Sticking With Your Business Aspirations

@MatthewCrowe posted this short presentation on entrepreneurship - Going Into Business.

It reminds me of the many businesses I've been involved with throughout the years and Matthew pretty much sums up the entire process in in this short presentation.

Just be aware; patience is a virtue - nothing happens overnight. It takes tremendous determination and a no-quit attitude to finally get to the "it was all worth it" part. Some original ideas don't work out, plans have to be re-thought out, re-worked and re-written and in some cases completely trashed! The point is, if you stick with it, hard work and a little luck will bring you to the desired result you're after; success in a business you started.

Now that you've arrived at the semblance of success you envisioned, a whole different set of challenges awaits you that will test your vision, patience, tolerance and mental strength. It takes a unique person to fight their way to the top and establish a successful business, and it takes a unique person to operate, maintain and grow a big business. In most cases, these two distinct functions are, more often than not, handled by different people.

Enough of that for now. Needless to say, you're definitely off to an exciting and at the same time hair-ball experience and sticking with your business aspirations is the key. If you don't give up, you absolutely cannot be denied and there are few things more rewarding than building a successful business.

Happy 4th of July!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton..

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

Independence Alleviates Risk

What is Risk?

Risk pretty much is a figment of your imagination (it's all in your head). The reality is, there isn't anything safe out there... just waking up and going about your day can be risky business... so, adjusting your thought process to a more independent point of view doesn't increase your risk, it just provides more opportunities to be more productive, give more to society and stand on your own two feet. There is a certain piece of mind that comes from living in this position and there isn't anything you can imagine or dream that isn't within your reach. The real risk is giving your trust and the responsibility of your future over to others who can't guarantee you a thing and will more often than not, disappoint.

Is There Security?

Security comes with a price... your life. Security is an illusion that doesn't exist. Seeking safety is a direct result of avoiding your fears. Problem is, you will always believe that life was suppose to be so much more, because it could have been if you had not settled for less. Yes, safety seekers settle for less. They let their dreams die for the sake of security. Ever heard the saying, "live each day to the fullest, because we're not guaranteed tomorrow?" I'm not suggesting to live stupid. I am suggesting that living a life in a box can be a limiting and unfulfilled existence.

A Growing Trend...

I recently read this report: "Start-Up Explosion On The Horizon With The Baby Boomer's"- This is good news...

Whether out of desire or necessity, it is good to see so many people starting their own businesses as opposed to getting a job. Many people work jobs they hate because it's “safer” than starting their own business. While this may seem to be a safer route to go, many people are finding that things are not what they appear to be. Just ask the millions of people out of jobs in just the last year and you'll discover the reality.

Mentors and Inspiration...

I Just read this post by Chris Brogan; I really love Chris – he always inspires... “A Different Kind of Independence”

The safest investment people can make is in themselves. I would rather fall short reaching for the stars and doing my own thing then wake up one day only to find the company I worked for was going bankrupt or downsizing me right out of a job. I would rather invest in furthering my education, acquiring knowledge, working under mentors that can assist me with building my own businesses then put my money and financial future in someone else's hands that can't guarantee me security, or that I will even get even my principle back. If you don't believe that, just ask the hundreds of thousands of people that have lost everything investing in what they thought were the best companies in the world or the most reputable bankers on Wall Street. It will require that you accept full responsibility for your future; but isn't that better than giving that responsibility to some company, organization or putz that really doesn't have your best interest at heart? To be in business for yourself is to believe in yourself and believe you have something to contribute to your community, your country and/or the world. It's a position of independence, not reliance.

Many people don't believe they are built for this; however, everyone has the ability and opportunity to be independent and in business for themselves. The good news is, our current economic circumstances are driving people beyond the limits in their mind and they are doing things they would never have done otherwise. Independent ordinary people will do extraordinary things and it will be interesting to see this chapter of our history unfold... change has come indeed and it will be molded by courageous independent thinking people.You should join the movement : )

Entrepreneurs Have the Power to Make a Difference

I love Entrepreneurs! They possess a vision beyond themselves, extraordinary courage, the will to not quit, a desire to build something meaningful and great and give birth to innovation and new ideas… They have the power and desire to make a difference.

Cheers to all Entrepreneurs out there!

“True Transparency” – Is There Any Other Kind?

I read a post by @davidspinks – discussing transparency and if people were being real or overly kind and complimentary just to appeal/conform to the community here. It inspired this post below...

People are driven by the nature thats in them... they can't help themselves, they don't know why they do the things they do, it's just the way they have always been. Some are good, some are bad, some are helpful, some aren't, some have honor, some don't, some have character, and some – you get the point. So then, at the end of the day, what you see is what you get. You can't fake to be something that you're not; at least not for very long, just give it a little time.

Overall, there is only a small number of people that consistently serve up value to the on-line communities they are part of. The majority of people are not leveraging the tools to enhance and better themselves and/or the lives of those they are connecting with. They don't know the people following them any better than they did before they got started in a social community.

Over the last year that I have been participating on Twitter, it has changed dramatically. There are a lot more spammers and numbers players vs people organically growing their mutual following. Long term value will only be created through developing relationships. The stronger the relationship, the more value that can be created. NO relationship = NO value.

Social media tools have enabled millions of people to develop a presence on the Web. Most of these folks are the consumers that drive revenues for companies across the globe. It is my belief that in the new relationship economy, people will spend money with people they know, maybe not personally, but certainly recommended by a contact, friend or community that they are part of. This by no means is a new business concept; but it is new with respect to sheer numbers of people that can be reached and influenced by ALL business owners, big or small, who are now benefiting greater than ever before from the new buying habits of consumers. Those that don't take the time to build on-line relationships won't be providing products or services to consumers in the future.

Money and wealth, for the most part, has been accumulated by greedy, self centered, self willed individuals that for the sake of the all mighty dollar, and this thinking/behavior has driven the economy, peoples savings, lives, hopes and dreams into the ground. The success stories of the future will come from people that are contributing value to others, not for the sake of making money; but because its the right thing to do. If you practice this, the financial rewards will come.

Wishful thinking? Maybe; ever heard of the old cliché “nice guys finish last?” That won't stop me from believing that good people will win in the end... cling to the good and run from the rest; they have nothing to add to your life and will take whatever they can.

Your True Potential

I read this blog post by Seth Godin: On the road to mediocrity . I thought I would add my two cents below...

There is greatness in every one of us. We all have extraordinary talents or gifts that we were born with. There is something that sets you apart from every other individual on the planet... nobody can hold a candle to that "you." If you don't recognize this truth, it's because you've accepted others definition of who you are or you have accepted the limitations the world has placed on you.

Our circumstances and most of the influential people in our lives actually hold us back from our true potential. Reaching your true potential will require courage to leave your comfort zone... the courage to break away from familiar relationships and the courage to tread new ground on your own two feet.

We are either experiencing the reality of who we are today or reaching for the image of who we are going to become. The first can get stuck in muck and mire of life’s circumstances and the latter is where you'll find true fulfillment, complete contentment and wholeness and discover what the purpose of your life is.

Not many arrive here. Only those who refuse to accept mediocrity reach this destination.

Social Media Misteps

Fear - fear of sharing information and not getting paid for it.

Not sharing information for fear someone will steal it or benefit from it without having to pay for it is detrimental thinking... especially in the new relationship economy. The value of sharing your knowledge and expertise is what establishes your credibility and influence. This may seem to be work in vain, however, this results in having thousands of fans and customers excited to recommend your product or service to people looking to pay to acquire them. There is one fact you can count on; if you're not sharing valuable information, someone else is - namely your competition. They are building their credibility and loyalty in the hearts of your target market across the Web and securing their financial future. Sharing value, insight and knowledge with the sole purpose of helping others will attract more long term value (money) than any single activity you could do.

Pride - those that think their dung doesn’t stink and have a "better than" attitude will eat humble pie.

Some influential rock stars out there in social media either don't bother, or are too busy to engage in chatter and conversation with online communities they are part of. While they may be busy; to believe they don't have time to participate, or to underestimate the necessity of connecting on a personal level with the market and potential customers they serve is foolish. Tomorrows influential rock stars will arise as a result of their accessibility and interaction with their audience and community. Humble and helpful will prevail over arrogance and ignorance.

Self-Centered - one way broadcasts all about you, you, and you.

OK, stop already! One sure way to turn people off is to constantly talk about you and promote yourself. That activity is best left to the fans. If you don't have any, it will be necessary to earn them.

Greed - participating for the sole purpose of making money.

It's going to get harder and harder for spammers and sly marketers to continue to make money online. Ya sure, knowing how to use the tricks, systems and tools that generate millions of dollars online has been and continues to be a big advantage for many; however, user-friendly technology is leveling the playing field. It is making e-business easier than ever to get started for any and all who desire to, and it is changing how consumers are making their buying decisions. Personality and transparency will dominate e-business over specialized technical skills in the future.

Selfishness - only interested in what you can get, not what you can contribute.

You can smell an individual’s intentions and motivations a mile away. Takers will find it difficult to share in the online gushers of the future and those that have had success will find their oil wells drying up.