Trust is precious and easily wasted, and guessing is a lousy foundation for future progress.

The purpose of an elevator pitch is to describe a situation or solution so compelling that the person you're with wants to hear more even after the elevator ride is over.

I think "creativity" is better described as failing repeatedly until you get something right.

A brilliant author or businesswoman or senator or software engineer is brilliant only in tiny bursts. The rest of the time, they’re doing work that most any trained person could do.

The media wants overnight successes (so they have someone to tear down). Ignore them. Ignore the early adopter critics that never have enough to play with. Ignore your investors that want proven tactics and predictable instant results. Listen instead to your real customers, to your vision and make something for the long haul. Because that's how long it's going to take, guys.

Marketing is the way your people answer the phone, the typesetting on your bills and your return policy.

Perhaps marketing is about to transition to a new kind of profession, one that requires insight, dedication and smarts.