I did not get into the nano MBA program. Yesterday afternoon I received an email informing me that I was not selected for the Nano MBA program. I was disappointed. Whenever you pour your heart into something and it does not work out you are bound to feel let down. I had no doubt that it was going to be very tough getting in. The competiton was steep and of course many other optimists like myself were hoping to get a piece of Seth Godin's mind. Spending some quality time with the man who tends to inspire, educate and explain chaotic world in a very simple way would have been a dream. I am sorry I did not get in. I will try again if again comes around. Till then i will keep writing.


The email from Seth and Ishita.


Thank you. I am inspired.

Wow. More than inspired. Over a thousand extraordinary people applied...

Thanks so much for taking the time to apply to my 5-day program. I’m overwhelmed by the response, in numbers, sure, but also in the sheer quality of what came in.

There are people all over the world who are standing up for what they believe in and choosing to do work that matters. You are in very good company, and reading through the hundreds and hundreds of applications was both overwhelming and cause for optimism.

Of course, choices have to be made, and unfortunately, we couldn’t choose everyone. I hope you won’t take it personally, or as a comment on your work, but we’re unable to find room for you this time. I know that in narrowing this down to some finalists we have made some obvious mistakes, and missed people who would have been perfect, people who no doubt will achieve great things and brag about how we didn't pick them… can't wait till that happens!

Any selection process, by its nature, is flawed. This one especially so, because there’s limited information and too many good choices. So, forgive me for not being able to make it work. Unfortunately, we're too swamped to reconsider any of the decisions.

Thanks again for the important work you’re doing and for your enthusiasm in applying. Keep making a difference.


Seth (and Ishita!)


p.s. As much as it sucks getting rejected I must say this is the best rejection email that i have ever received. When I first read the email I almost felt good about myself. And then it sunk in.

NOTE: Photo is courtesy of Paul Idasz

Nano-MBA date change

I can't believe that Seth Godin has changed the interview date to better accommodate the common-folk like myself (that is if I am fortunate enough to get selected for an interview). Instead of conducting interviews on April 17th, he has decided to re-schedule them on May 14th. This change will allow potential candidates to only take one trip to NYC vs. two trips. Mr. Godin also added that for those people that who get selected for interviews but have"their heart set" on the original date he would accommodate that too.

How incredible would it be if all organizations/corporations/entrepreneurs/not-for-profit thought like that: What can I do to make things better for my customer even if it costs me time, money, extra effort?

I am still in awe because things like this rarely happen. Disagree? Think about the last time something was offered to enrich you as a person, for FREE, and on top of that you are notified that to make things easier/better/more convenient for you an adjustment has been made? In addition if you prefer the previous conditions that can be accommodated too!

That's what i thought.

asking the right questions

I cannot help but notice that people have asked numerous questions regarding the nano-MBA program. What is really interesting is that the same question has been asked several times. Worded differently but the same question. Then there are those questions that ask about re-defining the rules. I know you said this but... I have special circumstances.

SO before I continue any further I will include the rules as they are laid out on Mr. Godin's website.

Here's a checklist. You should only apply if all of these apply to you:
1. You can spend five days and nights in New York from May 17 through 21, 2010.
2. You currently work for a great boss who is willing to write you a recommendation after you make it through the initial screen.
3. The organization you work for makes the world a better place (it doesn't have to be a non-profit).
4. You speak English perfectly and have no trouble doing a lot of reading and writing.
5. You've read at least four of my books--so we can have a running start.

So I will not discuss the questions that directly contradict the rules (i.e. I can't be there in person during some of the dates above....). In this case you do not qualify and asking the obvious question is only wasting time. If you choose to apply then go for it and present your case, but I am not sure asking questions adds any value.

I will focus instead on rule number 3 because it allows some flexibility and hence the one that seems to have spurred lots of questions. If I had to guess I would say that rule number 3 was purposely built in with flexibility because it's supposed to asses how you feel about the work you do. Like most things in life, perception is reality and if you believe your company makes a difference and you are passionate and believe in what you do then that's reality. And as long as you can convey that in your application I would think you fulfill rule #3.
Now when people ask questions like can I still apply if I work for a bank, insurance company, high tech company etc. it sounds like an excuse to not give it your best shot; to save yourself time, effort, to not give it 100%.
So then what is the point of trying? What's the point of trying for anything if you are not going to put your best foot forward? Then you are going to be mediocre and that is just not good enough not only for the nano-MBA opportunity but pretty much everything. It is a waste.