Don’t be afraid of failure, learn from it.
Cameron Chell is a tech entrepreneur, author and speaker with over 25 years of experience in technology, energy, and finance. Cameron currently serves as CEO of Business Instincts Group where he has helped launch several successful tech startups. Recently Cameron has been focusing his efforts on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, founding ICOx Innovations Inc, a consultant for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).
Where did the idea for your company come from?
BIG stand for Business Instincts which is what I think we as a Group really bring to our projects. It is based on some talent and a lot of experience.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
It starts very early – 3:30am ish as it is really the only quiet time available and also because I get to work with teams across multiple time zones this allow me to connect with others around the world. At 5am is a very intense coached 30 minute workout 4 times a week. At 6:30 – 8am it becomes all about kids: up, breakfast, school prep and then we are off to school for 8am. Next call is scheduled for 8:15am and then it is back to back all day every day. 4:30pm to 5pm I am at home or kids class / sport. Everything for our family is within a 10 block radius so we spend very little time commuting.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We work to build the impossible every day. We use a platform that the company I co-founded, Business Instincts Group, developed called the RIPKIT which helps to uphold three of the things I feel are most important when working on building the next BIG company: clarity, alignment and measurement.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There are dozens: BlockChain, Nano, AI are probably the big ones with a growing interest in Bio, particularly stem cell and longevity themes.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
First and foremost is meditation. I also set aside time every day to read and write. Getting that time alone to really zone in on what my mind is working on in the background is paramount.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Get out of the way and let others lead. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Most of the time things are out of our control. It is how we react to them and work within the parameters that are set forth that enable us to move forward. Once you get that – everything is so much simpler. I am not saying we don’t control our destiny – because I believe we do by controlling our actions and reaction to what is happening that is out of our control.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I seek clarity, alignment and measurement in everything I do.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I don’t think there is one strategy per se. More often than not specific strategies are like battle plans, they are great until the battle starts. Flexibility and the ability to adapt are the keys to success almost every aspect of the of our known universe. I look to build the impossible with amazing teams. I provide as much value where I know I can and ensure I empower the teams I work with to bring their amazing capacities to the forefront.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I have had a lot failures. My biggest was in the early days – I overcame this when I realize that I didn’t have to be the “one” and I could get out of my own way and let the right people in the right positions do the right things.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Pay users for their data using a liquid, stable cryptocurrency. Enable people to create more valuable data and earn and valued for it. imagine if facebook did this, literally everyone in the world could earn at least a minimal base level income while creating value and becoming more valued. So much friction in our economy would vanish and an economic book of the greatest portion could unfold.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Wifi on an 12 hour flight
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
100% the RIPKIT which is coming out in a SAAS consumer version, it is called Build.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Why (How) Anything You Do Means Everything. It really lays out how your actions mean more than your words ever could and that the only currency in the world is trust.
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is the ability to move from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm” – Winston Churchill
Key Learnings:
- Don’t be afraid of failure, learn from it.
- Success is all about how you adapt and react to the unexpected.
- Use technology to your advantage but don’t forget to set aside some time to tune out.
Connect:
www.twitter.com/cameronchell
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.