Gregory Shepard

As an entrepreneur, you're likely keenly aware that there are many different techniques, strategies and tactics for launching a new tech company, acquiring a company, staffing that company, launching new products and creating user stories. Cognitive bias can affect the success of these activities.

As an entrepreneur looking to build or buy a business, one of the most important things to consider is the business' primary method of operation. Does the business operate based on system of record (SoR), or does it operate on system of engagement (SoE)? And how will these two very different methods of operation affect the coming-together of two different companies in terms of operational synergies and customer retention?

In late 2017, Amazon announced plans to build a second headquarters, sparking a fiercely contested municipal beauty pageant as scores of cities vied to attract the tech giant. One community in Arizona sent Amazon a 21-foot cactus; another in Georgia pledged to de-annex 345 acres, giving Amazon room to build its own private city. The eventual HQ2 winners, New York City and Arlington, Virginia, jointly pledged to hand over $2.4 billion in tax breaks, cash, and other incentives in exchange for the privilege of hosting Amazon's offices.