by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Feb 8, 2016
A Silicon Valley venture capital investor turned to me during a recent lunch and said, “I’ve seen more than 2,000 pitches, and I can only remember about 10 of them.” “What made the 10 stand out?” I asked. “They all told a personal story.” Professional investors agree:...
by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Nov 9, 2015
Common people who find uncommon success don’t find their passions — they follow their obsessions. In 25 years of studying communication I’ve never met an inspiring entrepreneur who didn’t have an abundance of passion for his or her product, service or...
by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Oct 9, 2015
A retail executive who was once tasked with revitalizing the Disney Store called Steve Jobs, Disney’s largest shareholder, to ask for advice. Jobs said, “Dream bigger.” Those two words contained a wealth of wisdom and inspired Disney to think radically different. The...
by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Oct 6, 2015
For 17 years, pastor Joel Osteen was happy to work behind the scenes, running television production for his dad’s ministry in Houston. Osteen’s dad encouraged him to preach, but Osteen’s head wasn’t in it. He didn’t see himself on stage and his nerves didn’t help. I...
by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Jul 8, 2015
In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to Apple after a 12-year absence. The company he had co-founded was running out of cash and close to bankruptcy. Jobs held a staff meeting and explained the role passion would play in revitalizing the brand: Apple is not about making boxes...
by carolynkilmer@gmail.com | Apr 19, 2015
A Steve Jobs keynote was a tightly choreographed and relentlessly prepared presentation, according to the new book Becoming Steve Jobs, by Brent Schlender. Jobs turned the product launch into an art form. He also leaves a legacy by which entrepreneurs can learn to...
