Chris Krimitsos - Start Ugly: A Timeless Tale About Innovation & Change

START UGLY

A Timeless Tale About

Innovation and Change

by Chris Krimitsos

2019, Chris Krimitsos. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, dis tributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photo copying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommer cial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at info@ chriskrimitsos.com

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no re sponsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damag es that may result from the use of information contained within.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trade marks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Edited by Lorin Oberweger

Cover design by Shake Creative in Tampa, FL

ISBN: # 978-1-7340161-0-9

Business & Economics Entrepreneurship

First Edition Published by Shake Creative http://shaketampa.com

Printed in the United States of America

In times like these where change is thrusted upon us, I believe more than ever in the lessons embedded in this story. Which is why for a limited time Im offering the Kindle version of this book, so it can be used as a tool for anyone who is finding themselves in the position to start all over again during these uncertain times.

If you find this story useful, I simply ask that you pay it forward to someone else who needs it.

Respectfully, Chris Krimitsos

P.S. I personally recommend having the hard cover version around so it can visually inspire you to Start Ugly every single day.

The reviews speak for themselves. Here is a small sample of what readers have been saying about Start Ugly.

So many potentially great projects end up never getting started because of the completely false idea that you have to come out of the starting gate with your product or promotion all perfect. Start Ugly is the best (and the fastest) book I have ever read that totally dispels this self-stopping myth. If you have projects you always felt that you should do but have never gotten around to, and you'd like to actually get them done, this is the book for you!

- Tony Rockliff

I'm going to keep this one on my desk just to see the cover as a reminder. If you want to get anywhere, you have to put in the work. And nothing will be perfect from the start. So START UGLY. It's a very easy read and well worth your time.

- Jodi K.

One of the things I dont like about business books in general is that the first 25% of the book is good and the remaining 75% is just meandering word soup to fill pages. What this book does well is get to the point quickly and effectively without the unneeded bulk. The story of Start Ugly has made me rethink some of my own mistakes and how I could have avoided them by providing value to customers sooner than later. Ive already lent my copy to a colleague who in turn is gifting the book to another of her colleagues. This book should be on every entrepreneurs shelf.

- Ralph M. Rivera

I found this book captivating and felt like the story hits the core of the entrepreneurship journey. Never get comfortable with where you're at in that journey because surprises happen when you least expect it. It's a quick read but many great takeaways. Highly recommended!

- Naim Hamdar

D edicated to Steve Tingiris of Dabble Lab, who first planted the seeds for this story to take root and always helps me understand the nature of innovation and change.

Thanks to Lorin Oberweger, Gabe Aluisy, Barbara Grassey, Rhonda Robinson and Anthony Kovic for your unconditional support in creating this work.

Special thanks to The Wealth Building Annex, Tampa Bay Business Owners, Edison Council, Florida Pod casters Association, Podfest Multimedia Expo, Mil lion Cups and Entrepreneurs Organization.

For my wife, Katie and daughters, Sedona & Savannah. To Nonny and Poppy, Yia Yia and Papou: I love you all for all the love and support youve given me as youve seen me start ugly over and over again!

Start Ugly is a parable about

dealing with change.

The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.

Albert Einstein

By Gabriel Aluisy

T he lesson in this book just might change your life. It surely changed mine. In fact, if Chris hadnt pushed me along the way, Id likely be a lot less happy and certainly less fulfilled. I would have probably given up years ago or, worse yet, never tried.

Change is scary. Most of us are too afraid to step into a new opportunity, innovate or simply change our habits because were afraid of failure. That fear is built into our DNA. Its normal to feel it. In fact, it would be strange if you didnt. I know I have - many times. Heck, I still do!

About years ago, Chris asked me to present at one of his business symposiums. I had never spoken to an au dience for any length of time and I was deathly afraid of public speaking.

I told Chris I didnt think I had it in me. He knew my content however, and he told me it was so valuable that folks would still embrace the message even if my per formance was lacking.

I knew public speaking was the way to get my message out to more folks, build my business and help others. Still mortified, I decided to team up with a co-present er. It was the only way I could do it!

Over the next few weeks I prepared my content. I also prepared myself. My mirror became my audience. I learned what a power-pose was. I practiced the calm ing breath that I had learned when my wife had our first child to ease my anxiety. Finally, the day came and I felt as prepared as I could be.

There were a few speakers that morning and I studied how smoothly they spoke and carried themselves. I ad mired that. I told myself over and over in my head that I could do it.

Just relax, I told myself. I started to feel relatively confident.

That quickly changed. Between sessions as I was getting micd up by the sound guy I saw the camera. I looked at the seats. Suddenly I felt very warm. My mouth dried up. I started to sweat.

I thought to myself, Oh no, no, no, no. Breathe, just breathe.

I looked at my co-presenter. She was just as nervous as me and she muttered something to that effect which I barely processed because my body was going into fight or flight mode.

Before I could have an all out panic attack our names were called and we were walking up to the stage. Like it or not, this was happening. My co-presenter start ed and a few minutes later it was my turn. I barely got the words out. I stumbled multiple times. I completely bombed.

Or so I thought. The thing is, my content was good. In fact, people came up to me afterwards telling me how much they enjoyed it. A friendly guy named Scott told me how much he agreed with my talking points. Chris had been right!