing of job descriptions and compensation structures, as well as the needs of the new structures. Sometimes jobs are created and sometimes the jobs are phased out, which then leads to the discussion of compensation packages as employees are laid off. There is always a need for restructuring to emphasize efficiency and productivity. However, restructuring can go wrong. Not speaking or illuminating people about the process and a lack of transparency cause morale issues which then leads to turnover. Turnover can be a large expense on a company. The longer that a company can hold on to their employees, the better loyalty and better trained employees they will have. Also, it is important to do a restructuring for the right reasons. It is imperative to look at all sides of the structure and often times it is necessary to have outside consulting come in to the organization to determine the best ways to create efficiency, communication and better processes. Sometimes, it is even necessary for the Head of an organization to go, as it could be seen that the problems of the organization are at the top and stream downward rather than from the bottom up…in actuality, this is usually the case.

It is imperative for all of the Chiefs to look out for the Soldiers/Citizens of the organization and determine the best ways to move forward. Transparency is a necessity and best serves the organization. When this is not done, employees flee looking for a place that will welcome them despite their best efforts.

Comment on The Advice We Need by Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:47:22 +0000

My favorite:”The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good.” ~ Abigail Van Buren

Comment on Sequestration is a Symptom, Not the Cause: Its Implications for Managers and Investors by Kathryne Carr

Kathryne Carr — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:13:50 +0000

A big sigh of not quite resignation, but maybe determination to soldier on, escapes me after reading this blog post. I am interested in how to be encouraging and practical when advising the new residents of the iLab Incubator. Long a believer in the possible and potential, it is difficult to suggest that harsh realities will impede progress amongst even the most dedicated and determined. The equation has been set up, so to speak, but the calculation of the human spirit and imagination remain to be seen in the outcome. Nonetheless, practical advice is necessary, and so I may draw upon this particular essay when advising members of the incubator as they plan their business strategies.

Comment on The ROI on One’s Own Higher Education by Ira Gold

Ira Gold — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:26:14 +0000

While employers prefer degreed individuals to apply for their jobs, they don’t always want to pay them what they are worth. I have seen first hand where an employer will recruit students out of college over a person with Life experiences because the salary will be cheaper.
Also, the ROI will depend on the field of study, as mentioned earlier.
I would be inclined to question the validity of the tests without looking at what the individual has the potential to do with the amount of money that is spent on college, if invested wisely.