PETER SHANKMAN
| POSTED ON October 10th, 2008 | 21 COMMENTS | + ADD YOUR COMMENT |
Was cleaning out my computer last night, and came across this gem, recorded during my 19-hour spur-of-the-moment round-trip to London this past June. I debated whether or not to post it – it’s really mostly ramblings – but the underlying statement is what my underlying statement always is: Doing things a certain way only because they were done that way before is foolish, detrimental, and could, very possibly, hurt you in the long run. Take some chances, have some fun. You can always go back to the “old way” if it doesn’t work. Remember that.
OK – Take this with a grain of salt. I was very, very full from a very, very good meal. (And try not to laugh at me around 27 seconds in.)
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Peter Great video. Nice piece of camera work at 27 seconds. I loved the line “You all got your HARO’s [...] Had I not told you where I was, you wouldn’t have had a clue.” So true. Like when I was interviewing you the other day (great interview BTW), and you were checking your emails mid-interview. The rules certainly have changed. And you are right. Those who sit at their desks doing it like they always have, won’t be the ones who rock the world … |
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This post hit me like a ton of bricks–it’s interesting timing. After a lot of thought and soul-searching, I’m quitting my job TODAY because I haven’t done anything crazy or world-changing since I started this energy-sucking job. I’m not leaving for another job—I’m leaving for myself. It might be odd to say this, but this video was a little confirmation that I’m doing the right thing… Thanks, Peter. |
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Loved it, thanks. Can’t fault you for being a buy (27 seconds in). |
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Three cups of coffee lead to very profound thoughts. I so agree with your ramblings! |
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Only if the C-Suite were to get it. I can work from home, outerspace, the local botanical gardens. And yet if I am not here in my gray cubical at 8:00 a.m. I am late, I am not working, I am fired. It is so sad. As Metallica said, “Sad but True.” |
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This is just what I needed on this Friday! I agree. The rules are changing, people are changing and therefore the world is changing…finally. Thanks for all you do! |
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Great video & great message. For me, I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. What your message did for me was to give me a kick in the rear and make me realize that it’s do-able to leave my office, get out to hang by myself or join my kids, family & friends more frequently — outside of these four walls … and still do my job well. Thanks! |
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I like the message that you can take care of your customers/stakeholders no matter where you are. The important thing is commitment to being available and present – once you have that location is irrelevant. There are many companies I’ve dealt with who have a team of people in an office who aren’t as responsive as single entrepreneurs … the commitment and passion are missing! |
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So here’s a million dollar question: How do you get people who aren’t naturally “screw it, let’s do it” to come along for the ride? I don’t want to get all hippy and weird, but with climate change screeching around the next bend towards us, we are in a time where we need to start doing things differently. That includes the “ooh, not sure about different stuff” brigade. I work for an environmental organisation and beat my head against the obstacle of conservative middle-management every day. I need these guys to come along for the ride, but I find it impossible to enthuse them. What gives? I want the attitude which gives Peter his competitive edge to be more infectious. It shouldn’t be an advantage – it should be normal. Hm, well that’s *my* three-cups-ramble. |
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Peter, thanks for sharing your “unique London moments”. It is so current, and we all need to hear the words “don’t become slaves to the rules”. Thanks for the wake up call – this was a challenging week to all, and let’s do what Peter did – be a little bit crazy …… Take the afternoon or day off, be the sunshine in a dog’s life, work from another city or country! Skydive or bungee jump! Just do something different – something that will energize you and inspire the rest of the world. |
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Peter, this is a reminder that more people in this world DON’T follow your spoken philosophy. As an entrepreneur, I sometimes forget that many people are confined to a space. Generally, I go to the office for connecting with people and socializing! Great job! |
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Yes and you can workout any where so get on in before Sunday. Great video! |
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Hey Peter, Was the camera on your belt? That might explain the 27 sec ‘shot’. That answers my question as to your sexual orientation, as I never know which way people are swinging these days…not that it matters…just a mere point of curiosity…anywho, bravo on embracing the day and just going for it! I tell my husband frequently that we are adults with cash and that makes life fun!!!! Even though we have kids, and customers, and responsibilities, we still do spontaneous enjoyable things. I think it’s the magnanimous (sp?) ‘alive’ personalities that help people be successful. Others are drawn to those who know how to live as well as those who do their jobs well. Peter, you have both of those qualities and that’s a winning combiniation. Keep up the inspirational work! |
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This is from my dogs – |
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I’m a mom, a wife, a boss, an entrepreneur, and awake at this hour on a Saturday night working on the next big breakthru. And, there is no flipping way I’m doing it from a cube in a dreary office. Well said, Peter … |
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Thanks for sharing Peter – you are a great inspiration! Also thanks for HARO – much appreciate the service! |
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