The Pandemic Sparks an Entrepreneurial Boom

Historically speaking, many wildly successful companies have been founded during lean times, says Andrew Zacharakis, the John H. Muller Jr. Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Babson College. General Electric was started during a recession in the 1800s, and Revlon was born during the Great Depression. More recently, Warby Parker and Airbnb began during the Great Recession.

“There is a history of world-changing companies starting in these time frames,” Zacharakis says. “It is the next Amazon that is being born today. It is the next Microsoft that is being born today. In 10, 15 years from now, we will say 2020 is when these great companies were started.”

Multiple factors are driving the current increase in new businesses, chief among them being the large number of people who are unemployed. Unable to land a new position, many are deciding to take matters into their own entrepreneurial hands and pursue self-employment, Zacharakis says. Read more at entrepreneurship.Babson.edu.

16 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Podcasts can provide entrepreneurs with expert advice and practical strategies to launch, manage, and grow a brand.

For a list of podcasts for entrepreneurs and innovators please visit practicalecommerce.com. There are shows that provide skills, such as growing an audience and managing a team. There are also shows that profile established businesses, detailing their journeys and breakthroughs. All of these podcasts are free.

The Government Wants You to Become an Entrepreneur

It’s been a little over a year since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and so much has changed in such a short period. More than four million businesses have closed in the last nine months, and as of January, more than 10 million people in the United States are still unemployed. The biggest question for many is, “What do I do now?” The good news is, there’s one solution that the government favors: entrepreneurship.

The government favors entrepreneurship, but why? One of the biggest reasons is job creation. When the government wants to encourage specific behavior, they can either do so by force or by policy. One of the ways this is done is through the policy of the tax law. So, rather than spending a lot of money trying to create jobs, it’s a whole lot cheaper for the government to provide tax benefits that encourage business owners to create them. Government can get even more specific in the types of jobs they want the market to create by giving specific tax breaks for farming, green energy and more. For example, during the pandemic the CARES Act encouraged employers to keep employees on their payroll with the Employee Retention Credit. With the refundable tax credit, 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by Covid-19, helped reduce the number of jobs lost due to the pandemic. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

A Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto

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 more proud 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 over and over again, 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. 

Actually, 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, it’s good 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.

How Generation Z Is Altering the Face of Entrepreneurship for Good

For the longest time, my generation, the Millenials, were touted as the Entrepreneurial generation. For the most part, we have lived up to the billing. However, as the world evolves, the art of business evolves with it, and it turns out that Generation Z has more to do with this evolution than many care to admit. 

Generation Z entrepreneurs are springing forth at such a startling rate that a recent Gallup Student Poll found that 40 percent of students surveyed from grades five to 12 stated they wanted to run their own business. Then, 24 percent said they have already started. At this rate, it isn’t at all challenging to see Generation Z take over as the most Entrepreneurial Generation. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

15 Powerful Quotes On Success

Eager to build a successful business? Shared at Forbes.com are the quotes of those who have made it, and the DNA and definition of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Bookmark them, screen shot them, and use them to fuel your own journey.

1) Success is No Accident

Famous soccer athlete, Pele who appeared to be born with plenty of natural talent, continues this quote by adding “It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.”

2) Success is Not Final, Failure is Not Fatal: it is the Courage to Continue that Counts

This quote by Winston Churchill really puts the life cycle of an entrepreneur in perspective. Failure won’t kill you, if you don’t let it. Experiencing this can give you more courage to try again. Even when you ‘make it’ and raise a lot of money or sell your company, life isn’t over. You might unfortunately, have a much clearer picture of the struggles, but then you get to start again with a new startup, or become an angel investor yourself.

For the remaining 13 quotes please visit Forbes.com.

How Defining Success is the Key to Being Successful

Could you imagine getting into a car, planning to go somewhere, and yet have no idea as to when you’ve arrived? This seems absolutely ridiculous. How could you get anywhere without being aware of the destination? Yet, the truth is, this is how many of us work towards success. We have the idea in our mind that we’d like to be successful, but there is no clear picture of what this success would be. In other words, we have no destination.

I played college baseball, so this failure to define success was quite evident within myself. Before a game, I would say that I wanted to play well, as most athletes do. But what I failed to realize was what playing well truly meant. Without pinpointing what a successful day would be, I’d be lost in all the ways it went wrong. As a result of having no clear definition of success, I succumbed to all sorts of negative forms of thinking. 

Like clockwork, I could always find areas where I fell short. However, that all changed once I learned a valuable skill. As a result of learning how to define success, I freed myself from much of my perfectionism and anxiety, along with developing a clear picture of what it meant to be successful. Read more at Addicted2Success.com.

2020 State of Latino Entrepreneurship

This is the sixth annual State of Latino Entrepreneurship report where we have collected robust survey data from Latino-owned businesses across the country to provide a timely account on the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. business population. This year, we administered our national survey amid a global pandemic and vast social unrest, and the unique disruptions businesses faced over the past year are clearly visible in the survey responses.

This report highlights the impact of Latino-owned employer businesses in the U.S. economy and compares their experiences to those of White-owned employer firms in the United States. This year, we not only surveyed U.S. Latino business owners but also a comparison group of White business owners to identify similarities and differences in their experiences. We collected a sample of 3,500 White-owned businesses and 3,500+ Latino-owned businesses. Additionally, we captured time-series data from a smaller cohort of Latino-owned firms over the months of March, June, and September 2020, to capture the progressive impact of the pandemic on Latino-owned businesses. Read more and download the report at gsb.stanford.edu.

Hispanic entrepreneurs own 1 out of every 7 small businesses in the United States.

It is SCORE’s mission to support all entrepreneurs in the United States, including the 4.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses. We’ve been providing resources to all entrepreneurs for over 50 years and are proud to have the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. For more info please visit SCORE.com.

Are You an Entrepreneur? The Answer Might Surprise You!

They don’t wait to be told what to do, or for conditions to be perfect, or to be handed the resources they need on a platter.  In the spirit of a famous slogan, they just go out and do it. End of story. Sounds simple, right? But it’s not an easy process by any means.

It’s this kind of spirit that sees success as inevitable after hundreds of failures, rejections and setbacks. It’s this kind of spirit that enables the entrepreneur to pick themselves up off the floor, dust themselves off, and start all over again, even where the outcome is uncertain. It’s this kind of spirit that can hold a dream in perfect suspension in the imagination, believing in it even in the face of all odds, until the day it’s there in solid reality. Read more at Addicted2Success.com.

Do You Have Any of the 5 Traits Shared by Successful Traders and Entrepreneurs?

As the founder and CEO of Bear Bull Traders and Peak Capital Trading, I’ve taught thousands of new traders how to trade the market and make the right decisions for their trading venture. These traders come from all walks of life and from countries all around the globe. I’m honored to bring such a diverse group of people together for the purpose of building better lives through trading.

During my time as a trading coach and mentor, I’ve seen it again and again – some just have a knack for trading, and some fail miserably … and fast. What makes the difference? Successful traders enter into the world of trading with a specific set of personality characteristics. As I’ve built my own businesses, I’ve discovered that these are the same characteristics that also drive successful entrepreneurs. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

3 Reasons to Quit Your Corporate Job and Become a Restaurant Franchisee

Covid-19 has been a stress-test for every facet of restaurant operations. Nearly four in 10 U.S. restaurants are currently closed, and many will close permanently as a result of the pandemic.

However, the industry’s setbacks over the past year should serve not as a warning, but as a guiding light. The restaurant franchises that have weathered the storm — those with the strongest customer bases, the best food and the most effective technology — are here to stay.

Although it is disheartening to watch restaurants shut their doors permanently, I am encouraged by the industry’s resilience and innovation over the past year. Market demand is another source of optimism. The reality of the current situation is, we have the same amount of people evaluating food options every day as we did before the pandemic hit. It is no surprise that we are seeing fast casual and QSR brands reporting an increase in sales at a time when the industry overall is struggling. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

Franchise Foundry is seeking experienced operators, managers & investors for unique fast-growing quick service restaurant (QSR) brands. Single, Multi-unit & Area Development Opportunities. Wide investment range starting at $150k. New Operating Partner Program! Learn more and inquire at FranchiseFoundry.com.

How Successful Entrepreneurs Handle Rejection

Did you know Steve Jobs was fired from Apple before he returned to turn it into the icon it is today? Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was turned down 12 times before getting published. Don’t even get us started on Elon Musk, who was fired from PayPal before going on to co-found Tesla, SpaceX, and more. 

No one likes rejection, but rejection happens even to the best of entrepreneurs. That’s why it makes sense to learn how to handle rejection well and turn it into a learning opportunity for your business.

If no one told you you’re going to hear “no” as an entrepreneur, here’s what you need to know: You’d better get used to it. Whether it’s telling your spouse about how you want to quit your day job and start a business, or you’re going after small business funding, the one thing most entrepreneurs have in common is rejection. Selling anything (whether it’s the idea of entrepreneurship to a skeptical spouse or the idea of a loan to your banker) is hard.

It’s not the rejection that matters. It is how you handle it afterward that will make or break your business. As sure as you set out to achieve a goal, you are going to experience roadblocks. Big or small, each “no” could take a chunk out of your armor, if you let it. Read more at Benetrends.com.

11 Tips for Entrepreneurs Looking to Write Their First Book

Putting together a book takes time, energy and a lot of effort. And while it accounts for a lot of the book’s labor, writing isn’t the only thing an entrepreneur needs to concern themselves with. Publishing the book and the marketing associated with it also have a place in the overall success equation. But not all new writers know what to expect from the writing process. To help, 11 experts from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) answer the following question:

“What advice would you give to an entrepreneur looking to write or publish their first book? Why?”

Read more at SmallBizTrends.com for tips to ensure your first book-writing experience is a successful one.

Patience Is Still An Entrepreneurial Virtue

The phrase “patience is a virtue” has been known through the ages and across the world. More than ever, it feels like the entrepreneurial community has abandoned this virtue for the lusty pursuit of expediency. It feels like patience is regarded as just a relic of a long passed slow-paced business cycle. The belief that those who hesitate are lost, and one must strike while the iron is hot (insert additional metaphors) to be successful causes many entrepreneurs to throw themselves irrationally towards ill-timed opportunities. There is still a virtue in delayed gratification; believe me, doing it right is more important than doing it right now.

I spend most of my time these days helping companies and CEOs craft their story for the market. I see hundreds of company presentations and business outlines, with most of them looking to raise money to launch or expand their business venture. Far too often, I see these entrepreneurs effectively “rushing” into the market. They often find themselves battling questions, objections, and rejections they could have avoided with a little more time, experience, and patience. There is too much emphasis on being ‘first to market’ and not nearly enough on being “best to market.” Read more at Forbes.com.

“You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” – Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Work/Life Balance

If you search Google for “entrepreneur personal relationships” you’ll come across some interesting articles:

• Great Entrepreneur, Lousy Lover
• Entrepreneurs Suck at Relationships
• The Only Thing Harder Than BEING An Entrepreneur is LIVING With One

Clearly, work life balance harmony is not considered one of the defining characteristics of the life of an entrepreneur, but perhaps it should be.

No doubt, 24/7 work requirements and a passion (that may sometimes border on obsession) can be difficult to balance against the focus and presence required to maintain a healthy relationship. Read more at KEAP.com.

10 reasons why you haven’t started your business yet (and how to get past them)

You’ve been talking about starting a business forever, but (quite possibly to the increasing frustration of your friends and family) you haven’t actually done anything about it yet. 

So what’s it going to take to get your business out of your dreams and into your life? To help you identify what’s stopping you – and blast away any excuses – here are the top 10 reasons why most people put off starting their businesses. 

Find out what might be stopping you, so you can move past it and finally get your business off the ground at TalentedLadiesClub.com.

Starting a Business in 2021? Nine Great Reasons to Explore the Culture Space

After the tumult of 2020, many people who lost their jobs are now considering turning to entrepreneurship to get back on their feet. Starting a business is an exciting and empowering way to earn a living, and many who go down this path are drawn in by the promise of freedom and flexibility.

However, entrepreneurship takes a lot of hard work, too, so it’s important to stay motivated and choose a field you know you’ll be passionate about for years to come. To help aspiring entrepreneurs stay focused and thrive, nine members of Rolling Stone Culture Council listed their reasons to start a business in the culture space this year and why. Read more at RollingStone.com.

Two Stages Every Entrepreneur Goes Through Before Becoming a Success

Every time we start a project or a new path, we expect the best results , without counting or evaluating the probable ones (they are probable and in fact necessary) obstacles that are going to be presented to us along the way, difficulties that will undoubtedly forge character in each of us and will shield us from life itself.

Now, do we really know what it means to be successful? Do we really know when we achieve the goal? It is almost impossible, we normally attribute success to fame and money, to worldwide recognition for an activity or achievement, in fact, the word success is increasingly used in high performance sports and in entrepreneurs with highly productive companies or, failing that, those in charge of very high positions in recognized companies such as, for example, Apple or Microsoft, who rarely show sacrifice, but who all applaud each new product.

But success, without a doubt, must go further, it is impossible that after so much struggle and effort, the long-awaited summit is only a mountain of recognition and goods, material and superficial things that will never give a true feeling of fulfillment. , if they are complete, in the face of what the greatest achievement of your life can mean. Are you really just waiting for money after such a long time and to be asked for a photo? Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Grants and Incentives Available for U.S. Small Businesses and Startups

The United States has a global reputation for being one of the most business-friendly countries in the world, and is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential corporations—from Google and Amazon, to Tesla and Microsoft. However, despite the presence of these global brands, it’s the nation’s small businesses that keep the American economy alive.

Approximately 99.9% of all U.S. companies are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition, the United States is home to a wide variety of innovative startups, as illustrated by high startup density in locations such as Silicon Valley, Calif.; New York; and Austin, Tex., and particularly in high-value sectors such as technology, fintech, and marketing.

To maintain the nation’s leading position as a hotbed of entrepreneurship, federal and local governments have launched multiple initiatives and incentives to support small businesses and startups. What follows is an exploration of grants, benefits, and industry incentives available to U.S.-based businesses. Read more at AllBusiness.com.

Welcome to The Social Geek Radio Network.

Get in touch with your inner geek. Jack Monson and many special guests discuss social media and digital marketing trends for brands, small businesses, and franchises. 

Social Geek Radio was listed as one of 20 Best Business Podcasts according to Emerge and was named to the Best Small Business Podcasts by FitSmallBusiness.com. Recently, Social Geek Radio finally made the Top 25 podcasts in the Marketing category of Apple Podcasts / iTunes.

• Franchise Facebook Podcast – every Monday
• Franchise News Podcast – every Wednesday
• Social Geek Radio Franchise Spotlight – every Friday

Listen, download, subscribe to Social Geek Radio!

Starting or Buying a Business

So, you’re thinking of going into business for yourself. You have several options available, and all involve some degree of risk. Do you want to create a start-up operation? Perhaps you are planning on buying an existing business. Or, you may be considering the purchase of a franchise operation.

Each option involves some element of risk and reward. Whichever option you choose, however, owning your own business offers a chance at more freedom and greater financial rewards. Read more at NohoArtsDistrict.com.

Build an Empire with Empire Business Brokers!

Small business and restaurant resales are on the rise making it an excellent time to consider owning your own Empire Business Broker office. Empire offers:

– Executive business opportunity
– Low initial investment from $25k
– Multiple profit centers
– Excellent commissions
– Growing database of buyers, businesses & franchises
– Initial training, marketing assistance and on-going support
– Network of 70+ offices throughout the U.S. and abroad
– Excellent markets available
– Brand founded in 1981

For more information please text EBB2021 to (832) 797-9851 or inquire at info@Acceler8Success.com.

The Definitively Terrifying Rules of Serial Entrepreneurship

If you’re like me you probably have a pretty enthusiastic outlook on the idea of being an entrepreneur.

That’s good. You’re going to need that passion as the world savagely grinds you to dust over and over again until you’re wondering which way is up, why you started this, and what it all means.

As a military veteran who stepped away from the corporate world to plunge into a pretty wild array of enterprises (from e-commerce success to digital marketing, with a quick stop for a record-breaking zombie movie), I’m here to assure you of absolutely nothing. Read more at YFSmagazine.com.

Should You Be a Freelancer or an Entrepreneur?

Creating your own business is an exciting prospect. Whether as a freelancer or as an entrepreneur, there’s a thrill about ultimately being in control of your own career destiny. 

More and more people are leaving the world of salaried work and embarking on an entrepreneurial path. Yet with so many different ways to build a business, what type of self-employment is right for you? 

Are you a freelancer at heart, or were you born to be an entrepreneur? 

First, let’s take a closer look at each path. Read more at InvoiceNinja.com.

How to Succeed as a Millennial Entrepreneur

We all have our unique entrepreneurial journeys. As a member of the millennial generation that now dominates the world population, it’s our generation’s challenge to build a better world through the products and services that we offer, and also through the values that our businesses stand for. 

This Herculean mission for millennial entrepreneurs comes with challenges that are unique to our generation. And when there are new problems, we are compelled to address them with new solutions, too. 

Learn five actionable steps that millennials can implement to help them overcome obstacles and forge their way to entrepreneurial success at Entrepreneur.com.

Connecting the Right Brands, People & Opportunities!

The uncertainty of 2020 created the perfect time to diversify and expand. After all, it’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. To that end, Acceler8Success Group was formed mid-year, building upon Acceler8Success principles and methods that have proven successful since 2014.

Widely recognized as industry leaders & experts, Acceler8Success Group leadership have extensive experience as entrepreneurs in small business & restaurants, as senior-level executives within nationally recognized brands, and as franchisees within successful franchise systems. 

Members of Acceler8Success Group along with Strategic Partners have earned designation as Certified Franchise Executives, Certified Franchise Brokers, Certified Business Brokers and Commercial Real Estate Brokers. Positioned to deliver services within the U.S., Canada and other Global markets, languages spoken include: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian. Learn more at Acceler8Success.com.

Growth Mindset: The Secret Sauce of Entrepreneurial Success

In today’s ever-changing world, if you don’t develop a growth mindset, you will get left behind.

Your mindset is the driving force behind every decision that you make. At the end of the day, it determines your success or your failure in business. In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology for Success, Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck explains that “The attitude we bring to our daily activities can play a large role in shaping and extending the ways we utilize our innate talents.” 

People with a growth mindset believe that their intelligence can be developed through hard work. They possess a passionate love of learning and view failure as a gift. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence is fixed, that mistakes are signs of failure, and that talent, void of effort, is what creates success. 

Which mindset do you adopt? If you are trapped in a fixed mindset, now is the time to change it! Entrepreneurial success demands that you do so. Read more at ProjectLifemastery.com.

7 questions to help you figure out if it’s time to quit your job to start your own business

Quitting your day job to be your own boss, set your own hours, and make your own decisions sounds like a dream come true for anyone stuck in a job they hate. Striking out on your own sounds like the perfect solution to your workday woes. But, after the initial enthusiasm, the downside starts to sink in. Starting your own business means leaving a regular paycheck and tossing benefits aside. There’s a ton of risk. But the potential for reward can be oh so alluring.

So, how can you tell if it’s the right time to jump ship and start your own business? Read more at FastCompany.com.

Student Entrepreneurship Fuels Business Growth And Learning

A recent study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers pointed to a disturbing trend. While graduates believe they are well prepared for a job, employers increasingly think otherwise.

Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Public Benefit Corporation and hospitality company Saxbys expressed it to me this way: “The job market demands skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, problem solving, cultural agility—attributes that are extremely difficult if not impossible to teach in a classroom.”  

Bayer developed the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (ELP), a student-centric entrepreneurship opportunity where partners with leading universities to give students the opportunity to run a business, specifically a bustling on-campus café. 

Each ELP cafe is helmed by a Student CEO (SCEO) and a team entirely of undergraduate students who fully responsible for the business, and in return receive academic credit as well as financial compensation.  The program also has an important educational component. Starting three months before their term, the SCEO completes 100 hours of training centered in the following three areas:  Team Development; hiring, inspiring & empowering a team of on average, 50 of their peers; Community Leadership, engaging with stakeholders to become a valued cornerstone on campus; and Financial Management, being fully accountable for the Profit & Loss statement of the cafe. Read more at Forbes.com.

5 Ways to Conquer Entrepreneurship at a Young Age

When it comes to success, age is really just a number. All one needs to succeed in the business world is a strong drive and guidance to be able to navigate the waters and make the right choices.

Here are a few tips to help young entrepreneurs thrive in the business world… Read more at Influencive.com.

How This 19-Year-Old Became An Expert And Bestselling Author

My name is Ali Scarlett, and I believe information is a form of power. To empower others so they can achieve anything they set their minds to, I shorten other people’s learning curve by sharing all of the wisdom I acquire as a lifelong student of personal and professional development.

Thinking over my career options, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. But, I didn’t exactly know how I was going to grow my business if I started it. There was never any concrete idea of where the revenue I needed to confidently run and grow my business was going to come from. Until I became a bestselling author.

Publishing a book positioned me as an expert in my field. It put me in a position where instead of going out looking for customers, customers started to come to me. It gave me a competitive advantage over my competitors because they didn’t have the authority I did. And, now, I’m going to show you exactly how I did it so you can gain the same life-changing results in your own life and business. Read more at YFSMagazine.com.

A Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto

Fear can only be realized as we’re able to admit being scared. It’s only with that admission and realization that we can work through fear and hopefully, overcome it. As fear is such a strong emotion that easily grips the soul, it takes time and patience to overcome such a grip. Little by little, fear can replaced by courage gained from confidence that fear is just a challenge to be conquered.

Although, conquering fear does not have to be done alone. Instead, collaborative efforts aligned with common goals truly exemplify the phrase, ‘strength in numbers’ and it’s that strength that will make it easier to defeat fear. Easier said than done? Possibly, but the alternative is being overwhelmed by fear and that, we recognize, is not living…

Talk to a friend or a colleague today about your fears. Doing so will go a long way toward realizing that there truly is nothing to fear, but fear itself.

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

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Clubhouse

Clubhouse is where founders go to chat. 

Upon its launch last March, the social app quickly became popular among investors, who hold regular, live audio-only discussions, called “rooms,” in some cases within various topics of interest to groups called “clubs.” Business owners soon followed, building a roster of virtual educational events and places to hone their storytelling skills, commiserate about entrepreneurial life, and share experiences with the likes of high-profile users like Daymond John and Jason Fried. 

If you can get an invitation–Kristin Marquet Chester, owner of New York City-based Marquet Media, recommends starting by asking your closest friends and then making requests on social media if needed–here are three types of rooms and clubs worth checking out for entrepreneurs. To find these events in the app, search for the relevant speakers or the name of the club. 

The access to famous people on Clubhouse is “mind blowing,” says Jeremy Knauff, CEO at digital marketing agency Spartan Media. “It’s like cramming everybody into a stadium and doing an episode of Shark Tank.” Spend enough time networking with people on the app, and you might be able to connect with and ask questions of celebrity entrepreneurs directly. Read more at Inc.com.

Entrepreneurs and the “High Hope” Environment

A sense of “hope” is different than being “optimistic,” which generally has a positive view of the future but not the desire or ability to create that future. Hope has two important components– being proactive towards achieving set goals and having “pathways” to achieve those goals. Recent research shows entrepreneurial startups that create a “high hope” environment can increase productivity and foster higher performing employees. Hope is the key success factor in entrepreneurial ventures.

High-hope organizations are led by entrepreneurs highly involved with employees in a formal goal-setting process. The process includes accountability sessions or check-ins between the leader and employees and instills clear and proactive communication. Entrepreneurs in a high-hope company have a strong physical presence, frequent supportive interactions with employees, seek teaching opportunities, and are highly aware of employee accomplishments and acknowledge them accordingly through words of encouragement. Flexibility to reach company goals is perceived positively, empowered employees to find creative solutions to problems, making the company more effective. Research has indicated a positive correlation between high-hope leadership and employee satisfaction and the likelihood of employee retention. Read more at SmallBizDaily.com.

“Hope is the spark of the spirit that keeps us moving through difficult and trying times; the beacon of light when we are struggling to find our way out of the darkness. Adversity can be overwhelming and it is easy to get swept up in a feeling of hopelessness, but like the cherry blossom- a symbol of new birth, you endure the harshness of the cold and emerge anew. Hope does indeed spring eternal.” – Laurie Edwards-Tate

Before we take off for the next few days to enjoy family during this special time of year we wanted to be sure to wish all our friends, colleagues and far-away family the very best wishes as they celebrate the things most close to their hearts. Enjoy and please be safe!

The Qualities That Define a Successful Entrepreneur

Being a successful entrepreneur means more than starting new ventures every other day. It means the right attitude towards a business and the determination and grit to achieve success.

A successful entrepreneur has a strong inner drive that helps him or her to succeed. Let us take a look at the qualities that go into making a successful entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur should be excited by the prospect of work. They should always have a strong drive to succeed and overcome obstacles. They should not only set big goals for themselves but also see that they are actually committed to achieving them regardless of the countless setbacks that occur.

A successful entrepreneur always has a strong sense of self-confidence and a healthy opinion of their skills and abilities. Their personality is assertive and strong. They are always focused and do not really dilly dally with the issues at hand. This is what makes them different from the rest.

An entrepreneur should always be on the lookout for new innovations and ideas in order to emerge as a winner. They should constantly reinvent themselves and think of better ways to run a business and improvise on the products and services offered by them. Read more at Groco.com.

7 Common Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, works 50-60 hours a week and the rest of the time he spends exercising, spending time with family and travelling.

Warren Buffet, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, spends 80% of his working hours reading reports, newspapers and books. Buffet said “I just sit in my office and read all day.”

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Inc. used to work from 7 am to 9 pm. He was known to have an incredible work ethic.

All successful entrepreneurs have habits unique to them. There, however, are some common traits that set them apart from the rest of the population. Here are 7 common traits of successful entrepreneurs that can offer you an insight into what it takes to succeed in work and life. Read more at FutureStartup.com.

A Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto

This is an excellent message about focusing on the important things in life and still being able to make time for a beer or two. Please take a moment to read… Setting Priorities is Critical to Happiness

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

You’ll never achieve work-life balance if you don’t know what you’re balancing

If you think you’re “too busy” for something, it’s probably because you’re not great at investing your time.

I’ve spent most of my career thinking about resource management. I started off in finance thinking about money management—budgets, forecasts, and spending analyses. And as my career shifted into product management, the focus became time rather than money. But, compared to money management, time management is relatively underserved.

Go ask someone how they spend their week and you’ll get some hand waving, loose guesses, and lots of uncertainty. Now ask them what they spend on rent or a mortgage every month and you’ll get a crisp number along with a rich set of guidelines for how much that should be based on their financial situation (e.g. the 30% rule!). How should a product manager budget their time? How should a sales leader be spending theirs?

I believe the primary reason for this disconnect is because very few people have a detailed picture of how their time is actually spent—and thus there’s a general lack of planning and conversation around it. Read more at FastCompany.com.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur

Let’s start by dispelling a common myth about successful entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs are NOT born. They are driven to it. And this same drive enables them to do what is necessary to be an entrepreneur.

If you have ever had a feeling in the pit of your stomach — that you are meant to do something bigger, more meaningful, and all yours — you are an entrepreneur. You just need to learn to think like an entrepreneur.

You simply need to harness your entrepreneurial mindset. Read more at HackTheEntrepreneur.com.

12 ways to manage your mental health as an entrepreneur

Did you know, over 70% of entrepreneurs experience poor mental health?

Tania Diggory, Founder of Calmer, wrote in Psychologies Magazine that entrepreneurs need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. “Every day presents different challenges as an entrepreneur … the entrepreneur lifestyle demands that you to take calculated risks, try new things, find solutions and make bold moves … this can feel highly overwhelming and have a profound impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Whether you are planning on launching your business, working freelance, or you have been running your own business for a number of years, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Read more at ThisIsCalmer.com/blog.

How Successful Entrepreneurs Spend Their Weekends

If you believe everything you read or see on TV, you have to work every moment you’re awake, subsist on leftovers, and live out of your car at some point in order to become a successful business owner.

Although that may be the route to success for a few entrepreneurs, not everyone follows the same path to greatness. To gain some insight into how successful types actually spend their precious time, the Intuit Small Business Blog interviewed dozens of small-business owners. We asked them one telling question: What do they do on weekends?

Contrary to popular belief, small-business owners aren’t all constantly focused on the job. In fact, the majority of them told us they prioritize spending time with their families, pursuing hobbies, and recharging their mental batteries on weekends. Read more at QuickBooks.Intuit.com.

Do you consider work / life balance when planning your weekend?

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. Even they need downtime on the weekend to ensure they’re up to the task of being creative problem solvers and innovators Monday through Friday.

Are you finding it difficult to maintain work / life balance as an entrepreneur… small business owner, franchisee, restaurant operator? If so, let’s talk. Inquire here.

Why Startups Need To Value Diversity More

Today you hear a lot about diversity in the workplace. California passed a law that requires companies based there to have board representation from underrepresented communities. Nike recently announced diversity targets and tied executive compensation to it. 

The data speaks for itself. Businesses that have diverse workforces and management outperform their peers in almost every business metric. 

Yet for startups, who are focused on product market fit and generating revenue, a diverse workplace hasn’t been a priority. According to Silicon Valley Bank, only 26% of startups are making deliberate efforts to improve diversity among their leadership teams. 

This, however, is an opportunity for startups to improve their businesses. Here are three perspectives on startup diversity from three experts that explain both how and why startups should value diversity. Read more at Forbes.com.

How to Become a Successful Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneurship can create lasting and significant social change. HubSpot defines social entrepreneurship as the combination of commerce with social issues. While this is simplistic, it’s best considered as a hybrid of governmental intervention and pure business, focusing on issues that aren’t significant enough to attract private capital. Social entrepreneurship is more about bringing change to the world in a real way, usually using money and technology to make people’s lives better. Millions of individuals worldwide have benefitted from social entrepreneurship schemes, some of them indirectly.

Unlike typical businesses, social entrepreneurship doesn’t seek to enrich its investors or owners (at least not primarily). Most of these enterprises are dedicated to providing help to a specific group of people and increasing their standard of living as a result. The most typical social entrepreneurship beneficiaries are marginalized and socio-economically deprived communities that need all the help they can get. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

Are Franchises The New Startups? These Small Business Ideas Might Convince You!

Microsoft. Apple. Amazon. Burger King. FedEx. Hyatt. All of these companies were started in a recession.

The intrepid founders of these businesses, each of whom has built a world renowned brand, didn’t tuck in their entrepreneurial spirit and settle for an unsatisfying career. They made the best out of their available resources to turn a difficult climate into a profitable enterprise and a meaningful career.

But entrepreneurship isn’t limited to the startup realm.

You don’t have to wear a hoodie, slam energy drinks and launch your company out of a garage to earn that label. Business ownership in any form is a risk, and that’s precisely what defines an entrepreneur. Someone who exploits business opportunities in the face of uncertainty.

Is it possible that franchises are the new startups? We can’t prove that with data. But here’s our theory on the matter, along with a few small business ideas to back it up. Read more at FranchiseHelp.com.

Are you ready to own your own business?

Are you thinking of going into business for yourself and learning how the choice of a franchise can “jump-start” the process and your earning potential? Well, Franchise Foundry can help. Working with in-house franchise professionals you will work one-on-one in determining if you’re right for franchising and whether it is right for you. If you determine that franchising is a path to consider, you will be introduced to various industry segments and ultimately, brands that could be a “right-fit” situation . . . all to help ensure your future success! Learn more at FranchiseFoundry.com.

4 Key Points To Consider When Buying A Franchise During Covid Times

Starting a business is always risky, and perhaps never has it been more fraught with peril than during these rocky and still uncertain economic times brought on by Covid-19.

But multi-unit franchisees know that franchising offers more built-in security. The product or service is already proven and people are aware of the brand. The franchisor has already done much of the legwork, implementing the marketing and systems. A corporate team stands behind you for support, training, business development, and to help with any issues that come up.

There have been a good number of success stories among franchise owners during the pandemic, and those successes inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Others may simply want to try something new, impacting more people and creating more revenue. While much economic uncertainty lies ahead for the nation even as vaccines are distributed, you can bet more people will be investing in franchises. Read more at Franchising.com.

Build an Empire with Empire Business Brokers!

Small business and restaurant resales are on the rise making it an excellent time to consider owning your own Empire Business Broker office. Empire offers:

– Executive business opportunity
– Low initial investment from $25k
– Multiple profit centers
– Excellent commissions
– Growing database of buyers, businesses & franchises
– Initial training, marketing assistance and on-going support
– Network of 70+ offices throughout the U.S. and abroad
– Excellent markets available
– Brand founded in 1981

For more information please text EBB2021 to (832) 797-9851 or inquire at info@Acceler8Success.com.

What To Know About Purchasing An Existing Franchise

There are many basic considerations to take into account when you’re thinking about joining a franchise system. They include factors such as industry, location, financing and the ability to grow the business in the future. One other major decision is whether to purchase a new franchise location or one that’s being resold.

Some people prefer to invest in a new franchise location because they want to have their fingerprints all over the entire operation from day one. Others like the built-in customer base and group of employees that are already in place with an existing franchise. Both approaches have their positives and negatives, and it is important that franchise candidates know the difference between the two and how to do the proper research.

Resales are a normal part of the franchise lifecycle. Franchise owners come and go, and nobody owns a business forever. There are more than 700,000 franchise establishments in the United States today, so there are bound to be a significant number of resales each year. From what I’ve seen, if a mature franchise has regular resales constituting 10% of the system, that is typically a sign of health. Read more at Forbes.com.

Connecting the Right Brands, People & Opportunities!

Why 2021 is the year to start your small business

A common question many hopeful, yet hesitant, entrepreneurs ask me concerns timing. “Should I put my idea into action now, or would it be better to wait?”

The answer: As long as you’re excited and prepared, this is a uniquely ideal year to launch. The best businesses to start in 2021 include everything from e-commerce to personal fitness training to pop-up dining establishments.

It is firmly believed that 2021 will be a yearlong springtime for small businesses. With intense hardships receding into the past, passionate new entrepreneurs are ready to burst onto the scene. Read more at BankRate.com.

A Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto: Franchises are Also Owned by Moms & Pops and Families

Too often, the basis of franchising is misunderstood by customers. It seems to be even more so during times of celebrating or promoting small business in buy small, buy local campaigns.

Well, many franchises are owned by Moms & Pops and families throughout the country. Whether on Main Street or on a shopping center pad site or out on the highway, many businesses, and especially restaurants are owned by individuals and families who have invested their life savings for the American Dream of business ownership. They’ve just chosen a business model, franchising, that they felt was best suited for them. Of course, there are pros & cons with any option but the bottom line is this…

These businesses and restaurants are owned & operated by individuals from most every walk of life. Their money is hard-earned and just as green as that of any business owner. They have similar challenges. They have similar concerns. And, their clocks show the same time in the middle of the night when they can’t sleep due to worry and uncertainty. So please, do buy small, do buy local and without hesitation, please do buy franchise!

How to Start a Business in 2021 Debt-Free

Everyone associates entrepreneurship with hard work and oftentimes, debt. For many small business owners just starting out, this is probably the case. While hard work may be unavoidable, there is a funding solution that can help ease financial burdens.

What’s the solution? In a word, ROBS. So, what Is ROBS Funding?

It’s a common misconception that you can only use your retirement funds to purchase investments like publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. In reality, you can use most retirement plans to buy a business—tax-deferred and penalty-free.

Known as a ROBS (Rollover as Business Start-ups) strategy, this funding solution is designed using long-standing provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) which allows entrepreneurs to use money from a qualified retirement plan to purchase or recapitalize a business. This program is similar to buying stock in a public company, except instead you’re investing in your own privately held company. Read more at Benetrends.com.

You May Be More Stressed Than You Know.

Do you know how stressed you are? Many people don’t, says Michele D’Amico, a certified professional coach with a Ph.D. in psychology. Stress, she explains, comes in three stages, and most people only recognize the first of them in themselves or in their employees.

“Everybody knows the alarm stage of stress, that fight-or-flight, where cortisol starts pumping and epinephrine [also called adrenaline].” The alarm stage doesn’t usually last that long, she says. But often people who are under stress then transition to the resistance stage.

“When they’re in the resistance stage, it’s usually marked by frustration and irritability. Now we have poor concentration where, in the alarm stage, we’re very focused.” If you’re in the resistance stage, she adds, you might experience headaches or digestive issues. That’s the time to take action and do something to counter that stress. “If we don’t we stay in that stage too long, when we’re not pumping as much cortisol, and we become exhausted.” Read more at inc.com.

Why Targeting Entrenched Habits Can Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is no stranger in modern times. Nearly 1 in 3 individuals will suffer from an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, and since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that adults were more than 3x as likely to screen positive for an anxiety disorder in 2020 compared to 2019. And this is just anxiety disorders.

Collectively, we share common brain mechanisms that take information from the past and try to project it into the future to predict everything from stock trends to whether we should dine at a restaurant again to our moods (“affective forecasting”). Yet, our brains need precedent and accurate information to do this successfully. I need not remind us how unpredictable this past year has been as we continue to ride waves of uncertainty ranging from COVID-19 (and its variants) to the economy to schools, not knowing whether they will sink our individual boats of mental well-being. We’ve also been turning to eating, drinking, and distraction to bail out the water with each new swell. Read more at psychologytoday.com.

3 Reasons You Should Buy a Business Now

Lindsay and Jake Campbell talked about owning their own business for years, but the timing was never right. In the meantime, they worked for the same company in Leavenworth, Kansas. When Jake was furloughed for a few weeks because of the pandemic, the couple took that as a wake-up call: They could no longer rely on a single source of income to support their family.

In March of this year, they bought a Leavenworth location of Goodcents, a regional sandwich franchise based in De Soto, Kansas. The Campbells purchased the business from the previous franchise owner without a pandemic “discount,” as the location grew its sales in 2020.

“Although this might not have been the easiest time to buy a business, in many ways it was ideal,” says Jake. He notes that closing the deal remotely, as well as hiring staff during the pandemic, was a little more complicated than normal, but he liked the fundamentals. “What you can see in how a business is surviving, or even thriving, right now tells you a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of the business model,” said Jake. Read more at inc.com.

10 Female-Led Podcasts You Should Subscribe to Today

In a world that often drowns out women’s voices, podcasting has become a space where women get to speak first and, if they get shouted over, have the editing power to still get their message across to a wide audience. It’s a medium where presentation, length and style are as unique as the host, and its free-for-listeners format levels the playing field in a way that other mentor or education opportunities can’t match. 

Through narrative artistry and data-backed research, the women behind the 10 podcasts on this list teach us by example how to powerfully speak up as they spark controversial conversations, delicately traverse painful topics, boldly walk toward hot button issues and take charge of interviews. Among them are experts, professors, authors, entrepreneurs, therapists and storytellers—each with their own brand of brilliance. Read more at success.com.

3 Ways for Entrepreneurs to Stay Visible During the Pandemic

As an entrepreneur, you need to be your own cheerleader. Many entrepreneurs do not have the luxury of hiring marketing or public relations teams. Staying top of mind was easier pre-pandemic when we were able to go to events and conferences and meet with people regularly in person. Even though things have started to open up in limited ways around the country, it will be a long time before they will be back to pre-covid routines. Additionally, people have varying comfort levels with meeting in person now and it is important to be respectful of those levels. However, there are still things that you can do right now to ensure that you stay visible and grow your business. Read more at msn.com.

A Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto: Helping Others Who Possibly Can’t or Won’t Ask for Help

A truly inspiring story and one that can be related to current times when we may need to lend a helping hand to those who are tangled up in the seemingly insurmountable challenges as a result of circumstances not caused by themselves…

A headline of the San Francisco Chronicle. Female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spiderweb of crab traps and line weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, tail, torso and a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them.

Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.

How Self-Acceptance Led this Entrepreneur to His Number One Success

From the small business owners I have met, I have heard many stories of resilience and success. But my interview this week on The Small Business Radio Show is different. Rarely have I heard someone that overcame so many cultural, physical and financial obstacles for success.

Harma Hartouni is a self-made entrepreneur who owns a real estate company employing hundreds of residential and commercial real estate agents in Southern California, and runs the #1 ranked real estate business in his region. His memoir, “Getting Back Up: A Story of Resilience, Self-Acceptance and Success”, tells the story of his life growing up in Iran with a father “who did not know how to love” and where he suffered from bullying and abuse as a teenager. Then, Harma almost died during a horrific car accident and was told that he would never walk again. He came to America as an outcast: gay Middle Eastern man and built the life of his dreams. Read more at smallbiztrends.com.

Acceler8Success Group… Connecting the Right Brands, People & Opportunities!

The uncertainty of 2020 created the perfect time to diversify and expand. After all, it’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. To that end, Acceler8Success Group was formed mid-year, building upon Acceler8Success principles and methods that have proven successful since 2014. 

Widely recognized as industry leaders & experts, Acceler8Success Group leadership have extensive experience as entrepreneurs in small business & restaurants, as senior-level executives within nationally recognized brands, and as franchisees within successful franchise systems. 

Members of Acceler8Success Group along with Strategic Partners have earned designation as Certified Franchise Executives, Certified Franchise Brokers, Certified Business Brokers and Commercial Real Estate Brokers. Positioned to deliver services within the U.S., Canada and other Global markets, languages spoken include: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian. Learn more at Acceler8Success.com.

How to Move From Employee to Entrepreneur

Whether you’ve been bouncing ideas back and forth regarding the launch of a business, right now may be a good time for you to move forward. However, if it’s not the right time, and you have future plans and dreams, this article may help you decide if you should move from employee to entrepreneur.

“Becoming an entrepreneur is not something mythical; it is a massive change in lifestyle. It is also much different than working for a company and can be more demanding.”

If you’ve delayed starting a business because you haven’t figured out how to take a mental leap from employee to entrepreneur—these tips should help you. This type of change in mindset usually applies to those who come from large companies or the nonprofit world—where employees do one or a couple of different tasks following specific boundaries. Read more at bizcatalyst360.com.

11 Tips for Entrepreneurs Looking to Write Their First Book

Putting together a book takes time, energy and a lot of effort. And while it accounts for a lot of the book’s labor, writing isn’t the only thing an entrepreneur needs to concern themselves with. Publishing the book and the marketing associated with it also have a place in the overall success equation. But not all new writers know what to expect from the writing process.

To help, 11 experts from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) answer the following question: “What advice would you give to an entrepreneur looking to write or publish their first book? Why?” Read more at smallbiztrends.com.

How I Overcame the Fear of Being My Own Boss

One of the great obstacles I faced in deciding to walk away from my job to become an entrepreneur was fear. Fear of venturing, fear of being singled out, fear of failing. And probably the biggest: not being sure that, on the 15th, I was going to receive a specific payment.

Terror of thinking that months or even years could go by without receiving a single penny.

I felt judged by the stereotype of that guy in an expensive suit and a tight tie telling me that I was not going to achieve anything without having an MBA (sounds more complex and interesting in English) and a high position at some renowned firm. Read more at entrepreneur.com.

3 Ways to Make Entrepreneurship Less Risky

Around 20% of new businesses don’t make it past their first year running. Half will struggle to get to the fifth year of their life, and, in the end, just a third of companies manage to reach their tenth anniversary.

For a lot of people, this shows just how much risk running your own venture can be. This makes it hard for people to feel confident in this area, and will often be one of the biggest factors stopping you from starting your own dream.

Of course, though, it doesn’t have to be this way. Instead, there are loads of ways to get into a business without risking the money you’ve worked so hard to put into it. It’s just a matter of doing some research to find the right option for you.

To help you out with this, this post will be exploring a couple of the different ways you can make entrepreneurship less risky. Read more at gentwenty.com.

Don’t Build a Business Without the Right Blueprints

If you wouldn’t think about building a house without blueprints, why would you consider building a business without its own set of blueprints? Like plans for a home, business blueprints should include each component necessary for long-term benefit. The professionals at Acceler8Success Group can help ensure you have the right blueprints specifically for you as you explore the American Dream of business ownership. Learn more at Acceler8Success.com.

Top 9 Risks Of Entrepreneurship

Starting a business is not easy. From ideas to implementation, there are struggles that cloud our minds day in and day out. You are taking a risk. A huge risk. You are laying everything on the line so you can get yourself and your family out of the rat race, once and for all.

While we discussed how hard entrepreneurship really is, we have yet to speak of the risks that come with the title. Remember that entrepreneurship as we define it is not related to business, but rather someone’s ability to innovate and create value for others. Read more at medium.com.

Welcome to The Social Geek Radio Network.

Get in touch with your inner geek. Jack Monson and many special guests discuss social media and digital marketing trends for brands, small businesses, and franchises. 

Social Geek Radio was listed as one of 20 Best Business Podcasts according to Emerge and was named to the Best Small Business Podcasts by FitSmallBusiness.com. Recently, Social Geek Radio finally made the Top 25 podcasts in the Marketing category of Apple Podcasts / iTunes.

• Franchise Facebook Podcast – every Monday
• Franchise News Podcast – every Wednesday
• Social Geek Radio Franchise Spotlight – every Friday

Listen, download, subscribe to Social Geek Radio!

9 Secrets to Success as a Serial Entrepreneur—Here’s What They Do Differently

Starting a business is no mean feat: Coming up with a profitable business idea is hard. Implementing a business idea and turning it into a successful business is even harder.

So it’s understandable why, after building a stable business, most entrepreneurs put all their efforts and focus on ensuring the continued success of that business. They do everything they can to make sure the business does not fail, since this would force them to go through the challenges of building a new business all over again.

But there is another crop of entrepreneurs who seem to thrive on the risk and uncertainty of starting a new business from scratch. They are full of business ideas, and as soon as they implement one and turn it into a successful business, they are off to work on another idea—sometimes in a totally different industry. Such entrepreneurs are known as serial entrepreneurs. Read more at allbusiness.com.

Change… Because Failure is not an Option

Like a ship at sea, a business should make directional changes in a long, sweeping manner. Conversely, although abrupt change in direction may create havoc, it may be deemed necessary by the captain and navigation team to avoid what may not be apparently visible on the surface to others on the ship, but is evident nonetheless through compilation of data and viewing radar. In any event, well thought-out plans, including contingency plans must be in place and acted upon to arrive safely at a specific destination within a certain time frame, and with available resources.

However, what happens when seas are rough, or when a storm is approaching, or when an engine shuts down? It’s then the captain’s responsibility to crew and passengers, and to the ship’s stakeholders to make any and all necessary changes to ensure all interests are protected. Thereafter, when the ship is safely docked, management must review the events that took place and explore options to ensure the same problems don’t reoccur. Management must identify ways to improve performance by developing strategy and executing on tactical plans to accomplish objectives at all required intervals – short, mid and long-term. Read more at Acceler8SuccessCafe.com.

7 Ways to Increase Your Odds of Success

There is no fool-proof way to make sure you reach success in everything you do. If you are a poker player, you will know that no matter how good the cards are; or how well you play them; there is always a chance that you will be “drawing dead”. For those of you who don’t play poker, the term “drawing dead” basically means you are holding a losing hand, but you don’t know it. Although I’ve reached success on many occasions in my life, I’ve equally often been “drawing dead” on many occasions too. The whole point is that we can intend many outcomes, but more often than not, we simply don’t know how things are going to pan out. We need some strategies to increase our odds of success.

The problem is our conscious minds are, at this stage in our evolution, pretty limited. Scientist Dr Bruce Lipton asserts that 95% of our mind is unconscious and it is this part of the mind which is largely in control. This explains why for example, we might intend to lose those extra pounds or save for that vacation, but no matter what our intention, we carry on with old habits and no change is made. Read more at PeopleDevelopmentMagazine.com.

9 Mistakes All Entrepreneurs Should Avoid by All Means

Today, there are over 582 million entrepreneurs in the world and 62% of adults believe that starting an own business is a good career move. With the outbreak of COVID-19, when most employees are forced to work remotely, more and more people think about becoming entrepreneurs.

Obviously, entrepreneurship gives you freedom and a possibility of constant growth, but it’s also important to run your business carefully as there are many mistakes that can kill your business. No matter how experienced as an entrepreneur you are, you’d better know top 9 mistakes you should avoid by all means. It’s a proven way to stay one step ahead of your competitors and bring your business to the next level with ease. Let’s dive in! Read more at Rescue.CEOblognation.com.

4 Types of Entrepreneurship: Tips for Women to Succeed in Business

The past few years have seen an increase in entrepreneurial opportunities available to women who are looking to lead and succeed in their own businesses. According to American Express’s “2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses” report, the number of women-owned businesses grew 21% between 2014 and 2019, compared to 9% growth in businesses overall. Another encouraging sign: businesses owned by women of color grew by 43% in the same time period.

While this does not necessarily suggest a level playing field, it does make clear that, within the world of entrepreneurship, there is more room than ever for women spanning all vocational backgrounds and educational levels. Women hoping to succeed in business can help their chances by understanding the four different types of entrepreneurship. Read more at https://onlinebusiness.northeastern.edu.

Daily Message from Acceler8Success Founder, Paul Segreto

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”

Even one step forward is movement in the right decision. Just step forward each and every day will move you toward your destination, your goals. I think of the people walking across Mexico to the U.S. with hope of living the American Dream. Imagine… walking 20-30-40 straight days hundreds of miles for a better life and without really knowing how it’ll turn out or the challenges that lie ahead. But it’s their hope that is so strong they’re committed to follow through and complete their journey. And they do it, one step at a time. 

10 Essential Steps to Success to Actually Reach Your Dreams

What are the steps to success? Many people will say that it depends on your definition of success. However, a definition is not what you’re after.

You know what you want, and you’re interested in hearing exactly how you can bring your dreams to fruition.

Your primary problem is time and the demands of everyday life. For every person who delays their journey to success, there are bills to pay. Your invention goes uninvented, or your book remains unwritten because you have to pay the bills right here and now.

Once you’re done working, it’s hard finding motivation to work more on your dream; you’re tired, and you just don’t feel like it.

There is no one key to success—there are multiple keys to multiple doors, and multiple steps, each one leading to the next. Read more at LifeHack.org.

3 Dos and Don’ts of ROBS Funding

If you’re looking to start or scale a business, it’s important to have ample funding. 

Leveraging your 401(k)/IRA to start or scale a business is a valuable way to use your existing resources without saddling your venture with debt. But there are important dos and don’ts to the common business practice known as ROBS funding. What are they? How can you follow the rules while reaping all the benefits of ROBS funding? Read more at Benetrends.com.

6 Ways to Turbocharge Your Solopreneur Productivity

The following excerpt is from Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers, out September 22 via Entrepreneur Press. Pre-order now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | IndieBound.

Whether you leave a day job to dive into starting a business full time or dip a toe into a side gig, you’ll need to become a master of productivity. Here are some essential tips here that will help you establish good work habits and achieve a lot more for your business in less time, resulting in more profit-making potential for your solopreneur venture.

The three-minute rule is an incredibly powerful way to get small tasks off your plate so you can focus on bigger ones. The idea is to complete any task or chore if you can do it in less than three minutes. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

9 Tips All Entrepreneurs Need To Hear When Starting A Business

If you’re looking for business advice, there are a lot of different places you could go. There are countless books and seminars that promise you success with your business, but many of them are built on the achievements of their creators. No two entrepreneurs or businesses are precisely the same, and because of this, their advice may not apply or resonate with you.

Yet, some advice is universally valid, no matter the industry, area of focus or target audience. Here, nine leaders from Young Entrepreneur Council talk about some of the best advice they’ve encountered throughout all their years as entrepreneurs and explain why any business founder could act on these tips to achieve success. Read more at Forbes.com.

16 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Podcasts can provide entrepreneurs with expert advice and practical strategies to launch, manage, and grow a brand.

Here is a list of podcasts for entrepreneurs and innovators. There are shows that provide skills, such as growing an audience and managing a team. There are also shows that profile established businesses, detailing their journeys and breakthroughs. All of these podcasts are free. And don’t forget our own podcast, “Ecommerce Conversations,” with host Eric Bandholz, the founder of Beardbrand. Read more at practicalecommerce.com.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi

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Making Now the Age of the Female Entrepreneur

With Women’s History Month in full swing, it’s important to recognize that women are extraordinary every day of the year. Female entrepreneurs are making history all around us—at a national level (Bumble’s CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd) and locally (think about the 11.6 million women-owned small businesses). It’s inspirational to see women succeed in the business world, ensuring not only their own seats at the table but further opening the door for other women to follow in their footsteps or blaze their own trail.

However, working women have hit a catastrophic roadblock in the wake of COVID-19. The pandemic negatively impacted women significantly more than men, causing what is now being referred to as the “she-cession”. In fact, the December 2020 Jobs Report revealed the sobering fact that women accounted for 100% of the 140,000 jobs lost that month, with women of color making up the majority of those jobs. Read more at SmallBizDaily.com.

Why Working Moms Make Great Entrepreneurs

The year 2020 was especially difficult for working mothers and fathers. While trying to care for their children, many parents struggled to keep their jobs or were forced to leave their jobs. One in five (19.6%) working age adults were not working because the pandemic “disrupted their childcare arrangements,” according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Working mothers especially have had to bear the brunt of this problem. “Of those [adults] not working, women ages 25-44 are almost three times as likely as men to not be working due to childcare demands.” In addition, The Washington Post reported that “one out of four women who reported becoming unemployed during the pandemic said it was because of a lack of child care—twice the rate among men.” Read more at AllBusiness.com.

2021 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium: Lessons from successful innovative women

Don’t miss the final installment of the 2021 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium (WES), “Lessons from successful innovative women,” coming Wednesday, March 31, from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET. Take this opportunity to learn from women entrepreneurs about launching a business, overcoming challenges, and the vital role of intellectual property (IP) protection. Register for this program.

Attendees will learn about: 

• How a passion for creativity can drive a successful startup
• Identifying a market segment for sales and growth
• Best practices and successful habits in today’s changing business climate

This event is part of a series: Speaker series, Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium

Why Franchising? Why Now?

A once in a lifetime global pandemic touched every aspect of our lives. How we live, how we eat, how we greet each other and how we work. Except for a few dozen billionaires, who watched their wealth grow despite the economic ravages of COVID-19, nearly everyone was glad to see the year 2020 fade into the rear-view mirror. Unprecedented economic fallout descended upon the intersection of business and commerce, leading to unemployment levels not seen in the past century.

Seems like the ideal time to run out and buy a franchise to kick off 2021, doesn’t it? While at first glance, the risk-averse among us would put up the sign of the cross, slam on the brakes, or even ask the questioner if they’re feeling a bit feverish. But there’s another side of the coin to consider. As the great ESPN college football commentator Lee Corso would interject—“NOT so fast, my friend!”

So, it begs the question, is there a silver lining to consider for buying into a franchise operation during the middle of an economic crisis and a pandemic that’s still a threat—despite vaccines? Why franchising? Why now? Read more at Score.org/blog.

Are you ready to own your own business?

Seeking successful individuals who are looking to make a difference in their next endeavor. Multiple opportunities available – unique brands, various industries, wide range of investment levels, passive or hands-on ownership, lifestyle possibilities… Learn more about owning your own business at FranchiseFoundry.com.

The stage is set for the rise of women entrepreneurship

The dawn of this new decade looks very promising to drive women entrepreneurship. Winds of change are gaining momentum. Some tactical and structural interventions will provide the necessary fuel to the flight.

“When women move forward, the family moves, the village moves, and the nation moves.” Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world – traditionally, women have been acting as intrapreneurs by managing households and families. Since the past half-century, they have stepped into the business world. While the road has been laid with many inspiring stories, a lot of ground needs to be covered to drive an equal opportunity environment. Read more at YourStory.com.

Women-Led Businesses Are More Profitable Than Those Headed by Men – Here’s Why

The participation of Mexican women in entrepreneurship is lower than that of men, because, according to the Radiography of Entrepreneurship in Mexico 2020 by the Association of Entrepreneurs of Mexico (ASEM), only 39% of the country’s companies were founded by women.

However, female-led organizations are more profitable, perform better, and have higher profit margins compared to male-led companies. S&P’s When women lead, firms win report notes that these economic benefits translate into profits of up to $1.8 billion globally.

“Breaking gender gaps and equalizing the participation of women in entrepreneurship is key to boosting the country’s economic development, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which left a large number of Mexicans without jobs or reduced their income level. Encouraging and promoting women entrepreneurs will not only contribute to the economic reactivation but also improve the quality of life for the 28.5% of households in Mexico in which the only livelihood is a woman,” says Juana Ramírez, president of the ASEM. Read more at Entrepreneur.com.

Female entrepreneurs are crucial to the nation’s innovation goals

To quote the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, Marie Curie, ‘The way of progress was neither swift nor easy’. While this extract aptly summarises the collective struggle of female scientists to achieve recognition in their field, there can be no doubt that progress has certainly been made in the pursuit of gender equality.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Report, the UAE has essentially reached equality between men and women in educational attainment.

Official figures show that 95 percent of female high school graduates go on to pursue higher education (compared with 80 percent of the male students). Women constitute 71.6 percent of college graduates in the country. Read more at ArabianBusiness.com.