Today’s AlwaysOn included the post “Know What You Suck At” written by Brad Feld. I like the writings of Brad Feld, but this was especially good. He had created a list of things (over a wide range of spectrums) that he was lousy at and therefore, if important, outsourced to other individuals.

I loved the post (and Brad’s list) as I know I also suck at a whole bunch of things. I say this not with a lack of confidence, but more as a realization that I just don’t have the skill set needed in certain areas. Some of my list includes:

• I can not swim. I even took a swim class at a junior college and I seriously can’t master the technique and breathing. I would really love to do a triathlon, but I genuinely could not do the swim portion without a life jacket.
• I have zero cooking abilities. If it requires more than boiling water, it is out for me. I will gladly clean all the dishes and the entire house, but please do not hope for a good meal outside the realm of Kroger Mac and Cheese.
• I don’t deal well with cocky people. They irritate me, especially when I feel like they are clueless on the subject matter at hand. And especially when they put someone down to build themselves up.
• I have a rough time working on one sole project as I am a true multi-tasker. I need variety and get bored with only one thing on my plate.
• I suck at crossing logs over rivers. The log crossing is more treacherous for me than a technical rock climbing route.
• I have a hard time NOT giggling in my personal (and sometimes even work) life. Even while playing poker I can’t hold a straight face. I like to giggle…. it is part of who I am.
• I feel that I struggle to convey my business thoughts and ideas in words. This isn’t yet a lost cause, but is one of the main reasons why I started this blog.
• I can’t watch scary movies and by scary I mean even Ghostbusters.
• I struggle not to over extend myself. I always think that there are more than 24 hours in a day.

Brad briefly mentioned entrepreneurs, to which point I want to re-circle. I feel that I often hear the “story” or only the good aspects that a CEO is trying to spin when coming to talk to the firm. The spin is necessary to an extent in order to engage the investors and sell the positive aspects, yet I also want to know the trouble spots or what the management can’t do. I absolutely love it when someone genuinely tells me that he/she might not be the right CEO upon entering the growth phase of the business. Or that the company really needs someone with more of “x” experience (x being any area of the business). I really appreciate the humble entrepreneurs who have the necessary passion, but are willing to listen to an outside perspective.

I think Brad nailed the idea on the head when he said our weaknesses can actually be a filter and that we can choose to either work to make these areas our strengths or structure our business/life to either outsource or avoid these areas altogether.

Thanks for the post, Brad.