Ever feel like some external force is making things go your way? Like someone is planting treasures meant to look unintentional. Today, I do and good, we deserve it :-).
2006 was intense because we have a start-up but also because we didn't find our footing right away. We didn't see as much traction as we'd like, we had to learn (are still learning) how to become product people, I am learning how real CEOs work. So much very good work was done but not until we launched MapKit at the end of October did we really get a sense of connectedness with the broader marketplace and a clear focus as a company. All of a sudden the disparate parts began to take on a shape of a whole. (I am eager for that whole picture to be realized out but everything takes time.)
Over the past couple of weeks, I've had a glimpse of what we could look like as a successful team with a truly great product. It's a little intimidating to feel inexperienced and in awe of great people at work. Mostly because I see how we weren't being the best we could be. In the past few weeks we've collaborated with CEOs, product folks, UI folks, college students and technology people who have kept us constantly in awe. I wish I could've seen this 2 companies ago!
Back to external forces. I happened to stand in line waiting to talk to someone at a conference. While chatting up a fellow attendee also waiting to talk to that person, I found a mentor. While demo'ing last week I was introduced to a co-presenter who offers exactly the one skill I need ASAP but don't have. And then there are actual forces offering help. There will be more on that later but it feels refreshing to have people working with us to get where we want to be. Whatever happens, this feels like the right path to stepping it up. That's all that matters right?
Today while testing our new super duper mapmaker (to be released tomorrow), I made a map of all the Places I've seen Sinterklaas and guess what? I've seen him more than 10 times!
is the Sint on the religious dress map?
Posted by: jason | February 07, 2007 at 01:47 PM