Winning Moves Blog

A high failure rate for new ventures tends to be expected. It is often thought that success with new ventures is the classic example of high risk, high reward, and that there must be many failures for every great success in such risky situations. Yet, my research into business success and failure patterns finds otherwise. There are Continue reading “Patterns and Knowledge Drive New Venture Success” »

Some research downplays the success of serial entrepreneurs, finding that they often fail in their subsequent ventures despite their previous start-up experience, which allegedly might have provided the learning to guide future entrepreneurial success.

After researching business success and failure patterns for 25+ years, I am not surprised by these Continue reading “Building on Strengths Fosters Serial Entrepreneurs’ Success” »

It doesn’t matter whether the new CEO from outside was recruited to bring professional management to an entrepreneurial venture or to revitalize a long established company. In either case, rather than striving for drastic change, the new CEO should seek effective ways to build on the company’s strengths. The CEO can bring Continue reading “New CEOs from the Outside Should Build on Company Strengths” »

They say do what you love, and the money will follow. Or will it?

As I’ve said before, my research finds that passion can be a strength that drives business success. Passion, however, does not guarantee success. And, we are told to “Forget Passion” by Continue reading “How Passion Drives Business Success—and When It Does Not” »

In my previous blog post, I stressed that Microsoft must build on its strengths to succeed. Now, Microsoft bought Nokia’s phone business and this warrants a look at some of the strengths that Microsoft might build on. Microsoft has strengths in its Windows and Office product lines, and Microsoft’s position in Continue reading “Windows, Office and Corporate Markets: Are They the Building Blocks for Success at Microsoft?” »