Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

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!

I believe business carries unlimited potential. Business holds the power to vastly improve lives.

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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.

Grudges aren’t a part of the healthy entrepreneur’s life.

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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.

What action step are you willing to take to make you more road worthy?

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Happy driving!

Good Grief! Mother’s Day is Coming!

When Grief Creates Growth

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. For years it’s been a usual time of grieving for me. Now it seems to have brought deeper personal growth. I invite you into a journey that’s turned into joy and more purpose.

A few months ago, I was asked to speak to a group of entrepreneurs on growing a solid business. After speaking, I opened the floor to questions. I chose not to hold anything back that could create value. Just as the first question hit, I thought perhaps I should run. Instead, my heart urged me to share. Deeply. Perhaps uncomfortably for some. It was cathartic just as much as the process of grieving had been.

I’ve always been an overcomer.

I’ve overcome being broke and weighing more than most high school football players. I’ve overcome university politics and autoimmune disease. Truth is, I’d overcome most everything but giving birth.

Through unsuccessful IVF treatments, I considered myself privileged to have had the option. Through several adoption fly-bys that went awry, the gnawing, unsatisfying, raw emotions plagued me; especially in May. On Mother’s Day I’d skip church so not to cry as beautiful, brave mothers would stand and be honored. On Mother’s Day I’d ask my supportive husband to wisk me away so I could cry unnoticed by my own mother, friends and family. You see, grief for a normally joyous person is like hell on earth.

This past January a gift came to my house.

She’s AnaKarla, the daughter of our friend, Jorge. She asked me to play a game. I agreed. I was supposed to think of a famous person and the computer would offer a range of yes or no questions to discover what famous person was on my mind. Albert Einstein. Check! First woman in Space, Sally Ride. Check! Latino Crooner, Luis Miguel. Check! Martin Luther King, Jr. Check! And then, there was Mother Theresa. What?! NO CHECK! She was deemed irrelevant because I refused to acknowledge her as childless. For indeed she was a great mother amongst children! This infuriated me! The computer game could not recognize her. #@!*&^:<@(*)`!!! How could a game revoke the “motherhood” of Mother Theresa? And there it was. Truth. The truth I had hungered for, and the first time I realized that the grief I had been holding onto truly needed to go! I was allowing it to stay when there was no further reason to grieve.

If I could allow Mother Theresa to be a mother, why could I not be a “mother”? It was time to reframe how I perceived myself.

About that time my husband, Daniel, and I were leaving on a 3 month sabbatical from the norm. We’d be living in Mexico. My plan was to expand the way I conduct business and work on becoming more “motherly”. I didn’t know how exactly it would all show up. I simply took steps, baby steps. I called up my trusted friend at Children’s Hunger Fund. I asked if we could get involved in their work in Mexico. Turns out there was no coverage in that area for orphanages or foster homes. The need became clear. Over the next 3 months I searched out, and worked with beautiful volunteers and organizations to address the needs of the children. It was life altering.

When I returned home, I received a greeting card.

I thought it to be an Anniversary card. It wasn’t. This card was different. It profoundly touched me. It was a Mother’s Day card. When I saw it, I began to sob uncontrollably. The remainder of the grief escaped as I began to understand how deeply my being as a person matters. To my parents. To children. And yes, the world! I finally agreed that I matter with or without bearing children. Breathe in. Breathe out. I matter and my work is life changing. The card simply read, “Happy Mother’s Day! It’s also for those special women who love with a mother’s heart. For the love, caring and kindness you bring to everyone blessed enough to be part of your life. (More tears, but tears of joy and relief, tears of being deeply loved and accepted.) It was signed, “We are so blessed by your life. We love you. Janny (my mom’s nickname) & Daddy” (because he’s still daddy to me). A day later, I received a text from my friend Sherry, “Happy Mother’s Day friend! You have the heart of a mother”. The wave of heavy grief lifted. I was ready to take on the world again!

Purpose.

Grief brings growth and a deeper sense of purpose. If we allow it. My work is more meaningful. I dare to dream big again, I dare to stay connected with the causes I know will “mother” children in need. And, I dare to be a working mother.

Goodbye tears- cuz ain’t nobody got time for that! Hello purpose! Deep soul-moving purpose. Purpose that surpasses sorrow. Purpose that lives to better tomorrow.

Here’s a picture of what moved me forward. These are some of the precious kids whose life journey pulled me from a pit of grief.

Grief brings growth and a deeper sense of purpose motherhood children

How about you? Ever left behind a deep grief into greater purpose? What moved you forward?

Three Key Principles to Multiply Your Entrepreneurial Value

Could you use an extra $500 every month? Go ahead. Answer that. I know we can all find a way to employ an extra $500. My hope is that you’ll read this post and take action by providing or doing something spectacular adding increase to your life.

Here’s three key principles to multiply your entrepreneurial value

Principle one: Understand that integrity is an asset

Integrity is one of the most challenging characteristics to find in today’s marketplace. Therefore, I suggest we look at integrity as a valuable asset. Customers desire to conduct business with those who have a heart to serve as well as earn profits.

The world begs for entrepreneurs who deliver honesty, thoughtfulness, genuine help, and quality. When the public senses a business operating in integrity, there comes a tipping point where trust and confidence converge into expectancy and anticipation. As such upcoming services or products are welcomed with open arms.

Integrity leads to more profits. Integrity and profits are meant to go together like chips & salsa, wine & cheese or Fiona & Shrek. Okay, you get the point. It’s clear that the message businesses communicate today must be holistic in nature and resonate with the heart of their public. When integrity is perceived, our entrepreneurial value quickly rises.

Integrity and profits go together like chips and salsa, wine and cheese, Fiona and Shrek

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Principle two: Let wisdom be your guide

Forget a little mouse in your pocket! What we all need is a Yoda or two, or three. While I’m all for mentoring and coaching, what I’m referring now is wise *professional* counsel. I have my favorites as a businessperson. And, because it’s tax season, I’ll focus on the importance of having a bang-up, insightful CPA.

Early on in my business I was making decisions on a shoestring budget. One of the best decisions was hiring a great CPA. It provided me with a peace of mind. Simply knowing someone was in my corner to make sure I had crossed the “t’s” and dotted the “i’’s” when filing was a huge relief. I also found great value in the professional advice when taking maximum business deductions. I learned that starting out in business wasn’t always about how much money I could make, but rather, how much I could keep.

When paying for the services of a CPA, think of it this way. You’re paying for their years of study, experience ad expertise. You’re paying them to stay on top of the changing laws and regulations that apply to you.

When you work with an astute CPA, you’ll maximize your money while minimizing your time trying to learn what they know. You’ll minimize your chances of making big mistakes. Working with a helpful CPA, you’ll have someone really walk you through the financial statements so you can see how your business is performing and what tweaks you can make to increase its value.

Principle Three: Practice Realistic Expectations & Core Competencies

Aspiring entrepreneurs often have incredible yet lofty ideas. It’s the entrepreneurial season I most love. It’s the stage where anything is possible, creativity is high and hopes are soar. It’s the turning point where dream incubation can coincide with action. And when the entrepreneurially-minded push pass the spark it up phase and muscles for core competencies are flexed and strengthened…well…watch out world!

Not so fast Speed Racer! Yes, we were all born to be an overnight success! Realistically speaking that overnight success may happen anywhere from 365 nights to 537 nights. When our expectations around entrepreneurship are realistic, we waste little time dreaming and head off into doing so the dream comes to pass. The most realistic expectation can be taken from the “farmer’s formula” of seed, time and harvest. Often we want to plant the seeds, skip over time and harvest the next day. However there’s an incubation and growth period. And during time part of the formula is where the core competencies come in handy.

What are these core competencies?

Goal Setting. Consistency. Demand for efficiency and quality. It’s seeking information and daring greatly. It’s systematic planning and tweaking. It’s confidence to act boldly. As entrepreneurs manage their expectations for creating success and dominate these core competencies big waves of value are created. Now how’s that for happy?

Entrepreneurs are the thought leaders of today. They bring much to the table. It’s passion, it’s purpose and when done right brings about sustainable profits.

May our key pursuits include integrity and wisdom so we increase our value in the world. And may our realistic expectations and core competencies bring about that extra $500, $5000 or $5 million every month.

Join the discussion and share with me. What key principle can you focus on to multiply your entrepreneurial value in the world? Please and thank you!

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