Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #25 — Not everyone catches this rule, but those who do find the job — and the life — they really love and can keep their entire career. Quite simply, Rule #25, is this: “Don’t let your job be your life; let your life be your job.” (Don’t get self-absorbed in titles…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #24 — Someone once said, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and I believe it. Even more than “an apple a day,” laughter as medicine rings true. …

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #23 — What if you developed brain cancer doctors attributed to radiofrequency exposure from your smartphone? Would you hold the cell phone manufacturer responsible? Maybe you’d try, but if you’ve read the fine print, you’d know you would fail. You probably missed the warning sentence in the contract with the manufacturer that…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #22 — I’m probably “indicting myself” in this rule (as I have been, and still am, a consultant) but, as with my other rules, it has proven to be true. Rule #22 is simply this: “Most ‘experts’ aren’t experts. Be careful whose counsel you choose for advice.” Be selective in whom you…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #21 — This rule should be familiar to everyone. It’s basically been the byline to Silicon Valley entrepreneurs for years (although I came up with this rule back in 2003). Here’s Rule #21: “Understand and accept failure as an opportunity to learn and move forward, and know that failure doesn’t mean YOU…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #20 — In a few of my rules, I’ve mentioned the term “stuff” over and over, and I also referenced George Carlin’s speech about “more stuff.” We have become a nation of consumers, but it’s time to join the movement to adopt a “minimalist” strategy — less stuff, less storage, fewer possessions…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #19 — You can thank one of my former bosses for this rule. I’ve had the fortunate career experience of working for some fantastic managers. Dick Aderman was one of them. …

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #18 — “I’m an absolute entrepreneurial genius,” an entrepreneur/founder said as he walked into my office once, head held high. “My company is just killing it, thanks to my expertise, and we are on our way to record sales!” Good for you, I thought, along with this advice, which I’ve made Rule…

Professor Long’s 26 Rules of the Business Road — Rule #17 — This rule is often glossed over in businesses, and it’s a costly mistake. Too many CEOs look at what they want to see — they don’t measure things that can determine progress. Rule #17 is “Measure everything of significance and keep track of it.” This rule provides the answer to…