Comments:"Fireplug Blog"
URL:http://getfireplug.com/blog/2013/04/22/be-lean-startup-hero-rocky-balboa-style/
Prepare Your Mind with this Rocky IV Training Instructional Video
Its 2013. At this point if you haven’t heard the Lean Startup methodology, you probably haven’t been in this game too long or you're reading this whilst under a rock. Amazon it. Being lean is just step one. Not only do you need to be lean, you need to be driven by hunger and powered by sheer belief that you will crush your opponents.
A lot of would-be-startups get into the habit of pitching they’re “super lean” or how they keep costs low or commitment to being “crazy agile”. That is still padawan level. They need to be pitching more sweat, more grit and grind. [obligitory GrindFather video]
How about an illustration of #Grind: In the classic American film, Rocky IV, the protagonist – Rocky Balboa – is a retired, American boxer battles revered Soviet Ivan Drago to avenge his best friend, who was killed in the ring by the infamous Russian.
The film’s lesson is clear. Rocky is the startup. Drago is the super, badass, rich company that is going to eat your lunch and embarrass you in the cafeteria. Compared to Drago, Rocky’s has no chance. He’s too small, too weak, too old, and doesn’t have the resources. Rocky IV features one of the greatest montages in film history (it was the 80’s baby). The montage is filled music to set hearts on fire and epic scenes of Drago, utilizing every advantage super funding can buy, fueling by blasting steroids directly into his muscles, sleek impressive 1980s physical training technology, and beautiful babes.
Meanwhile, Rocky is working in the frozen tundra of northern Russia, secluded in a log cabin with his 3 closest friends, chopping wood, lifting ox yokes, running up mountains, all while wearing sweatpants. He sharpens his mind, body, and skills through a vicious struggle in the Russian wilderness. Once again, obviously Rocky is a startup.
SPOILER ALERT: In the end, after being bashed in the head more times than humanly possible, Rocky claims victory from the “unbeatable” Russian. He does it with pure will. Iterating and summoning his strength after every punch. Rocky didn't have the money, the equipment, the team of experts...he had the heart, fortitude, and sheer will to win.
Now, go out into the woods. Do the impossible, and beat the life out of the giant, intimidating foe that will “assuredly” crush your tiny startup no matter how many times they bash you in the skull.
Rocky is a startup. Now, you be Rocky.