“If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self.”

Napoleon Hill

Author of “Think and Grow Rich” 

Goliath Never Had A Chance 

Malcolm Gladwell’s new book “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants” has just been released and will no doubt be a best seller. The introduction to the book launches Gladwell’ s study of underdogs with  a very different take on the story of David and Goliath.

Gladwell is as gifted a speaker as he is a writer so if you don’t plan to read the book, you’ll enjoy his analysis of the duel between the giant and the shepherd in a recent TED Talk: “ The Unheard Story of David and Goliath” I think you’ll be surprised by the reasons Gladwell thinks Goliath never had a chance.  

Differentiating When You’re Not Different 

Some companies find it difficult to find a differentiator even after looking hard and long for it. Maybe there’s some subtle ways to stand out that don’t necessarily relate to the traditional features and benefits of your offering. Read this one page blog from the Harvard Business review on how you can win without differentiation. The bottom line is you still have to be different, but not necessarily with your offerings!

Jocks Only, Please

The biggest challenge many companies face is finding great talent. We scan resumes, use testing instruments and check references. Even so, these methods often fail. What to do? One entrepreneur and contributor to Forbes Magazine has a suggestion that’s served him well in his businesses: Hire jocks! Find out why one CEO thinks “You Should Fill Your Company with Athletes.”  Hint: his “athletes” are not just folks who excel at sports!

Econ Recon: Healthcare and Wealth Scare

The news this week was little else but the premiere of the Affordable Care Act and the government shutdown. The 24 hour media has made much of these two events and their potential effects on the economy and financial markets. Not surprisingly, the two economists usually featured in this space provide their usual wisdom and perspective on the matter based on history and sound economics.

Brian Wesbury says “Don’t Fret The Shutdown”   because the money that government might have borrowed will be invested elsewhere and probably to better effect.

Vistage Staff Economist and ITR Economics Principal Alan Beaulieu looks at the hard data on Government Shutdowns from an Economist’s Point of View. and concludes that the politicians and the media have overblown it again. He also looks at the new health care insurance options and concludes that It Doesn’t Pay to be Young and Single for insurance purposes.

Vistage Confidence Index for Third Quarter is Available

The third quarter Vistage Confidence Index is now available. Find out what Vistage CEOs think lies ahead for you and your business by clicking here.