Embracing Rule-Breaking for Innovation

Jason Cohen, a prominent entrepreneur and founder of several successful companies, is known for his contrarian approach to business strategies. He believes that blindly following established norms and conventions can stifle innovation and limit a company’s potential.

In his talk at BoS 2010 he emphasizes the importance of knowing when to break the rules and ignore conventional advice.

Jason challenges the notion that success in business comes solely from following a set of predefined rules. Instead, he advocates for a critical evaluation of advice and strategies offered by experts. Cohen believes that the circumstances of each business are unique, and blindly applying generic advice can lead to missed opportunities.

Context Matters

One of the key takeaways is the importance of understanding the context of a situation. What works for one business may not necessarily work for another, even in the same industry. While industry best practices can provide valuable insights, blindly copying them without considering the unique challenges and opportunities a company faces can be detrimental.

In a world where adhering to established rules is often considered the safe route, Jason Cohen’s insights provide a refreshing perspective. His talk reminds us that blindly following conventions can limit growth and innovation. Instead, knowing when to break the rules and ignore conventional advice can lead to entrepreneurial success and a business that stands out in a crowded market.

These ideas encourage us to be thoughtful, strategic, and open-minded in our approach to business. While rules have their place, they should be seen as guidelines rather than absolutes. By embracing calculated risk-taking, evaluating advice within the context of our unique situations, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can unlock new opportunities and achieve remarkable success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Jason will share his deep knowledge born out of building his own highly successful bootstrapped and venture funded businesses and advising hundreds of others at BoS USA 2023 this fall.