The Pirate Code for Entrepreneurs & Learning

So after reading this book, there are a couple of things that should be mentioned about how piracy and training go together. It's important that you understand that these concepts are not totally new, but are very well expressed in Matt Mason's book -way to go Matt! Here's what I take out of it for becoming a Training Pirate:

"Information wants to be free, but customized information wants to be really expensive."

Wow, this is really true for training! Having developed customized training for years, it is important to recognize why you are engaging in a training event at all. If you want your people (or yourself) to understand what the mass market knows and delivery ordinary, mass market service undifferentiated from your competition, then buy any canned training and put it to use. Good luck with that! BUT if you want to have your organization, your people, your BRAND stand out from the rest, invest in training that sets you apart from the very beginning!

Pirate Training Rules of Engagement:
1. Do not copy another's innovation exactly.
2. Do not divulge secrets (trade or otherwise) unless given permission.
3. Colleagues must credit the original innovator as the author of the innovation.

So how is this "piratical"? Well, historically, pirates always worked in a sort of democratic anarchy, taking and using what would best suit their purpose without loss of respect for its original intention. In training, it is exactly the same thing. Training is an old game and just like all old games, rules, methods of engagement and success criteria measurement aren't new. Training Pirates ALWAYS give credit where it's due, and acknowledge that ideas and solutions may not come from the mainstream. They come from where they were best successful and are modified. If you asked me what my influences are in designing training, I could tell you exactly because I follow this code!

3 Habits of Highly Successful Pirates
1. Look outside the market: just becaue the market won't do something, it doesn't mean its a bad idea.
2. Create a vehicle: drop a carrier for your idea into the hole and broadcast.
3. Harness your audience: attract supporters to legitimize your idea and your vehicle. Earn respect and pay props!

There are no secrets here - just good business and good training sense.

Thanks Matt! You're an inspiration to keep my brain working!