The search for Newledge

I recently came across this unusual word – “Newledge”. It is an unusual and yet very interesting word, because it actually does not exist. It is the combination of two words: New and Knowledge. Why do I like it? Because it is what every young entrepreneur needs to discover.

The search and application of new knowledge is the dramatic x factor in any new entrepreneur’s quest to be successful. When newledge is mixed with passion, it concocts a heady brew that can compensate and even best the common stumbling blocks of cash, capital and collateral.

Today’s technology is rapidly growing at an accelerated rate. So much so, that large corporations are often unable to adapt fast enough to take advantage of the unique solutions that technology offers. There is even now a “law” wherein it states, “The rapid rise in technology makes what was previously impossible possible.” 

Solutions to typical problems need not be so complex anymore. Nowhere is this more obvious than when we give young children new gadgets and they are able to configure or utilize it faster than we can read the manual.

The fact that technology, the internet, and software are advancing so rapidly has been the reason for the rise of tech-entrepreneurs. What once needed an advance degree in computers now only requires a deep thirst to experiment and learn. Contrast this with what it used to be like before, a classic example being Digital Equipment, a well known computer brand then, Ken Olson of Digital once said, "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home."

The search for newledge also has been made easier by the internet. I remember being in a meeting once with a retired CEO of a large corporation. He wanted to share with me his tips on what it took to rise to the top then. He said, “Knowledge is everything!” He explained that one of the unique things his corporation did under his watch was that they had a room filled with 10 full time researchers, who were tasked to research and provide information for the company.

I remember needing to spend days in the University library doing research work. Now a quick google search, a few clicks, a weeks worth of research done in a few hours. All you really need is a deep desire to discover newledge.

On another note, I also want to share with you a recent article by Melissa Rafoni of Rafoni CEO Consulting. For those that are now running companies and are trying to master the intricacies of managing and motivating employees, here are some tips from Melissa, outlined in her article, “Eight things your employees want from you.”

1. Tell me my role, tell me what to do, and give me the rules.

2. Discipline my coworker who is out of line.

3. Get me excited.

4. Don't forget to praise me.

5. Don't scare me.

6. Impress me.

7. Give me some autonomy.

8. Set me up to win.

   Melissa concludes by adding, “Your job is to make it practical for people to succeed. When you do this, everybody wins.” I totally agree with Melissa. I now know eight more ways of understanding the needs of my employees better. It cost me practically nothing. All it really took was a deep desire to discover newledge. You should try it.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at [email protected] , or visit www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com