The Great Geek Getaway: 10 Lessons Learned from Visiting Tech Giants’ Campuses

In the spring of 2015, the author embarked with his family on a pilgrimage to the campuses of some of the world’s most successful tech companies, including Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla. This journey, which the author deemed the “Great Geek Getaway,” yielded valuable insights and lessons that he shares with readers in this article.

1. Do What You Love with a Vengeance

The first lesson the author learned is that it’s important to pursue your passions with fervor. Life is too short to settle for a job or a career that doesn’t fulfill you. Don’t waste your energy and talent on something that doesn’t ignite your fire.

2. Hire Superstars

The second lesson is about the importance of working with people who share your values, are high-performers, and inspire others. As the author notes, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with superstars who will push you to be the best you can be.

3. Spend 70% on Product Development; 30% on Marketing

The third lesson is that, in order to create a world-class product, you need to prioritize product development over marketing. Investing in your best people will pay off in the end by delivering a product that truly meets your customers’ needs, and will create a loyal following of brand ambassadors who will help spread the word.

4. Avoid Incremental Innovation

The fourth lesson is about the dangers of incremental improvements. If you want to break into a crowded market, you need to do more than just slightly improve on what’s already out there. Instead, aim for a 10x performance improvement over the closest competitor, which will significantly differentiate your product from others on the market.

5. Respect Everyone

The fifth lesson is simply to treat everyone with respect. Engage in deep conversations with colleagues, and avoid gossip or talking down to others. Remember that each person has their own unique perspective and value, and treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated.

6. The 45 Minute Rule

The sixth lesson is about time management. The author recommends that you spend no more than 45 minutes on one activity before moving on to something new. This allows you to optimize your schedule and achieve a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

7. Money is Important

The seventh lesson is that money matters. While some people might argue that money can’t buy happiness, the author believes that it can provide the stability and peace of mind necessary to focus on doing great work. Eliminating unnecessary expenses and freeing up your financial resources can help you focus on your career and personal growth.

8. Cadence of Decisions

The eighth lesson is about the importance of making decisions quickly and confidently. When presented with options, take the time to evaluate them, but don’t hesitate to make a final decision. Remember that life is iterative, and if your decision turns out to be wrong, you can always pivot and try a new approach.

9. Get a Mentor

The ninth lesson is that everyone can benefit from having a mentor. Having someone to guide you and offer advice can be invaluable to your personal and professional growth. Seek out someone who is playing at a higher level than you are and learn from their experiences.

10. Books and TED

The final lesson is about the power of inspiration. The author recommends reading books and watching TED Talks that inspire you and help you learn new things. By continually growing your knowledge and perspective, you’ll be able to avoid costly mistakes and achieve your goals more quickly.

Conclusion

Overall, the author’s visit to the campuses of some of the world’s biggest tech companies taught him valuable lessons about how to succeed in both work and life. By focusing on your passions, hiring exceptional people, prioritizing product development, and treating others with respect, you can become more successful and fulfilled.