"There ain't no mountain high enough..." - Marvin Gaye
Music has the power to uplift and motivate the human spirit to unknown heights and powers. Yet less than 4% of the world's population can play an instrument.
Yamaha, a leader in musical instruments, conducted a study in 2001 that found playing the drum had a positive effect on immune response. The idea that music can affect health and behavior is at least as old as the writings of Plato and Aristotle. In fact, the first music therapy program was founded in 1944 at Michigan State and is so well respected today that even the federal government identifies it as a Medicare reimbursable expense.
And while most people's music downloads are not covered by Medicare, almost everyone has a favorite song list that can get them fired up and ready to take on the world!
My Top 5 Favorite Songs That Get Me Fired Up are:
• Your Life Is Now - John Mellencamp
• If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickelback
• Lose Yourself - Eminem
• Beautiful Day - U2
• Zimbabwe - Toni Child
"Most of us go to our graves with our music still inside of us." -unknown
What are YOUR songs that make up the sound track of your life that get you fired up?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Can Obama Deliver On His Promise to Small Business?
President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address last night, and probably not to anyone's surprise made job growth the centerpiece of his speech.
"We should start where most new jobs do -- in small businesses, companies that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, or a worker decides its time she became her own boss." He also touched on the need and role of innovation in America.
Obama Promises Help for Small Businesses
As is customary following a State of the Union address, the (minority party) Republicans responded - and had the same focus but in different words. "We must enact policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation so America can better compete with the world. What government should not do is pile on more taxation, regulation, and litigation that kill jobs and hurt the middle class" said Virginia's newly-elected governor Bob McDonnell.
Clearly the state of today's U.S. economy needs more job, with both parties in agreement of this critical fact. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy job, and certainly not a "lottery ticket" with riches waiting in the wings. In fact, some of the best advice that can be given to some contemplating this path is don't start.
To be a successful entrepreneur, especially in today's economy, requires a disciplined focus, a practical approach to combining an opportunity into a viable (profitable) business model and the ability to work very hard to achieve a successful launch. In my experience, almost every successful business venture that I have ever been involved in takes twice as much time, or twice as much money - or both. If you are not prepared for this grim reality, you may not be ready. The myth of becoming your own boss and making lots of money working half days is not entirely false. The truth is that half days are what IS required to succeed today - just pick any 12 hour period daily and you might just get it done!
I have just one question for President Obama. Entrepreneurs are committed to growing their businesses, are you committed to following through and making good on your promises in last night's speech?
Good luck entrepreneurs! It looks like now EVERYONE agrees we need more jobs regardless of political party, now we need you to be successful to help create them!
"We should start where most new jobs do -- in small businesses, companies that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, or a worker decides its time she became her own boss." He also touched on the need and role of innovation in America.
Obama Promises Help for Small Businesses
As is customary following a State of the Union address, the (minority party) Republicans responded - and had the same focus but in different words. "We must enact policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation so America can better compete with the world. What government should not do is pile on more taxation, regulation, and litigation that kill jobs and hurt the middle class" said Virginia's newly-elected governor Bob McDonnell.
Clearly the state of today's U.S. economy needs more job, with both parties in agreement of this critical fact. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy job, and certainly not a "lottery ticket" with riches waiting in the wings. In fact, some of the best advice that can be given to some contemplating this path is don't start.
To be a successful entrepreneur, especially in today's economy, requires a disciplined focus, a practical approach to combining an opportunity into a viable (profitable) business model and the ability to work very hard to achieve a successful launch. In my experience, almost every successful business venture that I have ever been involved in takes twice as much time, or twice as much money - or both. If you are not prepared for this grim reality, you may not be ready. The myth of becoming your own boss and making lots of money working half days is not entirely false. The truth is that half days are what IS required to succeed today - just pick any 12 hour period daily and you might just get it done!
I have just one question for President Obama. Entrepreneurs are committed to growing their businesses, are you committed to following through and making good on your promises in last night's speech?
Good luck entrepreneurs! It looks like now EVERYONE agrees we need more jobs regardless of political party, now we need you to be successful to help create them!
Top 5 Things Your VC May Not Tell You.....
I recently had the privilege to be a VC panelist at the Executive MBA Program at a very fine, local university. Besides being quite impressed with the very high quality of the students (maybe the down economy has forced only the most serious and committed students to enroll), there were a few reminders to me of some of the "unwritten" rules of a venture capital pitch.
While I confess that my experience is primarily through the lens of an entrepreneur's eyes, given that I have some background (past and current) in the investment community, maybe I can talk "entrepreneur-speak" and bridge this knowledge gap! And while much of this is simple, common sense knowledge (and divulging these "secrets" won't get me blacklisted with the VC community and force me to go into hiding like Salman Rushdie), some of these are easily forgotten or not fully respected.
1. Prove Your Concept - You may think a technology or an idea will work, but until YOU have actually done it yourself, how do you really know if it will work? Did you do it for someone else inside of a bigger company on somebody else's nickel? Can you do it for yourself successfully AND profitably? Is it profitable enough (not just gross margin but the overall size of market and total $$$)?
2. Bootstrapping is OK - Can you make your plan work with less money? How about no outside investment? Many people have the notion that they should ask for more money than they need because they have heard VC's prefer to write larger checks as the due diligence is the same. While somewhat true, if you can do more with less, ultimately it may serve you better financially and demonstrates the talent and will to win that the right team can have in place. Know how much money you really need - and be prepared to explain it clearly!
3. The Devil Is In The Details - There are many different ways to evaluate the merits of an investment opportunity and the team, but if you are sloppy (appearance), late (unable to manage time), lax (not putting enough effort into a deal, term sheet or pitch book, etc) or other issues, what is it going to look like when you have your money from us? I have seen projections as part of an overall business plan in which it was very apparent that the author simply "drug" the numbers across all time periods....I would venture to guess that your cost of goods sold will not remain the exact same number over a five year period. Guess if you have to, but please do not take the lazy way out just to really give me a glimpse of what our relationship will look like after we invest!
4. ALL the Pitches Start to Blend Together Sometimes - Please remind us which company you are, what your company does and other relevant details when we talk. Until the VC and the entrepreneur seeking funding are on a first name basis for children or spouses, many investment opportunities start blending together. That also includes putting reminders on Power Point slides, business plans and materials. Help us remember you.
5. Can you clearly explain what your company does without the fluff? - If you could not explain what your company does to an 8 year old, then you may need to refine your focus. Mission statements that are heavy with jargon and buzz words become very vague sometimes the more words used. Clarity is king. Remember that while no one else may know more about your company than you, be sure to keep it clear and you do not have to share every detail. Just the facts please! No fluff needed!
While I confess that my experience is primarily through the lens of an entrepreneur's eyes, given that I have some background (past and current) in the investment community, maybe I can talk "entrepreneur-speak" and bridge this knowledge gap! And while much of this is simple, common sense knowledge (and divulging these "secrets" won't get me blacklisted with the VC community and force me to go into hiding like Salman Rushdie), some of these are easily forgotten or not fully respected.
1. Prove Your Concept - You may think a technology or an idea will work, but until YOU have actually done it yourself, how do you really know if it will work? Did you do it for someone else inside of a bigger company on somebody else's nickel? Can you do it for yourself successfully AND profitably? Is it profitable enough (not just gross margin but the overall size of market and total $$$)?
2. Bootstrapping is OK - Can you make your plan work with less money? How about no outside investment? Many people have the notion that they should ask for more money than they need because they have heard VC's prefer to write larger checks as the due diligence is the same. While somewhat true, if you can do more with less, ultimately it may serve you better financially and demonstrates the talent and will to win that the right team can have in place. Know how much money you really need - and be prepared to explain it clearly!
3. The Devil Is In The Details - There are many different ways to evaluate the merits of an investment opportunity and the team, but if you are sloppy (appearance), late (unable to manage time), lax (not putting enough effort into a deal, term sheet or pitch book, etc) or other issues, what is it going to look like when you have your money from us? I have seen projections as part of an overall business plan in which it was very apparent that the author simply "drug" the numbers across all time periods....I would venture to guess that your cost of goods sold will not remain the exact same number over a five year period. Guess if you have to, but please do not take the lazy way out just to really give me a glimpse of what our relationship will look like after we invest!
4. ALL the Pitches Start to Blend Together Sometimes - Please remind us which company you are, what your company does and other relevant details when we talk. Until the VC and the entrepreneur seeking funding are on a first name basis for children or spouses, many investment opportunities start blending together. That also includes putting reminders on Power Point slides, business plans and materials. Help us remember you.
5. Can you clearly explain what your company does without the fluff? - If you could not explain what your company does to an 8 year old, then you may need to refine your focus. Mission statements that are heavy with jargon and buzz words become very vague sometimes the more words used. Clarity is king. Remember that while no one else may know more about your company than you, be sure to keep it clear and you do not have to share every detail. Just the facts please! No fluff needed!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Looking For A Job vs Creating An Opportunity
"Luck is preparation meeting opportunity." - Oprah Winfrey
If you are like many people today, you may have recently lost your job, may be wondering how long you will keep your job in a company whose future is uncertain or may be trying to create your own dream job, tired of working in a passionless career for someone else.
Chris Gardner, Think Big Kansas City's 2010 keynote speaker, talks about the difference between looking for a job versus creating an opportunity. YOUR opportunity. An opportunity to take your passion and skills and create a new future based on doing what you love and what you are truly able to do. But you must be prepared to pay the price.
If you think that some people are luckier than others when it comes to jobs, careers and satisfaction (and life), then you may be right but for the wrong reasons. There is no substitute for hard work. But if you are well prepared to take advantage of opportunity when it comes along, then you too can seize your future. You can join the "lucky" people who are one their way to creating the life they dream of - and are willing to work hard to attain!
Are you well prepared?
If you are like many people today, you may have recently lost your job, may be wondering how long you will keep your job in a company whose future is uncertain or may be trying to create your own dream job, tired of working in a passionless career for someone else.
Chris Gardner, Think Big Kansas City's 2010 keynote speaker, talks about the difference between looking for a job versus creating an opportunity. YOUR opportunity. An opportunity to take your passion and skills and create a new future based on doing what you love and what you are truly able to do. But you must be prepared to pay the price.
If you think that some people are luckier than others when it comes to jobs, careers and satisfaction (and life), then you may be right but for the wrong reasons. There is no substitute for hard work. But if you are well prepared to take advantage of opportunity when it comes along, then you too can seize your future. You can join the "lucky" people who are one their way to creating the life they dream of - and are willing to work hard to attain!
Are you well prepared?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Million Reasons to Talk To Strangers
Don’t talk to strangers. Who hasn’t heard these words at least once while growing up?
But as a rebellious entrepreneur, what happens when you DO talk to strangers?
This is the story of BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos. For the uninitiated, this is name of the group that won Netflix’s innovation contest that challenged all comers to improve the recommendation technology used by the movie rental company by 10%. Comprised of a collection of computer scientists, electrical engineers, statisticians and more, this group worked to beat a rival group, Ensemble, by 24 minutes to produce the winning algorithm to help Netflix’s business dilemma.
You see, Netflix had a problem. Armed with its own team of smart engineers, they had been unable to find the right predictive algorithm to influence customer behavior. Unable to crack the code, they were faced with a decision to either hire more employees or continue down the same path that had failed to bear fruit. Wasn’t that Einstein’s definition of insanity?
So, like a slightly rebellious child that didn’t always listen to their parent’s advice, they decided to talk to strangers.
BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos achieved the Holy Grail when they were able to hit Netflix’s 10% mark that was given as the threshold for victory. The most amazing thing wasn’t just that Netflix didn’t have a business relationship with this group prior to the contest. It was that the prize winners – from all backgrounds and disciplines and parts of the world– didn’t all know each other either. In fact, the first time BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos had ever physically been in the same place at the same time was when they walked on stage to collect their Ed McMahon style oversized check for one million dollars.
To a large degree, they were even strangers amongst themselves.
The X-factor for both BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos and Ensemble was collaboration between diverse ideas. The top two teams beat the challenge by combining teams and their algorithms into more complex algorithms incorporating everybody’s work. The more people joined, the more the resulting team’s score would increase. In fact, teams that had it basically wrong — but for a few good ideas — made the difference when combined with teams which had it basically right, but couldn’t close the deal on their own. Ironically, the most outlying approaches — the ones farthest away from the mainstream way to solve the given problem — proved most helpful towards the end of the contest, as the teams neared the summit and final hours.
It’s all about the power of collaboration and its surprising ability to produce unexpected positive results.
As an entrepreneur, just imagine the ability to discover solutions to unsolvable problems. Being able to be a matchmaker of good ideas with the right people. Or the business opportunities that are invisible but waiting to be discovered.
If collaboration aka crowd sourcing among all entrepreneurs was nearly effortless, seamless and as remarkably focused as Netflix’s innovation contest, the possibilities are endless.
For Netflix, not only did they achieve their goal of improving their customer’s membership experience through better movie suggestions, but the company also uncovered new business ideas and unexpected ways to improve their overall business model. And they did it for less than the payroll they would have spent internally over the same period of time on the same engineers that had previously failed to produce the desired results. In fact, Netflix was so pleased with the outcome to this contest, that they have already launched another one.
So the next time someone says “don’t talk to strangers” - tell them you can think of a million reasons to ignore them!
Reed Hastings, Founder & CEO of Netflix from Arik Hesseldahl on Vimeo.
But as a rebellious entrepreneur, what happens when you DO talk to strangers?
This is the story of BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos. For the uninitiated, this is name of the group that won Netflix’s innovation contest that challenged all comers to improve the recommendation technology used by the movie rental company by 10%. Comprised of a collection of computer scientists, electrical engineers, statisticians and more, this group worked to beat a rival group, Ensemble, by 24 minutes to produce the winning algorithm to help Netflix’s business dilemma.
You see, Netflix had a problem. Armed with its own team of smart engineers, they had been unable to find the right predictive algorithm to influence customer behavior. Unable to crack the code, they were faced with a decision to either hire more employees or continue down the same path that had failed to bear fruit. Wasn’t that Einstein’s definition of insanity?
So, like a slightly rebellious child that didn’t always listen to their parent’s advice, they decided to talk to strangers.
BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos achieved the Holy Grail when they were able to hit Netflix’s 10% mark that was given as the threshold for victory. The most amazing thing wasn’t just that Netflix didn’t have a business relationship with this group prior to the contest. It was that the prize winners – from all backgrounds and disciplines and parts of the world– didn’t all know each other either. In fact, the first time BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos had ever physically been in the same place at the same time was when they walked on stage to collect their Ed McMahon style oversized check for one million dollars.
To a large degree, they were even strangers amongst themselves.
The X-factor for both BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos and Ensemble was collaboration between diverse ideas. The top two teams beat the challenge by combining teams and their algorithms into more complex algorithms incorporating everybody’s work. The more people joined, the more the resulting team’s score would increase. In fact, teams that had it basically wrong — but for a few good ideas — made the difference when combined with teams which had it basically right, but couldn’t close the deal on their own. Ironically, the most outlying approaches — the ones farthest away from the mainstream way to solve the given problem — proved most helpful towards the end of the contest, as the teams neared the summit and final hours.
It’s all about the power of collaboration and its surprising ability to produce unexpected positive results.
As an entrepreneur, just imagine the ability to discover solutions to unsolvable problems. Being able to be a matchmaker of good ideas with the right people. Or the business opportunities that are invisible but waiting to be discovered.
If collaboration aka crowd sourcing among all entrepreneurs was nearly effortless, seamless and as remarkably focused as Netflix’s innovation contest, the possibilities are endless.
For Netflix, not only did they achieve their goal of improving their customer’s membership experience through better movie suggestions, but the company also uncovered new business ideas and unexpected ways to improve their overall business model. And they did it for less than the payroll they would have spent internally over the same period of time on the same engineers that had previously failed to produce the desired results. In fact, Netflix was so pleased with the outcome to this contest, that they have already launched another one.
So the next time someone says “don’t talk to strangers” - tell them you can think of a million reasons to ignore them!
Reed Hastings, Founder & CEO of Netflix from Arik Hesseldahl on Vimeo.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Change Your Mind Change Your Life
If half of life is just showing up, what is the other half?
I think part of the other half must be attitude. Attitude determines so much in life...the ability to overcome obstacles, bounce back from adversity and be resilient enough to grow from these experiences.
Attitude can determine what doors get silently opened on a daily basis by others, for reasons seemingly unknown. Attitude has the power to transform a person who may simply be "ordinary", and empower them to become extraordinary. They choose many of their outcomes in life because of their attitude.
Your attiitude chooses your altitude, so make sure your attitude and your mind is in the right place if you want to reach high. And be prepared for doors to start opening!
I think part of the other half must be attitude. Attitude determines so much in life...the ability to overcome obstacles, bounce back from adversity and be resilient enough to grow from these experiences.
Attitude can determine what doors get silently opened on a daily basis by others, for reasons seemingly unknown. Attitude has the power to transform a person who may simply be "ordinary", and empower them to become extraordinary. They choose many of their outcomes in life because of their attitude.
Your attiitude chooses your altitude, so make sure your attitude and your mind is in the right place if you want to reach high. And be prepared for doors to start opening!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Fortune Small Business and the 3 "R"'s of Entrepreneurship
Recurring Redundant Revenue.
These are the words from a notable entrepreneur / VC in what they look for in a business plan or opportunity.
Many people "play" business but forget what the real game is all about. While there are many reasons people go into business, the only way to stay in business is to follow the true north heading in the pursuit of profitable revenue. Make it recurring and redundant, and you have a winner on your hands.
Check out a great reminder from Fortune Small Business and simple words from successful entrepreneurs.
These are the words from a notable entrepreneur / VC in what they look for in a business plan or opportunity.
Many people "play" business but forget what the real game is all about. While there are many reasons people go into business, the only way to stay in business is to follow the true north heading in the pursuit of profitable revenue. Make it recurring and redundant, and you have a winner on your hands.
Check out a great reminder from Fortune Small Business and simple words from successful entrepreneurs.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What do Microsoft, General Electric, Hewlett Packard and Hyatt all have in common?
Answer - All of these companies were launched in a recession or a bear market. In fact, according to a recent CFO magazine study , more than half of the 2009 Fortune 500 companies exist because an entrepreneur launched them out of seeing an opportunity or out of economic necessity - all during hard times like today. Further, almost half of the 2008 Inc 500 companies had similar recession or bear market origins.
Why is this so? A few reasons are:
So don't let 2010 and a shaky economy hold you down. Register now for Think Big Kansas City, coming up March 3rd, 2010!
Why is this so? A few reasons are:
- During times of economic uncertainty, many larger companies deal with layoffs and a worried workforce. This can take the focus away from what should be done the most during times like this, which is focusing on customer service and keeping clientele.
- Recessions force lower costs across almost all industries and can make it easier for a smaller, startup company to compete for market share that larger companies can not or choose not to embrace.
- High quality talent becomes more plentiful and often at a lower cost, making it easier to hire key team members.
- Bigger companies can not react as quickly to opportunity, providing smaller, more nimble companies a competitive edge.
So don't let 2010 and a shaky economy hold you down. Register now for Think Big Kansas City, coming up March 3rd, 2010!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Startup Triplets
What meaningful advice can be given to entrepreneurs and startups in just 3 words?
Then check out out Linked In's OnStartup's Group's advice and posts next.
Really some great and thought provoking insight, all in just 3 words.
What advice do YOU have in just 3 words?
- Watch your cash.
- Sales fixes everything.
- Always under promise.
Then check out out Linked In's OnStartup's Group's advice and posts next.
Really some great and thought provoking insight, all in just 3 words.
What advice do YOU have in just 3 words?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Are you in a RUT? Take charge of your future - THINK BIG!
What is a rut? According to Joe Calhoon, Stephen Covey's most requested and highest rated keynote speaker, it is a grave with both ends open.
Get out of your rut! Take charge of 2010 and make it the year you take BIG action on your entrepreneurial dreams!
Come see Joe speak at http://www.thinkbigkansascity.com/ on March 3rd, 2010.
Get out of your rut! Take charge of 2010 and make it the year you take BIG action on your entrepreneurial dreams!
Come see Joe speak at http://www.thinkbigkansascity.com/ on March 3rd, 2010.
The Power of BIG Questions - Chris Gardner
Tough times call for even tougher minded actions. And unless your were asleep or living in a cave, the past 2 years certainly would qualify as tough in most any entrepreneurs’ book.
Chris Gardner dared to dream BIG, and followed it up by doing BIG. And he made it BIG by Thinking BIG. Check out the inspiration for Chris' newest book, "Start Where You Are" and then come listen to him speak in person on March 3rd, 2010 at Think Big Kansas City http://www.thinkbigkansascity.com/
Chris Gardner dared to dream BIG, and followed it up by doing BIG. And he made it BIG by Thinking BIG. Check out the inspiration for Chris' newest book, "Start Where You Are" and then come listen to him speak in person on March 3rd, 2010 at Think Big Kansas City http://www.thinkbigkansascity.com/
Friday, January 1, 2010
A Classic, Timeless Message and Reminder for All Entrepreneurs
Today -January 1st, 2010 - the first day of a brand new decade full of promise and hope. But as an entrepreneur, we have a very dangerous and stark reality to face. This reality is that entrepreneurs are being challenged more than ever to weigh the decreasing benefits of starting a new business versus the always present and growing risks of starting one, which has been the very source of economic lifeblood in this country since meaningful trade statistics were kept.
The facts are very clear. In the past 15 years, 64 percent of all net new jobs in the United States were created by small business. Many of these businesses were formed during times of bear markets and recessions. Small business employs over half of all US workers, and make up 99.7 percent of all employer firms. If you look at the vital role that entrepreneurs play in starting, building and growing new ventures into sustainable, economically viable entities, we need to make sure these essential individuals are not only encouraged but supported.
However, this is 2010, the era of “no child left behind” - but now on steroids. It just isn’t enough to provide equal opportunity to those who have been legitimately disadvantaged or oppressed, but also for those who complain that they want equal opportunity too, but do not take a bite of this apple when presented the opportunity, no matter how far we lower the bar. In fact many times, these same people don’t even show up. They simply voice their dissatisfaction to encourage the government to further lower the bar until it becomes imperceptible to even the least productive society members, perhaps until all individually driven, economic initiative has been erased. Soon we will all be sitting at home in our government subsidized housing, waiting on our personal bailout packages in the form of monthly checks and complaining about who has the biggest block of government provided cheese.
Entrepreneurs must have more courage than ever to begin their ventures. Not just for personal economic gain (which history also shows us is not a bad thing whatsoever – seeNobel Prize Winning Economist Milton Friedman’s classic dialogue on this very concept, and a MUST SEE if you have not watched this clip in the past year… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A ), but also to help this country restore its clear path back to sustained, economic prosperity.
If you are an entrepreneur, you need to be more than vigilant than ever to seek business relationships and economic partnerships with the right people and organizations. More than ever, there is little time to be wasted in disingenuous partnerships, false friends and those relationships who think government intervention programs is the means to economic end.
Good luck to all entrepreneurs in 2010. Dreamers (who are unwilling to be doers) need not apply!
The facts are very clear. In the past 15 years, 64 percent of all net new jobs in the United States were created by small business. Many of these businesses were formed during times of bear markets and recessions. Small business employs over half of all US workers, and make up 99.7 percent of all employer firms. If you look at the vital role that entrepreneurs play in starting, building and growing new ventures into sustainable, economically viable entities, we need to make sure these essential individuals are not only encouraged but supported.
However, this is 2010, the era of “no child left behind” - but now on steroids. It just isn’t enough to provide equal opportunity to those who have been legitimately disadvantaged or oppressed, but also for those who complain that they want equal opportunity too, but do not take a bite of this apple when presented the opportunity, no matter how far we lower the bar. In fact many times, these same people don’t even show up. They simply voice their dissatisfaction to encourage the government to further lower the bar until it becomes imperceptible to even the least productive society members, perhaps until all individually driven, economic initiative has been erased. Soon we will all be sitting at home in our government subsidized housing, waiting on our personal bailout packages in the form of monthly checks and complaining about who has the biggest block of government provided cheese.
Entrepreneurs must have more courage than ever to begin their ventures. Not just for personal economic gain (which history also shows us is not a bad thing whatsoever – seeNobel Prize Winning Economist Milton Friedman’s classic dialogue on this very concept, and a MUST SEE if you have not watched this clip in the past year… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A ), but also to help this country restore its clear path back to sustained, economic prosperity.
If you are an entrepreneur, you need to be more than vigilant than ever to seek business relationships and economic partnerships with the right people and organizations. More than ever, there is little time to be wasted in disingenuous partnerships, false friends and those relationships who think government intervention programs is the means to economic end.
Good luck to all entrepreneurs in 2010. Dreamers (who are unwilling to be doers) need not apply!
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