10,000 Hours. Or My Commitment to Doing Good Work.


on Jan 28, 2013

“That’s what separates the wheat from the chaff. That’s what makes a CEO a CEO.” - Gillian Muessig, SEOmoz

You would think Gillian Muessig, SEOmom – who was on a cycling and business tour to India and spent time in our office for the better part of a fortnight – would be talking about some esoteric and vague values such as vision, leadership. NO.

she's my mom 1She was talking about: blogging. She was referring to her son Rand Fishkin (@randfish), CEO and co-founder of SEOmoz who has been blogging every single day since the inception of the blog. No matter what happened during the day, a blog would be up at night. He blogs about what he knows best: "inbound marketing, SEO, startups & entrepreneurship". He shares all that he knows about his business and discusses all. He’s social in a true sense.

Sceptics questioned his policy of talking about business secrets out in the open which could lead to people siphoning off work. But he wasn’t worried. The response invariably was: “If they are going to do it themselves, they were never our customers; if they are our customers, they will come to us when they are going to see our expertise.”

Yes, this approach backfired sometimes. But this paid off more than it backfired. SEOmoz is one of the first, biggest and most successful online marketing communities in the world. The blog is visited by millions of viewers. If you can get published in their blog, you can coolly double the price of your services and people will be willing to pay.

And after a very public battle, they received a funding of $18 million last year.

This reminds me of my favourite blogger and a fellow libertarian Amit Varma (@amitvarma) who, unfortunately, doesn’t blog enough now and is on to bigger and better things such as writing novels and winning Poker championships. He wrote a column on 10,000 hours in 2010. He writes:

Natural talent alone isn’t enough to make you good. You have to work damn hard, and practice damn hard. Some researchers have even put a number to how many hours of practice you need to achieve excellence: 10,000 hours.

[…]

The part of the study that I find astonishing is that not only did all the top performers have over 10,000 hours of practice to their credit, but everyone who put in 10,000 hours was a top performer. The key to excellence was not natural talent, but hard work. (Caveat: this is not to say that talent doesn’t matter at all. Firstly, as the researchers pointed out, there was a minimum level of talent required to get into the Academy. Secondly, a completely untalented musician would probably not get the positive feedback for his work that would motivate him to put in 10,000 hours in the first place.)

This all leads me to conclude that, since I am in the business of communication, practice I must; specifically because, as Gillian put it: “you owe it not just to yourself but to your company to work hard and give it everything you can. Sometimes, just showing up is important.”

I promise to myself and to my company to start blogging at least once a week and increase the frequency gradually.

And since this is a meta-blog (a blog about blogging), it seems befitting to end with another blogger quote, Girish Shahane:

Film used to be a precious resource in India, to be used with care. This bred discipline among cinematographers. Once video became widely available, discipline often went out of the window. [...] I have this example before me as I inaugurate a blog -- which is free to publish and in which I can stuff endless random thoughts. I aim to bring some of [the] discipline into the inevitably looser, less formal structure of the blog.

Wish me luck. :)

Nimit Kathuria

Team OMLogic

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

6058 comments

  • Author Images
    MarissaNes
    9 months ago

    Если ищите зеркало на kraken tor, то раскройте <a href=https://vkrkn.com>кракен сайт</a> для входа на сайт. Здесь только новые ссылки на кракен тор <a href=https://vkrkn.com><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ru/thumb/1/19/Kraken_logo.jpeg/300px-Kraken_logo.jpeg"></a>

  • Author Images
    msmtephooky
    9 months ago

    Компания «Мсмтепло» длительное время производит и реализует теплообменное оборудование в Москве и по привлекательной стоимости, различной сложности. Перед вами огромный выбор продукции, созданной для различных целей: строительных компаний, промышленности, бассейнов, а также ЖКХ, котельных автономного типа. На сайте https://msmteplo.ru/ (<a href=https://msmteplo.ru/catalog/plastinchatyj-razbornyj-teploobmennik/etra_et/506/>пластинчатый теплообменник этра эт-251с</a> ) ознакомьтесь с расценками и другой полезной информацией. Выполняются индивидуальные расчеты под определенные задачи, обозначенные заказчиком. Проектирование, производство силами специалистов компании. Есть огромный опыт работы, а потому они смогут подобрать оборудование в соответствии с особенностями вашего производства, целями, бюджетом. К преимуществам покупки в этой компании относят: - богатый выбор товаров; - доставка аппаратов по России, Казахстану; - подписание официального договора с гарантией на 3 года; - свое производство пластинчатых теплообменников. Важным моментом является то, что «Мсмтепло» предлагает цены намного ниже рыночных за счет того, что реализует продукцию напрямую с завода. Ваша выгода составляет до 30%. В каталоге вы найдете: пластинчатые паяные теплообменники, разборные, водяные теплообменники, пластины, уплотнения, средства для промывки теплообменника. Также вы отыщите и оборудование для промывки теплообменника. Во время производства применяются уникальные и инновационные технологии, которые и позволяют создать особый продукт, отличающийся длительным сроком эксплуатации. При необходимости будет выполнен индивидуальный расчет под определенные задачи заказчика. Специалисты отличаются внушительным опытом, а потому выберут агрегат конкретно под ваши задачи. Процесс производства контролируется на каждом этапе, чтобы исключить брак.

  • Author Images
    Williamcax
    9 months ago

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1LVn9uNnEL76px-CgcPBvbUFZns_9ntU&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EiY_zzwcy9jazjS7qbtl9SV8RhmR3a0&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1RyY6TjOs9ongCz31l17VKSkiuJ0b-FE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17zK_MURYw9Qy4-alylYQYePxfyLVU14&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=154Ncu7nzGaENpt7rGtSVD-Cda5cMDLU&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O4dYWW29PFWa8WJoMpdITUtW-8JfYgI&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1I4aUsprP98T7k4REJFHu6r28nfh2wJA&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1mqao3l80rdQECA7sEM7130bBrAuLhLQ&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1340_zHlj8sh_2mAscxhtGAKUpTqoa14&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15g765rytqJwz84MJ8sTnGyAo1wh-83w&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1xk6quwSmxpIbG2zPT4chQvUqZWK3jsQ&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=13ywyuyIgD8Xpx-2hdZLMDxD1sCnLZWQ&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1w_w-hOBNPmAMq4MS3VBvCHcLBjvU0Gg&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Bxa42SGZmKjH9EZzbviGeSNDwI33esc&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16m85FL2VWDKbqvp8tKtSttk30-IGKXc&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1YhnGF89XREGYsIcjL-9Mkf4_ykMWZuQ&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1GleYXlrPuT4DBb_kX1oyQc1ig5uioto&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1PIvx8xC0tXiSsiZ-iQQbO_cYc12-jBE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1DwziM89p3_oULnTTyJvFRCryfQaUFnQ&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1LtKykDZM_Wxkl9POPPJ6pcVPGcNLSmU&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1YSo1akFgKni0GqOKKtEj8tHi8mFeHgE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1CEqSwGG6Gg8-F8MKHRI-ymFHN4qSN-E&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1XR2FlXd9nV-92agY_IquWltXH3C5lzM&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rq2JnS19IfWciCzsGd-CH81i1-uWBNk&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1037et9IlBGrMsNS9ph08LC6TMJRlTlA&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NQQ6iCIhrLal5d9EB8PSHrFuNHeF_7U&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_Npun-qpojN6XLe0QOmrRRoESKBrjXg&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VzWWPCsP8NEc75m8BLTPoDIj3XNwKko&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15VhpQ48kwjX25mQrEjQERq3sLOU9GLo&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=196iexa_hXfsX3LKhVtm3F25xUh1bmFU&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1iil6QvSgoZB5pAQ5IjoJVP_SrsCCIsc&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1sSKCM6pYStB5OeVlrj8i7BuYUwYTCtk&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ZfErjyxFoP4X-VErSfU5BYZPHMgtGjY&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1kCUnj6b_edO4uONylDvXiM33WzQKUWE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1DNbJfIQLg0H33DKk-3oUjKSiM3eEjE0&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_CFRGfMjHkkNGnVsDfKq4KFsebmH_zA&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1D0M-MYrL-5f8dRfpuof4CcGlTFlVKMA&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1hIB_Chb64PLiTESHR07ZNu7LTaeUgzo&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EWHR1NnXrWmSoA8TQqz-JHpRo6cU90c&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1QFBe754KQyEG0eINLuIhvNlx8JKJEKg&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1HAeEOvwwKNDENCWe3800tXwbh2_AOc0&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1vH6nW1XcIohxJL0ZH1gsZqQp8u8_IvA&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1vrGoMssyPZGNjazr0cAZ8uDNCZb_Noc&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1QWZVmnBICEesb1H4nO8v-ePq-1qVr_U&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1pZOBvgS_1pcHul1rEHQ8i2SbSZqclsE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1xk9mwCoeacKr42RCspmiZhnSQAFAEOE&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1iiAQZH7RpZ10QRf-1ASfV0P3ChICLuk&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Tk2_dGzjF57KbgLrNrQfjkyCIdwVJIU&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1mNEM1t5OoCBGiFEXxVOzNMMLWuQ-gZk&usp=sharing https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1QMm_LHXZk5VkYTufJx7SLbBCE2e77PE&usp=sharing

  • Author Images
    migBig
    9 months ago

    Интересно: <a href=https://gomarkt.ru/blog/optovye-rynki-moskvy/postavshchiki-dlya-rynka-sadovod/>рынок садовод в москве</a> или <a href=https://gomarkt.ru/services/aviadostavka-iz-kitaya/>авиадоставка из китая в россию</a> Может быть полезным: https://gomarkt.ru/calculate/ или <a href=https://gomarkt.ru/services/yuzhnye-vorota-optom/>южные ворота оптом</a> Ещё можно узнать: <a href=https://samoylovaoxana.ru/neobychnye-skylptyry-rona-mueka/>Необычные скульптуры Рона Мьюека</a> или <a href=http://yourdesires.ru/psychology/psychology-of-relationships/107-pozitivnoe-myshlenie-kak-programmirovat-svoe-podsoznanie.html>программы подсознания</a>

  • Author Images
    CharlesKaw
    9 months ago

    Hey, I visited your site and I think that your content is amazing! It is really engaging and original, you must have worked so hard to generate such a quality content. My name is Natasha from ForeMedia and I help website owners with great websites to maximize the revenue they make from their website. I would love to buy Ad Spaces on your website and pay you per each impression of the ads on your site. We are Google Ad Exchange Premium partners and we work with more than 100 Ad Network & thousands of premium direct advertisers who would LOVE to buy Ads directly from your site and we can guarantee to increase your revenue by at least 45% compared to other advertising solutions you are currently using. You deserve to earn more for your content and maximize your earning potential and I will help you unlock that potential! There is no cost, you can register to our monetization platform for free on this link: https://foremedia-ads.net I will be available for you on the Live Chat if you need any help, or you can email me back to: natasha@foremedia-ads.net if you have any questions. I have at least 17 Premium Advertisers that have asked me to approach you because they would like to advertise on your website on Premium eCPM <cost>per impressions] basis. Have a good day & feel free to ping me for any question! Click the link here for 1 minute registration to our platform <it>s free!]: https://foremedia-ads.net ForeMedia - Earn Money With Your Website https://foremedia-ads.net