This week I'm speaking to a number of startups about SEO - something I absolutely love to do as I've complained in the past that many don't pay appropriate attention to the subject. At SEO conferences, we often find humor in the stereotypes surrounding our world, and startups are no different. Hence, these three charts, produced ad hoc from bar conversations this evening.
Enjoy - these are just for fun.
The Density of Pro Startup Blog Posts in Various Economic Climates
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Dress Code / Attire of Average Startup Employee Across Market Conditions
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The Most Positive Feedback You'll Hear from Your Board of Directors vs. Economic Landscape
And, if anyone from my board is reading this... this totally isn't about you at all. I swear. :-)
I used to work in investing banking where similar traits were in evidence. When trading went well the number of "desk assistants" increased, their skirts got shorter and the percentage of a desk assitant's time spent sitting on the end of the desk filing nails increased. (No, I'm not talking of the 1950's - this was yesterday).
Traders making money have pony tails and goatees. Traders losing money have a short back and sides.
When your a trader making money and arrive in the office wearing bermudas, people laugh and say "what a guy." A trader losing money that turns up in bermudas is probably also accompanied by a burly security guard to "help" him clear his desk.
Ha ha. Sounds like my tech dept.
You need to add to your chart when a CEO tries to fake his death by jumping out of his plane. This is exactly what happened to OUR client. We were in the early stages of working with this client late in 2008 and now he's in big trouble. Check it out if you haven't heard.
Pilot Suspected of Faking Death Captured in Florida
That's cool. I wish he got away with it.
That's why I work for myself. And you can't blame other people when things don't go so well.
The other week I saw Rand wearing a full suit. Does that mean he’s the only left at SEOmoz?
even these days my boss is comg in suit.. well do i need to look 4 anothr job? :)
Or graphics on the charts...or not.
Thanks for a great laugh!
While this is good I'd like to see some even more complicated charts and graphs. Gantt charts, venn diagrams, stacked line, the works. Otherwise it just doesn't look serious enough.
I don't know, Rand. When I saw you at SMX East you were definitely all dappered up. I guess I didn't realize it was the sign of the tough times. Maybe it's about distracting people with the luster of your well-shined shoes.
Seriously, though, great post. And there's nothing wrong with ramen. Add a little chicken, maybe some snow peas, throw out the provided seasoning and skip on the noodles, and you've got yourself a square meal.
I love the dress code graph, if only it was true!
Well.... even if they are reading it, last time I saw you, you were nowhere near a 'full suit' so looks like you're safe ;-)