It’s a terrible job environment for 2012 graduates.

Many of you will decide to pursue a post-graduate degree and stall your entry into a weak job market by 2-3 years.  Big mistake.  That’s more debt, less experience and a softer core.

Instead, see this for what it is.  

An opportunity….  

To stand out as the girl that will NOT be stopped.

To learn to sail into a major headwind.

To teach yourself the skills, strategies and mentality that it takes to create value from nothing.

To discover and strengthen the core that will drive every move you make for the rest of your life.

You’re young.  Back yourself into a corner.  You’ll be shocked at how fierce you can be.

Nobody owes you anything.

Create that which you want.  Every day.

Win.

(Thanks to @bankdraft for the idea for this post)

Find the right angle and even the truth can be powerful for marketers…

Not every path you take will end up being productive.

That doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.

Enjoy the walk.

Win.

If you’re going to do it, you might as well go big.

The most likely scenario for startups is failure.  But failing big is better than failing small.  There is evidence all around us.

The most likely scenario for you is to win.  Winning big is definitely better than winning small, and it’s actually not that much different.  

Some can make a cogent argument that failing big is better than winning small.

I’ve had a couple of small/medium wins (yes I understand there is a lot of relativity in those statements).  Looking back, I can see how they could have gone big.  In fact, I could see it at the time…but for various reasons I wasn’t ready….bird in the hand, you know?

But now I’ve associated myself with some companies that are going big.  

The difference?  

We found levers that worked and pushed them until WE were comfortable (personally).

They find the levers that work and just KEEP PUSHING harder and harder as long as they keep working for the business.

It’s really that simple.

Now I’m ready.  So are you.

Go big.

Win. 

Anyone reading this can create a product that adds value to millions of lives within the next decade.

But you have to focus.  Reduce the distractions that you consume, or they will consume you.  I know it’s hard…they’re everywhere, and they’re pleasurable.  That’s a tough combo.

But you can do it.

Focus on one thing as intently as you can:  Creating value for your client.

Win

There’s something very compelling about people who obviously do not need your approval, money or help.  You want to help them, invest in them.  

No one wants to back someone that NEEDS them.  It’s like dating a stalker.  Not gonna happen.

Fake it til you make it has its applications, but eventually you gotta earn your style.  Be badass.

Another post on style from the least-stylish dude on the world wide webs (other than certain corners of SF and Manhattan)….

The trend of everyone dressing like a bum is getting old.

We get it, you’re a hacker.  You’ll code for beer.  Once upon a time, that was novel.  But that time has passed.

Don’t get me wrong…there’s value in non-conformity.  But now, dressing like a dirty bum is conformity.  

Be comfy while you work….no one cares.  But when you represent your business at a public function, maybe consider presenting yourself like you give a shit.

Born poor in a bad neighborhood.

Gang member.

Drugs.

Jail.

________________

Portrait hanging hanging at Guetta Gallery.

What’s your excuse?  ”I was too comfortable”?????

Doing can make you better.

Practicing can make you good.

Deliberate practice, applied over time consistently, makes you great.

It’s why “Talent is Overrated” is forever on my books that helped me become better list.

If you want to create a movement, you better be prepared to break a few rules.

You should also be willing to create a few new ones for yourself.

Your niche is your movement.  YOU make the rules.

Win.