I just read a book by Bo Peabody called, "Lucky or Smart?: Secrets to an Entrepreneurial Life". It's simply excellent. So excellent, in fact, that I decided that this particular blog post won't be directed at the general public. Instead...
Dear Bo,
CanGoogleHearMe (one of my sites) was founded largely on the idea that if you address someone on the Internet - in this day and age - they're likely to get it. We've become very good at seeking out and gathering information that is relevant to us, so hopefully this one crosses your radar at some point. After all, I think you deserve to know that your book was both encouraging and reassuring. I read a few reviews around the internet, including Brad Feld's comments, and every one of them seemed to generally focus on the objective lessons of the book. And while every one of the objective points is worthwhile, I just wanted to throw my own perspective in, as well.
So often, entrepreneurs start off being told that they have to be scared of the world. Don't trust anyone, assume that everything you're about to undertake will be very difficult, what you're about to undertake will likely fail. In other words, so often we're told that the keys to success are being smart and ruthless, self-centered, and self-focused. I found your book particularly encouraging because it's a clear example of success based on being smart and open, instead. Open to new ideas, to passions, to odd people, to exploration of the unexpected. Everything that you call "being lucky" in your book, to me, these things are "being open".
But I think that "being open" can't be worked into a title as easily as being "lucky", sadly.
It strikes me that success comes from being both smart and lucky, as you said, and that you can create your luck by being connected to other interesting and curious people. Certainly, being smart is important. You protect yourself where you can. But in general, the people around your are far more valuable as your allies than your enemies; I think we tend to forget that sometimes when it's you vs. the world.
In short, Mr. Peabody, I thought your book was excellent. It was given to me by Mark Solon of Highway 12, and I think it reflects well of his personality. If you ever happen to be in Boise, Idaho, please consider this an invitation to drop me a line - I'll buy you lunch at the Donnie Mac Trailer Park Cuisine down the block from our office (it's the only restaurant within easy walking distance...
Best,
Aaron
aaron@cangooglehearme.com