9. HEADS UP! 

Blackbeard was killed November 22, 1718, at the hands of Robert Maynard, “An experienced officer and a gentleman of great bravery and resolution, first lieutenant of HMS Pearl.” The governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood, a man with a strong hate for pirates, ordered Robert Maynard to hunt down Blackbeard and kill him. With a crew of 35 men armed with only small handguns and swords, they attacked Blackbeard and his crew while they were drinking with friends, catching them off guard and heavily intoxicated. After killing Blackbeard, Maynard severed his head and tied it to the bowsprit of his ship, thus ending Blackbeard’s reign of terror.

Take Away

It is often easy to get caught up in the moment. You may have your nose to the grindstone or–become too comfortable and forget to keep your eyes on the compass. A successful business requires constant monitoring and adjustment. Too much comfort quickly initiates chaos.

With Blackbeard’s death came the end of a period of complete control and dominance over the Caribbean. Blackbeard had mastered the art of being a pirate through three significant steps: 

• HE EQUIPPED HIMSELF WITH A WORLD-CLASS CREW

• HE CREATED A FOOLPROOF ATTACK METHOD

• HE MASTERED THE ART OF PROPAGANDA THROUGH WORD-OF-MOUTH ADVERTISING & SOCIAL NETWORKING 

Not only did he do these three things, but he was also cunning and clever, and he had the advantage of having been around boats and the ocean his entire life. He knew how to navigate his way out of jams and escape even against the most unfavorable odds. By combining these characteristics and tactics, Blackbeard became highly successful and may have been one of the first to master the power of reputation and instill fear in all.