ROCKET SHIPS AND CRUISE SHIPS

Here is something that nobody talks about and I don’t know why

If you choose to get a job working in the retail and brand space, here’s a tip

There are 2 kinds of companies- 🚀 Rocket Ships and 🚢 Cruise Ships

It’s definitely true in retail, fashion, and consumer brands

It’s also true in many other industries

BUCKLE UP!

If you want your career to move faster and you want to be well-compensated

Work for a Rocket Ship

On a Rocket Ship, new positions will be added quickly as the company grows

That means new learning opportunities for you

Your job will change every year

You’ll be figuring things out as you go

Everyone will

Revenue will be growing fast

That means bonus and stock appreciation opportunities for you

You’ll work your ass off

The highs will be really high

And the lows will feel like big losses

It will be the most memorable part of your career

You know who the Rocket Ships are in your industry

They’re growing by double-digits and grab all of the headlines

DON’T ROCK THE BOAT

On a Cruise Ship, the organization and its systems are well-defined

The only way for you to advance is if someone leaves their role

Your job will have a narrow focus and will only change every few years

You will be a specialist

The processes are already defined

You won’t be able to change them

The planning and the alignment becomes the work more than the work being the work

The saying “don’t rock the boat?”

It comes from the Cruise Ship

Revenue will be steady (or declining)

That means you can expect a 3% annual raise

Your work life will be relatively predictable

The highs won’t be as high

And the lows won’t be as low

You know who the Cruise Ships are in your industry

They are the big market share companies

WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?

Rocket Ship people will lose their minds on a Cruise Ship

“Everything has a process? Why do decisions take so long?”

Cruise Ship people will get frustrated on a Rocket Ship

“I just want to know what my job is. Why do things keep changing?”

They both have a mission

Choose your mission

They’re both hard

Choose your hard

You may favor one type or the other

And there may be different points in your life when one is better for you than the other

It’s up to you

Yes, I’m simplifying things a bit, but I want you to understand the difference and what to expect

It may be the last weekend that TikTok is alive

You might just get back 1 hour of your day

Happy about it or no?

That’s all for this week

I’m rooting for you!

Chad

Work with Me-

If you want to accelerate your business in 2025, I may be able to help.

I’ve led $ billion and $ multi-hundred businesses across apparel, accessories, and retail. Book a one-on-one call with me to discuss your business gaps, product strategy, leadership growth.