It Doesn’t Have to be a New Idea

by Education Blog

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Posted on March 7, 2018

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The book The Upstarts details the rise of Uber and Airbnb. It tells the story of a group of young inventors that integrated technology to book car rides and overnight stays.  That is certainly a simplistic way to explain what both companies have done to become billion dollar companies, but nevertheless their story gave me insight into having an idea, setting a goal, and achieving that goal.

The amazing thing about both of these companies is that they weren’t new ideas.  In fact, other companies had developed car services and ways to rent homes for overnight stays.  Why has Uber and Airbnb been so successful? Tenacity, and passionate people.

The tenacity and belief in what they were doing displayed by the founders is something I could certainly use a dose of every once in awhile. This belief and tenacity is what separated them from the competition and turned them into the industry giants.  Have you ever had an idea that you thought would make your business, classroom, or industry better? Can tenacity and belief help you accomplish your idea? I think it can, but you also need people around you that are passionate about success.

Both of these highly successful companies placed great importance on the employees in their companies.  The founders looked for people that had strengths where they had a weakness, but also people that were passionate about the success of the founders. The people around us are what determine our success.  When Lou Holtz took the job as the football coach at Notre Dame he went through his roster and asked three things about each player. “Can I trust them?” Was he committed to excellence? Did he care about his teammates and Notre Dames future?”  Coach Holtz knew the importance of building a team that could win championships. I’m sure that many of you are like me when I tell my children how important it is to surround yourself with like minded people who want what is best for them.

We have a fantastic team of teachers, administrators, and support staff here at Alva Public Schools.  Combine that with a community that values the importance of education, and we have the perfect combination to continue to enhance the Goldbug Symbol of Excellence.  The young people in our schools are the future “Upstarts” in our community. What a great opportunity we have to model for them tenacity, passion, and the ability to help those around us succeed.  

Respectfully,

Tim Argo

 

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