It looks like you're thinking 2-3 steps ahead, and I would assume ya'll have a roadmap for 2010.

I don't run marathon's either, but I think the analogy is sound. Flextras is a long term model; it only works with a lot of products under our belt. I'm striving for consistency and quality and focusing on building our customer list. As we release more components over time, we hope those early customers will come back, thus making it easier to find a customer base for "Component # 12" than it is for "Component # 1".

From an almost outsider's perspective, it seems to me that this approach has worked for 360|Conferences. Putting on a good show makes it easier to sell the next one.

However to counter your point, it's easy to focus so far out, small near term decisions and be missed or made badly and have a ripple effect. ie. not taking the New York gig, AND not taking the 1 day.

i think it's kinda akin to focusing on your pacing when you're running a marathon, vs. just focusing on winning it and burning out in the first mile. (I have no idea if that analogy works, I don't run marathons, but it sounded good)

My whole life has been focused on doing things that are good for the long-term; and I don't regret it.

I agree that it would be foolish to ignore the near-term; but you will just stagnate with no consideration for the long term. With a clear long-term vision, it is much easier to make near term decisions.

As one example that recently happened to me…

The long term vision is to have a successful product company as opposed to a services company. Should I take that year long services consulting job in New York City (~2-3 hours away from home)? It will probably generate more income than I'll see from the product sales for the next 5 years. Therefore it would be a good short-term decision. Cash is king, so having more cash is good!

But it would also prevent the product side of the business from moving forward. How can anyone work 8-10 hour days, commute 4-6 hours a day and still do anything else?

The good short-term decision is not aligned with long term goals; therefore it would be a bad decision.

On the other hand, should I take the one day consulting job for a past client? Yes, it interferes with current product development and support. But, it is only one day out and will generate a small influx of cash, which will keep me in the product business for an extra two day (or more) without having any detriment effect from the customer's stand point.