From Startup to Scale-up | Verne Harnish 015
What innovative ways do you implement to move your business from startup to scale-up? EO Founder Verne Harnish identifies some of the challenges in scaling up and how company culture plays a significant role in the process.
“Culture allows you to do the main thing. You have to transition from startup to scale-up.” – Verne Harnish
Scaling Companies Worldwide
Verne is the Founder of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and the bestselling author of Scaling Up. They have 12,000 members worldwide and 210 partners in 6 continents. He has spent decades in helping companies grow.
The Role of Culture in Progress
Verne refers to Jim Collins’ definition of culture. It is both inclusive and exclusive, allowing members to share a strong sense of belongingness.
“When you come to a strong culture, it really is cult-like.” – Verne Harnish
Culture also acts as the immune system for a company. It protects the company from invaders. These invaders may come in the form of partnerships, team, and customers that are not aligned with the company’s ideals.
The Value of Saying No
Culture also allows companies to do what they are supposed to be doing. That is to grow from a startup. In the process, it includes saying no to people — including friends who want to work for the company.
“It’s pretty useful to be a pleaser if you are going to begin a business. But, what got you here won’t get you there.” – Verne Harnish
It is important for companies to find people who love what makes them unique. “Find the 7 percent who absolutely love your weirdness,” as someone once said. Successful companies with similar stories include IKEA and Apple.
Download and listen to From Startup to Scale-up to learn more. Remember to let Verne know you heard about him on Culture Eats Strategy with Jaime Jay!
Connect through the links below:
Website – ScalingUp
Twitter @thegrowthguy
Book – ScalingUp
Leave us a 5-star rating and review if you enjoyed the show! Thank you and meet you again next week.
About Jaime Jay
Meet Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's a master connector, an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a published author who knows how to get things done.
Before he found his way to the business world, Jaime served his country as a brave paratrooper in the U.S. Army. But that's just the beginning of his many accomplishments.
He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for entrepreneurs everywhere.
When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.
He enjoys spending his free time outside building stuff with his wife, Nikita the dog and their two kittens (for now at least) Tommy and Tater.
He is ‘over-the-moon’ happily married to his wonderful wife Sara, his amazing daughter, Jessica, who is serving our country as a United States Army soldier. Jaime and Sara are the proud grand parents of two beautiful little girls.
Get Your Book Now!
Quit Repeating Yourself provides guidance for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and managers to help prevent unknown challenges from ruining their business.