Tag Archives: entrepreneur

3 Voices You’ll Want to Avoid as An Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur who lives an untraditional life I’ve learned that listening to the right voices can make or break my personal plan for success. If our desire is to live a life that’s uncommonly good, decisions need to be made.

There are voices out there yapping like a tiny disgruntled Chihuahua. Our best work happens when we listen to the passion within us and step forward into our purposeful work. Listening and acting on our internal leadership, and shutting down the yappers, well meaning or not, is how we seize our greatest calling.

If you’ve ever veered off the path of normality to create a new reality (and I’m sure you have) ask yourself these questions.

Were you met with some opposition from loved ones? Acquaintances? Possibly even strangers?

Let’s lead our self and our vision or someone else will decide for us. What would you rather have? Others’ voices sending you marching orders or you marching to the beat of your own unique drum? Go ahead. Answer the question, you rebel. 😉

Voice 1: But statistics show that 95% of businesses fail.

As harsh at it seems, it’s people that fail. Yes, we the people fail to run the business properly. Some of us run it as a hobby. Some of us run it by sheer ignorance or ineptitude. And, others of us run on limited resources so it never quite gets the lift off it deserves.

There’s always a combination of circumstances. Let’s be wise and toss out some questions. Was a strategy put into place? Was a demand for a product or service established? How about the ongoing skill development of the entrepreneur? Lastly, and not at all inclusively, beyond making money why was the business established in the first place?

Entrepreneurial opportunities

Today’s world boasts opportunity! Starting and running a business has never been easier. With a click of a mouse, payment services are set up via the Internet. Free email accounts are in plenty. Inexpensive web services and free marketing materials are all at our fingertips.

The cards are stacked up in our favor to succeed. We simply need focus with a strategy applying the right methods to the audience who wants, needs or desires our services or products.

Voice 2: In order to be successful you really should do this.

We have the choice to tune in or tune out to the voices pushing the shoulds. Not all success plans are the same. For example, for years I was told I should drive a fancier, flashier car to “show” that I’m making serious bank even when I wasn’t. It felt slimy and incongruent. Now it’s simply not my priority.

We can acknowledge these particular voices, and yet ignore them if they are not in alignment with what we want to accomplish. I feel a sense of great success when I can contribute. It’s satisfying driving a nice pre-owned vehicle, living mortgage-free and giving to great causes I care about. This is my conviction. However, if I were picked up in a hot red Ferrari, I wouldn’t oppose, I’d absolutely enjoy the ride.

Create your own entrepreneurial path

The point is this, be alert to those who say we “should” be doing this or that. Usually we’re better off not entertaining the voices that dictate orders about work decisions when they aren’t the ones paying our bills or doing the work we do. It’s that simple. Wisdom knows the difference of who we are and what we want– not what others want for us.

Voice #3: Do YOU really have what it takes to do “xyz”?

Says who? The world is full of overcomers. Often we can be our own worst enemy. We can also choose to run with the likes of those who said yes to making things happen despite their circumstances.

We celebrate heroes. The ones who choose to stand up and stand out in spite of challenges.

I say, let’s avoid the voices that say we aren’t right for the part.

 decide to go to work and allow the results to speak

I think we can simply decide to go to work and allow the results to speak.

Meanwhile I rely on stories of inspiration. I remind myself that, a once 15 year-old girl who was shot in the head is now the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner and advocate for female education.

Malala Yousafzai words resonate from a famous speech given at the United Nations. “They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed,” she said. “And then, out of that silence came thousands of voices. … Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.” As entrepreneurs, may we all take up strength, power and courage in all that we do.

I remind myself that one of the greatest composers of all time became deaf. Being deaf didn’t stop him from creating some of the most beautifully composed music. When Beethoven was asked why he continued to compose music after becoming deaf, his response was, “I knew the best music was still inside of me.” Let’s remember the best music is still inside of us and that we’re equipped to do whatever is in our hearts to do.

Chime in! Tell us, have you ever faced any of these three voices? How did you silence them? Or perhaps there was a different type of voice you shut down that didn’t serve you. What was it and how did you place it on mute?

On Privilege Poverty and Purposeful Profits

Cashed in on some frequent flier miles I’ve been saving for years. Hopped on a plane. First class. Flew over 20+ hours. Enjoyed the amenities. Movies. Slippers. Toothbrushes. Mouthwash. I don’t take this privilege for granted.

In fact, I collect the toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes bring smiles. It’s not just about oral health. It’s about taking sunshine to someone who can’t find one in their neck of the woods or doesn’t have the funds to buy it. It’s humbling.

I’m the traveling entrepreneur. I’ve got a stash of hotel combs, sewing kits, shampoos, lotions, soaps and shower gels from everywhere I go. I must travel light.

I constantly ask myself “what can I bring to show appreciation or open up dialogues with those I meet?” It’s the smallest things that can bring a smile.

women

In Myanmar I got a boulder-sized knot in my throat and held back tears as I walked away from a man who told me his story. He and his wife sleep in separate hostels. Their home was in the countryside but the opportunity for work resides in Yangon where they both work 14-15 hours a day. Inflation has made it impossible for them to get ahead. They meet for tea three times a week on a meager $300 USD a month between the two of them. I left them two peppermint tea bags and a small box of chocolates for their next date night. There are times one’s truth is so painful.

The taxi ride to the airport was uncomfortable– and awkwardly comforting as I’m confronted with such privilege. I’m hearing my Mother’s words of wisdom play back from my childhood. It plays over and over.

“To whom much is given, much is required.”

I’m alive and learning. I’m noticing the hundreds of men and women missing limbs in Cambodia. War’s landmines can leave an impression. I asked, Soviat, the Tuk Tuk driver, “how are the Cambodian people doing after the war?” He tells me his mother, at times hears certain noises and still trembles and fears for her life. He shares the metaphor she uses. “I feel I’m the chicken in the coop they are coming to slaughter today.” He shares that it’s a memory that doesn’t release easily.

Far off we turn our attention to songs of redemption. Melodies beckon us as we hike uphill to see a sunset. Bands of limbless, yet lively survivors joined forces with instruments and song. Walking amongst the vast ruins of Angkor Wat I heard hope. I am encouraged by the sound of the human spirit. Rising. Rising. Still– going on– somehow. It profoundly touches me.

Behind the eyes of these gentle souls are stories. In the Western world we fling around the acronym, PSTD. In Cambodia there’s little time for labeling and addressing those deep hurts. To get on with life, you get back to work and make due. It’s survival.

floating-market

A day before my husband and I leave, I’m handed a flyer. A beautiful local woman smiles and tells me in English. “Come hear the concert tomorrow night. It’s for a good cause!”

A change agent started this weekly benefit concert. Tourists pretending to be “Tomb Raiders” stop a while and have a chance to contribute.  A Swiss doctor not only oversees the expansion of a Children’s Hospital, now complete with Maternity ward– he also plays the strings for contributions so more people can receive medical attention. The stats show that in 23 years over 13 million outpatients and 1.56 million seriously ill children requiring hospitalization were helped. Thank you, Dr. Beat Richner. You inspire. Play on!

I weave in and out of countries. While the purpose is to enjoy different cultures, people, and travel. I set out to search for something deeper. I’ve found in my adventures that looking for the best holiday is like looking for the perfect spouse. There’s unspoken promises of romance- the effects, the adventures, the desire to feel fully alive.

Paige-Hunter

I’m conjuring up a lasting romance– the kind that keeps my fire lit long after my travel Visas expire. It’s a romance that fires the flames going beyond tourist trinkets. It’s a deep craving to leave a contribution in the world.

Tomorrow I set out on the last and most anticipated part of this Southeast Asian journey. I’ll end up in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’ll be in the good company of fellow social entrepreneurs and my most esteemed heroes– those who serve in the trenches of feeding the hungry and rescuing children from human trafficking.

Friends, I am raw with emotion, but full of anticipation.

I know I live a life of privilege and that my first world problems would be warmly welcomed by most of the people I’ve encountered in Cambodia and Myanmar. I’ve concluded that poverty sucks and that it’s something I need to keep in front of me on an ongoing basis so I continue to push through to reach my full potential and life purpose.

kids

I’ve decided at this point that 50% of the profits I make will go back to causes like Children’s Hunger Fund. So in February when you see my latest course released know if you decide to buy, you will also be making a contribution to your well-being and that of others. You can find out a little more at www.behealthyhappyfit.com

Mahatma Gandhi shared much wisdom when he said,

It’s easy to get carried away by distractions or the unimportant. We’ve all done it. I suppose what I’m encouraging myself along with you is this, consider all that you have. Consider the surplus. Consider your skills. Consider your work, and how you spend your time.

In the comments below, share something with me. Tell me, do you have something in your upcoming plans to get you uncomfortably primed to lay hold of your purpose? Are you already involved in something that keeps your fires a burnin’ for purpose? Let us know so we can learn from you and celebrate with you!

To purposeful profits and more compassion.

The Truth about Entrepreneurs and Real Profits

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” ~Henry Ford

The words of Henry Ford share a profound lesson. Words I’ve taken to heart,  As an entrepreneur it resonates. Yes! THAT!

Don’t misunderstand. I don’t find a large bankroll offensive. Profits can pay the bills or take on philanthropic roles. But I’m going for lofty! I want to change the way we look at “profits.”

Most of us understand profits to be a margin of earnings or monetary surplus after the cost of raw materials, wages, rent and the like are covered. This friends, is the norm and while it’s a good thing, it can get better.

Here are a few examples of how we can expand the idea of profits.

Profits can make immediate impact of the lives of communities.

Blake Mycoskie founder of TOMS, set up an incredible company where profits are made and shared. It’s a simple yet powerful business model that addresses the needs of others. It began with shoes, then eyewear, now it’s launched into coffee.

Children and communities benefit from TOMS’ real profits worldwide. Consumers profit as well. They buy a product with a purpose and are giving at the same time. It’s a win-win.

Buy a pair of shoes, give a pair. Buy a pair of glasses, give vision. Buy a bag of coffee, provide clean drinking water for a week for one person. Make a purchase, make a difference. It’s cool. I’m buying my next pair of shoes at TOMS.

Profits provide long-term welfare benefits locally and globally.

Who’d a thunk it? Florence Nightingale, nurse and real profit creator?!

The internal philosophy she held in her heart brought forth more than the titled pioneer of modern nursing. It brought out a vision to build a school and elevate the medical field.

An entire movement followed. Today’s patients and hospitals around the world have benefitted from Ms. Nightingale’s efforts. Like many entrepreneurs, her passion was first and foremost to serve others.

She saw a problem. She offered a solution.

The Queen of England rewarded Nightingale’s wartime work by presenting her with an engraved brooch and a prize of $250,000 from the British government.

Driven by a mission, Ms. Nightingale used the money to fund the establishment of St. Thomas’ Hospital, and within it, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.

Admirable? Yes! And the profits of her labor continue even today.

I’m a fan of entrepreneurs that raise up a movement to make a difference. This is what real profits generate. Improved lives.

Today, I’m encouraged to see how the face of entrepreneurship continues to morph. Many of today’s entrepreneurs want more than money, they want social capital flowing in their communities and their own lives.

Real profits strengthen families, and allow entrepreneurs to design and live a life they love. Real profits incudes robust relationships with loved ones.

These entrepreneurs hustling for more than just money often fall into one of these categories: online business services, Home-Based entrepreneurs and then there’s “the Rents” (Momprepeneurs and Poppreneurs). These freedom-seekers choose a road less traveled to profit greatly on a monetary and social capital scale!

Somehow a ripple effect happens. The flexibility in one’s schedule and location can bring deep satisfaction. The ability to be productive yet also tend to one’s personal desires plays a role in “profit sharing” business and a balanced personal life.

Profits like this surpass the mighty dollar. These profits pay out lasting dividends because there’s a win on a personal level that ripples to the small communities that ripples into larger communities. Less stress, more options= greater profits.

The truth about entrepreneurs and real profits is quite simple. Money is made to carry out missions.

These missions can be geared specifically to one’s immediate or at large family. The point is the real profits bring about a positive impact.

Talk to me. On some level you are participating in “real profit” creation as either consumer or an entrepreneur. How are you doing this? How does it make you feel? Drop me your thoughts in the comment box below. I look forward to reading you!

7 Practices Healthy Entrepreneurs Apply to Achieve Balance & Results 

There are entrepreneurs whose work and life I deeply admire. It’s holistic in nature, as they’ve chosen to lead healthy and centered lives.

 

This article emerges from an accumulation of dialogues from Healthy entrepreneurs I deeply respect.

 

1- Relationships matter

Healthy entrepreneurs know relationships are crucial for balance and perspective. This doesn’t mean the love interest is always as perfect as a Tahitian holiday. It means the relationship matters enough to work at keeping the romance and friendship well in tact.

Children get included in the adventure. Making positive memories is key. Quality time is prioritized and seeds for inside jokes are planted for harvest in the years ahead.

Long-term friendships are viewed as an asset. Healthy entrepreneurs revel in having friends who bring levity to challenges and a swift kick in the pants when it’s most needed.

 

2- Good nutrition

In the busyness of business, the passion for productivity can easily lead astray the best intentions for self-care.

Healthy entrepreneurs know good nutrition can’t be skipped. Eating nutrient-dense foods and taking high quality supplementation are daily practices.

Don’t misunderstand, celebrations and vacations are enjoyed yet the daily mojo is an almost sacred habit.

7 habits of healthy entrepreneurs
 

3- Rest and relaxation

Even healthy entrepreneurs push the limits from time to time to reach goals. However, they make plans to rest the noggin’ and relax the body.

Sure, restorative sleep is coveted, but so is a break from the norm. Times of refreshing are what healthy entrepreneurs know and seek to prioritize.

Throughout the years a list has mounted of R&R practices. They vary. Some entrepreneurs take time to sit still. Others tell me they are in bed right at 10 pm, while others go for a bi-monthly massage or spend time in nature.

Whatever the form of rest and relaxation, it’s a solid practice for all health enthusiasts to follow.

Healthy Entrepreneurs rest
 

4- Practice forgiveness

In directed and non-directed research around healthy entrepreneurs there’s a common thread that’s surprised and delighted me.

As they tell stories of unfairness or wrong doings, there’s a resounding theme of how grateful they are for the unfortunate incident people caused them.

Usually, they anchor it as a life lesson they’ve learned and appreciate how it’s brought them to where they are today with greater understanding.

This practice of forgiveness I’ve seen amongst many healthy entrepreneurs in a variety of cultures and religious practices.

 

5- Exercise body & mind

Healthy entrepreneurs are a unique breed. It’s not surprising that physical fitness is a priority along with further developing the mind through life-long learning.

What interests me most is HOW they do it. I find that time management is taken seriously by healthy entrepreneurs which explains why a workout is often coupled with learning. It’s a time to maximize the mind while maximizing the muscles.

It’s also not unusual to find healthy entrepreneurs exercising side-by-side exchanging business ideas or co-coaching one another. There’s an “iron sharpens iron” philosophy and it happens amongst people or by means of MP3s. No time is wasted while whittling the waistline.

Healthy Entrepreneurs excersize

 

6- Promote “Tag-Team” Wrestling interaction

Healthy entrepreneurs know life to be more meaningful when key players are given significant roles. They also understand they don’t have all the answers, so they are eager to play team.

Consequently, healthy entrepreneurs involve and empower those around them to shine. They take joy in watching others develop. They are quick to receive and give feedback so business is advanced.

 

7- Generosity

Healthy entrepreneurs understand the importance of giving. It’s the type of giving that includes financial contribution but often goes beyond it.

Some tell me they want to volunteer and actually see how their money is being used for a cause they support. Others share by quietly mentoring a hungry protégé.

Many never speak a word of what they do. Somehow proud family or friends of the healthy entrepreneur divulge secrets like Wikileaks. They simply can’t hide how a non-profit organization no longer battles website woes or how schoolgirls in a small village have books they can learn to read all because of the generosity shared in time or money.

 

Talk to me,

Do you know any healthy entrepreneurs? Does this ring true? Share with me in the comments below.

Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve had great opportunities to live in places that are completely opposite from the way I was brought up. This has led to some fascinating discoveries.

For the past four months I’ve been living in Guadalajara; Mexico’s second largest city with roughly 5 million people. And then there was the little town of Bulverde where I first began my driving days when the population was 2700 and has now soared to 7500.

Let me be clear, this is my second time living in the Guadalajara area. My first opportunity came in 2004-2005, so as we say in Texas, “this ain’t my first rodeo”. What’s different this time is now I can (sort of) navigate my way around without getting too lost, overwhelmed, or stressed by the crazy congestion and “unique” driving

Yesterday I chose to have a big lemonade on the balcony of a restaurant to survey the activity below. Then it hit me.  The hustle and bustle, the horns honking, the cars weaving in and out of the slower trucks and buses, all the wheels and break squeals, the whirling and whistling…the epiphany was clear.

Big city driving is so much like being a capable entrepreneur.

You see, usually when I venture out of my Mexican cocoon, my capable, locally-grown husband doubles as a ninja-like chofer. I seized an opportunity this past weekend before he flew back to our ranch home to check in with the critters, caretakers, and other important business. I asked for guidance. I had an important appointment I didn’t want to miss so I asked my favorite local Mexican if he’d drive me through the process of navigating my way through new construction to avoid getting lost and pulling my hair out.  Why am I sharing this? Well, we all know the maps or GPS don’t always include the newest streets, best detours or shortcuts. First lesson.

Entrepreneurs, like drivers prefer to learn from the successful experiences of mentors and experts, rather than rely on less dynamic tools like maps or a GPS.

As I sat there drinking my lemonade I was grateful. This particular day was exceptionally satisfying.

The mission of driving there and back was safely accomplished! All the while I’d single-handedly avoided 2 near collisions and no! I’m not kidding you. Ironically, the use of signal lights aren’t part of the national way of driving, nor is allowing plenty of space for lane changes. And somehow, I was able to keep my happy and avoid road rage. Yes! And this friends, leads me to the second a-ha.

Focus. During the business process entrepreneurs reach milestones by focusing on what needs to be achieved and avoid what will take them “off road.”

In times past, I was a nervous ball of energy driving through maddening traffic. I’d try deep breathing while wanting to run over a pedestrian. To say the least, it’s definitely been a process of developing a skill set. Quite frankly, it’s opened up all sorts of personal development opportunities for this country girl. I’m learning to laugh at myself as I reflect on how far I’ve come. I’m doing it for the love of business, my husband and need I say, adventure? I’ve chosen to dare greatly this time around and it’s paying off because the enjoyment level is skyrocketing. What was once petrifying is now electrifying. Well, okay not really, but it’s vastly improved which leads me to lesson three.

Developing skills can be challenging. The better we become, the more we enjoy the results, and of course, life.

I’m not going to lie to you. I still prefer driving in the countryside. In fact, I get really stoked when I see sheep in a field grazing. It speaks to me. That day I sat in the “winner’s circle” sipping my celebratory lemonade, reveling in how I took to the road like a champ. Chaotic traffic and all, there’s a lesson in ev-er-ything. And now when I take to the road I can reframe how it can bring me more lessons as an entrepreneur. I may not be ready for the Indy 500 or the Baja 1000 but I can tell you I’m becoming a bit more road worthy.

So here’s my question for you. Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

Now, don’t use me as the perfect example to live by because I’m still a work in progress. But do yourself a favor, dig around a little. Sharpen your entrepreneurial saw by asking yourself the following questions.

  • Who helps guide my business in the right direction? Do I really listen and apply it toward the long-term benefit of myself and others?
  • Do I stay focused under pressure avoiding unnecessary incidents that can keep me from reaching desired results?
  • How do I go about improving my skills to make life more enjoyable?

That’s my challenge for you my friends. I’d love to hear from you. What one action step are you willing to take to make you more “road worthy”?

Enter your answer in the comments below, or click to tweet it.

 

Happy driving!