Entrepreneurial Basics

Entrepreneur Coaching

2006-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling to get my own websites up and running. I know how to market a website and I know how to do some solid search engine optimization. What I have been lacking is the ability to put it all together and create my own site. I lack the technical skills to create a website. I know a lot of people that are successfully creating pages and generating extra revenue everyday. I finally I let go of my pride and have begun to seek assistance and mentoring. Every professional has a coach. We all need coaches to realize our full potential. I have also been seeking out others that inspire me to be a better entrepreneur. Working from home having your own schedule is a great way to live. Make it happen. Create a support team that can teach you every thing you need to know.

Entrepreneurial Branding

2006-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the book The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries and Laura Ries. I have found it to be very insightful and straight forward. I appreciate the concise language and simple examples. I don't allocate a lot of time to reading everyday so when I find a book that is informative and straight forward I recommend it. There is no fluff. I learned that branding is vital. It often supersedes quality and simple marketing. We buy brands not necessarily quality. Being the leader in a new category is the best way to launch your company into the 50% category of market share. Entrepreneurs can use this principle powerfully. Think about what new category your business venture will fit under and then feed it to the media. It will turn into a PR party. Millions of dollars in free advertising. The news loves things that are new. Set your brand up as the first of it's kind and then as the leader. Entrepreneurs must learn how to leverage branding in order to run a company into high market shares.

Entrepreneur Time management

2006-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

I believe that one of the greatest challenges faced by entrepreneurs is using time effectively. I have started logging my hours into excel and have been surprised at how little I was accomplishing. I have read Steven R Covey's First Things First and Brain Tracy's Focal Point which both really made an impact on my time usage. I have been keeping track of my time in 30 min intervals. This will help me see how my time is being used and in some cases wasted. Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of freedom but successful entrepreneurs will closely watch how they are spending their time. I know that by planning out our day in 30 minute intervals will allow you to live a more full life and dedicate more time to what is effective and what is truly important. Entrepreneurs need to learn to manage their time. Good Luck.

Success in Entrepreneurship and Life

2006-01-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been pondering on what makes a person successful. What do I consider success to be. As an entrepreneur our businesses are reflections of us, strengthen and weaknesses. As I look at my life I can see that the same things that hold me back in life our the same things that retard the growth of my businesses. Entrepreneurs must be willing to look at themselves and analyze what they need to change. I for example don't communicate as much as I need to in order to receive the help and support I need to succeed. Every entrepreneur needs to improve themselves and their business will improver as well. I highly recommend that everyone read The "E-Myth Revisited" if you haven't had the opportunity.

Entrepreneur Support

2006-01-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

If you swim alone, no one will be there to save you when you start to drown. I find that as I pursue entrepreneurship I let my pride keep me from opening up to those around me that could be a great support and life line. Every entrepreneur needs to write a list of people that can act as mentors or a board of directors. I have wasted hours trying to figure out how to upload my database for a new website when I could just have called a colleague with expertise in that and resolved my problem in minutes. A key to succeeding is finding people to assist and champion your cause. We need to tame the independent spirit and remember to find support from many people.

Entrepreneur Opportunity

2006-01-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

This last week I attended the Affiliate Marketing Summit in Las Vegas. It was an interesting experience. As an entrepreneur I see great opportunity in this young industry to make good money working part-time from home. Right now many publishers rely on google ads or a one stop shop like cj to find ads to display. The future is in industry specific affiliate programs that deal only with a certain industry. For example auto loans. A site that only hosts and caters to the needs of auto loan merchants would excel. I believe that ambitious entrepreneurs could do really well in this category.

Entrepreneur Dream

2006-01-12T20:31:00.000-08:00

Entrepreneurs are dreamers. Entrepreneurs dream of a better life. Entrepreneurs believe that more is possible. I dream that my life can be better than it is now. Many people dream but are unwilling to take the necessary steps to realize that dream. Sir William
Osler puts it this way: " To know just what has to be done- then to do it- comprises the whole philosophy of practical life." As a young entrepreneur I need to develop a stronger entrepreneurial spirit to push me to act. It is the "act", the doing, that creates successful entrepreneurs. I have dreams and I will be a successful entrepreneur.

Christmas Message

2005-12-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind.Be gentle. Laugh a little more.
"Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again...Christmas is a celebration and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of the true meaning of Christmas--with a sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself unselfishly in the things that matter most.

President Howard W. Hunter
Frist Presidnecy Devotional
December 1994

Entrepreneur In Training Update

2005-12-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

WritingUp.com is one of the current projects I am working on. This is a great opportunity for me to learn how to run a good adword campaign. This has been a little trickier than I anticipated. I found Google Chump to Champ to be very helpful. I had a lunch meeting with John Keller a successful adword champ. He recommends that you make one adgroup for each keyword. The bold text in the ad is the best way to get clicks. You also have great control of each ad group. If one needs to be paused you can do it without effecting other valuable keywords within that group. Every internet entrepreneur needs to be proficient in pay per click advertising. I am on my way to adword greatness.

Entrepreneur Time

2005-12-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

I successfully left the traditional labor force 2 months ago. Not having a "regular" job has been a change for me. I'm used to having a very rigid schedule to live by. As I look back on the time I have spent pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors I can see that my time has not been as well organized and focus as it could be. Entrepreneurs live in the clouds but need to work in the mud. I have decided to log my hours in a spreadsheet to be able to better control my time usage. I tend to get distracted. Having daily objectives and weekly goals will help entrepreneurs live their dream life. More is possible if we work for it. I also have made a goal to organize my rss feeds. Every entrepreneur needs to stay up with changes in the world.

Friends and Business

2005-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

Recently I partnered with my best friend of 12 years in a new venture. Our first concern was our friendship and making sure that it wasn't distributed by our new business. While we have had problems mainly due to the fact that we are so much a like and have the same weaknesses things work well. We decided to start separate ventures and diversify and give smaller equity to the other. Being able to trust your partner completely is so important. I recommend that anyone going into business with family or friends first document partner arrangements. Second remember you are friends and don't be selfish! Entrepreneurs should focus on improving the lives of others. Understand that business is business and don't expect personal favors but appreciate them if they come.

One Minute Millionaire

2005-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

I have started to read a well know book entitled the One Minute Millionaire, by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen. I haven't read that much of it yet but, it has already made an impact on me. I have never realized that making money, meaning the process of its accumulation can have an enormous positive influence on the world. Entrepreneurs can create companies that promote honesty, integrity, hardwork. Companies that fairly reward employees and one which gives back to the community. What a great time to be involved in entrepreneurship. The world needs good men to actively cause change and support traditional values and morals.

Entrepreneur Lockdown

2005-12-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

Entrepreneur productivity is a very important topic. I am currently working on a website to promote myspace users. It seems at time my work can be unfocused and slow. I believe that every entrepreneur must keep track of how they use their time. Keep track of what you are accomplishing. I pratice something I call "lockdown". During "lockdown" I don't answer my phone, read no emails-no distractions. I strategize, review goals, and work. This is a coveted time where I really accomplish things and make progress. I have found this time very refreshing.

Viral Micro Economics

2005-11-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

I study sociology and business at Brigham Young University. These are my passions. I love to understand how societies form and function. I also, love to understand how successful entrepreneurs think and act. Lately, with several of my associates I have discussed the combination of socially minded entrepreneurs sponsoring poor business men in poor countries in a competition format. By this I mean that each entrepreneur or investor would select a businessman in a poor country to fund and mentor. At the end of the year we would compare the results and a large charitable donation will be donated in honor of the winner. The competition and personal interaction of this idea would create a lot of curiosity and support.

Importance of Friends

2005-11-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

I love the limitless possibilities of being an entrepreneur. I love how each day is full of opportunities to expand your understanding and challenge yourself to grow. I have so much to learn. I have a roommate Peter Maughan. He is agreat example of entrepreneurial ambition. The man works all the time. He will soon launch a dating advice website called datingfunk.com. I know it will do well. It is amazing to think of what an individual is capable of accomplishing. I think it is important to surround yourself with motivated people that are going somewhere. Peter inspires and challenges me to learn more and improve. I hope that we all can be so forunate to have great friends that push us to succeed. Thanks Pete

Entrepreneur Law

2005-11-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

After having formed my frist LLC and having struggled with copyrights I know recognize the need of getting a firm understandign of law. Scott Allen wrote a breif descrpiton of how to form an LLC. Check it out if you have questions. Entrepreneurs need to be willing to pay lawyers to ensure that everything is gone correctly. I would recommend that you look for partners with good law conections.

WritingUp Work At Home Opportunity

2005-11-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

WritingUp.com is a new website that is providing a lot of part time entrepreneurs get a taste of money making on the internet. CEO John Jonas has created a system to promote other peoples blogs increasing exposure and maximizing profit through google adsense. I have been working with this company doing so ad campaigns. I think it is important the everyone look for mentors and people that can teach you their expertise. John has helped me believe in the reality of entrepreneurial living. Learn how to make your blog work for you. writingup.com

Entrepreneur Vision

2005-11-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

A company doesn't out grow the vision and plan of the entrepreneur. A mission statement will help drive the company to achieve and guide crucial strategy decisions. Entrepreneurs must continually update and analyze the companies progress and destination. It is important to see the limits we have. Don't be afraid to bring in more experienced team members that are smarter than you. This will allow you to improve and surpass what you thought was possible. Team building is vital to grow a company.

Entrepreneur Devotion

2005-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Religious devotion requires constant deliberate attention to grow and fully develop. To stay true to your principles and values one must continually actively seek out influences to support those values and perspectives. Daily study and mediation is required. Entrepreneurs to be successful most demonstrate that same devotion. Time each day must be dedicated to developing skills of communication, and other business related items. Entrepreneur need to study their markets and economy everyday. When entrepreneurs fully immerse themselves in devoted study of entrepreneurship the mind is opened to new possibilities and opportunities. I have chosen to dedicated a predetermined amount of time each day to improve my entrepreneurial mind.

Entrepreneur Priorities

2005-11-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

I have been reading Brian Tracey's Focal Point. It is a must read for every entrepreneur. While working on my startup company I often find myself staying up very late and feeling really busy but not being very productive. Brain recommends that we review the tasks we do and mark the ones that are the most important. After having your list of the most important mark an "x" by the most important task. Focus on this task and become better at it. Next, systematically move down the list improving each task. You will find that 20% of your activities deliver 80% of your results. As you get better at those 20% you will increase your results and enjoy more free time. Every entrepreneur has a hard time balancing their life. By using this method you can increase output and decrease time working.

Entrepreneur Team Building

2005-11-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

I came a across a great article in the Inc. 500 magazine today (Nov. 05). Dealing with diversity-Innovation doesn't happen without a diverse work force. As an entrepreneur in Utah I don't get a very big dose of diversity. I have noticed that most of my partners and associates are more a like than not. We tend to gravitate to those who are like us. We need to look for talent that may not be in circle of influence or comfort. Working with others that are different can bring incredible innovation. If you have noticed you are in a runt and stagnate look in different places for people to come approach your problem.

Fully Engaged Entrepreneur

2005-10-30T01:53:00.000-08:00

I love working for myself. It is amazing how great it feels to work hard and create something. Long hours and late nights spent working away are invigorating and a pleasure. Entrepreneurs aren't afraid of work. They don't waste life watching the clock at work or being spaced out for eight hours. Entrepreneurs are fully engaged in what they do and are living very moment of their life in a proactive go for it all way. I love being an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur Dreamer Jeffrey Swartz

2005-10-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur Jeffrey Swartz is the CEO of Timberland, he is also challenging the business world. I found an article in Fast Company(nov. 05 p81) which really touched me that talks about Jeffrey Swartz's mission. What he is trying to do is use resources, energy, and profits of a publicly traded company to combat social ills, help the environment, and improve the conditions for laborers around the globe. This corporate entrepreneur is proving that doing good and doing well are actually reinforcing. I believe that we can all do so much good in this world. An entrepreneur is a proactive person that creates and improves whatever he touches- touch society. Make this world a better place for others. Think creatively about how to incorporate your power and business save to improve societies problems. I know that working on a cause will brig energy and life into your companies.

Entrepreneur In Training

2005-10-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

As a young entrepreneur I'm experiencing the growing pains that come with adjusting to the entrepreneur lifestyle. I recently quit my job and started working on a few projects and businesses. I really love it. The uncertainty makes me very anxious though. It is hard to stay balanced with school, family, friends, and running start-ups. I stayed up working until six in the morning several times this last week. It is such a thrill. I've realized that you need to thoroughly examine a business opportunity before blindly rushing in to find it isn't plausible. USE YOUR PASSION TO FUEL YOU TO SUCCESS BUT DON'T LET IT BLINDLY LEAD YOU INTO A DEADEND.

Internet Marketing for Entrepreneurs

2005-10-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

Dave Bateman from DearElder.com and propertysolutions.com lectured in our BYU internet marketing class. It was a great experience. He commented that all successful entrepreneurs are marketers at heart. An entrepreneur must know how to get attention and sell his product/service. Emails are a great way to retain customers. Remember it's cheaper to hold on to customers than to go get new ones.
Four Basic Email Marketing Steps

Get as much information from your visitor as possible.
Use good traffic monitoring tools. (omniture.com)
Email customers quality content and advertisments.
Be viral. Look for ideas that will spread themselves like moives.