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Ted Murphy

Ted Murphy
In inspiration

Warrior Dash

Warrior Dash

This morning I ran the Warrior Dash with my IZEA teammates Larry and Rhia. I have to say it was probably the most fun I have ever had running, partially because of the obstacles, mud and party atmosphere, but mostly because of the people I ran with. We were by no means the fastest team out there, but we had a great time, stuck together and “Rhia and The Sprinkles” crossed the finish line holding hands.

The Warrior Dash is a 3 mile run combined with a challenging and rugged terrain. Along the path you will encounter mud crawling, fire-leaping, balance beams and various other obstacles. It all ends in a big party, complete with a band, plenty of over-sized beers and giant turkey legs.

Great Team Building

My only regret for this years Warrior Dash was that I didn’t make it a bigger company wide initiative at IZEA. The race is short enough that everyone could have finished, yet challenging enough that you feel like you accomplished something. Next year I plan on having a company tent, spending the entire weekend in a camper and paying the entry fee for all the Izeans that want to participate. Unique events like this are true team building opportunities that foster team work, comradery and some incredible memories.

Ted Murphy
In business

The Force Multiplier

Have you ever tried to dig a hole with your bare hands? You can do it, but it is slow. Grab a shovel and suddenly you can dig faster and deeper. Rent a backhoe and you can dig out a swimming pool in a matter of hours. The shovel and backhoe are examples of force multipliers. A force multiplier allows someone to accomplish a task with dramatically greater effectiveness, in this case digging a hole.

The term force multiplier has its roots in the military, but I believe the concept is applicable and relevant to business as well. Opportunities for force multiplication surround entrepreneurs, but they often aren’t thought of in that way. Things like training, recruitment, community, partnerships and even branding are all potential force multipliers.

Technology… The Low Hanging Fruit

Technology is the first place I would look for force multiplication in any business, because many technologies can simply be purchased. You can apply technology to most aspects of business, but the one that is most often ignored is the one sitting in front of you on your desk.

Many of us spend the majority of our day in front of our computers. We develop a deep dependence on them to accomplish our work. When they are slow we are slow. When they crash we crash. Yet businesses are often ridiculously slow to update computers because of the expense involved. New technology isn’t an expense… it is an advantage.

I recently saw an employee use a computer that had a 5.5″ inch floppy drive at a Budget Rental Car office. WTF! What decade are we in?

  • How much faster could that person process me if they were on a faster computer?
  • How many more customers could they process per day?
  • How much happier would I be as a customer?
  • How much more money would I ultimately spend?

Employees that run computationally intensive applications should have their computers updated once every 1-3 years. Standard office app and web users should be updated 3-5 years. The investment will pay for itself in efficiency as well as providing an additional boost to morale… it is two force multipliers for the price of one!

While you are at it don’t skimp on monitors. The productivity gain you will get from a larger monitor will pay for itself.

Photo Credit Tracer.ca

Ted Murphy
In business, inspiration

Foosball Isn’t The Devil

For The Disruptors…

People fear what they don’t understand. There will always be those that down play the big idea, criticize it or even personally attack those behind it. Don’t let the naysayers get to you. Don’t let their small mindedness cause you to question yourself. Believe in what you are doing. Go against the grain. Make the dream a reality.

Most of all never ever stay off the field because others don’t like the game. Get out there and run like hell.

You can do it Bobby Boucher!

Ted Murphy
In inspiration, life

Let’s Get Muddy

Tara and I recently returned from Maui. One of our goals for the trip was to see some waterfalls. We stopped at twin falls, one of the highlights along the road to Hana. We jumped out of our Jeep, grabbed our stuff and made a quick trek up to the waterfall just off the road. When we got there we were disappointed. Maui has been in a draught this year and there wasn’t really much of a waterfall. Water was barely trickling down the mountainside and the pool it flowed into was cloudy.

Just as we were about to head back to the Jeep a group of adventurous tourists appeared out of nowhere. They were covered in mud and out of breath. “There is another waterfall up this path,” one of them said. “You’ll get dirty but it is worth it”. Tara and I looked at each other, then back at the people who had just come down the mountain, then back at each other. “Let’s get muddy,” I said. Tara agreed and we started up the path.

Neither of us understood what we were getting into. Not only was the path covered in overgrowth, rocky and extremely slippery, it lead us to a 30 foot tall bridge that had a 2 foot wide path and no guard rails. I am not afraid of heights, but I didn’t like this bridge at all.

In the end it was definitely worth it. The waterfall was gorgeous. It was clear, cool and so remote it felt like our own special treasure.

Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Mud

Life is full of opportunities. The best opportunities often lie at the end of a trail that will leave you muddy, winded and a bit beaten up. Some people avoid the mud all together. Some people jump in and celebrate every dirty step forward. Life is simply too short to always play it safe.

Go on… it is time to get dirty.

Ted Murphy
In business

Why Here?

This past week was full of job interviews for me. We are adding four new sales people and some engineering talent at IZEA. Over the years I have interviewed and hired hundreds of people at my companies. While each interview is unique (yesterday I interviewed someone dressed as Lobster Claus) I always ask one question that is the same.

Why do you want to work here?

I have had candidates respond with some awesome answers to this question, but more often than not people fall flat on their face. Here are some of my least favorite answers:

  • To make more money
  • So I can work downtown
  • I hate my current job

The reason I ask this question is to determine the motives of the candidate and see if they have done any real research about the company. I don’t want to hire people seeking a filler job. I want to hire people that have done their homework, understand our services, appreciate our culture and have ideas on how they can impact the company in a positive way.

Interviewing is a lot like dating. There are plenty of companies out there, just like there are plenty of people.

Imagine you are on a date

Girl : Why do you want to date me?

Responses from Boy…

Boy : I really need a girlfriend.

Boy : You live close to my house.

Boy : I hate my current girlfriend.

Boy : I want more sex.

Yeah. Those wouldn’t go over so well. The same is true when you are on a job interview. When someone asks you a question specific to the company be sure to respond with an answer that is specific as well.

Employer : Why do you want to work here?

Candidate : I have been looking for the right company for some time and I think ACME is the one for me. I have done a lot of research on your website and through searches on other sites. I understand your products, your culture and appreciate your involvement in the community. I believe I am a great match for the position you have open now and I think we can grow together in the future.

Of course, that response only matters if you mean it. If you provide an answer like that expect the employer to be so happy that they will want to dig deeper.

Ted Murphy
In life

My Best Man

A few months ago I made a pit stop at 7-11 to buy some little treats for my team members at IZEA. As the cashier was ringing me up I noticed that he missed a few items. When he presented my total I explained to him that he neglected to scan everything. He responded defensively, and insisted that everything was accounted for.

I paused for a few seconds, part of me just wanted to pay and get out of there, but my conscience took over and I couldn’t. I proceeded to get into an argument with the cashier, eventually he agreed to go through the receipt item by item with me. He added the extra things he missed to my bill and I walked out the door.

When I got into my car I sat there wondering… what the hell just happened? Did I actually get into an argument so I could pay more!?!? Who does that?

The answer is my dad. My family calls my dad the boyscout. Throughout his life he has always tried to teach his kids to do the right thing, even if the right thing doesn’t always make sense. When I realized I had just gotten into that stupid argument because of his influence I couldn’t help but smile.

My Biggest Influence

After our engagement Tara and I started talking about who would be in our wedding party. When she asked me who my best man would be it set me down a path of happy memories and introspection. I have been blessed by relationships with so many people in my life, but no other person has impacted my life like my father.

My father has given me the spirit to become an entrepreneur, the freedom to express myself, the courage to overcome adversity and the wit to make life an enjoyable experience. He has been by my side to celebrate victories and push through challenges… even when he hasn’t been physically there.

I can think of no other man more responsible for where I am in life. No other man more suited to stand by my side when I get married. I am honored to have my dad as my best man.

Parents Make a Difference

I want to give a shout out to all the parents out there. I know it must be incredibly difficult to raise children these days. I was a pain in the ass as a child and teenager. I acted out, said and did some stupid things and didn’t give my parents the appreciation that they truly deserved. Today’s world is even more complicated and time intensive, I don’t know how some of you do it.

I want you to know that you are making a big difference in your child’s life. It may not be apparent today, but every lesson you teach and every nugget of knowledge you share will impact your child for years to come.

You do make a difference and your child will appreciate all the time, sacrifice and love one day.

Ted Murphy
In inspiration

Egg Your Team On

The Atomic Egg Drop Challenge

I am a big fan of simple team building exercises. I find that most people get so caught up in their daily work that they really don’t get to know their coworkers. I created a fun, fast exercise that managers can use to liven up a meeting and re-energize the team. The below team building exercise works well for 12-40 people. It takes about 25-35 minutes from start to completion. The cost is variable, depending on the prizes you provide your team.

You will need

  1. Several cartons of eggs (depending on your team size)
  2. A ladder or step stool
  3. A tape measure
  4. Some cleaning supplies
  5. A watch or timer
  6. Some prizes

Getting Started

Split your group into teams of 2-4 people, depending on the total number of participants. You want a maximum of 10 teams. I suggest making people team up with coworkers that they don’t interact with on a daily basis. Once the teams are split up provide each team with 3 eggs and read them the instructions below.

Team Member Instructions

  • You have 15 minutes to construct a container for your eggs that can withstand an 8 foot drop.
  • You can use anything within the office that is not of value to create your container.
  • You are not permitted to use a conventional egg carton in any way.
  • Your carton must be no larger than 4 x 4 x 4 inches and contain all 3 eggs (this is a really important requirement, make sure people understand this).
  • You need to name your carton design and present the thought process and its virtues to the other teams prior to the drop.
  • In order to complete the challenge all 3 eggs must survive the drop without cracking.
  • Each team that breaks no eggs will receive a (insert your prize here, gift cards are nice and easy)

Facilitator Process

After you read your group the instructions start your 15 minute timer. Call off the time remaining at 5 minute intervals, with a 1 minute warning. When the time is up bring everyone back into a room together. Call the first team to the front and have them share their creation and thought process with the group. Measure the carton to make sure it is not bigger than 4 x 4 x 4 inches. If it is too big that team will be disqualified, but you should still drop the container.

Climb up your ladder or step stool, hold the egg container 8 feet from the ground and get your team to chant a countdown…. 3… 2… 1… drop! Some of the containers will pass, others will fail. The mess doesn’t get too crazy, but you want to make sure you are doing this away from any carpet or walls just in case. Repeat this process until every team has gone, then bring the winners to the front and celebrate their victory.

If you try this with your team please let me know how it works out for you.

Ted Murphy
In travel

Order the Meat Hammer

Union, Las Vegas

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending Blog World Expo in Las Vegas with the IZEA crew. We had an incredible time at the event, but one of the highlights of my three days was dinner at Union, located in the Aria hotel. I was invited to be a guest of The Light Group by my friend Manya for a private VIP dinner with some great people including Jason Keith, Chris Heuer, Kristie Wells, Justin Levy, Stefanie Michaels and Scott Stratten. The company and conversation was great (and got even better as the night went on), but the food was ridiculous.

Manya started our meal with mini kobe beef burgers, multiple orders of surf and turf and an assortment of other little appetizers. Everything was going well, then we moved on to the main event and I made a critical mistake. When I asked the waiter what to order he suggested the tomahawk rib eye steak, but after trying the kobe mini burgers I made the decision to ignore him and order the American kobe flat iron steak. That was stupid.

When the first tomahawk rib eye steak came out it was a spectacle. Not only did it smell amazing it looked like a weapon you could carry into a medieval battle. Our table quickly dubbed it the meat hammer. It was beautiful in every way and tasted fantastic. My kobe steak was good, but the meat hammer put it to shame. I was definitely out-ordered, and if Scott and I were forced to take arms I am afraid he would have had a superior weapon.

Tongue Tip

  1. Always go with the waiter’s advice, especially at a nice restaurant.
  2. If you can secure the private dining area at Union (seats 20) go for it. It is incredibly cool.
Ted Murphy
In business

General Boarding

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know that I travel a good bit for business. My Facebook status updates from TripIt make my profile seem like a fan page for a flight control tower. Because of my travel frequency I often get comments like “you must be double platinum status” or assumptions that I am riding in first class.

The sad truth is that I have no status, nor do I fly first class. I board with everyone else in general boarding. Quite often I am wedged between two large, sweaty people eating fried chicken, playing Neil Diamond on the loudest possible setting without headphones.

How could someone who will fly over 100,000 miles this year have no frequent flyer status?

Company First

Over the past few years I have raised $14 million from the investors that backed IZEA. During that time I have always done my best to treat each dollar as my own. Actually, I treat my investor’s money as more sacred than my own… because it is not mine.

While I spend money on things that can grow the business, increase productivity or create a better work environment, overall I am a tightwad when it comes to my personal spending. I don’t stay in fancy hotels (we usually sleep 2 employees to a room), I rent compact cars and I always book the cheapest flight, no matter the carrier.

The reason I don’t have any status is because all my miles are spread amongst many different carriers. I could book more expensive flights on the same carriers, but it would cost the company more money, sometimes hundreds of dollars per trip.

VC Money Isn’t an Entrepreneur’s Trust Fund

If you are lucky enough to have raised some capital from a VC or other investor to fund your dream you are in a very special place. Hopefully the day will come that you create a huge exit for your investors, your employees and yourself. At that point you can live your life like Jay-Z, dropping cash like it is going out of style (actually still a bad idea, even when you have the money).

Until that point you need to buck up and take one for the team. The money in your startup’s bank account isn’t there for your creature comforts. It is there to build a better future and deliver returns for all your stakeholders.

I will see you in row 19. I call aisle.

Ted Murphy
In inspiration

Crazy Until It is True

The above image was painted by my father, sometime in the 1960s. It depicts a future city where whisper quite high speed electric trains would “float on air” and travel hundreds of miles per hour between distant locations. As a child I remember uncovering futuristic paintings like this hidden in little nooks of our home.

While my father has great artistic talent, the images he creates are rarely designed to be art. They are visualizations of the world of opportunity he sees as an entrepreneur, engineer and visionary. Each drawing, painting or video he produces has a story… a reason for being. This painting focused on his fascination with linear induction motors. He believed that high powered magnetic coils would be used to levitate and propel all sorts of things, including trains. The magnets would be used to create a friction-free rail, reducing noise and energy consumption while increasing the speed of the train.

At the time my father’s floating train sounded like science fiction to most people. Fast forward to today and it doesn’t seem so crazy… because it is starting to be true. High speed trains are popping up all over the world, many of them using a variation of magnetic levitation and propulsion technology.

While he never built his train, he did use his vision to build and sell a company. He invented the original baggage handling system for the 747 airplane.

Big Visions Take Time to Mature

One of the hardest things about being an entrepreneur with a big vision is that the market rarely matures as fast as you want it to. New ideas scare people. They disrupt the old ideas, causing the people vested in the old ideas to dismiss or even attack the new ideas. The bigger the new idea, the more resistance, the longer it takes to gain acceptance. It is one of the reasons why we still have gas powered cars.

Celebrate The Victories

Your big vision may take years (or maybe even decades) to come to fruition. If you want to see it through it is important to celebrate and contribute to the milestones along the way.  My father knew he didn’t have enough time or money to build a new type of train, but he could help advance the technology that would be used on a bigger scale in the future. He scored a win for himself and a win for the big vision at the same time. I am sure it puts a smile on his face every time he hears about a new high speed rail project.

Tongue Tip

You may not change the world overnight, but the world won’t change as fast without you.