Startup Grind Features Think Big Partners’ Herb Sih Feb. 21

**Update: Startup Grind has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at 6:00pm. 

Are you craving knowledge of the entrepreneurial variety? Do you enjoy fireside chats? Is networking one of your many interests? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, Startup Grind is the event for you!   

Startup Grind is a 30-city event series spanning over 13 countries. The events seek to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Born in the tech startup mecca of Silicon Valley, Startup Grind puts the best and brightest founders and investors up on stage to tell their stories to the rest of the global entrepreneurial community.

On Thursday, February 21, Think Big Partners’ own Herb Sih will be taking the stage at Cremalab, the site of Kansas City’s Startup Grind event. The event begins at 6:00pm with an hour-long networking event. Herb will take the stage at 7:00pm for a fireside chat followed by a question and answer session. For just $10.00, you can be there live to hear Herb share his philosophy on business and entrepreneurship. He’ll also be giving an overview of all the many projects he is currently involved in.

Surely a can’t-miss event, Startup Grind will continue to deliver on its stellar reputation. As always, Startup Grind promises to be filled with insightful information from successful, innovative entrepreneurs, and the Kansas City leg is no different. So don’t wait till the last second! Get your tickets to Startup Grind right now so you do not miss out on wisdom from one of Kansas City’s greatest entrepreneurial minds. 

Build Better Apps with Kauffman App Training Lab

Do you have an idea for a killer app? If the only thing that stands in your way is not knowing how to build a mobile app, get ready to break that wall down. The Kauffman Foundation is hosting an App Training Lab that will give you all the tools you need to be an app building rockstar! 

This six week event will start on Thursday, October 4^th at 5:30pm. It is open to anyone who wants to learn how to build an app. If you’re not a programmer, don’t worry! All you need to bring to the class is and iOS device and a laptop.

If you have some knowledge about programming and can’t commit to a six week course, there will also be a four week course for the more advanced students. Since each week will build off of the previous week, Kauffman asks that you are able to commit to each class. Agenda info is available here.

The best part about this whole educational series? It’s free! All you have to do is register. So don’t wait any longer.  Sign up today and learn how to build apps!  

Simplification and Perceptivity of Forensic and Juridical Affairs for Neoteric Vocations and Coteries

AKA Understanding Legal Startup Issues So You Know What the Hell You’re Doing and Saying

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Warren Buffet may have said it best: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

Unfortunately, many times entrepreneurs do not know what they’re doing.  They’re constantly reevaluating their business plans, holding meetings blindly and talking with other seasoned entrepreneurs who may just confuse them.  The worst part of entrepreneurship is that you don’t know what you don’t know...especially when it comes to legal issues.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners have been turning to lawyers and legal consultants since startups began popping up all over the globe.  And startup legal issues couldn’t help but come running after them. Yet entrepreneurs still cannot seem to wrap their heads around the most important legal issues facing their businesses.  But could it be because legal explanations are just too complicated to understand?

Legal jargon certainly doesn’t help.  Limited liability.  Sole proprietorship.  Zoning.  Promissory notes.  Intellectual property.  Sure, these words sound pretty, but a lot of entrepreneurs may not know what they mean.  When lawyers or legal consultants do not fully explain the legal jargon that is used in small business legal matters, things can get a bit messy.  Luckily, we have books like How to Start a Business and Not Get Sued that give step-by-step guidelines to entrepreneurs starting a new business.

How to Start a Business and Not Get Sued was recently published in order to help startups understand what’s important when it comes to legal matters and entrepreneurship.  The book is written by Tom C. Brown of Brown Law Firm, a Kansas City-based business attorney who has been practicing for nearly four decades.  During this time, Tom has counseled hundreds of entrepreneurs to organized and grow their businesses.  But there’s more to Tom than meets the eye—he is an entrepreneur himself, starting up various restaurants, entertainment businesses and promotional products.  So what are his best pieces of advice?  First and foremost, Tom recommends knowing was legal matters you’re getting into.   

Don’t let legal jargon get in the way of protecting your company or moving forward.  One company that started out with a $1,000 investment let legal jargon get in their way of growth and development.  And when the company finally had the legal concept fully explained to them, the company boomed into a $500,000,000 Fortune 500 company.

Tom writes:

Two ladies approached me wanting to set up a hobby business so they could travel abroad and write off their business expenses as they shopped for jewelry to sell upon their return. 

When I asked what form of business organization would be best for them, I suggested an S corporate entity.  “What does that do?” they asked.  To answer their question, I formed a big circle on my conference room table with drink coasters.  Pointing to the center of the circle I said, “This is your company.  Everything inside is your company’s assets.  Everything outside represents your personal ones.  If the company is sued, which assets are at risk – those inside or those outside of the coasters?”  Pointing to the inside of the coasters, they both laughed and said “Now we get it.  We always thought it was the other way around!”

Sometimes, an entrepreneur just needs legal matters to be simplified.  Once their legal issues are explained properly, they can continue building a business without the fear of being sued.  So, entrepreneurs, I’m encouraging you to do this: ask the “dumb” questions.  You may be grateful that you did! 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Bill Rasmussen of ESPN Inspires Kansas City's Young Entrepreneurs

Ask any high school student what they want to be when they are older and they will proudly boast about their goals of being an NBA superstar, a chef, a broadcaster, or a famous photographer.  High school students have no problem telling you exactly what they want to do when they graduate from college.  But how many of them want to be entrepreneurs?  Quite a few.  

Which is why Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas has been created.  Youth Entrepreneurs is a nonprofit organization that teaches business and entrepreneurial skills in high school classrooms and offers hands-on experiences to help students succeed as business owners or employees.  

Place an entrepreneurial-minded high school student in Youth Entrepreneurs and he is sure to succeed.  But put an entrepreneurial-minded high school student in front of the founder of ESPN and he is sure to succeed, listen and be inspired even further. 

Youth Entrepreneurs is doing just that.  On November 18, Youth Entrepreneurs is hosting its inaugural Business for Breakfast benefit in Kansas City with life-long entrepreneur and founder of ESPN, Bill Rasmussen.

Attendees of the benefit, moderated by Bruce Haertl, Eyewitness Sports, will gain business insights from Rasmussen as he shares his entrepreneurial success story.  Rasmussen undoubtedly changed the face of sports and television by brainstorming a network that has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN.   

The Business for Breakfast will be presented by Lockton and will be held at the College Basketball Experience at the Sprint Center from 7:30-9:00am on November 18th.  The cost is $75 per person and all proceeds will benefit Youth Entrepreneurs.

Reserve your ticket today: http://www.yeks.org.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

"I Hate Slogans. I Love Positioning Lines."

Kurt Bartolich of GUTS Branding brings more quotable gems like the one above to Entrepreneur Bootcamp on October 25th at bizperc.

It's not every day that you hear a branding expert vocalize how much they hate slogans.  But Kurt Bartolich of GUTS Branding was more than happy to broadcast this phrase.  "I hate slogans," he said.  "But I love positioning lines."

According to Bartolich, there is a difference between the two.  This may be something that many entrepreneurs may have not heard of.  What's the difference between a slogan and a positioning line anyway? 

That's exactly what Bartolich aims to teach at his upcoming Entrepreneur Bootcamp session on October 25th.  This session (#3 of the 6-part series) is to take place from 3:30 until 6:00 at the bizperc coworking space, powered by Think Big Partners.  This is a critical topic for entrepreneurs to learn about.  After all, a brand defines a business.  Think; Southwest.  Victoria's Secret.  Nike.  Their brands stick out...and yours can, too.

"Business owners are recognizing how critical branding is," says Bartolich.  "If you don't get off on the right foot with a brand, you will spend money down the road trying to fix it."

The session is called Brand Foundation for Your Startup That Uniquely Drives Your Business Strategy.  During the session, participants will learn:

1. The difference between "brand" and "branding"
2. How to find your business's brand and what it's really about
3. What to do once you have your brand specified
4. The ins-and-outs of brand naming

Need a little work on your business's brand?  Join Kurt Bartolich, the Think Big team and Kansas City entrepreneurs for this energetic session all about branding for entrepreneurs.  Lace up for the bootcamp at 3:30 and cool down with cocktails and networking from 5:00-6:00. 

Register today!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Freelancers University Launches Tonight at bizperc

Ever wonder what it would be like to create your own job?  Be your boss?  We may have your answer.  There is a new university coming to town to help lead freelancers down a successful career path.


This fall, Freelance University will open its doors to educate self-employed creative professionals on the ins and outs of starting, running and succeeding in business.  Freelance University will cover all of the freelance basics through a series of live and online classes.  Featured speakers will include professionals ranging from attorneys to accountants to health insurance advisors and beyond.  Whether you are a designer, photographer, developer or writer, Freelance University will prepare you for entrepreneurial success.


Come celebrate the launch of Kansas City’s newest university tonight at bizperc (1800 Baltimore) from 5:00-8:00pm.  Enjoy some munchies and adult beverages.  But most importantly, come see what all the buzz is about. 


See you there!


Laura Goede
@LauraThinkBIG

Top 5 Reasons to Take an Entrepreneur Bootcamp

Drop and give me 20!  That may be the last thing anybody wants to hear when they're pushing through a tough workout.  But those extra 20 pushups can distinguish a strong-willed athlete from a lazy couch potato.  And we like to think of entrepreneurship the same way.

Sometimes, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a little nudge.  We're not asking you to drop and give us 20, but we are asking for you to put your heart and soul into your business idea.  One of the best ways to get people to push themselves beyond what they believed they could do through a bootcamp experience.  And we're not talking about the 3-week bootcamp at your local gym.  We're talking about an intensive entrepreneur bootcamp--the perfect tool to whip your butt into startup shape!

Why take an entrepreneur bootcamp?

1.  Entrepreneur bootcamps are motivating.  Signing up for an entrepreneur bootcamp is a lot like signing up for a gym membership; if you don't sign up, pay and speak with a trainer, you have a lesser chance of working out at all.  Entrepreneur bootcamps are created so that entrepreneurs are motivated to make the time to improve a business. 

2. You'll meet others who are looking to accomplish similar goals.  Working out (or working on your business) with others is inspirational and allows for the sharing of ideas, goals and advice.  Attend an entrepreneur bootcamp and you will have access to some of the best and brightest presenters as well as entrepreneurs and startups who may be in the same position that you are. 

3. Entrepreneur bootcamps are energizing.  Exercise is an extremely energizing activity.  In fact, people who exercise exude more energy than those who opt out of daily or weekly workouts.  Energize your brain at an entrepreneur bootcamp and you will see amazing results...for your business!  Energize your body and your brain at an entrepreneur bootcamp and see what it does for your personal life as well!

4.  Entrepreneur bootcamps leave you with awesome tools.  Although you may not be able to take the gym's yoga mat, dumb bells and treadmills with you, entrepreneur bootcamps allow you to take items that will help you enhance your business.  Leave an entrepreneur bootcamp with flyers, pamphlets, packets and sometimes even goodies to get your idea kick-started.

5.  Bang for your buck!  One-time classes, as we all know, are more expensive at a gym.  Purchasing an entire bootcamp package gives you more bang for your buck.  Entrepreneur bootcamps do the same thing.  When most one-time sessions cost a flat rate, entrepreneur bootcamps usually run at a discounted price for an entire package.

Stay tuned this week for even more information about entrepreneur bootcamps in Kansas City!  In fact, we will be rolling out a special announcement this week that you won't want to miss out on.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

TEDxKC Blasts Off Tonight!

The buzz is in the air: tonight the TEDxKC conference will be in full swing at 6:00pm on the dot.  During the event, attendees are invited to examine how radical collaboration, transparency and an open-source mind-set are shaping the world today.  Tickets are (of course) sold out.  But for those lucky ticket-holders, the TEDxKC conference will take place from 6-8:15pm at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

To learn more about TEDxKC, check out the blog we wrote about it a few weeks ago:

TEDxKC on Think Big Kansas City blog

Have fun and Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Headed Back to School? The Top 10 Universities for Entrepreneurship

Due to the surge in startup companies, many universities have developed the entrepreneurship degree.  Is this degree the right one for you?  And if so, where should you go to get it?

1.  University of Houston: The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship has been a leading program in the U.S. for the past several years. Over 1,800 students are engrossed in the entrepreneurship major or minor at this Texas school every semester. Continuous outside classroom experiences and opportunities are presented to the University of Houston entrepreneurship students, expanding their networks and connections. An average of 65% of students enrolled in this program have started a business in college or shortly after graduation.

2.  Baylor University: With a goal to assist local entrepreneurial efforts as well as national ventures, the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship has been thriving for decades. Baylor University was one of the first universities to implement an entrepreneurship program and it has proven to be a leader for the rest of the country. Extensive entrepreneurship programs are offered such as International Entrepreneurship Study Abroad, The Innovation Evaluation Program and Institute for Family Business.

3.  Brigham Young University: Ranking first in the country for the number of startups, licenses and patent application per research dollar spent, Brigham Young is a surprising powerhouse in the entrepreneurial field. This small Mormon school produces promising entrepreneurs while retaining a low tuition cost and several mentoring opportunities for the students.

4.  Babson College: Having the mindset and commitment to encourage innovation, this small east coast school has exceedingly done so, time and time again. Babson has been ranked as a top college, business school and a first class entrepreneurship program numerous times. The study of entrepreneurship is “a way of life” at Babson College.

5.  University of Southern California: A valuable asset to the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is the diverse and well-seasoned professors that encourage students to go above and beyond. With the ability to give students respectable exposure and resources, the entrepreneurship students are in good hands at USC.

6.  University of Missouri-Kansas City: UMKC's Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Bloch School of Management has not only won dozens of awards, but has produced many successful entrepreneurs and startup companies in the Midwest.  With various student ventures, mentor programs, seed funds, creative challenges, workshops, clubs, and entrepreneurial meet-ups, UMKC is a great resource for innovation and future success.  Not to mention, UMKC has the Kauffman Foundation located in its reach, allowing for even more dynamite resources. 

7.  Syracuse University: Syracuse University offers a diverse, yet critical set of entrepreneurial classes to students in addition to community business exposure. Those majoring in entrepreneurship learn every step of starting a business from creating a business plan to marketing invention designs to participating in pitch competitions.  Be sure to check out Syracuse's Student Start-Up Accelerator with various classes, seed capital, and vast incubator capabilities. 

8.  University of Notre Dame: Established a little over a decade ago, the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies has become a leader in developing young entrepreneurs. The goal of this school is to develop individuals aspiring to create for-profit ventures as well as help rebuild struggling businesses. The faculty is extremely credible, 90% being entrepreneurs themselves.

9.  Washington University in St. Louis: Trying to ignite a spark between the St. Louis entrepreneurial community and the students of this accredited school, Washington University’s main focus is on collaboration. The Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurship offers several free programs throughout the year to promote networking for both the community and the students. Washington University of St. Louis also offers many clubs for students to get involved in for all sorts of entrepreneurial pursuits.

10.  DePaul University: The entrepreneurship program at DePaul University attempts to give students real world experience so they can be “proficient in self-employment skills” and “live the dream.” The Coleman Entrepreneurship Program gives a competitive advantage to students by keeping close connections with alumni and the faculty with an entrepreneurial spirit. Centered in Chicago, undergrads majoring in entrepreneurship have eminent resources near them at all times.

These schools are the cream of the crop when it comes to entrepreneurship. With this being said, a successful entrepreneur does not necessarily have to attend one off this list, but the extra networking, knowledge and exposure can’t hurt!

Written by Genevieve Alander and Allison Way

@GennaThinkBig   @AllisonThinkBig

Is Your City Ready to Think Big?

If you’re anything like us, you may have noticed a lack of entrepreneurial spirit in your city.  But with the declining economy and severe unemployment rates, now is the best time to build up the startup communities throughout the nation.

And that’s what we’re doing.  We’re bringing entrepreneurs together.  We are uniting investors.  We are educating students.  We are Thinking Big.

We have developed the Think Big Conference with every city in mind.  The Think Big Conference is a jam-packed day-long event in which aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs can come together under one roof to celebrate entrepreneurship, build a startup scene and find motivation and inspiration to turn ideas into something big.  And now is your chance to get the conference in your city.

What started as a local event in Kansas City is now branching out across the nation.  This year, the Think Big Conference was successful for the second year in a row in Kansas City and was unleashed in Baltimore in mid-July.  Both conferences brought in hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, startups, panelists and inspirational keynote speakers to help ignite the entrepreneurial flame in their communities.  The results, both financially and socially, were phenomenal. 

The truth of the matter is, entrepreneurship exists in more places than Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin.  It’s our responsibility to bring it out of the dark.  Bring the Think Big Conference to your city this year and build your community, strengthen your startup scene, and improve the economy in just one day.

To bring the conference to your city, contact us!  Call 816.842.5244 or check out www.thinkbigkansascity.com and email us. 

We cannot wait to Think Big with you.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

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

Q&A with Tamara Christensen, Think Big Kansas City Speaker

Last week, I talked to Tamara Christensen, director of research at R&D Leverage and Think Big Kansas City speaker, about what she is looking forward to most at TBKC this year.  Below you will find my Q&A session with Tamara.  Don't forget to register for Think Big Kansas City, May 24, 2011 at the Kansas City Convention Center!



TBP: What made you interested in presenting at Think Big Kansas City?

Tamara: It has such a strong presence in the Kansas City entrepreneurship and business community and it’s a very well organized event.  When you put those two things together it makes for a great conference.  I think that it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and become part of the growing tribe of people in the Kansas City area that are committed to entrepreneurial excellence.

TBP: What are you looking forward to most at Think Big Kansas City 2011?

Tamara: Meeting new people and learning and teaching.  I am excited about the potential of knowledge exchange and skill-building.  I think the idea of catalyzing growth for myself and for other people in attendance.  And to be honest, also introducing my own new business. I’m starting a creative consultancy so this is the first time that I’ll be going public with that.  I am hoping that this conference will bring a lot of value to the Kansas City business and entrepreneurship community.  It’s a fun even to be in the teacher role but also in the student role.

TBP: What are you planning to present at Think Big Kansas City 2011? 

Tamara: It’s experiential and interactive and I will be talking about tools for creative thinking that people can immediately apply when they go back to their organizations.  People think that creativity takes a lot of effort, but the point of my workshop is for people to recognize that in less than 60 minutes there’s a ton of things you can do to promote and generate creative thinking in an organization.  So, in 60 minutes we are going to go through a number of activities that attendees will experience first-hand and then also afterwards we are going to de-brief so that they get tips on how to facilitate those activities.  Anyone who attends the session should prepare to become a creative catalyst for their organizations.

TBP: What makes you a good speaker for an entrepreneurship event like Think Big Kansas City? 

Tamara: I have been a speaker and a workshop leader at a number of national and international conferences over the years, but usually these conferences relate to product and service design or consumer and design research or innovation and creativity.  What’s fun for me is Think Big Kansas City is an amalgam of all of these different disciplines because successful entrepreneurship and business requires skills in all of those areas.  I think it’s an interesting coming-together and overlap of these different areas where I have had a conference presence before.  Part of it, too, is the idea that since I am starting my own consultancy, I get to come and be a speaker but I also have my own curiosity about entrepreneurship and enterprise creation.  So I get to wear both hats.

TBP: What three things will people leave your presentation with?

Tamara: Knowledge and vocabulary for discussing creative thinking as it relates to business. Also, clarity about what learnable and teachable skills and capabilities comprise creative intelligence.  And, actual practice with various tools for creative thinking that they can use immediately.

TBP: Why is entrepreneurship so important to bring to Kansas City or to the Midwest?  

Tamara: The entrepreneurship community is new for me, but it’s intriguing because it’s an investment in the future of our city and our region.  I think about other cities and what sets great cities apart from the others on the map is how receptive they are to the new and the up-and-coming.  Some of the best places to live right now—and I think Kansas City is included in there—are the places that have rising creative classes so there are a lot of fertile opportunities where people want to go to launch their big ideas and contribute to the great conversation about the future.  I feel like the Midwest right now and Kansas City in particular is like a hidden gem—we attract big players but we are also very good at nurturing home-grown talent.  We are doing a great job of fostering that.  Think Big is great because it’s another way of nurturing that home-grown talent and the entrepreneurial community before everyone else comes in and realizes how great of a place it is to do that.

TBP: What’s the one piece of advice that you would give a potential entrepreneur?

Tamara: If it’s not fun, don’t do it.  If you’re not having fun with what you’re doing from the beginning, then you are setting yourself for a long journey.  If it doesn’t feel like play, then find something else.  If you’re undertaking launching your own enterprise and it’s something you’re going to pour your heart and your soul and your life and your time into then it ought to be something that you love doing.

TBP: What are you interested in seeing at Think Big Kansas City this year?

Tamara: One is I’m looking forward to hearing from Adam Coomes with Infegy.  I think he is going to have some great lessons about research and innovation and social media.  I’m also intrigued about their company culture.  They seem to have a pretty passionate creative company culture so I’m curious to see their formula for creative success.  I am also looking forward to Pitch Big: Shark Tank Style.  It will be great learning and delicious entertainment.

TBP: How do you Think Big?

Tamara: I am a compulsive, divergent thinker so I’m always asking myself, ‘what might be all the ways to...’ and generating lots and lots of options.  I have no trouble thinking big.  Right now I’m thinking big about my new consultancy.  I’m thinking big about summer class and teaching at KU to help bring design and creativity to K-12 kids.  I’m also thinking very, very big way down the road about a life-long dream I have of opening a sustainable creativity campus near the Kansas City area that will be a resource for business and schools.  That’s the big thinking!

Interview conducted by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Dave Ramsey Presents a New Breed of Entrepreneur: The EntreLeader

Why be an entrepreneur when you can be an EntreLeader?

Dave Ramsey has been brave enough to ask this question:  Who is more important in a business, an entrepreneur or a leader?

And after years and years of analyzing who truly is more beneficial in a business environment, only one answer came to mind:  the EntreLeader; a new breed that Dave Ramsey holds to be the most important type of person that can come into a new business situation.  The EntreLeader brings the drive and motivation of an entrepreneur and the strength and vision of a leader, all rolled into one.

But how do you find EntreLeaders?  And even more importantly, how can you develop into one yourself?

 

Dave Ramsey has found a way.  He started out by pouring himself into his top three guys, but he quickly realized the information needed to be passed down to the whole team.  So he started holding classes once a week for all current and future leadership.  As he taught the sessions each week, more and more outside visitors began sitting in.  When the guests outnumbered the team members, Dave realized that the world outside his company was hungry for a new way to do business!  That’s when the EntreLeadership workshop was born.

Great news, KC entrepreneurs: the EntreLeadership workshop is coming to Kansas City!  Join Dave Ramsey this Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Kansas City Convention Center.  Tickets are $99, but if you use the Groupon discount, you’ll get 51% off (and save $50!).  Hurry—you only have 1 day left to buy on Groupon!

Whether you’re an individual who wants to develop your leadership abilities, a business or organizational leader who wants to develop your team, or an entrepreneur who wants to build a business on solid, proven principles, EntreLeadership is for you.

Register today!

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

25 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before 25

If you were to go back and do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Would you have planned better?

Would you have spent your money more wisely?

Would you have drunk more coffee?

Most entrepreneurs wish that they would have known more before they started their businesses.  A few minor tweaks before launching a business can define a business’s success or determine its failure. 

New entrepreneurs, pay attention.  Check out the 25 things entrepreneurs wish they would have known at age 25, before starting their businesses.   

1.  I wish I would have…saved more money

2.  I wish I would have…researched more about entrepreneurship

3.  I wish I would have…realized how important a partner or co-founder is

4.      I wish I would have…thickened my skin, fast

5.      I wish I would have…known that whacky is good

6.      I wish I would have…known to focus on changing the game, not competing

7.      I wish I would have…been more patient with my business

8.      I wish I would have…not second guessed myself

9.      I wish I would have…known that friends don’t always make the best partners and employees

10.   I wish I would have…explored more capital-raising options

11.   I wish I would have…known that test runs are critical

12.   I wish I would have…marketed my business by assuring clients “I can help you with your problem”

13.   I wish I would have…gone to a mentor when I was frustrated or needed advice

14.   I wish I would have…been warned that some people will let you down

15.   I wish I would have…learned the importance of a work-life balance

16.   I wish I would have…known the real secret to entrepreneurship: coffee

17.   I wish I would have…kept up to date with technology and software

18.   I wish I would have…built a stronger brand from the start

19.   I wish I would have…read more

20.   I wish I would have…known that being shy is a waste of time

21.   I wish I would have…focused more on what the people want, not what I want

22.   I wish I would have…known that life isn’t fair

23.   I wish I would have…networked my butt off

24.   I wish I would have…continued to take classes and attend seminars

25.   I wish I would have…known what I was getting myself into

What do you wish you would have known when you were 25? Comment below and let the world know!

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 Helium, BrooWaha, eZine and Newsvine. 

Midwestern Small Businesses Turn to Silicon Prairie for Startup News, Entrepreneur Opportunities, and Business Ideas

Today, we would like to spotlight Silicon Prairie, a blog and event producer founded in Omaha, Nebraska in July of 2008.  The company posts interviews with entrepreneurs and small business owners, gives updates about startup companies, announces and hosts business events, and provides entrepreneurs with business opportunities and startup advice. 

Silicon Prairie provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with numerous startup opportunities and business events, including Creative Capital Pitch Session, the Big Omaha conference, Omaha Tweetups, The Omaha Blog Co., Barcamp Omaha and Highlight Midwest.  All of these entrepreneur events are designed to bring together the region’s startup companies and the people who envision them; serious entrepreneurs.

So if you want to read up on the latest startup news, successful business ideas, and Midwest entrepreneur opportunities, visit the Silicon Prairie website.  On the site, you will be able to watch interviews with successful entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors, read features such as the Weekly Wrap Up, Five in Five, and the Tools for the Trade. 

In addition, Silicon Prairie displays other business events that are taking place in the Midwestern region.  This week, Silicon Prairie highlights the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference taking place today at the Hy-Vee Hall Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. 

Visit Silicon Prairie and read up about what our neighboring entrepreneur promoters and advocates are doing to enhance entrepreneurship in the Midwest and give recognition to successful Midwestern startup companies and small business leaders! 

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