Only Swing at Things Worthy of a Life

"I had reached an important conclusion about starting any business: it’s as hard to start and run a small business as it is to start a big one. You will suffer the same toll financially and psychologically as you bludgeon it into existence. It’s hard to raise the money and to find the right people. So if you’re going to dedicate your life to a business, which is the only way it will ever work, you should choose one with the potential to be huge."

"There’s only one disagreement we’ll ever have. I only like to do big things. I don’t like getting diverted. I like taking on huge opportunities and making them happen. You have a different philosophy. You like doing what works. You’ll do huge things and small things. You don’t care as much about scale, as long as they’re well constructed and you can make them work. “You’ll be unhappy with me when I don’t want to do things that aren’t consequential, things you know you can set up and that are going to make money. You won’t understand why I won’t do it. But I’m always going to want to keep our firepower for something that’s worthy.”"

"If you are going to start a business, I told them, I believe it has to pass three basic tests. First, your idea has to be big enough to justify devoting your life to it. Make sure it has the potential to be huge. Second, it should be unique. When people see what you are offering, they should say to themselves, “My gosh, I need this. I’ve been waiting for this. This really appeals to me.” Without that “aha!” you are wasting your time. Third, your timing must be right. The world actually doesn’t like pioneers, so if you are too early, your risk of failure is high. The market you are targeting should be lifting off with enough momentum to help make you successful."