Tech lessons from pop culture

Advisers are best equipped to identify technological opportunities that facilitate a better client service experience. Unfortunately, ideas are the easy part. Alex Murguia offers some tips and ideas inspired by popular culture.
OCT 11, 2013
By  amurguia
Advisers are best equipped to identify technological opportunities that facilitate a better client service experience. Unfortunately, ideas are the easy part. The following observations detail what I consider are the prerequisites that turn an idea into the next technological innovation. If you are up to the challenge, enjoy and welcome aboard! You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo This is the moment between thinking to yourself “man, someone should do this” to deciding “I'm just going to do this myself!” Everyone needs that spark. Thank you sir may I have another. Chip, Animal House Put on a helmet, give your friend a bat and tell him to hit you over the head ten times. Can you continue with your day as if nothing happened? I knew a man once who said, "Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back." Maximus, Gladiator You need to look into the abyss and be totally comfortable with the darkness staring back. You will be flying blind and you need the confidence to know you will course correct. That's the kind of song that truly saves people. It ain't got nothin to do with believin' in God, Mr. Cash. It has to do with believin' in yourself. Sam Phillips, Walk the Line There will be plenty of nights when your faith will be shaken and your belief will be the only thing holding it down. Also, if you cannot convince others of the vision, you will not succeed. There is a light that never goes out. The Smiths, The Queen is Dead Align your resources and give it all you got. And by giving it all you got, I mean giving it all you got. There's always money in the banana stand. George Bluth, Arrested Development Ensure what you are doing will make a significant impact in real dollar terms for you. I'll make it. Jimmy Chitwood, Hoosiers Believe in your team to come through. You cannot do this yourself. If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast. So, pretty please, with sugar on top. The Wolf, Pulp Fiction However, there is no time for pleasantries. It is all about the results. Now that you've been broken down …You're back down on the ground and you don't talk so loud, And you don't walk so proud any more. Guns and Roses, Estranged Kill your pride. The best outcome requires you to have an open and inquisitive mind. Bring lawyers, guns and money. Warren Zevon, Excitable Boy Whatever you think it is going to take and cost, multiply it by twenty. What is a weekend? Lady Grantham from Downton Abbey Self-explanatory. What do you think? What's some guidance or advice from pop culture that has spurred you on? Share your thoughts below. Alex Murguía is a managing principal at McLean Asset Management and chief executive of inStream Solutions LLC

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