I want to address something that’s really bugging me. Negativity. Over the past few months, I’ve witnessed the experts and the media bemoan and belabor the “tough economy.” My attitude in times like these is to stay focused, stay optimistic, ignore the media and operate as normal. We’ve done a great job of doing these at Infusionsoft and it’s paying off. We had our best quarter ever in Q3 and we’re on track to blow that away this quarter.
[Sidebar: Looks like Joe is taking this blog by storm, which is great! He has committed me to be more active and I'm taking the challenge. ]
Generally, I’ve noticed savvy entrepreneurs and smart financial folks are staying positive. Last week, I was in Silicon Valley (northern CA) and I saw something that really ticked me off. One of the most respected VC firms met with their entire portfolio CEOs and gave them a stern lecture about sound financial management. The advice was good (for good times or bad), but the tone amounted to a scare tactic that injected fear into all of Silicon Valley. Read more about what I mean, on Venture Hacks.
It’s too bad… Sequoia Capital is well respected. But they blew an opportunity to remain optimistic and they succumbed to the fear that’s swirling around. In the process, they spread their negativity to a bunch of smart people who really ought to know better.
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[...] Clate Mask, Infusionsoft [...]
Pingback by Venture Hacks — “An opportunity to remain optimistic” — October 15, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Hey Clay
I agree! And negativity shuts off the brain and we can not operate as we should.
Clay, I need to talk to you. I was recently contracted in to be the Head of Marketing & Branding at a company and they are using your software. I have been building businesses, like you, for 12 years online. Now I have to tell you, when these folks first came on board with Infusionsoft they were a bunch of tight wads.. They didn’t get Habeas and went the cheaper route. I have been during the last month tried to upgrade our system to Habeas, give Infusionsoft all the funding they need, do what I can to build our already existing $ 800k business to $ 3 million. I cannot do that without Infusionsoft!
I can’t get any support or help from sales either.. or your support team. Clay I am in Rich Schefren’s coaching and I want YOU to have our company story.
WHAT can you do to help me go forward with a full bells and whistle Infusionsoft??
Sandi
Comment by Sandi — October 21, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
I agree, our business is up 45% over last year and we are targeting a 50% growth for next year. You move toward what you think about. I think all of the negativity is part political campaigning to create dissonance among the electorate. 94% of us are employed, 6% are not or thereabouts.
Comment by Steve Rucinski — October 21, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
Great point, Steve. Isn’t it amazing how readily we focus on the 6% instead of the 94%?
Sandi–thanks for reaching out to me and I’m glad we were able to communicate via email.
Comment by Clate Mask — October 22, 2008 @ 12:53 am
[...] of the most appropriate things for entrepreneurs to incorporate in their lives… especially in times like these. Here’s what my dad taught [...]
Pingback by Thinking Positively | Infusion Blog — October 23, 2008 @ 12:55 am
The attorney in me sees Sequoia strategically spreading fear to depress valuations. I agree that Sequoia is well respected, but it may now be “RIP” for Sequoia as an esteemed leader in venture funding.
Comment by Marc Chesley — October 30, 2008 @ 11:09 pm