Top 5 Tips to Effective Speed Networking

Most people have heard of speed dating, a program in which singles have the opportunity to meet other singles in the area, talk for a few minutes, and then move on to engage in conversation with the rest of the people in the room.  


Now, switch out the cocktails for coffee, the late-night chat to early-morning conversation, and exchange of phone numbers to the exchange of business cards—that’s speed networking, and it’s happening in Kansas City.

Every first Friday of the month, the Chamber of Commerce hosts Face2Face, a Kansas City networking opportunity for businesspeople to make quick professional connections.  Tomorrow, October 1^st, Face2Face speed networking is taking place at the Overland Park Marriott at 8:30am.  This Kansas City networking program allows entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to present their products, services, company and themselves to at least 25 fellow networkers looking to gain similar exposure.  Registration for the event starts at 8:00am, and costs $10 for Chamber members.  Face2Face allows for Kansas City entrepreneurs to broaden their horizons and develop new business connections apart from social networking.  


To enhance your startup, freshen up on some speed networking skills.  Read our Top Five Tips to Effective Speed Networking:

1.  Come Prepared

Don’t walk into speed networking expecting to be able to fly by the seat of your pants.  Prepare for the event well in advance by practicing a one-minute elevator speech about you and your startup.  Some speed networking events time out the elevator speech to the second—so make sure yours is exactly one minute long.  Additionally, be sure to bring at least 50 business cards and a stack of company flyers.

2.  Keep the Result in Mind

The reason that you network is to connect with each and every person that you have the opportunity to sit with.  The result of speed networking is usually not to bag the big one or eliminate referral sources or partners.  The result should be meeting other local people and getting the word about your startup out there.. 


3.  Speed Networking is Like a Mini Interview

When the two people networking with one another treat the experience as an interview, a better conversation will be accomplished.  Ask about goals, character traits, business opportunities and success stories, etc.  It’s best to ask questions that will clarify where and how you can best help your new referral source


4.  Take Notes

In most networking experiences, you will not have the opportunity to take notes.  But in speed networking, notes are encouraged.  Bring a pen and a pad of paper to write down any information that you discover.


5.  Follow Up

Hands down, one of the most important aspects to networking is following up.  If you do not follow up with those that you meet during the speed networking experience, you will only have succeeded in wasting your time.  Follow up with lunches, phone calls, and emails so that you ensure that the person will also keep in touch with you and recognize your startup's eagerness.

Sometimes an entrepreneur needs to do more than just social networking, and meeting people face-to-face can be a very positive networking experience.  For more information about speed networking, check out the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce or SpeedNetworking.com.  Utilize speed networking and enhance your startup's web of networks today!  


Written by Allison Way.  Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc. To read more of Allison's articles, visit the Entrepreneurship Examiner.  

Think Big Partners Helps Our Lady of the Presentation Reach 3rd Place in Kohl's Cares Program

Think Big Partners, under the direction of Herb Sih, and in collaboration with Paul Evans, president and CMO of Evans Media Group, have proved that social media marketing is not just today’s biggest fad, but is also a fundamental shift in the way the world communicates.  When Sih and Evans teamed up to promote the Kohl’s Cares Program, a program that rewards $500,000 to the top 20 most-voted schools via Facebook, the goal was to get Our Lady of the Presentation, a local Lee’s Summit high school, in that top 20.  The efforts put forth by Sih and Evans did not just land OLP in the top 20, but, quite remarkably, in 3^rd place.

Think Big Partners became involved in helping OLP win the $500,000 when there were only two short weeks left in the program.  Upon involvement, Our Lady of the Presentation was in 75th place.  Not settling for anything but the top 20, Sih and Evans used the expertise they have in social media to help the school make its way to number three.  Sih actively promoted votes via Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and emails.  The Kansas City Star, the Kansas City Free Press, and the Social Media Club were also immediately notified.  In the first 48 hours of Think Big Partner’s involvement, the school received 7,000 votes.  Evans worked just as hard with his team of Sarah Paxton, Evan Miller, and other Evans Media Group partners to use both social media and effective marketing strategies to bring OLP to the top.  Evans and his group also successfully utilized Twitter, Facebook, mobile media, e-mail, and local media outlets to promote the Kohl’s Cares program.  TBP then watched Our Lady of the Presentation go from 75^th place, to 35^th, to 17^th, and then to 6^th throughout the weeks. Because of the effective use of social media, OLP finished in 3^rd.  

Think Big Partners and Evans Media Group have used social media to help their own community, but in return, their effective use of social media has also benefitted themselves.  Because the two have focused so much on social marketing programs, they are not only receiving brand recognition, but bonding and engagement with the consumer.  This, in the long run, helps to develop long-term relationships with all sorts of people.  Paul Evans notes that social media is “all about building relationships.”  Social media allows for word-of-mouth recognitions in exponential amounts.  When 78% of all customers trust peer recommendations and only 14% trust advertisements, it’s hard to disagree.

TBP has done its part in transforming today’s marketing strategy from “word of mouth” to “world of mouth.”  When 96% of people utilize a social network, both positive and negative marketing can be spread simply by friends telling more friends.  Social media marketing is only predicted to grow faster and stronger.  It only took Facebook nine months to reach 100 million users, when it took radio 38 years, television 13 years, and Internet four years to reach only 50 million.  Social media is becoming one of the most important marketing tools in today’s business world, and when used correctly, can become extremely effective.  The effective strategies utilized by TBP and Evan's Media group prove that when a Kansas City small business and social media come together, everybody wins.

To see an example of how Think Big Partners utilized social media and helped OLP win the $500,000, check out this past TBKC blog.  

Written by Allison Way.  Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc.  To read more of Allison's articles, please visit the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner.  

Annual EDC Cornerstone Awards Celebrates Innovation by Honoring Development Projects

Each year, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDC) hosts the Cornerstone Awards to celebrate innovation by honoring the most exciting and dynamic contributors to the city’s economic growth.  By awarding new construction projects, capital investments and jobs created by the award winners, the program not only represents individual success stories, but also fosters economic growth in Kansas City.

This year’s EDC Cornerstone Awards will take place on Thursday, September 30^th at the Downtown Marriott Muehlebach Hall from noon until 1:30pm.  Pre-function exhibits and networking is to take place from 11:00am until noon.  In order to promote the continuing growth of Kansas City, keynote speaker and innovation guru Jeremy Gutsche is presenting at the awards program.  Gutsche is the host of Trend Hunter TV, the author of the best-seller, Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation and is routinely relied on by various news media outlets such as The Economist, Financial Times, FOX News, CNN and Entertainment Tonight. 

This year’s EDC Cornerstone Awards theme centers around question of “R U UP 2 D8?”  The EDC is asking development partners in and around the metro this one question in order to promote the growth of the Kansas City economy and to recognize companies and projects that contribute to such growth.  The different categories for each award include the James C. Denneny Spirit Award, Residential, Business Expansion and Retention, Small Business, Entertainment, and Special Recognition awards.

The EDC Cornerstone Awards will be attended by over 900 guests including finalists, the EDC, city officials, and key business leaders.  Think Big Partners will be attending the Cornerstone Awards in order to show appreciation for the developers’ commitment to economic growth in KC.  Come check out our pre-function exhibit from 11:00am until noon on Thursday.  This is an opportune time to network, learn about Kansas City innovation, and talk with some key business people in and around the metro area. 

Think Big Partners would like to congratulate this year’s EDC Cornerstone Awards Finalists:

James C. Denneny Spirit Award

Lee Derrough

Residential

Commonwealth Hyde Park—Phase I

Fountain Lofts & MRP Garage

Habitat for Humanity Kansas City Urban Renewal Plan

Riverstone

Business Expansion & Retention

A2MG/Sellers & Marquis

Kansas City Sausage Company

Kansas City Structural Steel

Mars Petcare

Praxair, Inc.

Public Projects

UMKC’s Herman & Dorothy Johnson Residence Hall

Metropolitan Community College Health Sciences Institute

Kansas City Zoo, Renovation of 1909 Tropics Building

Riverfront West Heritage Trail Enhancements

Small Business

Alexander Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Barbershop 67

DaVinci Reprographics

Inland Truck Parts Drive-In Service Center

Vanguard Packaging Redevelopment

2000 Baltimore Liquid Carbonic Building

Pershing Building

Service Management Group (SMG) Headquarters

Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Headquarters (Historic Renovation of Sewall Paint & Varnish Building)

DERMADoctor

Entertainment

Grinders Pizza

The Well Bar, Grill & Rooftop

Special Recognition

JE Dunn Construction Headquarters

Smith Electric Vehicles

If you would like to attend the awards program, please keep in mind that seating is quite limited, however tickets are still available.  To register or receive more information, please visit the EDC website or call the EDC at 816-691-2120.

Think Big Partners would like to congratulate this year’s finalists and thank the EDC for promoting the growth of the Kansas City economy.  It’s groups, small businesses, and organizations like the ones listed above that have helped Kansas City to Think Big!  

Written by Allison Way.  Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc.  To read more of Allison's articles, please visit the Entrepreneurship Examiner.  

Calling All Kansas City Young Professionals!

Are you a Kansas City young professional? Are you looking for new young professional opportunities? Are you interested in networking with other young professionals in the local area? Think Big Partners is here to answer all of your young professional questions. First, it is important to answer “what is a young professional anyway?”
A young professional is a person not in school who is employed in a profession or white-collar occupation. This includes young small business owners and young entrepreneurs as well. According to Wikipedia, young professionals are viewed as having “an obsession with success” and are often attached to technology and media.

At the same time, young professionals are also known to provide a welcome increase in a local area’s tax base and can also create a snowball effect of attracting and infusing young energy and talent into the area. Kansas City has established the Kansas City Young Professionals Networking Society in order to promote the young energies of the city and to shape a collaborative Kansas City business community.

If you’re a young professional looking to enhance your business opportunities in the Kansas City area, The Kansas City Young Professionals Networking Society is an organization that is worth looking into. This networking society is for people both young and young-at-heart in the Kansas City area who are looking to talk with other young professionals to gain more business knowledge and expert advice. The Kansas City Young Professionals Networking Society is known for hosting some of the city’s most successful business get-togethers, which fosters the growth of Kansas City innovation, business, and economy.

In the upcoming weeks, The Kansas City Young Professionals Networking Society has a number of events that Kansas City business people would benefit attending. All events are open to the public including spouses and friends. Tonight, join the networking society and other Kansas City business professionals for Happy Hour at Sullivan’s Steakhouse sponsored by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. Happy Hour starts at 5:30pm with complimentary food, networking and a chance to win door prizes!

Later this week, the KC Young Professionals Networking Society will be hosting various events such as Bob Burg’s Endless Referrals Live (September 28th at 7:30am), Fearless Empowerment/Powerful Networking seminar (September 29th at 6:30pm) and the Crawl for Cancer at Westport (October 2nd at 1:00pm). To learn more about these and other upcoming Kansas City business events, please visit the Kansas City Young Professional Networking Society website and be prepared to start Thinking Big!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's articles, check out the Entrepreneurship Examiner page. 

The Top 10 Kansas City Coffee Shops

David Letterman once said, “If it weren’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.”

This notion, terrifyingly enough, may actually be true for a lot of people. The fact of the matter is, coffee is what makes the world go round these days. Coffee has become such a phenomenon because of companies such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Seattle’s Best, that today, a lot of people cannot function without this hot, caffeinated beverage. This is especially true for startups and serious entrepreneurs. Most cannot imagine going a day without at least one cup of the brew.

Because of coffee’s popular demand, many small, eclectic coffee shops have also been thriving, especially in the downtown Kansas City area. There are literally hundreds of Kansas City coffee shops to choose from. There’s Mildred’s Coffeehouse in the Crossroads District, Parisi Coffee not too far away, the ever-popular YJ’s Snack Shop, and the unique coffee shop You Say Tomato. But which coffee shop truly has the best coffee? The strongest? The richest? The most vanilla-mocha-frappacino-sweetest? If one source has the answer, it’s KCPerky.com.

KCPerky is a website dedicated completely to the Kansas City coffee scene. The website includes a coffee map, the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Kansas City, coffee news, and information about coffee shops that are closing and opening in the local area. The main setup of KCPerky.com is through blog posts and opinions, posted by Scott Perky himself. Perky started out reviewing restaurants in the Kansas City area and soon found a much deeper passion for reviewing local Kansas City coffee shops. In 2006, Perky started KCPerky.com and has been exploring coffee around KC ever since. With his outstanding creativity, Perky “ventis” about the coffee shop scene, and also does improv comedy and creates other websites such as RiverCityStudio. With all of this going on, it’s no wonder Perky likes his coffee!

So what are the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Kansas City? Although opinions may vary greatly, KCPerky has created their own unique list. KCPerky has ranked the following coffee shops based on the coffee, the atmosphere, the service and a little je sais pas.



Mildred's Coffee House is #8 on the Top 10 Coffee Shops
in Kansas City.  It is located in the Crossroads District.

 1. YJ’s Snack Shop

2. Espresso dell’Anatra
 

3. You Say Tomato

4. Eddie Delahunt’s Café

5. Oak Street Coffee Shop

6. Muddy’s Coffeehouse

7. City Market Coffeehouse

8. Mildred’s Coffeehouse

9. Broadway Café

10. SoHo Bakery and Café

As a group of entrepreneurs, Think Big Partners understands that coffee can foster startup ideas, boost creativity, and of course, wake up those entrepreneurs who did not get enough sleep the night before. Kansas City entrepreneurs are invited to visit any of the above coffee shops to experience a soothing and inspirational atmosphere, start their Big Thinking, and of course, sip on cup of their favorite caffeinated drink, coffee.

Written by Allison Way.  Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's articles, visit her Entrepreneurship Examiner page.

How Do I Network? Tonight, KC Connect Has a Solution

Networking is a vital business strategy that every entrepreneur must develop.  When small businesses connect with others, tight-knit bonds can form and morph into enduring relationships with the right people.  And when entrepreneurs network with the right people, more businesses can flourish.

But how does an entrepreneur network?  Networking can come in many different shapes; from the power of LinkedIn and other social networking sites, to the joining of networking clubs.  But most importantly, the best networking opportunities come in the form of networking events.

Tonight, entrepreneurs and small business owners have a Kansas City networking opportunity that can potentially lead to a powerful string of relationships. At 5:30pm this evening, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver is hosting KC Connect—a new networking event series that occurs every fourth Friday. KC Connect is all about uniting today’s hard-working, young, urban professionals and so that they have the opportunity to network, connect with one another, express themselves, and find common ground.  Tonight’s event takes place at the American Jazz Museum from 5:30-7:30 with hor d’eurves, a cash bar, and the sounds of DJ Beatbroker, all the while connecting Kansas City business professionals to one another. 



Entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend KC Connect
in order to network with business professionals.



Networking is an effective business strategy, but only when done right.  When entrepreneurs network, they must step outside of the box and connect with people of various businesses, not just those that are within their own particular areas.  It's best to never let anyone go without talking to them, even for a few minutes.  It's important to chat with a neighbor, a person waiting in line, an old professor, or friends of friends.  When networking, be sure to keep in touch with your particular network on a consistent basis whether that be through phone calls, e-mails, LinkedIn messages, or events. 

The cliche phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know" does stand true.  However, for entrepreneurship, we must tweek it to "it's what you know and who you know".  So seize this opportunity, Kansas City entrepreneurs, and attend KC Connect.  This is the perfect chance to meet the right people, develop a strong network, promote products and services, and tap into wider business groups.  Besides, you never know who you're going to meet!

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources. To read more of Allison's articles, check out the Entrepreneurship Examiner.

Recognizing and Celebrating Today’s Hard-Working Business Women

Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources. 

Many of you women in business, working mothers, and mompreneurs may not know that every year, September 22nd is dedicated to you. Today is American Business Women’s Day, a day to recognize all powerful and hard-working women in the business community.

The date of Business Women’s Day originates from the founding of The American Business Women’s Association on September 22, 1949. Interestingly enough, the association was developed by Hilary A. Bufton Jr. and three Kansas City business women. The four women founded the ABWA and later, celebrated Business Women’s Day in 1982. The mission of the ABWA is “to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.” This proves the strength of Kansas City business and the caliber of people that develop small businesses in this extraordinary city.

The roots of this special day trace all the way back to the late 1940s when men were off fighting in WWII and women had to fill the void in the workforce. When soldiers returned after the war, many women were not anxious to return to traditional roles in the home. Since this time, women’s role and contribution in the workforce have grown and evolved. Women’s business has truly grown since 1949, when the day was first recognized. In 2009, there were precisely 6,489,259 women who owned a small business, and the numbers continue to grow.

Today’s business women are extremely inspirational. They always rise up, even when the odds are against them. Think Big Partners would like to recognize six individuals who have revolutionized American women in business:

Meg Whitman:  Chief Executive Officer and President of eBay
Meg Whitman is the definition of a successful business woman. Before becoming the head of eBay (a career that she underwent from 1998-2008), Whitman served as an executive in numerous international companies including The Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks, Procter & Gamble, and Hasbro. Whitman transformed eBay from a $4 million company to an $8 billion company in a matter of ten years. She also played a large role in the development in PayPal and Skype. Whitman’s hard work and dedication to business earns her a top spot as an American business woman.

Kate Spade:  Co-founder of designer brand, Kate Spade New York
Kate Spade is a Kansas City native. She was born in the city and attended St. Teresa’s Academy and the University of Kansas before hitting it big in New York. In 1996, she opened her first NYC shop, and two years later, her brand boomed. Kate Spade stores can now be found in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Greenwich, Connecticut, Atlanta, Dallas, and many more. The Kate Spade brand had sales of $125 million in 2004, and helped Spade earn America’s New Fashion Talent in Accessories and Best Accessory Designer of the Year.

Oprah Winfrey:  American television host and producer
Oprah is well-known for her bootstrapping—she truly pulled herself up by her bootstraps in order to become a success. Oprah led an impoverished childhood in rural Mississippi. She climbed her way up to the top by working in radio, television, and even hosted a small Chicago talk show. Oprah revolutionized the tabloid talk show and reinvented her own show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, with a focus on literature, self-improvement and spirituality. She has been ranked the richest African American on the 20th century and the world’s only black billionaire.

Bonnie Kelly & Teresa Walsh:  Co-founders of Silpada Designs
Silpada Designs co-founders Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh (natives of the Kansas City area) developed their own direct-selling jewelry line after scrounging up $25 each from grocery funds and pursuing careers in sterling silver. After hosting jewelry parties at friends’ homes, acquaintances of Kelly and Walsh were interested in selling the sterling jewelry themselves. So, in 1997, Silpada Designs was born. Silpada was recently bought by Avon Products for $650 million.

Beyoncé Knowles:  American Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, actress, and fashion designer
Known quite simply as Beyoncé, this singer-songwriter, actress and fashion designer is multi-talented, and an extremely successful woman in business. With two fashion lines (House of Dereon and Sasha Fierce), endorsements with Pepsi, L’Oreal, Tommy Hilfiger, and numerous philanthropy ventures, Beyoncé has transformed herself from a Grammy-Award winning artist to a big-time business woman. Not to mention, she was included in Time's “100 Most Influential People in the World” list this year.

So today, Think Big Partners would like to recognize all businesswomen of the world. Thank you for strengthening today’s business community through your hard work and unique perspectives. The world would not be the same without people like you!

GrowFEST to Showcase Nine Innovative Companies

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources. 





                                                                                      
This Thursday, September 23rd, entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners are invited to attend GrowFEST, a social gathering aimed at creating relationships among growth-oriented entrepreneurs, innovating companies, and audiences that cater to growth-minded businesses. GrowFEST will feature nine innovating companies who are in the process of launching new and interesting technologies. This social gathering will allow each company to give a four-minute pitch about their new product. After each pitch, the audience is encouraged to ask questions and participate in demonstrations throughout the evening. Additionally, beer and hors d'oeuvres will be provided so that like-minded individuals can chat, eat and network in a collaborative community. When GrowFEST comes to an end, the audience will choose four of the nine innovating companies to compete at the "Be THE VC" contest which takes place during the KC BIZ LIVE Expo.

Announcing, GrowFEST’s Nine Innovating Companies:

Jason Opat—Intergrated Media Group—http://www.askinteractiv.tv/

Noe Tabares—Progress Thermal—http://www.progressthermal.com/

Michael Levin—PhoneFactor—http://www.phonefactor.com/

Shelly Amrato—Marathon Reprographics—http://www.mysmartplans.com/

Dan Calvo—Oncimmune—http://www.onciummne.com/

Adam Coomes—Infegy—http://www.infegy.com/

Sara Croke—Weather or Not—http://www.weatherornot.com/

Chris Smith—Career Athletes—http://www.careerathletes.com/

Melissa Ward—American Telephone—http://www.americantelephoneinc.com/

Think Big Partners and bizperc would like to encourage Kansas City business owners and entrepreneurs to attend GrowFEST for a great start-up experience. Not only will attendees see how other entrepreneurs have been Thinking Big, but they will also come in contact with networking opportunities, different business marketing strategies, and entrepreneur development advice. With access to already successful business ideas, GrowFEST is an entrepreneurial opportunity that allows hundreds of people to learn how to be an entrepreneur.

GrowFEST 2010 is being put on by StartKC and will take place on September 23rd from 6:00-9:00pm at the Liberty Memorial in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium. Tickets are $10-$20, depending on membership.

The Donald Teaches New Apprentices the Importance of the Modern Office

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners. 

“The toughest job interview in the world”, also known as The Apprentice, kicked off Season 10 on NBC last Friday. Donald Trump, once again, recruited this season’s contestants, most unemployed, from a 24-year old Stanford grad to a 46-year old ex-Air Force man and laid-off financial advisor. Although the Donald’s demeanor, attitude, and hair style may be the same as past seasons, The Apprentice Season 10 truly is a revamped reality show. And entrepreneurs, you should be quite interested.

Episode 1 showed the first project in which teams (one team of men and one team of women) had to design and build an ultra-modern office space out of empty New York City lofts. In the end, after a rainbow creation and a “green space” creation, both office spaces were hated by The Donald himself.

Trump’s first project posed a challenge. But ultimately, he was proving that smart business people and entrepreneurs should know what an effective and modern office space looks like. More importantly, a good businessperson should also know how it feels to work in an inspiring space. A modern office must have clean lines, an edgy ambiance, and should be inspiring for any type of entrepreneur or small business owner. bizperc, Think Big Partner’s new business incubator, has taken in every aspect of a productive, modern, and inspirational workplace and has unloaded it into one Midwestern, downtown building. Maybe The Apprentice contenders should have taken a look at bizperc before buying the furniture and choosing the paint.

An ultra-modern loft-turned-office is not an easy task for anyone. All elements must be put into place: from lighting to paint colors, from furniture to aromatherapy. The Apprentice contestants must use their imaginations and Think Big in order to wow The Donald. We look forward to following the contenders in their pursuit of big-time-business.

The Importance of Exercise on the Entrepreneur's Mind

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources. 

In a recent study conducted last month, researchers recruited schoolchildren (age nine to ten) to conduct a series of physical and psychological exercises. The children ran on a treadmill to test their fitness and were then asked to complete a series of cognitive challenges which involved watching directional arrows on a computer screen and pushing certain keys in order to test how well the children filtered out unnecessary information. The results? The children who were more fit scored better on the tests.


Dog-n-Jog, which took place last week in KC,
is a great way to keep in shape to encourage
a more creative mind. 



After scanning each of the children’s brains using magnetic resonance imaging technology, the researchers found that the fittest children had a larger basal ganglia (a part of the brain that helps maintain attention and coordinate actions) as well as an enlarged hippocampus (which helps one to focus on complex memory). Together, these two parts of the brain allow some of the most intricate thinking. The researchers concluded that being fit in young people may “enhance neurocognition.”

As a matter of fact, it may not only be young people whose brains are affected by fitness. In a study done in Sweden a year ago, researchers found that 18-year olds who had better fitness also had higher I.Q.’s. The fittest of the fit were then more likely to excel in more lucrative careers. Georg Kuhn, professor at the University of Gothenburg, says that although there is no direct evidence that exercise leads to a higher I.Q., researchers believe that aerobic fitness produces specific growth factors and proteins that stimulate the brain.

So what does this mean to the everyday entrepreneur? This means that exercise can actually improve small business. The more aerobic exercise that a small business owner or entrepreneur may indulge in (especially during childhood), the better off they are setting up their own future. Exercise can stimulate creativity. So whether it’s that next business marketing strategy you’re looking to enhance, or a new logo that you want to tackle, aerobic exercise and physical fitness can actually improve the results of your brainstorming!

For Kansas City business owners, there are tons of ways to stay aerobically fit while still upholding a career in entrepreneurship or becoming an entrepreneur. Even a twenty-minute walk on a lunch break can improve an entrepreneur’s brain functionality. So get out there: take the dog for a late night jog around the Plaza, go swimming at Ocean’s of Fun on the weekend, or commute to work via bike. There are many ways to enhance your physical fitness without sacrificing your work time.

How to Turn Your Passion into Business

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

There’s no doubt about it; turning your passion into business can be a scary step in the startup process. But at the same time, there truly is no time like the present to start up a brand new, more meaningful life. I challenge you to take a look in the mirror and analyze what you see. Do you see someone who is chasing their life dreams? Is it someone who is passionate about what they do? It is someone who is happy and fulfilled? If you have answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to reevaluate your life goals and to start following your true passions.

The first step to a successful startup business is having extreme passion. When you start up a small business built on an undying passion, you will not only gain immense satisfaction from spending time doing what you love, but your overall improved attitude will positively affect everybody surrounding you—from friends to employees to customers to family.

I want to encourage all potential entrepreneurs out there to strive for your passions. If you see an opening , go after it. That’s exactly what Nick Morrow did.

Nick Morrow is a Kansas City firefighter who today, also owns a new pizzeria in Overland Park called Nick’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream. As a firefighter, Morrow has a “24 hours on, 48 hours off” schedule, allowing for two days of rest. These two days seemed extremely long and boring for Morrow. So, backing himself up with his true passion of owning a pizza parlor, Morrow decided to go into small business on his days off.

“I have an ambitious personality, and I thought I could make this work,” he said. This ambition and passion has led him to fulfill one of his dreams. He has finally re-created the family atmosphere of the pizza parlor he grew up with.

Nick’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream took over the former 6,087 square-foot W.J. McBride’s Irish Pub at 12030 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park, Kansas. As a matter of fact, Morrow’s firefighter friends with their own small business painting company recently put the finishing touches on the brand new pizza parlor, which is completed with a backdoor arcade and private party room.

Nick Morrow took a childhood dream and passion and ran with it. His firefighting schedule allowed him a true small business opening and an opportunity to chase his passions. Do you have the courage to do what Nick Morrow did? Wonderful things can happen if you truly chase your dreams, fulfill your deepest passions, and remember to always Think Big!

Nick's Pizzeria and Ice Cream is a new restaurant in Overland Park that serves
pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, a salad bar, a lunch buffet, and of course, ice cream.

Ron Bloom's Manufacturing Strategy Promotes Innovation and Ingenuity

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.


In a recent study done by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, it was found that 78% of Americans believe that manufacturing is important to the nation’s economic prosperity. But just saying that manufacturing is important is an understatement. Manufacturing is vital to the development and sustainment of the U.S.’s high standard of living. In today’s economy, manufacturing’s presence has shrunken dramatically—from a gross domestic product of 30% in the 1950s to 11% in 2010. Because of this dramatic drop, manufacturing jobs dropped from 19.2 million to 11.6 million since 1980, when globalization was booming and free trade agreements were prevalent. Clearly, something needs to be done.



Ron Bloom has been appointed by Barack Obama to
solve today's manufacturing problem.

Ron Bloom, a Harvard M.B.A. with vast experience on Wall Street, within the United Steelworkers, and with the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, has been appointed by Barack Obama to tackle America’s manufacturing problem. By invigorating the private sector initiatives in certain industries, applying a more restrictive approach on trade policy, and rewarding domestic production, manufacturing will, once again, provide research and development, well-paid jobs, and increasing exports for America.

Unwilling to accept manufacturing’s decline, Bloom is reworking various strategies. While workers call for a more expansive government role in manufacturing (like that of China, Germany or Japan), others believe that it is the government’s role to direct banks to lend to particular companies would suffice. Bloom, however, has a strategy of his own, different than that of the “China strategy".

In the long run, Rom Bloom is all about innovation. “I am deeply afraid that if you lose the ability to make things,” he said, “all the intellectual activity involved in innovation and design will over time erode as well.” With the implementation of a new manufacturing strategy that thoroughly analyzes the nation’s industrial base, small businesses, entrepreneurship, and innovation all have a better chance to increase.

In the New York Times, journalist Keith Bradsher notes that “The Obama administration, modest as it is, is nevertheless ‘huge’ in comparison with previous administrations, which generally accepted the proposition ‘that manufacturing’s decline was inevitable in a mature, service-oriented economy.’”

Innovation is what can turn this economy around. Barack Obama has stated, “We see a future where we invest in American innovation and American ingenuity; where we export more goods so we create more jobs here at home; where we make it easier to start a business or patent an invention; where we build a homegrown, clean energy industry – because I don’t want to see new solar panels or electric cars or advanced batteries manufactured in Europe or Asia. I want to see them made right here in America, by American workers.”

As entrepreneurs, we can only hope that manufacturing in America will grow so that we can launch our new small businesses and help to benefit today’s economy and the high standard of living. We can continue to hope that Ron Bloom’s manufacturing strategy will not only provide more entrepreneurial ventures with more achievement in the American Dream, but also that the 42,400 American factories that have closed down since 2001 will be up and running once again.

Kansas City Chiefs Become Big-Time Entrepreneurs

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

Tonight is the night, Kansas City Chiefs fans: Monday Night Football kicks off when the New York Jets take on the Baltimore Ravens at 6:00C and your Kansas City Chiefs go head-to-head with the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium at 9:15C. Football season is finally here, but what else have your Kansas City Chiefs been up to off the field? As a matter of fact, some have been participating in their own entrepreneurial ventures and starting up their own small businesses.

First and foremost, we would like to pay tribute to Lamar Hunt, the founder of the American Football League, Major League Soccer, and North American Soccer League and also the founder and owner of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Wizards. Lamar Hunt also coined the phrase “Super Bowl” when he jokingly threw out the name (instead of using the “AFL-NFL Championship Game”) by combining his daughter’s favorite toy, the Super Ball with a bowl game. As many of us know, the Super Bowl is now the most-watched show in history, thanks in great part to Lamar Hunt. Aside from sports, he also established Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun theme parks in Kansas City. Lamar Hunt truly is Kansas City’s Big Chief.

Eddie Kennison, the owner of many small businesses including a restaurant, a telecommunications company, a wine club and nonprofit called Quick Start, is a retired Kansas City Chief. He recently jumped on the executive board of the brand new Social Media Club of Johnson County which co-promotes events and ensures that all members and businesses are provided with social media education.

Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and inductee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Warren Moon, has not only had success with the Chiefs, Oilers, Vikings, and Seahawks, he has also found success as an entrepreneur. Based in Irvine, California, Moon’s one-stop sports and entertainment marketing firm called Sports1Marketing offers full services to clients in the area of sports, entertainment, charitable events, and media.

Deron Cherry, a Chief from 1981-1991 became a limited ownership partner in one of the NFL’s new expansion teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is also a managing general partner with United Beverage, which is a local Anheuser-Busch distributor. Cherry also dedicates much of his time visiting universities to give lectures about the importance of entrepreneurship.

Tony Gonzalez was a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and today owns a nutritional supplement company called All Pro Science based in California. His small business sells protein powder, recovery drinks, immune-system boosting supplements, and much more.

Tonight's game is at 9:15 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Will Shields played for the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive guard. Today, he owns 68 Inside Sports, a gymnasium and sports facility based in Lenexa, Kansas as well as A Will to Succeed Foundation which was organized in 1993.

Fans and entrepreneurs: tonight when you are watching the game, keep in mind that some of the players out on the field may become the next successful small business owners. Not only will many of these players achieve the American Dream through football, but also through entrepreneurship, and of course, by never ceasing to Think Big.

5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Celebrate Patriot Day

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

It's hard to belive that nine years ago our nation suffered the tragedy of 9/11--a series of coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda upon the United States on September 11, 2001.  Every year on September 11th, Americans commemorate this day by celebrating Patriot Day in memory of the 2,993 killed in the attacks.  Rather than spending the day in tears and grief, Americans have produced a positive spin on Patriot Day by displaying the American flag at half-mast outside of their homes as well as participating in a national moment of silence at 8:46AM, the exact moment that the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center nine years ago. 

On this Patriot Day, Think Big Partners would like to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to do more than put their flags at half-mast and participate in the moment of silence.  Below are 5 ways that entrepreneurs can not only celebrate Patriot Day and promote the American Dream, but can also allow their small business to grow as a patriotic and sustainable company. 

1.  Educate:  Education does not only mean teaching others the importance of entrepreneurship and small business, but also educating yourself on the many aspects of being an entrepreneur. It is important that entrepreneurs never stop teaching and never stop learning. In order to participate in both on Patriot Day, attend or book a local entrepreneurial seminar or lecture for your startup or read up on entrepreneurial blogs online.  Entrepreneurial resources such as bizperc and the Kauffman Foundation provide educational events to promote learning in today's small business world.  Keep in mind, it's never too late to continue your learning process and help others learn as well. 

2.  Create the Right Jobs:  The fundamental trend that the United States has undergone was the switch from an industrial-based to a service-based country.  The reality is that if entrepreneurs create the right jobs (i.e., jobs in the manufacturing industry), with a focus on important technical skills, a large abundance of jobs will spring up across the nation and promote the newfound American Dream and an increase in opportunities.  In addition, the notion of self-reliance can improve economic sustainability.  We, as Americans, enjoy many freedoms including the availability of extremely low prices (from companies such as Wal-Mart).  The economic reality of this is that it is not sustainable.  By providing more jobs and paying more for everyday goods, we can create a much more sustainable economy.

3.  Promote Health:  In order to promote a healthy America, entrepreneurs and small business owners must keep their physical health in mind on a day-to-day basis and also make it an important matter in the workplace.  Eating right, exercising, and getting an adequate amount of sleep benefit the body as well as the mind, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners more creativity and energy while at work.  It's a win-win situation all around. 

4.  Volunteer:  Whether you're a large business or a small startup, all companies should be interested in becoming good corporate citizens.  When entrepreneurs and their companies volunteer, they can achieve an enhanced public image, with a cohesive and motivated workforce.  Volunteer programs also help employees strengthen their leadership and interpersonal skills and increases interaction among different departments.  Not only will you be benfitting the community through volunteer work, but you will also be benefitting your new small business.   

5.  Think Beyond Borders:  The essence of being a patriotic entrepreneur is to look past the artificial borders of nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and politics in order to address the most critical problems that we face as a global society.  When entrepreneurs think beyond these artificial borders, we can promote a positive change in the workforce and in the world.  Thinking beyond borders allows more people to achieve their own American Dream. 

So what will you do this Patriot Day?  Will you do more than put your flag at half-mast?  We encourage all entrepreneurs to Think Big this Patriot Day by educating, creating more jobs, promoting health, volunteering, and thinking beyond artificial borders.

10 Kansas City Entrepreneurial Resources that are Worth Checking Out

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

There are a lot of entrepreneurial resources out there, even in Kansas City alone. In order to help you narrow down the most important resources, Think Big Partners has developed a list of 10 Kansas City Entrepreneurial Resources that are Worth Checking Out. Some of these resources are located near Kansas City, while others are located in the heart of downtown. No matter where these entrepreneurial resources are located, however, one thing is for sure: they were all created to help entrepreneurs launch successful businesses. So if you’re a serious entrepreneur looking for small business help, check out one (or all) of these resources to determine which one is right for you and your percolating ideas.

1. The Kauffman Foundation
http://www.kauffman.org/   |   816.932.1000

The Kauffman Foundation provides Kansas City with entrepreneurship education and training efforts and also promotes entrepreneurship-friendly policies to better facilitate the commercialization of new technologies. With programs such as FastTrac and the Entrepreneur Fellows Program, The Kauffman Foundation uses practical hands-on lessons in business development to help entrepreneurs become a success.

2. bizperc
http://www.bizperc.com/   |   816.842.5244

bizperc is Kansas City’s newest entrepreneurial resource located in the thriving Crossroads District of downtown Kansas City. As a collaborative, rentable workspace, bizperc provides serious entrepreneurs with all of their startup needs; from a vast rolodex of networking resources to an inspirational and creative environment, from beneficial core services to entrepreneur education and events, bizperc has exactly what the modern, yet Midwestern, entrepreneur needs.

3. Missouri Enterprise
www.missourienterprise.org   |   800.956.2682

The Missouri Enterprise helps small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States with manufacturing productivity improvement, ISO/quality management systems, and growth and business strategies. The Missouri Enterprise offers a variety of seminars, events, and core services.

4. Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of KC
http://www.kchedc.org/   |   816.221.3442

The Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City helps aspiring and current entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their own businesses. This service comes complete with bilingual information, education, services, and assistance to develop business plans and feasibility plans to increase the probability for success and minimize the risk of failure in business.

5. Ozark Foothills Business Incubator
www.ofrpc.org   |   573.785.6402

The Ozark Foothills Business Incubator may be further away from Kansas City than most (located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri), but that doesn’t mean that it cannot provide entrepreneurs with an innovative facility to enhance business startup and expansion. With six industrial spaces, a wide variety of business services (such as seminars, tenant placement assistance, financial planning, and conference rooms), as well as discounts on many of its services, this business incubator has been professionally administered by the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.

6. FAMEE
http://www.famee.org/   |   785.554.3050

Located in Topeka, Kansas, the Foundation for the Advancement of Marketing Excellence in Entrepreneurs provides entrepreneurs with free resources, training programs, and guidance to help small businesses address key marketing and development challenges and to, of course, help grow their firms.

7. First Step Fund
www.firststepfund.org   |   816.235.6116

First Step Fund of Kansas City offers general business courses, childcare business courses, as well as on-going support after the entrepreneurial company has been launched. First Step Fund is a 36-hour program with a full feasibility plan for business or business concepts. It is taught by an experienced team of facilitators, coaches, and small business professionals.

8. Kansas and Missouri Universities and Colleges

Many entrepreneurial resources can be found in the universities and colleges of Kansas as Missouri. Check out the following schools to improve your entrepreneurial knowledge:

Kansas City Kansas Community College, Entrepreneurship Program
Johnson County Community College, Entrepreneurship Program
Missouri Western State College, Dept. of Business
Small Business Development Center at JCCC
Small Business Development Center at KU
Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State (Extension)
Small Business & Technology Development Center at UMKC
Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development

9. Women’s Business Center
http://www.kansaswbc.com/   |   913.492.5922

The Kansas City Women’s Business Center, located in Lenexa, Kansas, offers mentoring, resources, and counseling to women who wish to become an entrepreneur or who are currently operating their own business. The center provides business counseling, seminars, classes, workshops, networking, and peer mentoring.

10. Ennovation Center
www.ennovationcenter.com   |   816.463.3532

Located in Independence, Missouri, Ennovation Center focuses on three core areas for the development of new business: bio-tech, kitchen, and finally, business & technology. Ennovation Center provides professional facilities, administrative services, business & financing assistance, as well as a vast list of resources such as receptionist & message services, janitorial services, conferences & training rooms, and copy and fax machines.

More entrepreneurial resources can be found by browsing KCSourceLink. 
We would like to thank all of the above Kansas City resources for Thinking Big and providing help for all of our entrepreneurs.

How Silpada Designs Became a Sterling Company

Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh were your typical mothers of three children each living the suburban life in Overland Park, Kansas.  As immediate friends and room-mothers for the first grade, Bonnie and Teresa looked forward to years of scraped knees, homemade cupcakes, and report cards together. What the pair did not know was that their lives would dramatically change because of two very important things that they had in common: a passion for sterling silver jewelry and empowering women.   

The concept was simple: each woman took $25 from their grocery funds to pursue their passion for jewelry.  The ladies started designing their own jewelry creations and hosting fun parties in friends’ homes.  One party led to another, and it wasn’t long before the partygoers began to say, “You look like you are having so much fun. We wish we could have your jobs!” It wasn’t until 1997, however, when a “sterling” idea hit them: why not offer women their jobs by starting a direct-selling jewelry business?  

In 1997, Bonnie, Teresa and Jerry Kelly (Bonnie's husband), launched Silpada Designs from the Kelly’s basement. They created an exclusive line of sterling silver jewelry and their first Silpada Designs Catalog with more than 275 designs.  They invited friends and customers to become independent Silpada Designs Representatives.

Today, there are more than 32,000 independent Silpada representatives in the U.S., Canada and the UK, allowing Silpada to morph from a basement-born beacon to big-time business.

“Silpada has always been committed to being the best at what it does, it strives to produce the best products possible and provide the best opportunities for its representatives,” says Teresa. “This underlying philosophy has fueled the phenomenal growth and laid a solid foundation for Silpada’s bright future.”

Launching a new business did not necessarily come easy for Bonnie and Teresa.  In fact, the two women believe that the hardest part of their entrepreneurial venture was taking that initial leap. 

Bonnie, Teresa and Jerry pooled what minimal funds they had to start Silpada and continued to reinvest in the business over the years.  During the first nine years in business, Silpada simply grew organically by word-of-mouth. From day one the trio was focused on building a solid infrastructure, developing the highest quality jewelry and supporting their representatives and customers in the best way possible–and this continues to be their primary focus. This slow-motion start-up process may have been Silpada’s greatest advantage.  Any fear of failure that twitched in the brains of the two women was remarkably overpowered by their passion for the business—a component that Bonnie and Teresa believe is key for an entrepreneur. 

Bonnie and Teresa’s passion is fueled by the many women who sell Silpada Designs.  “Silpada has allowed us to change peoples’ lives,” the two women note, “Giving women opportunities for the first time in their lives created something beautiful and their enthusiasm keeps us going.  These women are the soul of Silpada.” 

Recently, Silpada Designs joined forces with Avon Products Inc., the world’s largest direct-seller of beauty products.  In July 2010, Avon bought Silpada Designs for $650 million—its biggest purchase since the 1990s.  Orchestrated by Andrea Jung, Avon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, this purchase has united one of the world’s most powerful direct-sellers with one that is on the verge of national recognition. 

Ginny Fiscella, one of Silpada Designs’ most recognized and successful sales representatives, has been with the company for twelve years and is a firm believer that the Avon and Silpada partnership will perpetuate her and her fellow representatives towards even greater success.  “In the time that I have worked with Silpada, the company has made great changes,” she says.  “I have always believed that change is for the better.  Silpada only changes things to improve and to help me and other sales representatives become more successful.”     

Silpada Designs’ mission is to empower women in their personal quest for success and in their desire to look and feel their very best.  Bonnie and Teresa have to Think Big each and every day in order to implement the importance of passion for a product, establishment of a market need, focus, drive, determination, and of course, partnership, in order to fuel their successful direct-selling business.  Bonnie and Teresa state, “When you Think Big, you imagine the big picture.  The big picture for us is empowering women.” Both Silpada and Avon plan on helping self-sufficient, independent and entrepreneurial women empower one another, and look good while doing it.

For more information about Silpada Designs visit Silpada.com or call 1-888-SILPADA (745-7232).