three things watching house md taught me about doing business
TRANSCRIPT
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business
Bruno Lowagie, CEO iText Group NV
Antwerp Management SchoolMaster Classes Readiness: Investor Readiness
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Fact #1
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business2
There are as many diagnoses as there are specialists.
The developers say:
“Your product needs more features!”
The salespeople say:
“Your product needs to be less technical!”
The VCs say:
“You need more funding to grow faster!”
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Conclusion #1
Do not follow any advice, before you know the background and motives of your adviser!
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business3
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business4
Fact #2
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
The Four Innovation LiesLie #1: Target customer: “Of course I’ll buy that!”
Lie #2: Product developer: “We’ll be ready to ship in six months!”
Lie #3: Salesperson: “Of course I can sell that!”
Lie #4: Senior executives: “We’re open to anything!”
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business5
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Conclusion #2
Don’t be angry with people who lie, just make sure you don’t lie to yourself!
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business6
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business7
Fact #3Tests take time, treatment is quicker.
We treat it:If he gets better, I’m right;
if he dies, you’re right!
© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Conclusion #3
The treatments don’t always work, but symptoms never lie!
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© 2015, iText Group NV, iText Software Corp., iText Software BVBA
Three Things Watching House MD Taught Me About Doing Business9
Epilogue
You don’t always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes
you get what you need…