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李嘉诚的名言中,有这么一句话

每一次新的商机的到来 都会造就一批富翁 每一批富翁的造就就是:

当别人不明白的时候 他明白他在做什么

当别人不理解的时候 他理解他在做什么

当别人明白了 他富有了

当别人理解了 他成功了

10 Steps to Small-Business Success in 2011

1. Overhaul your business plan
2. Double down on what works
3. Experiment
4. Fire your D-grade customers
5. Become an 'A' customer
6. Expand your network
7. Leverage your brand
8. Get some credit
9. Fire up your employees.
10. Team up.

Source:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217512

Small Marketing Changes With a Big Impact

Put a Twitter link in your e-mail signature.
Turn the back of your business card into a promo.
Revamp your website.
Position yourself as an expert.
Swap lists with sites that have similar demographics.
Get a vanity phone number.
Test, measure and test again.

Source:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217565

Lessons Learned: 7 Internet Marketing Tips

Tip #1: Don’t Say You’re the Best – Prove It Tip #2: Not All Your Visitors Are Ready to Buy
Tip #3: Help Your Blog Convert
Tip #4: The Ultimate Question
Tip #5: Physical Giveaways Work Much Better than Digital Ones
Tip #6: Get Free Money for Google AdWords
Tip #7: Don’t Give Up Too Soon

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/lessons-learned-7-internet-marketing-tips/

Feelgoodz: Unbridled Passion in a Laid-Back Market

Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217333

The 3 Most Overlooked Keys to Making Your Business Famous

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/the-3-most-overlooked-keys-to-making-your-business-famous/

Implementing the “Execute Method” Within Your Corporate Culture

Source : http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/implementing-the-%e2%80%9cexecute-method%e2%80%9d-within-your-corporate-culture/

Entrepreneurs: Aimless Souls Wondering the Desert

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/entrepreneurs-aimless-souls-wondering-the-desert/

Pull, Don’t Push – Marketing Lessons from Poultry

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/pull-don%e2%80%99t-push-marketing-lessons-from-poultry/

Reasons Why and Why Not to Start Your Own Business: Part 3

“You can’t just beat a team – you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again.”

The reason is that if you are not afraid to fail, more times than not, you will succeed. That is why, as a business owner, just like in poker, you’re all in. Once you sign the tax documents, put up the website and begin advertising, you must fight to make sure your baby survives. It’s like holding a pair of 7s in Texas Hold ’em. You can either put some of your chips in and risk losing on the flop or be a true champion and push the chips to the center of the table.

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/reasons-why-and-why-not-to-start-your-own-business-part-3/

FourSquare for Small Business: A Primer

Source:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217222

These two looks cool:

CardStar lets customers use their phone rather than a wallet card to participate in loyalty programs. Devilishly effective, done right.

Waze is a social navigation app that connects drivers with insights into what’s happening in traffic. Finally a way to talk to all those cars whizzing by.

Businessman Sees the World Through Wine Glasses

Getting started: Hall offers this advice to others considering a midlife second (or third) career:

1. Embrace change for the opportunities it presents. "It's so cliché-ridden, but it's true," Hall says. "Never be afraid of change. Every time a door closes, another one opens somewhere. You've got to go find it, but it's there."

2. It's okay to be cautious when you take risks, but do take the risks. Hall kept his first company--he still owns it--but he decided to gamble on the glasses. Gradually, his side interest became his new career. "Don't give up your first act until you're sure your second act is working," he says.

3. When you make your change, tell everyone about it. As Hall began researching the feasibility of making fine stemware in Chicago, he talked up his ideas. "It's amazing how many people want to get involved and help your project," Hall says. "Talk to everyone about your project, and you'll be surprised at who's willing to help you. People from all over the world have helped, and they don't have a dog in this sleigh."

Source:http://www.secondact.com/2010/08/businessman-sees-the-world-through-wine-glasses/

10 Things To Do Before You Start-Up

Source:http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/08/10-things-to-do-before-you-start-your-start-up.html

Phone Calling Technique

Read this article before doing Phone Calls

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/marketing/a/coldcall.htm


Good Luck Micers

How to Use Google to Improve Your SEO

Source: http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/07/how-to-use-google-to-improve-seo.html

Why To Not Not Start A Startup ~ Must Read!!!

Too Young
Too inexperienced
Not determined enough
Not smart enough
Know nothing about business
No cofounder
No idea
No room for more startups
Family to support
Independently wealthy
Not ready for commitment
Need for structure
Fear of uncertainty
Don't realize what you're avoiding
Parents want you to be a doctor
A job is the default

Source: http://www.paulgraham.com/notnot.html

6 Secrets to Achieving Entrepreneurial Success

Treat the Customer Like Gold
Hold Yourself Accountable
Stay Close to the Product
Guard Your Margins Very Carefully
Indentify and Cultivate Talent
Be Nimble, and Willing to Fail

Source: http://www.inc.com/ss/6-secrets-achieving-entrepreneurial-success#0

How to Optimize Your Site for Search

Source: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100701/how-to-optimize-your-site-for-search.html

Meet 30 Cool Young Entrepreneurs

Source: http://www.inc.com/ss/30under30/2010/top-young-entrepreneurs#0

How I Escaped The Rat Race

Step 1: I Started Something knowing that it might fail
Step 2 – Lowered our cost of living to the lowest reasonable point
Step 3 – Paid off all debt possible
Step 4 – Used time wisely
Step 5. Reinvested in the business


Source: http://christianpf.com/how-i-escaped-the-rat-race/

Tips for Closing a Sale | Company Activities & Management Sales & Selling from AllBusiness.com

Tips for Closing a Sale Company Activities & Management Sales & Selling from AllBusiness.com

5 Tips for Closing a Sales Deal

5 Tips for Closing a Sales Deal

Deciding When is the Right Time to Start a Business

In sum, the “right time” to start a business depends entirely on your own circumstances. Above all, assess where you stand on each of these areas: age, spouse/family, debt levels, the economy and your career. If it realistically appears that there are more opportunities than obstacles, that is as close to it being the right time as you can ask for.
Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/deciding-when-is-the-right-time-to-start-a-business/

The Contrarian - Entrepreneur.com

The Contrarian - Entrepreneur.com
Daniel Kron knew nothing about retailing, but his idea proved to be genius.

Food Fight! - Entrepreneur.com

Food Fight! - Entrepreneur.com
Can mobile kitchens and brick-and-mortar restaurants share a meal?

Salesmanship Lessons From Donald Trump

Never do things for your customers and prospects in a small way. Make it big and important or don't do it at all.
Everyone likes to do business with a winner. No matter what stage of your career, you need to look like you've made it.

Bring your ego with you in full bloom. It's not enough to look successful; you need to act it as well.

Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/sales/salescolumnistmarkstevens/article207040.html

Common Characteristics of the Best Entrepreneurs

Perseverance
Task management
Courage
Social Skills
Negotiation Skills
Internal Motivation
Opportunism

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/common-characteristics-of-the-best-entrepreneurs/

Get Off Your Butt: 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You’re in a Slump

One Goal.
Find inspiration.
Get excited
Build anticipation.
Post your goal
Commit publicly
Think about it daily.
Get support
Realize that there’s an ebb and flow
Stick with it.
Start small. Really small
Build on small successes.
Read about it daily
Call for help when your motivation ebbs
Think about the benefits, not the difficulties
Squash negative thoughts; replace them with positive ones

Source: http://zenhabits.net/get-off-your-butt-16-ways-to-get-motivated-when-youre-in-a-slump/

How to Prepare for Your Own Success - Entrepreneur.com

How to Prepare for Your Own Success - Entrepreneur.com

5 Steps to Making Your Goals Reality

1.Get clear on what you want
2.Slice it up
3.Cross those bridges – before you get to them.
4.Take action
5.Measure your progress

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/5-steps-to-making-your-goals-reality/

7 Tips for Earning the Trust of New Customers

Publish your contact information on every page of your website.
Have a detail-rich about page
Post any testimonials you have from your customers.
Eliminate risk by offering a money-back guarantee.
Start a blog to highlight your expertise.
Have a well-designed website with quality content.
Post your privacy policy.

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/7-tips-for-earning-the-trust-of-new-customers/

Failure Danger! 7 Entrepreneurial Pitfalls You Must Avoid to Succeed

1. Aiming too low.
2. Procrastination.
3. Bad partners.
4. Being over-cautious.
5. Lack of planning.
6. Desire for instant gratification.
7. Lack of persistence.

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/failure-danger-7-entrepreneurial-pitfalls-you-must-avoid-to-succeed/

How to Stop Procrastinating--Now

5 strategies to help you beat one of the most common time killers
1.Sometimes it's good to wait.
2.It becomes an addiction.
3.Incubation
4.Someone to watch over you
5.Get Started
Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/management/managementcolumnistscotthalford/article206834.html#

Write Your Business Plan in Pencil - Changing Your Business Plan - Entrepreneur.com

Write Your Business Plan in Pencil - Changing Your Business Plan - Entrepreneur.com

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Why Is Business Writing So Awful?

Source: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100501/why-is-business-writing-so-awful.html

Are You Startup-Ready?

source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/are-you-startup-ready/

Differentiate or Die!

Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/differentiate-or-die/

7 Tips for Masterful Negotiating

1. Listen Before you Speak.
2. Embrace Your Fear.
3. Avoid Storytelling.
4. Study Up.
5. Ditch the Dog Metaphors.
6. When All Seems Lost, Gain Something Else.
7. Remember: You're Already a Pro at This.

Source: http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/04/tips-for-great-negotiating.html

8 Tips on How to Be a More Successful CEO

Don't Overschedule Yourself Immerse Yourself in Data
Manage By Walking Around
Go on an E-mail Diet
Maintain the Personal Touch Understand How Your People Cope With Stress
Read Everything With Your Business in Mind
Hire People You Trust, and Let Them Do Their Jobs

Source: http://www.inc.com/ss/8-tips-how-be-more-successful-ceo#7

7 Tips for Motivating Employees

Having trouble getting workers fired up about a project – or your company in general? We've compiled some pointers from the experts.

Soucre: http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/04/tips-for-motivating-employees.html##

The Road to Riches Only Has 3 Steps

After ignoring about 3000 “Get Rick Quick” Direct Messages on Twitter, I decided to set the record straight on how to get rich. If you’ve studied any number of successful people you’ll come away amazed at how routine they make it seem. If you didn’t know better, you’d think that they just did the same thing for a long time, and eventually they just ran into wild success. Funny thing is, that’s pretty much how it happens.
Don’t believe me? Here are the steps:
Step One: Solve a Real Problem
Sorry to tell you, but opening your dream restaurant, or launching a boutique themed after your favorite color isn’t a real problem-solving business. Opening a restaurant in an area with only fast food, or opening a store catering to an “often requested but never available in bigger retailers” solves a problem. The factor that you want to think about here is:
Would a customer change their current habits to have this problem solved?
Many businesses only create opportunities. They create chances to do something different, which customers can ignore; but they don’t find that pain that will turn a few straggling customers into a flood of rabid fans.
Step Two: Systemize the Solution
Even using the word ‘system’ screams repetition. Think about this: if someone solved a problem for you, and the exact same problem arose again, wouldn’t you want the same solution? Of course! Systems allow you to give the same result every time. Think McDonald’s hamburgers. Your customers are going to come to you with the same pain specifically because you know how to fix it. As long as your solution is working, then don’t change the formula! Too often entrepreneurs allow themselves to be too creative and work themselves out of a favorable situation with unnecessary risks.
One caveat I would add is that you should create your system so it can deal with a change or evolution in the problem. For example, fashion is notoriously fickle, so your boutique would need to build in systems to stay aware of the current trends, so you’re not left with out-of style merchandise. You can build change in your system so the outcome remains the same when your customers’ problems evolve.
Step 3: Scale Up
What if you could sell 1 pixel of ad space on your site for $1? If you could, then you have found a solution. Getting someone to give you money for your service/product is the hardest part of building a business. Once you do that, all you have to do is scale. In my earlier example, if I wanted to make $1 million dollars, then I would just have to sell one million pixels. In fact, someone did just that, proving that the key if just repeating your successes over and over again until you reach your goal.
The problem is, there is an idea of the entrepreneur as a ridiculously creative person facing thousands of different challenges every day and only succeeding because of their ability to creatively solve the constant barrage of new challenges. To a point, that happens in the beginning, but then you have the same challenges over and over and over again. In fact, success eludes many business owners because they can’t be patient enough and go through the monotony.
So what’s the message? Well, if you’re working a job right now and are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur to escape repetitive tasks, I’ve got bad news for you. If you’re someone who clicks on those, “Get Rich Fast” links, be prepared for the monotony and repetitiveness that will come with the territory. The point is that entrepreneurship is only a roller coaster until you find something that works. When you do, ride it until the wheels fall off. Chances are, you’ll have some extra cash for new tires
Source: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/breaking-news-the-road-to-riches-only-has-3-steps/

Business plans vs. business models.

Serial entrepreneur and Berkeley Haas School of Business professor Steve Blank has some business plan advice for start-ups: "no plan survives first contact with customers." Using a few former business school students as examples, Blank compares one team that spent three and a half months building and testing a business model to another start-up team that spent four months crafting a plan and honing it into 15 perfect PowerPoint slides that quickly fell apart in the real world. The first team "didn't spend a lot of time justifying their assumptions because they knew facts would change their assumptions," says Blank. Instead, Team One got critical feedback on their hypotheses and tested landing pages, keywords, and other critical assumptions. Only after that did they go the PowerPoint route. Blank isn't suggesting giving up business plans altogether. But plans are made to be rewritten, not stay static.

Source: http://www.inc.com/staff-blog/to-fib-or-not-to-fib.html

Six Rules For Website Design

1. Write Clearly

2. Make It Easy

3. It’s all about Search Engine Optimization

4. Know Who You Are

5. Go Mobile

6. Track It, Improve It

Source: http://www.inc.com/ss/6-rules-website-design#0

5 Easy Steps to a Great Facebook Fan Page - Creating a Facebook Following - Entrepreneur.com

5 Easy Steps to a Great Facebook Fan Page - Creating a Facebook Following - Entrepreneur.com

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Driven to Distraction

Are your business problems making you insane? In his debut column, 37Signals co-founder Jason Fried argues that one of the keys to success is to let your lazy side guide you.
Source: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100401/driven-to-distraction.html

5 Ways to Market Your Business on Chatroulette

1)Hold a Contest

2)Don a Costume

3)Pander

4)Get a Mascot and a Brand Manager

5)Get Users to Advertise for You

Source: http://www.inc.com/ss/5-ways-market-your-business-chatroulette#0

How to Create a Productive Home Office Space - Working From Home - Entrepreneur.com

How to Create a Productive Home Office Space - Working From Home - Entrepreneur.com

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33 Quotes to Fuel the Entrepreneurial Flames

Quotes. Entrepreneurs are fascinated with them. They spark our creativity, motivate us to action, and inspire us to greatness. They offer us insights into the spirit behind innovation and genius. And they act as fuel to the blue-flame fire that burns deep within every true entrepreneur.

The 33 quotes below are, in our opinion, some of the best of the best. They come from authors, poets, inventors, scholars, and entrepreneurs – all legends in their own rights. So jot them down on Post-it notes and decorate your workspace. Grab red lipstick and write them in sweeping letters across your mirrors. Pick your favorite and brand it on your…palm. The right words at the right time can be paramount to your success, so do whatever it takes to keep inspiration close at hand.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn, Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker

“In life and business, there are two cardinal sins: The first is to act without thought, and the second is to not act at all.” – Carl Icahn, Investor and Entrepreneur

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poet

“A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.” – Richard Branson, Entrepreneur

“Can anything be sadder than work left unfinished? Yes; work never begun.” – Christina Rossetti, Author

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” Williams Jenning Bryan, Politician and three-time Presidential candidate
“Watch, listen, and learn. You can’t know it all yourself. Anyone who thinks they do is destined for mediocrity.” – Donald Trump, Business Mogul

“High expectations are the key to everything.” – Sam Walton, Entrepreneur

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vidal Sassoon, Entrepreneur

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” William Butler Yeats, Poet
“I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” - Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect and Entrepreneur

“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor and Entrepreneur

“If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you’re doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours.” – Ray Kroc, Entrepreneur

“The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” – Benjamin Disraeli, Author, Politician and Scholar

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” – Coco Chanel, Entrepreneur

“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him.” - David Brinkley, Newscaster

“I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.” – G. K. Chesterton, Author

“Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try nothing and succeed.” Lloyd Jones

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”­ – Michael Jordan, Basketball Legend and Entrepreneur

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” - Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor and Entrepreneur

“Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.” - William M. Winans, Clergyman

“Six essential qualities that are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, charity.” William Menninger, Entrepreneur

“My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no one’s doing but my own. I am the force. I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose; only I hold the key to my destiny.” - Elaine Maxwell, Author

“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd American President

“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.” - Henry Ford, Entrepreneur

“The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible — and achieve it, generation after generation.” - Pearl S. Buck, Author

“It is on our failures that we base a new and different and better success.” – Havelock Ellis, Physician and Author

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Goethe

“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.” - Keshavan Nair, Author – Gandhi Biographer

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” - Anatole France, Poet

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” - T. S. Eliot, Author

“Some people have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can.” Willis R. Whitney, American Chemist

“For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” - Mary Kay Ash, Entrepreneur

Got quotes?
Everyone has a favorite quote or two – you may even have a whole list quotes that move and inspire you. If we’ve missed them on this list, be sure to share your favorites in the comments below.

Source:http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/33-quotes-to-fuel-your-entrepreneurial-flames/

The Road Not Taken

Everything I learned about being an entrepreneur, I learned from my toddler!
Based on my soon-published book of the same title

Question #1: If there’s anyone out there out who has a toddler (or used to have a toddler), PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND….

Question #2: Anyone who has (or had) a toddler during the time you are (were) starting your entrepreneurial endeavor, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND…

Question #3: Anyone who knows that the two don’t necessarily mix very well, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND…..

I noticed quite a few hands waving frantically on Question #3… and I completely understand.

Toddlers are – by definition: high-energy, talkative, daring, full of life, happy-go-lucky, always inquisitive, love-to-run, I-gotta-go potty, learning how to say “NO”, lovable, adorable little darlings! I have one such toddler… my first born son! But becoming an adult via “toddlerhood” and becoming an entrepreneur can indeed be similar to trying to mix oil and water: it can be frustrating. However…

Frustrations are part of the process

I knew when I decided to become an entrepreneur that there would be days when my life would be hectic and that there would be days of frustration. But when I was thinking ahead to these days, I must admit that I did NOT factor my now 2 1/2 year-old son into the equation! They tell me that toddler boys can take it to “another level” that toddler girls may not typically aspire to, and I believe that it’s true. When a toddler boy is determined to both “have fun” and “create havoc” at the same time, it’s a beautiful thing to behold! That is, unless you’re in the middle of trying to finish a proposal letter to a potential client, and your son wants to play with the printer and the fax and wants to sit on your lap to see the “pyooter” (“computer” for the uninitiated)!

So sometimes I need to adapt. I may need to ask my wife to come help out and lead our son to play with his baby brother or I may need to take some time to play with him. In either case, I’ve learned that working from my home office with a toddler is a challenge that is just a part of the territory. And it’s the same frustration associated with being an entrepreneur: we know that things – in fact, many things – will not go as we plan them to go. Adaptability is one of the required tools in the entrepreneur’s tool kit. We must learn to expect the unexpected so that we are not thrown off our set path.

Look for the seed

If we are expecting “smooth sailing” all along this entrepreneurial journey, we are mistaken. There will be times that “try our soul” as Thomas Paine mentioned during the Revolutionary War. In fact we not only need to expect unexpected frustrations, we need to “find the silver lining” in every situation that we encounter. That silver lining is ALWAYS there, we just need to look for it. Napoleon Hill put it this way: “Every adversity…carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit”. So we must look for the silver lining; we must look for the seed of the greater benefit in EVERY frustrating or difficult aspect of our business. When we do this, these times of frustration will serve as a vehicle for our continued growth and prosperity. So I began to look at my interactions with my toddler son from a different vantage point.

Setting the example

As I began to pay closer attention to my interactions with my son and to look for the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit, I started seeing his activities in a different light. While I’ve been seeking to set an example for him regarding growing and learning, he has, at the same time, been setting a wonderful example about living life in general and also being an entrepreneur.

It’s All About Fun

First and foremost, my son’s life is all about having fun! No matter what the situation, location or circumstance, you MUST be able to have fun! So whether he needs to be find some pots and pans in the kitchen, whether he needs to play with his dad’s shoes, whether he must use the laundry basket as a “choo-choo” train or whether he needs to play under the table at the seafood restaurant, life is all about having fun!

The lesson for the entrepreneur, of course, is that we must make sure that we are having fun (I dedicated an entire blog to this topic previously – “Even Entrepreneurs Need to Have Fun and Laugh”). The billionaire Richard Branson said that if a particular business venture he’s involved with is no longer “fun”, he asks “Why?” If he can’t modify the situation to make it fun, he moves to something else. Life is too short to spend all of your entrepreneurial energy chasing something that isn’t fun for you. When you are pursuing goals and accomplishments that are fun for you, you won’t need to “talk yourself” into reading, writing, doing research, marketing or any other necessary business activity. If we’re not having fun, what’s the point?

“I do it”

Since my son has become a toddler, he has developed many new physical skills. Accordingly he has also developed a newfound sense of independence and he wants to do more and more on his own. He likes to tell my wife and me, “I do it!” Letting us know in no uncertain terms that he is capable of 1) getting dressed (putting on his shoes, shirt, coat, doing his hair); 2) Going about his day (eating, opening doors, putting on his seat belt); and 3) going to bed (bathing, brushing teeth and turning out the light). My understanding is that he’ll go through similar episodes of independence somewhere around the age of 6 and again at 13 or 14. Should be an interesting time!

This quality of wanting to do it yourself is important for entrepreneurs because we really must take personal responsibilities for all of our actions. Yes, we must rely on others for their expertise. We have accountants, attorneys and financial planners. But we must make sure that WE check the figures, that we actually read the contracts and that we ensure all other consultants have performed the duties as agreed upon. We’ve all heard the saying and we must live by it: “The buck stops here”.

Full Throttle

From the time he wakes up at 6:30am (sometimes it’s 5:30) until the time he goes to bed, my son goes ALL OUT! He wakes up and immediately wants to go downstairs to start playing. He doesn’t care much about eating or having his clothes changed; he just wants to start his day! He’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t want to takes naps; he concerned that he’ll miss out on something!

As entrepreneurs, we cannot afford to let up. We will not get discouraged; we will give 100%! We are passionate about our businesses; we are excited about serving our customers; we are committed to the growth and professional advancement of our employees. Because we are pursuing our passion, we don’t mind getting up early or staying up late! Why? Because we’re doing exactly what we were meant to do!

What’s That, Daddy?

Every time my son and I go for a walk in the neighborhood (this has become less frequent since the weather has turned colder), the question that dominates the conversation is, “What’s that, Daddy?” Leaves… bugs… planes…cars…cats…dogs…squirrels…you name it. He asks about EVERYTHING! Even if he’s asked about it previously, he makes the inquiry.

So what’s the lesson for entrepreneurs? We must learn to be (and remain) constantly curious. We must question what the market is doing and how our strategic goals align with it; we must question whether we’re serving our customers in the best manner; we must ask whether we are maximizing our revenue; we must ask how the latest “widget” that our competitor just released will affect us; we must ask how the micro- and macroeconomics will affect our business. In short, we must always be in a questioning mode in order to stay on top!

Always Hungry

How can I say this delicately….my toddler son eats like a teenager! He gobbles food down as if he won’t be getting another meal. Furthermore, when he was a 10-month-old he would actually get impatient and start banging on his high chair table! He cleans his plate every time and always seems to be ready for more, even when the meal is done. Surprisingly, his weight is less than average for a kid his age (I suppose it’s because he’s “always on the go”)!

You’ve probably guessed where I’m going with this one! Entrepreneurs MUST stay hungry, or as Les Brown says “Hong Gray”! Every day entrepreneurs must behave as if it is our last meal. This is truer for some of us than others. Let me use an example: Do you recall the feelings you had when you first started out on your first entrepreneurial endeavor? There was a shortness of breath, a lump in your throat and tightness in your chest…EVERY day until your client base stabilized and your cash flow became more predictable. Well, this is the feeling and the attitude that we must maintain if we are to success beyond our wildest dreams. In essence, we should forget our accomplishments of the past and set a larger, more “hairy” goal that takes our breath away. Set a goal that you’re not so sure that you can reach and you’ll always be hungry.

“I’m Gonna Jump”

My son the acrobat! He’s constantly climbing things. At 2 ½ years old he is totally unafraid of high places. He very comfortably climbs the jungle gym for the bigger kids and is always ready to jump off. I’m not sure where he got this trait… well, actually I do. I also have a propensity to jump from high places. I blogged about it in a previous post (“This Entrepreneur Took the ACTUAL Leap”). While I’m not actually encouraging my son to climb on to tall objects and take a leap and I still watch him like a hawk, I’m sort of glad that he’s unafraid. I think that it will develop a sense of fearlessness in him.

Entrepreneurs must be unafraid to venture out into the unknown. In fact, that may be one of the main allurements of becoming an entrepreneur: the adventure of NOT knowing exactly what lies around every bend. One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”; “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. Entrepreneurs must become comfortable with the unknown, because, try as we might, there will always be situations where we just don’t know the exact outcome. We must become comfortable with being uncomfortable and certain even in the face of uncertainty. That’s part of the thrill. That’s part of the exhilaration. Taking the leap is not at all like falling…it’s more like flying.

Final Learning

As you can see, entrepreneurs can learn a lot from toddlers (at least I have). You never know where ideas will come from for improving your business. And I guess that’s been the overall lesson that I’ve learned from my toddler. As an entrepreneur, I must never think I ever have enough knowledge or experience. I must always have the mindset of continuous learning and improvement.

Thanks for reading!

For the thrill of the jump,

Dino Herbert

Source: www.dinoherbert.com

For Entrepreneurs: Small Business Marketing

Getting a Sponsor
Written by Richard San Juan for Gaebler Ventures
While initial funding for startups and small businesses are financed by loans and investment by venture capitalist firms, getting a sponsor is also important for help paying for attendance at trade shows, corporate events, and conferences. This is important, because it adds to the visibility of the product or service that the entrepreneur is trying to sell.
As a startup or small business, gaining exposure for your product or service is vital to the success of your company.



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Small Business Marketing

Getting a Sponsor
Written by Richard San Juan for Gaebler Ventures
While initial funding for startups and small businesses are financed by loans and investment by venture capitalist firms, getting a sponsor is also important for help paying for attendance at trade shows, corporate events, and conferences. This is important, because it adds to the visibility of the product or service that the entrepreneur is trying to sell.
As a startup or small business, gaining exposure for your product or service is vital to the success of your company. (article continues below)
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Corporate events
and trade shows are examples where demonstrations and explanations of the benefits of your product or service can be shown to professionals and business leaders.
However, during the early stages of your business, founders are usually low on cash and require funding to host such events. This is where the importance of sponsors comes in.
How can one obtain a valuable sponsor? For one thing, strong sponsors can be found usually in the people your company deals business with.
When your company has decided to participate or host an event where sponsorship may be needed, it is important you make contact by going through the person who manages your vendor account, because they are already familiar with your company.
It is necessary to develop a good relationship with the prospective sponsor company's representative before asking for funding. When the time is appropriate, detail your plan regarding the sponsorship and ensure what are the benefits for the sponsor company.
Showing that the event will mutually benefit both companies increases the likelihood of a sponsorship.
To maximize the benefits of the sponsorship relationship, there are three important aspects to focus on.
1. Clarify How Sponsorships Work
The first part is to ensure that there is agreement by both the sponsor and the startup being sponsored in how the sponsorship is structured. This will undoubtedly lead your startup or small business to research everything about your sponsor company and determine what its goals are. By understanding your sponsor company, it will be a lot easier in understanding the roles, objectives, and expectations of the relationship. After both parties are in agreement, a written contract should be drawn to cement the relationship.
2. Build Out the Sponsorship Program for the Event
The next area to concentrate on is how to implement the sponsorship. One method of doing this is to offer visibility in various advertisements, printed material and press releases to be used at your events by incorporating your sponsor's logo onto the promotional material.
A clever entrepreneur would seek to spend a good amount of time with your sponsor by encouraging the sponsor to be engaged with the planning committee of the event. This will allow them to be more involved and receive updates on the progress of the corporate event or trade show.
By working together with your sponsor, it gives you a better ability to search for ways to leverage each other's name and association with the other. This would create more of an impact on the audience for both companies.
3. Assess Sponsorship Results
After conducting the corporate event or trade show, the final stage of the sponsorship relationship is to measure the satisfaction of the sponsor, as well as your own performance in achieving certain objectives.
The details matter. For example, it is important to thank your sponsor publicly at the event to get the attention of the audience. If you forgot that essential task, you can be sure that your sponsor will never sponsor your events again.
Moreover, it is also important to measure your own performance by creating a summary report that compares the end result to the desired goals and objectives. For future events, getting feedback from attendees, personnel from the sponsor company, and your own employees is essential in repeating successful sponsored events.
As you can see, when managed and organized well, a fully integrated corporate sponsorship can be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.
Richard San Juan is currently pursuing an MBA degree with an emphasis in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago. He is particularly interested in writing about business news and strategies.

Source: http://www.gaebler.com/Getting-a-Sponsor.htm

Do You See Difficulties In Every Opportunity Or Opportunities In Every Difficulty?

When you are an entrepreneur in business working for yourself, it’s not enough to just know what you know.

  • You also need to know what you don’t know...
  • And what you need to know...
  • And some of what you don’t need to know but still want to know.

Confused? Well...

As an entrepreneur in business working for yourself you will soon learn:

  • You won’t know everything, no one does. You never stop learning.
  • Motivation alone will not make you successful.
  • Knowing everything about your specialty or the manufacturing process will not overcome a lack of business and marketing skills.
  • People will not automatically rush to buy what you have to offer.
  • Without sales you are out of business.

Try To See Past Your Problems

Many people have difficulty in seeing past their own problems. If you see only problems, you will become despondent. If you see only difficulties, you will become frustrated. If you see only obstacles, you will become discouraged.

Problems Can Be Opportunities In DisguiseAs an entrepreneur working for yourself you will need to focus on possibilities and be enthusiastic. Focus on potential and be excited. Focus on opportunities and be inspired. Problems can be opportunities in disguise. Start viewing every problem, every difficulty, and every obstacle as an opportunity waiting to happen.

"The idea that men are created free and equal is both true and misleading: men are created different; they lose their social freedom and their individual autonomy in seeking to become like each other."David Riesman – Sociologist

"All you need is a plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination. If you follow the crowd you’ll end up where the crowd is going and mostly the crowd is going nowhere. All you have to do is know where you are going. The answers will come to you of their own accord."Earl Nightingale – Author, Motivator, Speaker

"The opposite of bravery is not cowardice but conformity."Dr. Robert Anthony – US Educator

Source:http://www.at-home-businesses.com/opportunity-difficulty.html