10 insights on the tao of business — derek sivers
TRANSCRIPT
Powered by
10 Insights on
THE TAO OF BUSINESS
This presentation consists of highlights from the interview with Moe Abdou,
founder & host of 33voices®.
Originally a professional musician and circus clown, Derek Sivers created CD Baby in 1998. It became the largest seller of independent music online, with
$100M in sales for 150,000 musicians. In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby for $22M, giving the proceeds to a charitable trust for music education. He is a frequent speaker at the TED Conference, with over 5 million views of his talks. Since
2011 he has published 34 books, including “Anything You Want” which shot to #1 on all of its Amazon categories.
Derek Sivers@sivers
Creator of CD Baby
“Approach anything with generosity andthe quest to improve the lives of others, and
your success will follow. Less and less do you need to force things, Until finally you arrive at
non-action. When nothing is done, Nothing is left undone.” - The Tao of Business
Insight #1
Insight #2
On BecomingOne of the inevitabilities of life are pendulum
swings - accept them fully, and opt not to define yourself too early.
Insight #3
On Execution Those who go far are hardly rigid with their ideas, for they understands that …
The Master observes the world, but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go.
His heart is open as the sky.
Insight #4
On ProcessWhen you do work worth doing,
success isn’t measured by a goal, rather by the process that got you there.
(read “After 15 years of practice”)
Insight #5
On Money, Andy WarholBeing good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working
is art and good business is the best art.
Insight #6
On PersistenceSee persistence not as sticking with the same pursuits, but always being open to trying many
different approaches towards your desired end.
Insight #7
On CrisisNext time you’re in the midst of a challenge - Pause for a moment, detach yourself from the
situation, and imagine how a wise outsider not familiar with the details of your
situation would respond.
Insight #8
On SilenceWhen you’re looking for answers, remember
that ‘silence is a source of great strength.’
Insight #9
On generosity, Khalil GibranGenerosity is giving more than you can, and
pride is taking less than you need.
Insight #10
Tao on SuccessSuccess is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as
hollow as fear. What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? Whether you go up the ladder or down it, your position is shaky. When
you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don’t see the self as self, what do we have to fear? See the world as your self. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as
your self; then you can care for all things.
Reflect: How much of your identity is tied to the work
that you do?
tweet us!
If you have a question, submit it to33voices Q&A for a direct answer from one of our founders or thought leaders.
CONNECT WITH US!
Tell us what you [email protected]
Presentation created by Chase Jennings
Insights by Moe Abdou
