On Saturday, October 25, Jews around the world (or at least those who actually go to services) heard the story of Noah’s Ark. And so, with apologies to every rabbi who ever tried taught me anything, here are a few things that Noah can teach entrepreneurs:
- Plan ahead. Noah didn’t wait until it started raining.
- Be different. The big winners are the ones who zig when everyone else zags.
- Go big or go home. Would a row boat have cut it?
- When you find the right mentor, listen carefully.
- Expect critics. I’m sure Noah’s neighbors had a good laugh at his little hobby. (“Hey funny guys, how long can you tread water?”)
- Build a diverse team. That said, you can probably get away with fewer than two of everything.
- Speed isn’t everything. In the ark, the cheetahs bunked with the sloths.
- Bad times can be good for survivors. Be the low cost producer in a price war, or stay lean when others are splurging and you can be the last man standing in an open field.
- Timing matters – don’t miss the boat!
Image credit: CC by Kinshuk Kashyap
