On the 8th Day of Coworking bizperc Gave To Me...

This holiday, bizperc is hosting the 12 Days of Coworking.  For the next 12 business days, bizperc will be giving away awesome prizes in order to encourage entrepreneurs to celebrate the holiday season.  Watch the video above to learn about the 8th day of coworking...and win an inspirational business book! 

"Like" bizperc on Facebook and share this video with your friends.  Eight lucky people will be randomly selected to each win a free business book.  We even have signed copies of Bill Rancic's book, You're Hired!  As the first winner of The Apprentice, Rancic has provided loads of great information about the world of entrepreneurship and working with Donald Trump in this best-selling book. 

Want to amp up your new business this year?  Enter into the bizperc Facebook contest and win a free business book from bizperc and Think Big Partners! 

Good luck and Think Big!

Follow bizperc! @bizperc

Top 10 Summer Books for Entrepreneurs

The days are long and hot.  It’s summertime.  So why not kick back and relax with a good book?  Check out this list of our Top 10 Summer Books for Entrepreneurs in 2011:

1.      How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

Did you love the Chicken Soup books?  Then you’ll love this book by the same author, Jack Canfield.  You’ll learn the 25 Principles of Success from different successful people. 

2.     The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

A must-read for anybody going into the startup world.  Gain important advice from Guy himself as he teaches you how to move from one startup phase to the other. 

3.      New Ideas from Dead CEOs by Todd G. Buchholz

Dive into the stories of some of America’s most successful entrepreneurs.

4.     The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris

Learn how to make enough money to live the rest of your life in happiness.  This book will help you to reevaluate your priorities—and summer is the perfect time to do this!

5.     Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell

Best-selling author Malcom Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success.

6.      Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic

Lemonade stands pop up throughout every neighborhood throughout the summer—so why not read Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic?  Learn how to succeed in business and in life by being smart, fair and helping those who need it.

7.      Blog Schmog: The Truth About What Blogs Can (and Can’t) Do For Your Business by Robert W. Bly

Blogging is all the craze this summer.  Why not learn about what it can (and can’t) do for your small business or startup?

8.     Crazy Bosses by Stanley Bing

Want a good laugh this summer?  Check out Crazy Bosses and learn about some of the worst bosses and the drama that they’ve caused.

9.     Your Management Sucks: Why You Have to Declare War on Yourself and Your Business by Mark Stevens

Learn about a different management approach and find out how to make your startup work by going against all of the rules.

10.  Rules for Renegades: How to Make More Money, Rock Your Career, and Revel in Your Individuality by Christine Comaford-Lynch

Want to hear some juicy stories about a romantic relationship with Bill Gates?  Want to see how being a monk relates to business?  Christine Comaford-Lynch puts it all out on the line in Rules for Renegades. 

What are you reading this summer? 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Top 10 Things I Learned at Think Big Kansas City

To say that Think Big Kansas City was a jam-packed day is a bit of an understatement.  Choosing only 10 things that I learned from the all-day conference is actually quite a challenge!  But here are some of the key take-aways that I gained from attending the 2nd annual Think Big Kansas City:

1.  When pitching to investors, pitch the company, not the idea.  - Rachael Qualls, Pitch Big VC Judge

2.  Always prepare yourself for the unexpected (like chocolate with Pop Rocks in it!) - Tamara Christensen, TBKC Speaker

3.  Not all companies follow through with their core values and we need to be aware of this.  -  Marty Stanely, TBKC Speaker

4.  Mobile apps are not going to go away...and neither are the complications of developing them for both iOS and Android.  -  Royce Haynes, TBKC Panelist

5.  "Technology companies are born global."  - Michael Gale, TBKC Panelist & Speaker

6.  That a successful business leader guides his employees to make decisions and supports them whether they're right or wrong.  "When decisions are not being made, that's when I'll fire you."   - Bill Rancic, Keynote Speaker referring to Donald Trump

7.  During a pitch, make sure to leave room to talk about your competitors and why you're better than them.  -  Chris Geisert, Pitch Big VC Judge

8.  If you don't make a mistake every once and awhile, then you're not pushing the limits.  - Herb Sih, TBKC Speaker & Founder

9.  Everybody can Think Big...but we all do it in different ways. 

10.  When you bring hundreds of entrepreneurs together under one roof, anything is possible, but especially Big Thinking! 

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Green Company Walks Away with $5,000 in Startup Prizes at Think Big Kansas City!

Congrats to the TBKC Pitch Big Winner PlanetReuse!

After numerous panel sessions, a fascinating keynote speech by Bill Rancic, and an informative talk from Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity, Think Big Kansas City seemed to be wrapping up.  But TBKC could not come to a close without the production of one of the most talked about activities of the day: Pitch Big.

In the competition, the three Pitch Big finalists were asked to present a 5-minute pitch to a VC panel of judges (Chris Geisert of Tradebot, Rachael Qualls of Angel Capital Group and Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity).  After their pitch, the judges would grill the contestant with a series of startup questions (and give great pitching advice!). 

Pitch Big started off with Kevin Curtin of Kinergi Systems.  During his pitch, Kevin touched on the importance of LED lighting in the commerical industry.  The judges (of course) drilled him with questions and then the audience voted and gave Kevin a number (1-10, 10 was the highest) for how he did during the pitch.

This process repeated for the other two candidates: Willow Lundgren and Nathan Benjamin of PlanetReuse and Scott Halvorson of SmartPharm. 

When the audience was asked to vote, things ended up getting a little heated.  People debated for their favorite contestant, fought for their favorite company, and took a stance as to what they thought was a fair ranking. 

In the end, Willow and Nathan of PlanetReuse walked away as the winners.  The business was awarded an "Entrepreneur in a Box" prize consisting of 6 months of free office space at bizperc, startup services and guidance, logo design, and much more (worth over $5,000!). 

A BIG congratulations to PlanetReuse for becoming the winner of Pitch Big 2011!  And a special thanks to all of the participants, the audience, and our fierce judges for taking part in the event.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Kansas City is TOMORROW!

Entrepreneurs, startups, business owners, CEOs, investors, big thinkers:  Tomorrow is the (Think) Big day!

The day we've been counting down to is finally here! We're excited to see you at Think Big Kansas City 2011. We're looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as meeting new leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the nation.

What should you do to prepare? Here's a checklist for everything you need to know about TBKC!

Bring...stuff to jot down notes, business cards, company information and your entrepreneurial spirit!

Park...in the Barney Allis Plaza Parking Garage (cash only) or utilize street parking. Enter the Kansas City Convention Center using the entrance on Central & Wyandotte (between 12th and 13th).

Dress...business casual. You want to impress Bill Rancic, don't you?

Look over...our conference agenda, speaker list, and Pitch Big finalists to know what you're getting yourself into!

Tweet...don't forget to Tweet using #TBKC and @ThinkBigKC!  Also, please use our intefy page to see what's going on with #TBKC on Twitter!  Access the page here. 

See you bright and early at 7:30AM tomorrow for the Networking Breakfast! Get ready to Think Big!

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Thinking Big is Easy—The Hard Part is Execution

Shane Jones’ positive outlook on entrepreneurship will give Think Big Kansas City a fresh and interesting twist at the end of the day. 

Shane Jones
Founder of Ace Personnel

Knowing that Think Big Kansas City was successful last year (with over 400 attendees), Shane Jones, founder of Ace Personnel, wanted to jump on the Think Big bandwagon.  This year, Shane will be presenting Instant Advisory Board Experience: Power Networking to Create Powerful Business Results directly after Bill Rancic’s keynote presentation at TBKC. 

During Shane’s breakout session, participants will learn what to expect in advisory meetings, how to build their own advisory boards, and what resources will connect them with accountability groups and peer advisors. 

“I want people to realize that if they ask for help, a majority of the time, people will say yes...and sometimes for free!” says Shane.  “This is an opportunity for hundreds of entrepreneurs to ensure best practices and benefit from one another’s experiences.”

Shane is a firm believer of Big Thinking.  When asked how he thinks big, he responded with an unexpected and thought-provoking answer: “Thinking Big is easy.  The hard part is execution.  This conference is a way to Think Big, strategize, prioritize, and prepare for successful years to come.”

Join Shane Jones among many other speakers and panelists at Think Big Kansas City 2011 on May 24, 2011 at the Kansas City Convention Center.  You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity! 

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Winner of Think Big LinkedIn Contest Announced!

A BIG congratulations to Christina Buffa of Keller Williams Northland Partners! 

Christina Buffa, buyer specialist and real estate consultant at Keller Northland Partners, answered "How Do You Think Big?" most creatively in our LinkedIn contest!  As the BIG winner, Christina will receive two free tickets to Think Big Kansas City from Think Big Partners and presenting sponsor Alterra Bank! 

Check out Christina's winning answer:

"There will always be plenty of people who tell you 'no, 'not possible', 'impossible', etc, but I truly believe that Thinking Big means following your passion and God-given talents. Having a bigger purpose other than financial gain (such as helping others achieve their goals) are what drives me to continue to try and not quit. Thinking Big means not turning back at the first obstacle and realizing that most successful people are just failures who never quit."

As part of the winning package, Christina not only has the chance to attend Think Big Kansas City for free with a friend, but her quote will also be displayed in our slideshow at Think Big Kansas City.  As a BIG added bonus, Christina also has the opportunity to meet Bill Rancic, original winner of The Apprentice! 

Congratulations, Christina!  Way to Think Big!  Can't wait to see you on May 24th!

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

PART 2: TBP's Q&A with Original Winner of The Apprentice, Bill Rancic

A few hours ago, we posted PART 1 of our Q&A session with the one and only Bill Rancic.  Feel like you couldn't get enough?  Here's more from Bill himself. 

TBP: What are the 3 biggest lessons that you learned from Donald Trump?

Bill: There’s so many!  And I don’t want to give away my whole speech...so I’ll leave you with one.  You can never quit.  Donald’s a guy who has had good times and bad times.  He’s never quit and he’s never made excuses.  A lot of people like to blame everyone else except themselves.  They’re never going to reach the level of success they could until they start pointing the finger at themselves.

TBP: What was the greatest experience that you had on The Apprentice?  What did you learn from this experience? 
Bill: I think the greatest experience I had was winning!  That’s why everyone was there.  I was able to win and do it the right way—I didn’t have to backstab, I didn’t have to talk bad about people or cut corners along the way.  I did it in a way where I was happy with the person I saw in the mirror.

Bill with wife and E! News host, Guiliana Rancic.



TBP: Tell us something that people don’t know about you as an entrepreneur. 

Bill: Entrepreneurship has been in my blood since birth.  A lot of people don’t know that when I was young I owned a boat wash and wax business.  It’s never too early or late to start.



TBP: What do you think of Think Big Partners and the Think Big Kansas City conference?  Are we on the right track?

Bill: You’re doing it!  [Think Big Kansas City] promotes the importance of small business ownership.  You’re planting the seed with people and hopefully people will realize that small business is the backbone of America.  It’s what gave our country the recognition that we have today—it’s made us the best country in the world.  A lot of people don’t realize that small business owners employ more people than any other sector in the United States.  At the end of the day, they’re responsible for this economy turning around.

Bill was featured on The Celebrity Apprentice finale with his mentor, Donald Trump.

TBP: What are you looking forward to at Think Big Kansas City?

Bill: This is what I love to do.  I love small business.  I love talking to entrepreneurs, hearing their ideas, seeing where they’re going with their businesses.  Hopefully I inspire them, but they certainly inspire me as well.

TBP: How do you Think Big?
Bill: I Think Big by dreaming Big.  Before you accomplish something, you have to plan it out in your mind.  You must set Big goals and create a mental roadmap before you go for something. 

Get MORE inspired by Bill Rancic.  Watch him speak live at Think Big Kansas City on May 24th at the Kansas City Convention Center.  Tickets on sale now. 

Interview conducted by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

PART 1: TBP's Q&A with Original Winner of The Apprentice, Bill Rancic

Because Bill Rancic is coming to Kansas City on May 24^th to speak at the Think Big Kansas City conference, we decided to sit down with The Apprentice winner himself to learn more about his views on entrepreneurship, the lessons that he learned from Donald Trump, and what he’s looking forward to most at Think Big Kansas City 2011.  Check out our one-on-one Q&A session with Bill Rancic below! 

TBP: What are the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face today?
Bill:  Lack of access to capital.  It’s hard to get money, it’s hard to get loans.  Obviously, when entrepreneurs are first starting out, they don’t have the track record.  That’s a big challenge.  And even before that, it’s [the entrepreneurs] themselves.  In many cases, entrepreneurs let themselves get in their own way and they let the fear stop them.  One of the things I’m going to talk about [at TBKC] is how most people are afraid to fail, they’re afraid they’re going to make a mistake, or they’re afraid of what they’re friends and family are going to say.  That’s something that holds a lot of people back.  A final challenge is lack of agility—being able to adapt and react to the changing times is critical.  A lot of people get in their comfort zone and they don’t like to leave.  I think that’s hard—it’s hard to embrace change, it’s hard to go into areas that you’re not familiar with.  But you have to do it if you want to stretch and grow.

TBP: Were these the same challenges that you faced as an entrepreneur?
Bill:  Money was a big problem.  I started out when I was 23 years old—so it was certainly very difficult because we didn’t have any money.  But the fear of failure didn’t stop me.  Growing up, my parents said it’s okay to make mistakes and have set backs, but it’s never okay to not try things.

TBP: What are the key ingredients of success for an entrepreneur?
Bill: Understanding the ability to execute.  I think entrepreneurs are doers, not the people who talk.  Most people in the world talk one hell of a game, but entrepreneurs are the ones who let their actions speak for them.  They have that never-quit attitude [and] they don’t make excuses.  And finally, [entrepreneurs] have to be able to make decisions in a timely manner.

Bill presenting "How to Succeed in Business and Life".

TBP: What do you think are the best opportunities for an entrepreneur today?
Bill:  I think the best opportunity for an entrepreneur is to do what they’re passionate about.  If it’s someone who hates alternative energy, they’re not going to want to wake up at 5 in the morning and work until 10 at night.  You have to find something you’re passionate about and then determine whether or not it’s going to be a viable opportunity for you.  I think the most important ingredient you can bring to the table is your passion and your energy—that’s what it’s about.  If you don’t have that, odds are, you’re going to fail.

TBP: What is one of the biggest mistakes that you see entrepreneurs make?
Bill: I read a statistic that last year there were 500,000 businesses started each month.  300,000 of those failed and it’s because people went into it for the wrong reasons.  They want to become a business owner and they think they’re going to have all of this free time and extra money.  Eventually, you will. But in the beginning, that’s not how it works.  A lot of people want to own a business because it sounds good and they want to call themselves a business owner.  There’s a lot of guys out there that like to “play business”.  They’re in it just for the status and to talk about it.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!  We have much more from Bill Rancic for you including the top three lessons he learned from Donald Trump, his views of Think Big Kansas City, and how he Thinks Big.  Look out for PART 2: TBP's Q&A with Original Winner of The Apprentice, Bill Rancic...coming in a few hours.


Interview conducted by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Last Day for a Cheap TBKC Ticket!

If you're planning to attend Think Big Kansas City, now is the time to buy your ticket.  Today is the last day that tickets will cost $229!  That's right: tomorrow morning tickets will be on sale for $249.  Buy your ticket now to get an additional $20 off the final price!

Think Big Kansas City is right around the corner and we are getting pumped up.  Our final plans are being put into place and we guarantee that the 2nd annual TBKC conference will be well worth the $229 ticket.  With keynote speaker Bill Rancic, over 30 guest speakers, and up to 500 entrepreneurs in attendance, how could you possibly go wrong?

Buy your ticket now!

Reminder!  Pitch Big applications are due in one week!

Remember to follow us @ThinkBigKC and Tweet using #TBKC!

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

TBP's Interview With the Original Apprentice: Bill Rancic Thinks Big!

We recently had the chance to talk on the phone with Bill Rancic, original winner of NBC's The Apprentice, about Think Big Kansas City and what he plans to talk about at the big event.

Just because Bill Rancic is the original winner of NBC’s The Apprentice with Donald Trump, the star of A&E’s new series We Mean Business, a best-selling book author, and an ultra-inspirational entrepreneur, does not necessarily mean that he spends all day walking the red carpet (although he does do this quite a bit with his wife and E! News host, Guiliana Rancic). 

Most of the time, Bill is doing quite the opposite.  Instead, he stays highly engaged in charitable activities and spends a large majority of his time doing what he does best—giving entrepreneurial and high-growth advice to startups and small businesses.

And one of Bill’s many stops on his inspirational speaking tour around the world is none other than the 2^nd annual Think Big Kansas City conference.

Last week, Think Big Partners (one of the driving forces behind Think Big Kansas City 2011) had the opportunity to talk with Bill Rancic one-on-one to learn about what he is planning to present at Think Big Kansas City and how he can bring new ideas, inspiration, and acceleration to the entrepreneurial community in KC. 

“The theme of my talk is going to center around the importance of being agile in business,” said Rancic.  “It’s all about stretching out of your comfort zone.  I am going to talk about how to recognize these opportunities and seize them.”

Among these themes, Bill Rancic is planning to discuss the traits of successful entrepreneurs such as Donald Trump, Mark Cuban and Ted Turner as well as the traits of unsuccessful entrepreneurs that he has worked with not only on his A&E reality show, but also in his everyday business life.

“I hope that people will leave my session asking questions about how to make their businesses better,” said Rancic. 

Think Big Kansas City is your chance to get up close and personal with one of America’s most successful reality TV stars, Bill Rancic.  Upon completion of his keynote speech, Rancic will open the floor with a question-and-answer session that any entrepreneur or small business owner could benefit from.  After the Q&A, Rancic is planning to stick around to autograph his books (including You're Hired: How to Succeed In Business And Life From The Winner of the Apprentice as well as Beyond the Lemonade Stand) and shake the hands of many Kansas City and Midwest entrepreneurs, investors, and small business owners.

Join Bill Rancic, Think Big Partners, and many others at Think Big Kansas City and learn how to accelerate your business.  Register today and see everything that the wide world of entrepreneurship has to offer.  And of course, get ready to Think Big!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Kansas City Tells Bill Rancic, "You're Hired!"

It only took two simple words to get Bill Rancic on the path toward stardom:  “You’re Hired.”

Fun Fact: Bill Rancic is married
to the E! News co-host,
Giuliana Rancic. 

These are the words that every contestant longs to hear on NBC's elimination-style reality TV show, The Apprentice.  The show depicts 16 contestants from around the country with various backgrounds competing to become an apprentice to American business magnate, Donald Trump.  Bill Rancic was the first person to ever win The Apprentice.

But even before he became the right-hand man to Trump on the ever-popular NBC show, Rancic was well on his way to entrepreneurial success.  Even before the age of 22, he moonlighted a boat detailing business while working as a security guard at FAO Schwarz.  Then, at the ripe age of 23, he founded the internet-based company, Cigars Around the World, in a 400 sq. ft. studio apartment.   And today, Bill Rancic continues his commitment to entrepreneurship throughout the country by building businesses, seizing opportunities, writing books, and sharing his views on how to succeed in business and in life.

But it’s not just Donald Trump who has hired Bill Rancic.  Believe it or not, Think Big Kansas City has said “You’re Hired” to Rancic as well. 

This year, Think Big Kansas City, the Premier Event for Entrepreneurs, Investors and Startups is bringing in Bill Rancic, Apprentice-turned-seasoned-entrepreneur, as its keynote speaker.  By listening to Rancic at the conference for entrepreneurs, ideas and opportunities, attendees can learn how to get inspired, motivate themselves, and, of course, Think Big.  Attendees can expect to learn:

• How to succeed in business and in life
• Innovation: how to think like an entrepreneur in corporate America
• Managing and leading teams in times of uncertainty: educate, motivate, activate
• Seizing opportunities: using challenging times to your advantage
• The importance of teaching business skills to the next generation

Think Big Kansas City, powered by Think Big Partners (a mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator) is coming to KC on May 24th, 2011.  Stay tuned for more information about the conference coming soon!  And mark your calendars, entrepreneurs: tickets for the Think Big Kansas City conference go on sale February 14th!  So don't wait--purchase your tickets this Valentine's Day for an incredible, motivational, and inspirational opportunity!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on eZine, Helium, BrooWaha and Newsvine.