Posts Tagged ‘entrepreneur’

4 Gauges Every Entrepreneur Should Monitor

4 Gauges Every Entrepreneur Should Monitor

As a business owner, I’m never “off.” The mind of an entrepreneur is always working on opportunities, challenges and next steps. Of all the many thoughts that go through my mind on any given time, there are 4 areas of business that I’m constantly monitoring because I have learned that (Continue reading…)

Is Your Greatest Idea Still on a Napkin?

Is Your Greatest Idea Still on a Napkin?

“The greatest ideas are still left on napkins,” said a friend over lunch. These words stuck with me like some ugly unwelcome platitude. The more I tried to ignore them, the more they nagged at me. My ultimate fear is to go to my grave with my greatest idea still (Continue reading…)

A Leader Must Know When To Ask for Help

A Leader Must Know When To Ask for Help

I just got off the phone with a young entrepreneur who has started what I call a “socially redemptive business”: proceeds from the business funds not-for-profit organizations. I love the energy, vision, passion and commitment I heard during our phone conversation. But no amount of enthusiasm or sheer determination will (Continue reading…)

The Opportunity During Tough Times

The Opportunity During Tough Times

We fear that Wall Street is still spiraling out of control, our economic system might in total chaos and the sky  might be falling as well. While I find myself very concerned about our financial future, there’s something about a shake down in the way we do business that excites (Continue reading…)

5 Reasons Your Business or Ministry Might Not Succeed

5 Reasons Your Business or Ministry Might Not Succeed

Your dream venture might never happen not because it’s not a good idea or it’s not needed, but because it might be under resourced.  Entrepreneurs in their zeal to get their dreams birthed usually shortchange the true cost of what it takes to create a sustainable business. Here’s some of (Continue reading…)

Expose Yourself Out of Business

Expose Yourself Out of Business

“We priced it low because we wanted the exposure.” Every young, and even some seasoned entrepreneur can fall on the trap of the “exposure” temptation. In the search for legitimacy and clout, entrepreneurs want to have the recognizable “big fish” names in our portfolios.  After all, that means great PR (Continue reading…)

The Right Stress: Yet Another Reason I’m an Entrepreneur

The Right Stress: Yet Another Reason I’m an Entrepreneur

We all have stress in our work, but there is a big difference between what I call “corporate stress” and “entrepreneurial stress.” I have dealt with both and I have chosen the entrepreneurial stress. Here’s why. I hear often from friends who work in a corporate environment about the challenges (Continue reading…)

Innovators Don’t Ask

Innovators Don’t Ask

I’m convinced you cannot use focus groups to describe a ground breaking idea. I’m usually a fan of research, but not when it comes to introducing a cutting-edge idea or new product into the market. Focus groups might be a valid way to improve on an idea, or a help (Continue reading…)

The Recession and Your Business Opportunity

The Recession and Your Business Opportunity

On a recent flight, I sat next to a man who had just started a new business.  Unless you’re in Brazil, India or China, starting a business anywhere else in the world at this moment is a difficult proposition. The recession has not subsided and economic indicators are all over (Continue reading…)