As we continue to celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month I’ve decided to pull an article out of the Acceler8Success Cafe archives. The article, Is acceptance necessary for an entrepreneur? had generated a great deal of debate with responses falling almost equally on both sides of the question.

From my perspective, I don’t believe there is a right or wrong answer as it really pertains to the individual entrepreneur – What is important to that person? What will help build that individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem, while gaining the mental strength necessary to eliminate doubt? What will drive the entrepreneur to persevere?

So, Is acceptance necessary for an entrepreneur, for today’s entrepreneur, or not? I look forward to your thoughts and perspective!

I always think about the thoughts that others may have had in their minds as they’ve paired a particular image and quote and shared it on social media. I know that I most likely take a longer look than most as I attempt to formulate in my own mind the reasons that I would personally share an image with a quote. Or would it be a quote to an image?

In any event, it’s the thought process that I love. Especially how it may relate to my current mindset. Even more so after a recent coaching session with a client, or as I may be thinking about challenges of the times and how our clients may be affected.

Coming across one this morning, it took me down a proverbial rabbit hole — one that really had me associating it with work we’re currently doing with both current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Although, it was not my intent to focus on work this morning. It just seemed to happen. I’ll just chalk it up to my passion for entrepreneurial success at all levels.

So many thoughts come to mind as I view this graphic. Especially as I reflect upon the person who I see as an entrepreneur standing at the edge of a cliff. I see the solace, maybe even loneliness of an entrepreneur with his or her dreams seemingly within reach… yet, just out of reach.

Is the entrepreneur standing on earth in the shadows of his or her dreams, or is the entrepreneur in some distant place looking back at earth, and at reality?

An entrepreneur’s dreams, some brighter than others, are almost like spotlights that enable the entrepreneur to visualize things from different perspectives, spurring ideas and creativity in an entrepreneur’s mind. Or possibly, the various areas, both bright and dark may also represent wishes as well as hopes — rounding out the wishes, hopes & dreams trifecta.

Honestly, I didn’t see the quote until well after I had interpreted the image alongside the quote. When I did, it immediately took me to what I believe was a different path than what the person who had originally shared the graphic had intended. I’m certain of that, but my mind was already focused on entrepreneurship and the challenges being faced by entrepreneurs today.

So, I interpreted the quote along the same lines as I had the image. As such, I saw it as a reference to the acceptance of the entrepreneur’s ideas by others including investors, stakeholders, and even fellow entrepreneurs.

But as I continued to give it thought, I also interpreted it as a message addressing the introverted attitude of many entrepreneurs whose laser-focused approach to their work is seemingly without care of what others say or think about them. It raised the question in my mind about whether acceptance is necessary for an entrepreneur.

Although, especially with all we know about entrepreneurs and their unique personalities and character traits, acceptance may not appear to be considered as necessary. However, it may be a consideration, or better said, a goal when and as relationships develop, mostly as a result of visionary similarities, that common bonds start to form.

Often, such relationships can become quite strong as the passion of two typically equals the same of four or five individually. After all, passion is contagious!

I believe it’s this form of acceptance that actually helps the entrepreneur’s vision to become clearer. It’s almost as if the entrepreneur’s dreams have been validated. Of course, confidence builds.

I further believe it’s this subliminal fact-checking process that leads to self-acceptance. THAT is what keeps the entrepreneur driving forward, not only in the face of challenges, but despite them.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

And on the seventh day, entrepreneurs rest. Is that a true statement?

Certainly, entrepreneurs need rest and relaxation just the same as others, and Sundays are the perfect day to do so. However, entrepreneurs always remain focused on the big picture.

Their eyes and ears are always open for possibilities and opportunities. They’re committed to keeping their minds sharp to be able to evaluate and act upon the same. They strive to stay fit to be prepared for grueling schedules and long days.

Nevertheless, taking care of mental and physical health certainly does not mean being complacent and lazy. Success is about balance… and focus on achieving goals!

Successful entrepreneurs have a passion for what they do, so working hard is part of their DNA. But anyone who is successful also recognizes that life and work are a marathon, not a sprint. They need some downtime on the weekend to ensure they’re up to the task of being creative problem solvers and innovators Monday through Friday.

Sure, they may spend some time catching up on administrative work. They may focus time on a big project that needs special attention. And they should dedicate time to thinking about the future and considering the big picture.

But what successful entrepreneurs don’t do is spend the entire weekend buried under work. Everyone needs a break, and entrepreneurs are no less immune to burnout than anyone else. Their weekends are spent restoring their bodies and minds and getting prepared to function optimally come Monday.

Read about nine things successful entrepreneurs do over the weekend to unwind and re-energize for the week ahead HERE.

As we prepare to begin another week celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month, I’ve posted links below for the past week’s articles for anyone that may have missed an article or two:

Monday – Entrepreneurship Takes Center Stage!

Tuesday – Entrepreneurship Simply Defined, or Not!

Wednesday – Is entrepreneurship being harmed by misperceptions?

Thursday – Today’s Entrepreneurs: Visionaries or Doers?

Friday – The Future of Entrepreneurship

Saturday – Freedom + Choice = Balance for Entrepreneurs

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

We often hear about entrepreneurs being incessant about working long hours, never taking a day off, missing family functions, and essentially not having lives outside their own minds, and their work. Many have asked if all of that is true? Well, for the most part it’s not true. Yet, there is some truth. Sure, some of it is myth as people just love superheroes and the stories about their seeming superpowers including being able to function on little to no sleep.

Well, let’s dispel right now that entrepreneurs are anything more than human. Let’s dispel the myths that they can function without sleep, without rest, without knowing when to shut down for a day or two. But what we can do is learn from what makes them successful by ensuring sure they have the freedom and flexibility to do what they want to do, when they want to do it. It’s all about being positioned to have choices.

Award-wining author and entrepreneur, Richie Norton says it best, “Entrepreneurs don’t have weekends or birthdays or holidays. Every day is my weekend, my birthday, my holiday. OR every day is my workday. Mostly it’s a choice.”

Strategic Coach is one of the world’s leading organizations focused on entrepreneurial success. Within their resource section of its website is a blog post, Putting the Focus on Freedom. Of all the information about entrepreneurship that I have researched and read over the years, the opening question and statement in this post has become, in my mind the foundation of entrepreneurship to me:

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur? “For most entrepreneurs, the answer is freedom. They wanted more freedom of time, money, relationship, and purpose when they took the leap to starting their own business.”

Another great organization focused on entrepreneurial success is The Lonely Entrepreneur. What I love about this organization and the writings of its founder, Michael Dermer is the reality of entrepreneurship and the inner workings of an entrepreneur’s mind.

There’s an article on The Lonely Entrepreneur website that always comes to my mind as the holidays are just around the corner, What is an Entrepreneur? Dealing with the Holidays. This statement is embedded in my mind:

“As entrepreneurs, we have enough stress throughout the year trying to win customers, bring on employees, raise money and sign deals with vendors. We may have enjoyed, or even taken advantage of these breaks in our “past lives,” but once you become an entrepreneur, we can’t understand how this ever made sense. Most of us also don’t understand how the world could be so insensitive to our efforts by taking time off when we need to get shit done.” 

I highly value both organizations and certainly, I respect both Michael Dermer and Strategic Coach founder, Dan Sullivan. I know that both strive to help entrepreneurs succeed. Both have approaches that make sense. Both speak and teach from personal experience and long distinguished careers of helping others succeed – thousands upon thousands! Yet, each comes from a different angle, so to speak. But I do appreciate that!

It truly has been a blessing and a privilege to have been exposed to both organizations. I have learned so much, and yet, have so much more to learn so I’m extremely grateful to see both founders’ continued efforts and commitment to entrepreneurial success. For me, it helps me balance perspective in my own work, and balance in my personal life.

Freedom, Choice & Balance Defined

Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

Choice is defined as an act of selecting or deciding when faced with two or more possibilities.

Balance is defined as a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

For some, the notion of freedom, choice & balance is irrelevant along the lines of, it is what it is. To others, it speaks volumes. But there really isn’t a right or wrong position. Instead, the correct one is what it means to YOU!

From my perspective, this quote from Madeleine L’Engle may sum it up best…

“Because to take away a man’s freedom of choice, even his freedom to make the wrong choice, is to manipulate him as though he were a puppet and not a person.”

Have a great day (and weekend). Make it happen. Make it count!

As we continue the celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, a question comes to mind – What role will entrepreneurs play in the economy over the next 5-10 years?

Investopedia addresses how entrepreneurship affects the economy as promoting economic growth, even if positive effects are sometimes overhyped. It goes on to list four key points for consideration:

• Entrepreneurship refers to the “pursuit of opportunity beyond resources controlled.”
• Entrepreneurship has become increasingly socially conscious, taking stock of the impact of entrepreneurial activity on societal issues and tending to view the possibility of addressing those issues as an important function of entrepreneurship.
• The impact of entrepreneurs on economic growth is overall positive, though it may be more mixed than its proponents realize with evidence pointing towards widely different results within different sectors of the economy.
• The evidence of how effective socially conscious innovations have been at solving the issues they tackle historically has been mixed.

In an eye-opening article, The Future of Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century, the author, Dr. Srikanth Gaddam points at some of the trends and changes we have seen throughout the business world over the past few years, and what those changes could mean for potential entrepreneurs looking to start their own business ventures in 2020 (and beyond), as well as how those changes could affect the future of entrepreneurship going forward. He lists them as:

The Rise of the Social Enterprise – there has been a sharp increase in the social awareness of consumers and the desire to contribute to businesses who use a percentage of their profits to help a range of deserving causes, and this change in habits has paved the way for a new kind of business venture. These businesses are known as social enterprises and are driven by purpose rather than profit, with a goal of improving the lives of others – and they’re most certainly becoming more and more common in today’s vast business landscape. 

The Importance of Digital Trends – aspiring entrepreneurs should certainly keep a keen eye on the changing trends appearing within their potential consumer base. These trends can then be used to better market products or businesses towards the target demographic, leading to an all-important increase in sales and overall growth of the brand – or they could even be the thing that directs target audience toward the business [idea] in the first place.

Growth of Platforms – there has been a sharp increase in the establishment of businesses that operate using the platform model. A platform is a business model in which the company relies on building a large and prominent user base to grow, achieve prominence and maintain long-term success.

Dr. Srikanth Gaddam wraps up his article with, “Overall, there has never been a better time to set up your own business, as long as you can keep up with the trends and stand out among the rest. You could be the entrepreneur behind the next global cultural phenomenon.”

In 2017, a similar question was asked on Quora – What will the future of entrepreneurship look like 10 years from now? What is your advice for young entrepreneurs?

A response from a founder, brand consultant & teacher:

“The future of Entrepreneurship in 10 years looks very promising. Technology and the information age that we are currently in is paving the way and enabling people to become Founders and CEOs at a higher rate and a younger age than our parents did-I’m speaking about the Millennials. Anyone born after 1982. Starting a business and failing was catastrophic for them, and it would be for some today, but it is easier to rebound from a failed venture today. Don’t ever be afraid to fail, it’s called learning. And you can’t prosper without it. Just don’t make the same mistakes three times. My advice as a Brand Consultant that consults Entrepreneurs every day, don’t put your eggs all in one basket. Don’t start a business and not love what you do and be willing to put the blood, sweat and tears into it.”

I hope the information shared above has helped to spur some thoughts in your own mind about entrepreneurship and especially its role as we face economic uncertainty, a changing business landscape, social issues of the day and so much more. This has me thinking once again about whether I am an entrepreneur. You should ask the same of yourself.

Why is there reluctance to say, I am an entrepreneur? I’ve been asked that question many times. Heck, I’ve asked that question of myself on more than one occasion. It seems, at times we’re prouder to call ourselves, Founder or CEO or to say, I’m a business owner. Why is that?

Are those titles more respectful than entrepreneur? Yet, we hear of late, we’re in an entrepreneurial economy. So, is that a bad thing or a good thing, and especially if we have a hard time fully admitting to entrepreneurship? Or should we just be entrepreneurial in how we approach our work, whatever that truly means?

Are we claiming to be in an entrepreneurial economy to justify the disappearance of the lifelong career at one company and this is just a way to say we need to create and prove ourselves repeatedly, and forget the gold watch?

Back to the reference of being an entrepreneur… Is there a stigma of being a dreamer, always looking for something better, bigger, faster as opposed to what some believe is mundane, repetitive work with the security of a paycheck? Often, I hear it’s mostly due to yesterday’s immigrant mindset of being thankful to just have a job, yet it’s that same immigrant mindset that is the epitome of entrepreneurship.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

We are living our fears.

I believe it’s because of fear — fear of failure, fear of what other people think, fear of the unknown, fear of the what if, fear of starting over, fear of change… But it’s when those fears are hit head-on and the adrenaline rush of success far outweighs those fears because you know, deep in your heart, that you have a deeply ingrained talent that can and will make a difference.

Does that mean failures aren’t possible? Hell no, but it’s working through those failures, those blips, those aberrations that provide experience and resiliency to improve and innovate to make the next step, the next task, the next venture successful. That is entrepreneurship. And it’s when I don’t consider what I do as entrepreneurship, is when failure mostly occurs. Conversely, it’s when I focus on what I do as an entrepreneur, complete with that thinking outside the box and failure is not an option perspective, and when focused more on results as opposed to opinion of others, THAT is when success mostly occurs.

Yes, I’m an entrepreneur. My focus will stay as such as it is not only good for me, but also for my family and for those that rely on me to help them achieve their wishes, hopes and dreams! Why? Because I believe in possibilities, as without them, there are none.

Please spread the word about National Entrepreneurship Month. After all, we do need more and more entrepreneurs. Recognizing and celebrating entrepreneurship will help inspire and motivate entrepreneurs in ways that we may not yet be able to imagine. As well, it can go a long way toward inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

It’s Day Four of celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month at Acceler8Success Café. After spending the past few days discussing the definition of entrepreneurship, we will now look at today’s entrepreneurs and their thought process.

Today’s Entrepreneurs

The world around us has become so noisy that it’s easy to not hear opportunity knocking. In the past, opportunity presented itself in only a few ways… job offers, a referral, an ad in the paper. Business was regimented… 9 to 5, straight forward processes, slow to change, staying inside the box.

Well, technology along with our lost feeling of security, job and otherwise has provided us opportunities and reasons that we must keep our eyes open, explore beyond our comfort zones. We must maintain an open mind to create things of value, to control our own destiny, to diversify our income, to take calculated risk, and to think and act outside the box (of complacency, fear, and procrastination).

We’re in an environment where the visionaries continue to create the playing field but it’s only the doers who will win. Acting swiftly, yet decisively, albeit deliberately, often throwing caution to the wind, caring little about what others think of them and their decisions, maintaining a laser-focus to not only succeed, but to thrive. These individuals not only make things happen, but they also make them count, and in a big way.

They are today’s entrepreneurs.

An Entrepreneur Knows

An entrepreneur knows to wake up in the morning and immediately begin planning the day ahead.

An entrepreneur knows to do this despite having already done so the night before and possibly several times throughout the night.

An entrepreneur knows he or she will awaken hungry for results.

An entrepreneur knows new ideas will be churned and devoured by his or her mind each day, each hour, each minute.

An entrepreneur knows the hunger for success has no end.

An entrepreneur knows all too well the success bar will keep rising.

An entrepreneur knows personal expectations will continue to grow.

An entrepreneur knows the fire in his or her belly must be fed continuously.

An entrepreneur knows he or she must accomplish more and more each and every day.

An entrepreneur knows the hunger will persist no matter how much he or she bites off.

An entrepreneur knows to chew faster and faster to keep from choking.

An entrepreneur knows to survive and to succeed is to fuel the hunger, not curtail it.

An entrepreneur knows all this because it’s in his or her DNA.

An entrepreneur knows…

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Yesterday at Acceler8Success Café, as the celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month continued, I addressed the definition of entrepreneurship. It was quite interesting to research the multitude of definitions, explanations, and perspective on entrepreneurship. A well, it was eye-opening to see how the words entrepreneurship and entrepreneur are often referred to in an interchangeable manner.

Today, I’d like to share how individuals from various walks of life have expressed their understanding and perception of entrepreneurship.

Freedom to do what I want to do. Control my own destiny. Spend more time with my family. Take more vacations. Play golf as often as I’d like. Not having to be accountable to anyone. These are just some of the statements I hear all too often from individuals that want to be an entrepreneur. Or think they do!

When I ask them to define entrepreneurship, almost all respond with their thoughts of glory, reverence, and the materialistic aspects of success. I ask them to tell me what they believe an entrepreneur looks like. It’s interesting to hear most describe a middle-aged male wearing dark, fashionable clothes. They describe this person as having a tan and wearing sunglasses. Seemingly, they wear sunglasses all the time. Many reference the look of Mark Cuban and Ralph Lauren.

They describe entrepreneurs as being very cool and relaxed. An open collar shirt or expensive T-shirt is the order of the day along with a dark sports coat or suit jacket. Yet, they’re emphatic that it’s not what had been previously labeled as traditional business wear. No ties. Several were adamant that a golf-type shirt was unacceptable, especially with a country club logo. Although, a polo shirt with a name brand logo would be acceptable some days.

Interestingly, the responses are very similar from those 30-55 years old. The under-30 crowd are more inclined to describing a young celebrity appearance as their entrepreneurial success look. More interesting are the similar responses from men AND women. When I push women a bit to share their thoughts about the look of a successful female entrepreneur, I have found they tend toward explaining how the female entrepreneur acts, as opposed to how they look. It seems like they’re describing the Meryl Streep character in the movie, A Devil Wears Prada.

Considering the popularity of TV reality shows like Shark Tank, The Profit and Undercover Boss along with series like Billions and Succession and how business moguls (entrepreneurs) are depicted in the movies, it’s easy to realize how entrepreneurs in general have been stereotyped into the minds of many considering entrepreneurship today. Even across the Real Housewives franchise where some of the wives and most of the husbands have achieved varying levels of entrepreneurial success, the influence about entrepreneurship is front and center.

Sadly, what isn’t realized or showcased is the work and effort it takes to achieve entrepreneurial success. And what about the risks and hardships of being an entrepreneur? Dare I mention failure as an entrepreneur and its potential ripple effects?

That has me thinking, is entrepreneurship ultimately being harmed by misperception of what entrepreneurship is about – launching ideas, taking risks, solving social problems, innovating, creating jobs, etc.? As such, are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs being set up to fail due to these misperceptions? That’s a scary thought considering the popular opinion that it will be entrepreneurship that will save our great nation.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

As we continue celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month, it makes sense to understand the meaning of the word, entrepreneurship. I say that it makes sense as there are varying definitions mixed in with perceptions and even some inaccuracies. After all, how could we possibly encourage the celebration of something without an understanding of what it is that is being celebrated?

So, what is entrepreneurship?

A search on Google of the phrase, Definition of Entrepreneurship produced “About 1,020,000,000 results” as posted at the top of the search page. That is over one billion results!

The first result, from Oxford Languages defines entrepreneurship as “the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.” That is simple enough, but too simple when considering the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Wikipedia takes things to a different level with the interchanging of the word, entrepreneur with entrepreneurship. Seemingly, one cannot be defined without the other. In fact, at the top of the page is the following message: Entrepreneur redirects here.

Their definition, comprising of four paragraphs, is as follows:

Entrepreneurship is the creation or extraction of economic value. With this definition, entrepreneurship is viewed as change, entailing risk beyond what is normally encountered in starting a business, which may include other values than simply economic ones.

An entrepreneur is an individual who creates and/or invests in one or more businesses, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. The process of setting up a business is known as entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and business/or procedures.

More narrow definitions have described entrepreneurship as the process of designing, launching, and running a new business, which is often like a small business, or as the “capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks to make a profit.” The people who create these businesses are often referred to as entrepreneurs. While definitions of entrepreneurship typically focus on the launching and running of businesses, due to the high risks involved in launching a start-up, a significant proportion of start-up businesses must close due to “lack of funding, bad business decisions, government policies, an economic crisis, lack of market demand, or a combination of all of these.”

In the field of economics, the term entrepreneur is used for an entity which could translate inventions or technologies into products and services. In this sense, entrepreneurship describes activities on the part of both established firms and new businesses.

On the tenth page of search results is an interesting article, A New Definition of Entrepreneurship. It defines entrepreneurship as “the pursuit of opportunity beyond the resources you currently control.”

The following search result, also on page ten is an article, What Is Entrepreneurship? Meaning, Types & Examples. The article states, “Traditional definitions of entrepreneurship define the term as the act of starting and scaling up a business from scratch. While this is essentially true, the modern connotations attached to this word have taken on a whole new meaning.”

It goes on with the question – What is Entrepreneurship? followed by the following explanation:

“The very existence of the term entrepreneurship differentiates it from the act of business. While business, as we know it, is at its core the buying and selling of products and services to turn a reasonable profit, entrepreneurship goes farther than the common concept of commerce. Entrepreneurship seeks to change the world by discovering opportunities where none previously existed. They convert new inventions into viable products and provide consumers with the means of meeting their needs.

At its very core, entrepreneurship is an approach to solving real-world problems, often with the help of technological breakthroughs.

As a result, the term entrepreneur applies equally aptly to persons who start entrepreneurial ventures as well as to corporate entities which take the steps to endeavor into uncharted business territory for the sheer pleasure of exploring something new. An entrepreneur is at heart a risk-taker who tries something new, and entrepreneurship an adventure for only the brave at heart and strong of mind.”

And I love the following which is a disclaimer of sorts:

“But what makes entrepreneurship so very different from ordinary businesses? To know this, we must delve deeper into the very characteristics of the concept.”

So, is entrepreneurship a description along the lines of craftsmanship and workmanship, implying a higher level of skill? Is entrepreneurship also a business model in and of its own as may be the implication of “being different from the ordinary business?” Or is entrepreneurship considered an interchangeable reference to an entrepreneur? Although, I am not so sure of the latter as I was taught early on not to use the word in the definition such as, a baker is a person who bakes. Stating that an entrepreneur is someone who engages in entrepreneurship just does not make sense.

Are you confused yet? I ask, as I believe I may be confused!

The ‘correct’ answer can be found on the fourteenth page of the search results. The result is an article, Definition of Entrepreneurship by Different Authors. I believe this may have been more relevant on the first or second page of search results. But then again, there is a few differing opinions – or just varying perspectives based upon firsthand experiences. I know, I may be grasping for straws here but why is that not a clear-cut definition of entrepreneurship?

The best way to understand entrepreneurship is to view the following video. It is one that I have shared several times before. Obviously, it is one of my favorites as to me, it is a simple definition albeit extended over 24 minutes or so. Although, entrepreneurship and entrepreneur are once again interchanged.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

November is National Entrepreneurship Month in the United States, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy. On November 15th, we also celebrate National Entrepreneur’s Day. In addition, during the week of November 14-20, we recognize the American spirit of entrepreneurship abroad by celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 14-20).

Starting today and running through Sunday, November 20th, I will expand my focus at Acceler8Success Café on entrepreneurship as a way of celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month and related activities.

I will also promote various levels of entrepreneurship including but not limited to small business, franchising, startups, and restaurants. As well, I will share insight and perspective on entrepreneurship and its expanding reach into various demographic groups.

Considering current challenges and economic uncertainty – and dare I say, recession – entrepreneurship as a path toward recovery will be addressed. After all, a recent article at Forbes.com, A Recession Provides Opportunity for Growing A Business provided insight that recessions are a great time to start a new business. Throughout history, recessions have been a driving force behind the creation of innovative and successful companies.

A Proclamation on National Entrepreneurship Month, 2022

According to the Proclamation at WhiteHouse.gov, during National Entrepreneurship Month, we celebrate the doers, dreamers, and job creators whose vision and grit fuel our economy and capture the essence of America. 

Starting and owning a business has always been a key path to the American Dream — a way to build wealth, serve your neighbors, and leave a mark in a community and on the world. Requiring risk-taking and daring, entrepreneurs faced additional challenges during the pandemic and the economic crisis that it created. Two years ago, hundreds of thousands of small businesses closed, while others struggled to find workers and stock their shelves. But as we have recovered, Americans have responded with entrepreneurial spirit, seizing the opportunity to build new businesses and launch new careers.

Read the Proclamation at WhiteHouse.gov

National Entrepreneur’s Day

According to NationalToday.com, in 2010 entrepreneur Siamak Taghaddos started a petition to create a National Entrepreneur’s Day. He didn’t understand how America, though considered the most entrepreneurial country in the world, didn’t already have a day dedicated to recognizing entrepreneurs. Six months and thousands of signatures later, President Obama proclaimed the last day of 2010’s National Entrepreneur Week as National Entrepreneur’s Day.

Read about National Entrepreneur’s Day at NationalDay.com

Global Entrepreneurship Week

NationalDay.com also references Global Entrepreneurship Week as a global celebration of entrepreneurship that occurs in the second week of November, from November 14–20 this year. During this week, people from various countries worldwide come together through local, national, and global events to create solutions for worldwide economic growth.

Read about Global Entrepreneurship Week News at GenGlobal.com

So, as we move forward to celebrate entrepreneurship, let’s start with an understanding of how entrepreneurship has played a pivotal role in our nation going back to 1776.

Thomas Paine, an English-born American political activist wrote The Entrepreneur’s Creed. He also authored two of the most influential pamphlets, Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776-1783) at the start of the American Revolution and helped inspire the Patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain.

I find it interesting that Paine somehow looped in entrepreneurship with the politics of the day. It almost sounds like what’s going on across our country today. Especially, as it’s been repeatedly stated that entrepreneurship is the backbone of American ingenuity, and it will be entrepreneurship that will drive our country’s recovery.

Yes, it’s interesting in that I see things coming full circle since 1776. It’ll be even more interesting to see if the next 250 years will parallel American History.

Freedom. Independence. Entrepreneurship. The combination of the three… What a novel idea!

The Entrepreneur’s Creed

“I do not choose to be a common man,

it is my right to be uncommon … if I can,

I seek opportunity … not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen,

humbled and dulled by having the

State look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk.

to dream and to build,

To fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.

I prefer the challenges of life

to the guaranteed existence.

The thrill of fulfillment

to the stale calm of Utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence

nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master

nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect,

proud and unafraid.

To think and act for myself,

to enjoy the benefit of my creations

and to face the world boldly and say:

This, with God’s help, I have done.

All this is what it means

to be an Entrepreneur.”

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Before we know it, the new year will be upon us. Questions are likely already coming to mind. Have both personal and business goals been achieved for this year? What of the New Year’s resolutions set earlier this year? Of the various goals and resolutions that missed the mark, what happened? What went wrong? Of those that did hit or exceeded the mark, what made the difference?

These are questions that must be answered to springboard into the new year. A plan must be in place well before January 1st to get off on the right foot. This means that there’s work to do between now and year’s end. Of course, the upcoming holidays can be a distraction.

And although it is important to spend time to get together and celebrate with family & friends, it is essential that work-life balance be maintained. Except, as the focus throughout the year is to ensure ample time is spent on the life part of the equation, now is the time to make certain the work component is not ignored.

A word to the wise… do not procrastinate! Do not push off planning until after the holidays lest the opportunity of moving forward as the ball drops over Times Square will be delayed. And, delaying attention to the tasks at hand for the time between Christmas and New Year’s celebrations is a recipe for disaster. Diligence will be lacking in the effort to just get it done.

With today’s challenges and economic uncertainty, there is no room in our lives for if, can’t & try – just do, as where there is a will, there is a way if something is wanted bad enough. It all comes down to commitment… relentless, unparalleled commitment!

Anthony Robbins says, “There’s always a way – if you’re committed.”

Yoda, of Star Wars fame said, “No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

And of course, Nike may have promoted it best with, “Just do it.”

The new year is a chance to start over – a fresh beginning. It is a good time to set new goals, change old habits and try new things. It is also a great time to revisit wishes, hopes, and dreams. If we do not use time wisely to get out of our comfort zone and our state of complacency, we will remain right where we are. Therefore, we must start our new year today, not in January.

I’ll leave you today with the following quote from Albert Einstein. I trust it will spur thoughts that I hope will be helpful as there are lessons to be learned in his words – actual ones for the world we live in today, and subliminal ones that can help us personally.

“Let’s not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress…

Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born from the dark night. It is in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis…

The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There is no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There is no merit without crisis. It is in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead…

Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it.”

Have a great week ahead. Act swiftly. Act decisively. Make it happen. Make it count!

When the future is fogged and ahead lays opportunity but risk, it is better to tread a careful path through the uncertainty than to wait for the mist to clear, if it ever does. – Anonymous

Sometimes we can barely see across short distances such as is often the case with early morning fog. However, if we’re pointed in the right direction, having positioned ourselves just right, we’re aware of what lies ahead.

Whether it be from past experiences, or by following a detailed map, or even by using our senses to realize points of reference, we must trust we’re moving in the right direction. Often, intuition kicks in prompting us to make slight changes in direction. We must trust that gut feeling and act accordingly — but we must prevent from wandering aimlessly off track and into the unknown.

Much can be said about life as a journey. It’s mostly clear sailing with occasional storms that can be navigated with minimal, yet steady effort. Until, of course, we’re faced with a category 8 hurricane or F5 tornado when just surviving becomes our primary goal.

“Confidence is something you create when you believe in yourself.” – Anonymous

We must have unwavering confidence in our plans and also in our abilities. We must listen to our intuition. We must make changes swiftly and decisively. We must make it happen. We must make it count!

Have a great day!