Entrepreneurs have to learn to use all of the resources available to them. Mentors can provided much needed support and ideas to drive a new business. An Entrepreneur can find a local Mentorship program, or often times will reach out to a friend or family member. Here are a few things to remember when you are looking for a mentor and what to do to successfully build the relationship.
1. Give them all the details of your business - make sure they understand your objectives and ideas.
2. Be open to suggestions - As an Entrepreneur it is often hard to take advice from someone on the outside, but listening is often the key to success.
3. Set up a weekly meeting or conference - I have walked away from several meetings thinking, "I wish I had more time with them," make the time and get it scheduled.
4. Show them appreciation - Their time is as valuable as yours make sure to respect it and treat them accordingly.
If you do not know a mentor or would like to find one contact us and we will you in touch with an organization or person. Make the first step, look for help, and build your company.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Managing Entreprenuer Risk
Risk is inherent when the monthly paycheck is no longer direct deposited. Starting your own business you are accepting a certain level of risk. Managing those risks is the Entrepreneur's goal. An Entrepreneur is the eternal optimist, but at some point in time, usually when the bills come in there is a level of reality that needs to be addressed. The best source is an Entrepreneurs network of friends and family. Take the time to sit down and discuss where you business is. Think about what other alternatives there are, what you might be missing, or what you are doing well. Make sure before you max out your credit cards you have a thought out plan and goal and steps to get there. Do not just think about making 100,000 per year, but think about what needs to happen to get you there. Manage risk and build a better business.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Not A Straight Line To Success
I have found that being an entrepreneur is not a straight line to success. I have read a lot of articles and studied Entrepreneurship in college, and now that I am on my own I have realized how many misses there will be before the success. I thought that with an education and some experience I would be on my way. I was wrong. I have found that there is not one path to Entrepreneurship. Some people work three days a week, work after noon. I was so used to working in an office and 9-5 that I have had to get used to working when I am most efficient and also when it is most needed. I still conform to the 9-5 mold and make sure to get all the work done for the day before I go to bed, but I am learning more and more that I am not a morning person, and that the afternoons are the most effective time for me. Entrepreneurship is about matching your personal skills with the business. I think I just thought that meant I could do whatever I wanted. In a sense I can do whatever I want, but that does not mean that I will get paid or have any money. Entrepreneurship for me is about finding a balance.
Monday, September 21, 2009
How To Create A Network
Networks are often the grounds to start a business. Before an Entrepreneur sinks his savings into a venture it is often talked about at the dinner table. These people serve as your Board of Advisers. They can provide fulfilling information and feedback. These may even be your first customers. I have never been great about hounding my close friends and family. I do however let them know what I am doing or thinking about doing. I think their support is necessary. They are not going to be there the late nights, but they can help you through difficult situations. Here is what I have done to create a Board of Advisers:
1. Made a list of trusted Friends and Family
2. Made a list of business associates
3. Made a list of area business resources
I took a week to compile the list and make sure I did not miss anyone. Often you are in contact with friends and family every day but you may not know what resources are available in your area. I searched Junior Colleges, and and Small Business Organizations. After I compiled my list I made an email chain. I put them in the bcc box so they could not all see each other. I then stated what I was planning or have already started. I sent them a link to my website and asked for their feedback or if they knew anyone who might be interested in my service to pass it along.
I will say it takes courage to send this out. You are putting yourself on the line. Take a deep breathe and just start talking about what you are doing. People are excited to hear about new developments, and after the first one it will become a lot easier.
1. Made a list of trusted Friends and Family
2. Made a list of business associates
3. Made a list of area business resources
I took a week to compile the list and make sure I did not miss anyone. Often you are in contact with friends and family every day but you may not know what resources are available in your area. I searched Junior Colleges, and and Small Business Organizations. After I compiled my list I made an email chain. I put them in the bcc box so they could not all see each other. I then stated what I was planning or have already started. I sent them a link to my website and asked for their feedback or if they knew anyone who might be interested in my service to pass it along.
I will say it takes courage to send this out. You are putting yourself on the line. Take a deep breathe and just start talking about what you are doing. People are excited to hear about new developments, and after the first one it will become a lot easier.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Podcasting Help
I have heard of Podcasting and have had friends who have made Podcasts for fun. It was until recently that I thought about using a Podcast for business. It is a clear and direct way to community your companies mission and goals. Since I am not an expert on Podcasting I looked towards an expert to help guide how to make a podcast effective. Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting was kind enough to give guidance.
Who should record a Podcast?
"Anyone who wants to reach a world wide audience. Anyone who has information that will move their audience (laugh, cry, think, anger). Anyone who wants to be seen as an expert in their field. Anyone who wants to build a relationship with like minded people.”
Should I broadcast over radio or Podcast?
“Radio may reach more listeners (in some cases), but as Clear Channel owns most of the stations, you are not getting on the radio any time soon. If you did, you also have to make sure not to say anything that might upset sponsors, and be sure to squeeze it into the allotted time frame (between traffic and the weather). Podcasting reaches a niche market with no restrictions on time or language and it can be replayed over and over. Podcasting is able to be listened to over and over (the buzz phrase is “time shifted” material). Radio, if you miss it when it is broadcast there is no way to hear it again. While Radio has quantity, Podcasting has quality.”
What can a Podcast do for my business?
“Podcasting can keep your name in front of the customer. It can update them about new products. Podcasting positions you as a trusted friend. For example Maytag (the washing machine people) do not do a podcast about washing machines. They do a podcast with tips for their market like “How to get your kids to brush their teeth longer.”
“Podcasting can also develop a steady stream of feedback (positive and negative) about your company as well as ideas for the future. Authors are getting instant feedback on their books and getting ideas for future books through feedback from their podcast.”
What are five simple keys to starting to Podcast?
1. Pick a topic that you are passionate about and that will move your audience. Content is KING.
2. Listen to other podcasts that are similar to the one you are creating, and take notes.
3. Buy your microphone ($67-$99).
4. Record a test show, and get someone besides Mom to critique it.
5. Secure hosting for your website and media, and publish (ok I know that’s a couple steps).
I have one week to put a Pod-cast together and fit in between everything else what do I do?
“Some people are actually using portable recorders to record while they drive. One podcast (Marketing Over Coffee) is recorded at 6 in the morning between two friends in a Dunkin Doughnuts (complete with background noise) So you record intro and outro segments with music. Then later you take the audio you recorded in the car and sandwich it between your intro and outro and publish. People will sit through “so-so” production for phenomenal content. Nobody will sit through great production for awful content.”
Where do I broadcast my Podcast?
“If we go back to radio, you talk into a microphone that is transmitted on a specific frequency over the airwaves that is then “translated” into sound by your radio. With podcasting you talk into a microphone and upload your media that is syndicated via an RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication) and is “translated” by an RSS reader such as iTunes or Google reader. To see this in action go to www.learntosubscribe.com In the same way that you can tune in to a specific station based on their radio frequency, you can subscribe to a podcast using the unique RSS feed on their website (which is typically generated by their blog). In a nutshell, a podcast is audio, video, or a pdf that is tied to your blog. You “broadcast” from your website.”
Is it better to have an interview or just an information session?
“Interviews help build your audience (as the interviewee should have some followers). Interviews allow the listener to listen in on a conversation. If this is useful information, than the listener appreciates the interviewer (host) who brought them the information. If the host(s) just provide information than they are seen as the trusted party (and expert). Either is fine. The key is great content.”
Where can I go for help with my Podcast?
“Well I’m biased on this one, but I’m a big fan of the School of Podcasting (probably because I run it) at schoolofpodcasting.com. It has step by step tutorials that will help explain all the “geek speak” like condenser microphones, RSS feeds, sampling rates, and bitrates. It also has resources like music for your intros and outros, links to software, and tools to help promote and/or sell your podcast. The last thing is I hold live webinars to answer any questions members might have (which sets me apart from a podcasting book). “
What services do you provide?
“Well I have the School of Podcasting at www.schoolofpodcasting.com which is for the “Do it yourself” podcaster. I also have www.podcastmechanic.com for people looking for one on one consulting, podcast reviews, and custom website design. I have www.podcastclicks.com which is a podcast promotion tool, and I am working on a website that will help podcasters find guests for their shows. I also have a podcast with podcasting tips at http://shownotes.schoolofpodcasting.com”
What Podcasts do you follow?
“I’m all over the place. For music I like The Scene Zine (www.thescenezine.com), Cross Driven Radio (www.crossdrivenradios.com) and A1 Blues (www.a1blues.com) , for marketing I like Marketing Over Cofee (www.marketingovercofee.com) , for Fitness I like Fit Life Today (http://www.fcapodcasting.com/fitlife/) for quick financial tips I like “My money Life” (http://crown.org/Media/default.aspx). For politics I like No Agenda at www.noagendashow.com For story telling I love the Bitterest Pill (www.thebitterestpill.com ) and Digital Flotsam (www.digitalflotsam.org)”
Take-Aways: Content is the most important aspect to a Podcast. Make sure to target your audience, and make sure you have a delivery system. Podcasting is a way to brand and market your business providing direct communication with your audience. Thank you to Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting.
Who should record a Podcast?
"Anyone who wants to reach a world wide audience. Anyone who has information that will move their audience (laugh, cry, think, anger). Anyone who wants to be seen as an expert in their field. Anyone who wants to build a relationship with like minded people.”
Should I broadcast over radio or Podcast?
“Radio may reach more listeners (in some cases), but as Clear Channel owns most of the stations, you are not getting on the radio any time soon. If you did, you also have to make sure not to say anything that might upset sponsors, and be sure to squeeze it into the allotted time frame (between traffic and the weather). Podcasting reaches a niche market with no restrictions on time or language and it can be replayed over and over. Podcasting is able to be listened to over and over (the buzz phrase is “time shifted” material). Radio, if you miss it when it is broadcast there is no way to hear it again. While Radio has quantity, Podcasting has quality.”
What can a Podcast do for my business?
“Podcasting can keep your name in front of the customer. It can update them about new products. Podcasting positions you as a trusted friend. For example Maytag (the washing machine people) do not do a podcast about washing machines. They do a podcast with tips for their market like “How to get your kids to brush their teeth longer.”
“Podcasting can also develop a steady stream of feedback (positive and negative) about your company as well as ideas for the future. Authors are getting instant feedback on their books and getting ideas for future books through feedback from their podcast.”
What are five simple keys to starting to Podcast?
1. Pick a topic that you are passionate about and that will move your audience. Content is KING.
2. Listen to other podcasts that are similar to the one you are creating, and take notes.
3. Buy your microphone ($67-$99).
4. Record a test show, and get someone besides Mom to critique it.
5. Secure hosting for your website and media, and publish (ok I know that’s a couple steps).
I have one week to put a Pod-cast together and fit in between everything else what do I do?
“Some people are actually using portable recorders to record while they drive. One podcast (Marketing Over Coffee) is recorded at 6 in the morning between two friends in a Dunkin Doughnuts (complete with background noise) So you record intro and outro segments with music. Then later you take the audio you recorded in the car and sandwich it between your intro and outro and publish. People will sit through “so-so” production for phenomenal content. Nobody will sit through great production for awful content.”
Where do I broadcast my Podcast?
“If we go back to radio, you talk into a microphone that is transmitted on a specific frequency over the airwaves that is then “translated” into sound by your radio. With podcasting you talk into a microphone and upload your media that is syndicated via an RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication) and is “translated” by an RSS reader such as iTunes or Google reader. To see this in action go to www.learntosubscribe.com In the same way that you can tune in to a specific station based on their radio frequency, you can subscribe to a podcast using the unique RSS feed on their website (which is typically generated by their blog). In a nutshell, a podcast is audio, video, or a pdf that is tied to your blog. You “broadcast” from your website.”
Is it better to have an interview or just an information session?
“Interviews help build your audience (as the interviewee should have some followers). Interviews allow the listener to listen in on a conversation. If this is useful information, than the listener appreciates the interviewer (host) who brought them the information. If the host(s) just provide information than they are seen as the trusted party (and expert). Either is fine. The key is great content.”
Where can I go for help with my Podcast?
“Well I’m biased on this one, but I’m a big fan of the School of Podcasting (probably because I run it) at schoolofpodcasting.com. It has step by step tutorials that will help explain all the “geek speak” like condenser microphones, RSS feeds, sampling rates, and bitrates. It also has resources like music for your intros and outros, links to software, and tools to help promote and/or sell your podcast. The last thing is I hold live webinars to answer any questions members might have (which sets me apart from a podcasting book). “
What services do you provide?
“Well I have the School of Podcasting at www.schoolofpodcasting.com which is for the “Do it yourself” podcaster. I also have www.podcastmechanic.com for people looking for one on one consulting, podcast reviews, and custom website design. I have www.podcastclicks.com which is a podcast promotion tool, and I am working on a website that will help podcasters find guests for their shows. I also have a podcast with podcasting tips at http://shownotes.schoolofpodcasting.com”
What Podcasts do you follow?
“I’m all over the place. For music I like The Scene Zine (www.thescenezine.com), Cross Driven Radio (www.crossdrivenradios.com) and A1 Blues (www.a1blues.com) , for marketing I like Marketing Over Cofee (www.marketingovercofee.com) , for Fitness I like Fit Life Today (http://www.fcapodcasting.com/fitlife/) for quick financial tips I like “My money Life” (http://crown.org/Media/default.aspx). For politics I like No Agenda at www.noagendashow.com For story telling I love the Bitterest Pill (www.thebitterestpill.com ) and Digital Flotsam (www.digitalflotsam.org)”
Take-Aways: Content is the most important aspect to a Podcast. Make sure to target your audience, and make sure you have a delivery system. Podcasting is a way to brand and market your business providing direct communication with your audience. Thank you to Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Young Entreprenuer
As an Entrepreneur I am always looking for resources (especially free ones)! I have started too look around online for blogs and links for Entrepreneur help. I have found Young Entrepreneur, a resourceful and helpful tool for every Entrepreneur. I like the youthful spirit of the posts, and the new topics. They break free from the typical postings and provide direct and helpful information for any Entrepreneur. Mixing Interviews with posts helps to mix motivation and help for anyone starting out. It even provides information for mature businesses. This Post is one of my favorites. I think so many times people have a global view when they put their business on the Internet, and many times their key clients can be in their neighborhood. I think this post really gives a good snapshot of the concept of Young Entrepreneur and its mission. Finding your niche as a business owner is the key to success. Finding that niche in your area starts to build momentum and can be the building blocks for success. Young Entrepreneur is a clean and simple tool for business owners or budding entrepreneurs to use to get connected in a community and learn new tools. I have not even delved into their forums, but those seem like a great way to connect with Entrepreneurs and start ups. It is something I check everyday and recommend you add to your list of daily blogs.
Poor Entrepreneurs
I sat in class and daydreamed about the nice cars and travel that I was going to do once I had my own company. George Soros has done well, why can't I. I thought it would be a matter of months and then I would be able to attain that lifestyle. I have quickly learned Entrepreneurship is not a get rich scheme. A year into Entrepreneurship I still am chasing after a steady monthly income. It is not the fastest race towards the finish line. There are hundreds of wrong directions before something works. Some Entrepreneurs find the right step the first time, and some find it on the tenth step. Factors such as timing, marketing conditions, and stamina make the difference. I wish someone had told me that being an Entrepreneur is not just about your business and growing, but also about the process. About trying to balance credit card payments with prospecting. How to never give up and proceed with caution. There is not a blueprint to Entrepreneurship and This Entrepreneur is set out to show the face of business ownership. I might not be George Soros but I can be This Entrepreneur and find my own success. Now the question is just when?
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