Page 99 - The Bootstrapper Bible

ChangeThis Is it hard? Not at all. Does it require preparation so she doesnʼt sound uninformed? Absolutely. But it is the single dynamic behind her phenomenal success—she seems to have access to any person and any information she needs. One last thought: Never ask your mentor for more than advice. Donʼt ask for money. Donʼt ask for free output (like a designed ad or a written proposal). If you do, both of you are put on the spot. And your request will often lead to an awkward end to the relationship. Mentors donʼt commit for money, but for the gratification of seeing someone else succeed. They want to see your work pay off. RULE 9: OBSERVE THOSE LITTLE BIRDS THAT CLEAN THE TEETH OF VERY BIG HIPPOS My son Alex was blown away by the diorama at the Museum of Natural History in New York. Thereʼs a giant rhino, bigger than a Volvo, with its mouth open. And there, in the mouth of the beast, are a bunch of little birds. “What are the birds doing in the hippo, Dad?” he wanted to know. As always, I told him more than he probably wanted to know. I explained that the birds eat the bugs the rhino canʼt get to. The birds are happy because they get an easy meal. And the rhino is happily bug-free. Thereʼs a lot a bootstrapper can learn from these little birds. By creating a mutually beneficial relationship with a hippo, you can make a lot of money, generate credibility, and avoid being eaten. Find bigger, richer, more stable organizations. Partner with them. It gives you credibility and access and sometimes, cash flow. | iss. 6.01 | i | U | X | + | h 99/103 f