Well Begun Is Half Finished - but you have to begin!
Our doubts are traitors
and make us lose the good we oft might win,
by fearing to attempt
Shakespeare
Define and achieve your own business success.
"Liberty consists in doing what one desires." - John Stuart Mill
I once heard a story about an independent businessman named Arturo.Arturo came into the dock early one morning with his small boat full of lovely fish; one for his family, others to sell. Bill, an Ivy League MBA on vacation, saw Arturo return to the dock while all the other fishermen were still out with almost empty boats.
Bill asked about Arturo, everyone agreed that Arturo was the best fisherman on the coast.
Bill walked down to Arturo and asked how he spent his days. Arturo said he fished a bit in the morning, went home to spend some time with his wife and play with his kids, then in the evening Arturo met his friends at a local restaurant for songs and games.
Bill got excited and proposed a partnership. Together they would build a fleet of ships that would benefit from Arturo's knowledge. They would Move to a big city, and later run offices and fleets around the world.
Arturo asked about the future beyond the world wide ventures. Bill expounded on the glories of the great cities and high society, finishing with the statement that when Arturo decided he was ready to retire he could go anywhere and do anything he wanted. Bill asked what Arturo would do with such a fine retirement.
Arturo replied, " I would fish a bit in the morning, go home to spend some time with my wife and play with the kids, then in the evening I would meet my friends at a local restaurant for songs and games."
And Arturo walked away.
the #1 idea for your business success
"If you wish to prosper,
let your customer prosper."
Bastiat
Which are the best business books for budding entrepreneurs?
Start your business with your own business idea today - keep learning how to improve it the rest of your life.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 - the Bible
Gaining wisdom within one of your passions can become a 24/7/365 adventure. There will be challenges, but your dreams are a promise that your efforts can help create. That is why passion is so important, it can provide the determination to keep going during difficult times.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurma
Rate the following books by clicking arrows. Add a personal favorite start-up business book you want to share. Make this business book list a resource to assist emerging entrepreneurs searching for answers.
Be sure to click on the books you have not yet read to read their reviews.
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
The subtitle of this great book is "why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it". Read it before you begin and try to learn to avoid the common mistakes. Read it again after 12 months and fix your business.4 points
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin
Get the edge to make your business stand out against the merely excellent.2 points
Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised by Napoleon Hill
A classic, credited by many as powerful in their success. "The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those, which fail." - Napoleon Hill2 points
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson
The future of business, and the best opportunities for starting your business reside in the longtail.1 point
See You at the Top: 25th Anniversary Edition by Zig Ziglar
Zig was the source for "You can have anything you want if you help enough people get what they want." He will help you get out of your own way.1 point
The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. Covey
Read it -- do it.1 point
Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out by Farrah Gray, Fran Harris
A remarkable teenager who went from public assistance to a million dollar net worth shares his story.1 point
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
A great story teller relates ideas important to each of us.1 point
Weekend Entrepreneur: 101 Great Ways to Earn Extra Cash by Michelle Anton
Do you want to start slow and careful?0 points
Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine by Cheryl Woodard
Support your local or online business. Expert insight from the co-founder of PC and Macworld magazines!0 points
Small Business Ideas For The Internet
"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals." - Larry Bird
* Your competition is getting on the net.
* Google maps now points out local businesses.
* All the search engines are starting to reference local business in a more logical manner.
* Your customers use the net to get information.
* Did I mention your competition is on the net or thinking about it?
There is a learning curve to getting effective net coverage. This is not like the yellow pages - although for some of you it may be bigger.
There is a value to having bought and used your online name in terms of how the search engines will treat you. Pick your name and get something up today, you can re-do it next year if you wish. Web names are like wine - a little age is a good thing.
No one will come to the door to sell you a quarter page internet business format. However, there are kids and professors at the local college that can get you started for little money - or you can build yourself a quality online presence for very little cash, just some time.
Perhaps you are already busy landscaping, drilling teeth, selling real estate, or doing lawyer stuff. There is a good do it for you option that will not cost too much and profit too little -- SiteSell Services may be for you. SiteSell services can also help if you already have a web site, but it is not bringing you clients.
If you use other Internet professionals - expect to pay what you would for any professional services. A great web master is part advertiser, copywriter, public relations agent, and web navigation specialist. If your site is done right - your customer will enjoy the site just as much as the search engines.
If you want to do it yourself; click on one of these free internet business creation and training courses in pdf format:
* Professional Service Sellers Internet Course
* WAHM, Work At Home Moms, with case studies (ok for dads too, it is about starting an at home internet based business)
* Write For The Internet - tools, tricks, and techniques
As the Cluetrain Manifesto declared; your customers are human, to succeed you must deal with them as humans.
Think of it this way - when your client is on your site he has chosen you. You have his undivided attention to communicate with him.
Make that time valuable for your customer.
Start Your Own Business -- Part Time
Not everyone wants to start an entrepreneurial enterprise. You may just want to earn extra money while learning new skills.
Mark Twain
You don't have to quit what you are doing now, you can also start a business for some extra cash flow. At some point your business may grow enough to consider it a full time occupation. For now, some extra dollars may provide just what you need.
To keep initial investment small, use an online company to make your business cards and other graphics. Free (you pay shipping) business cards are easy to craft at Vista Print and similar companies. I even had a friend use Vista Print for cards in a movie he was shooting.
Your education, training, passions, hobbies, interests, or creative ideas are a great starting point. Get started today and grow as you learn.
The 4-Hour work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/08/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/08/2008)
List Price: $24.95
The Stay-at-Home Mom's Guide to Making Money from Home, Revised 2nd Edition: Choosing the Business That's Right for You Using the Skills and Interests You Already Have (Stay-at-Home Mom's Guide)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/08/2008)
List Price: $15.95
The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/08/2008)
List Price: $21.95
The 200 Best Home Businesses: Easy To Start, Fun To Run, Highly Profitable
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/08/2008)
List Price: $12.95
Once you have started your business - persist.
Entrepreneurial success can come with your first business venture, or your third - you will need to cultivate the drive to persist until success.
The key to success once your own business is started is to keep learning. Cultivate your natural abilities and grow with them.The act of starting or growing a business is a valuable education. Using your own business idea to start your own business will be a less expensive education than attending a brick and mortar college - and you can learn more useful and actionable information.
You can also create an income using your entrepreneurial business idea, instead of deferring income while in school. "The hardest thing about getting started is getting started." - unknown
A person that graduates with a business degree and is hired by a corporation has not failed, they have completed a step toward their definition of success.
An entrepreneur that shuts down a failed business and then starts a new business has likewise completed a step toward becoming free to live life by their own rules.
Take your prototype on the road and sell it, if there is demand build a company to support it. You can learn or hire MBA methodologies later.
Your start-up business will have a steep learning curve. Start your first business small and manageable; making your mistakes as inexpensive as possible. Wait to "ramp up" your business until you are sure of the demand. Then persist.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas Edison
It will not be easy. This is not a get rich quick scheme, this is business!
Your business.
"We can not insure success, but we can deserve it." - Joseph Addison
Your chances of success as an entrepreneur increase if the business idea you develop is based on passions that drive you. Create what is for you a natural enterprise and you can make a very good income - while enjoying the journey.
Guessing at the Direction Of Business
watch this entertaining video with a nice "Twilight Zone" twist
Think about the future of your business idea.
Day of the Longtail
Movie Trailer: In celebration of the publication of Chris Anderson's book, "The Long Tail," The old world of media faces an invasion from another planet. The horror. The horror. (By Michael Markman, Peter Hirshberg, Bob Kalsey; Produced for The Computer History Museum) http://www.thelongtail.com/ More info: Chris's book examines the economic models for distributing content. It's now possible to move from having a few megahits controlled by a limited number of publishers to having thousands even millions of titles available all the time. YouTube is a big part of this revolution. We made this video from the perspective of the old line media companies who might view the Long Tail revolution as a threat.
Runtime: 2:13
433892 views
10 Comments:
Tell us about your dream business.
Where do your passions intersect with other's needs?
Your education, training, passions, hobbies, interests, or creative ideas are a great starting point. Since you will be spending time, money, and effort as you struggle toward business success - choose to do something you can do with enthusiasm. Focus on your top two or three passions; the joys of pursuit can help you through rough periods.
The rewards of owning your own life are worth the investments you are about to make.
Tell us about your dream business;
the one you own, or the one you want to start.
"It is no use saying 'We are doing our best.' You have to succeed in doing what is necessary." - Winston Churchill
Your personal liberty will arrive when you solve problems for folks that are willing and able to pay for your product. Listen to what people say they want; try it, and adapt it.
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FlowersByDottie
Nice work and a refreshing lens! I rated 5 stars,lens rolled you to both my lenses and added to my favorites.Please drop by my lenses.Thanks Posted October 07, 2008 |
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ashleymia
Nice Lens. You have given good information. 5*s. Posted October 07, 2008 |
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Gina08
I love your quote in the post-in note!! I am going to remember that one. Posted October 03, 2008 |
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markbestweb
Great lens! Seems like the hardest part for starting a new business is to get it going,. Think first you have to set up your objectives in a clear way, and next step is keep working until you reach those goals. Five * Lens Posted October 02, 2008 |
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TrueFX
"If you wish to prosper - let your customer prosper." Posted October 02, 2008 |
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oimdiane
I love working online and have been for the past 10 years! Hopefully conditions to continue to reinforce the value of bringing anyone's dreams and plans to the net for money making - real business - ventures! Posted October 02, 2008 |
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DAMIND
Great lens, thanks for sharing your knowledge, Posted October 01, 2008 |
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SunnyDaze
Nice, lense. The most important thing you mention is persistance. I can't believe how important it is to stick with it and in the long run you will achieve anything. Look at the successful lense makers throughout Squidoo. Many started several years ago. Things take time, and you must stick with it. Posted September 29, 2008 |
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Tarpon19
Awesome resources, great work! Posted September 28, 2008 |
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kemengr
Growth is a typical S-curve. Unfortunately, most people get frustrated during the lag phase itself. Posted September 23, 2008 |
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lccoach
This is a good saying, I like that and agree totally. Posted September 23, 2008 |
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rensa
Great informative lens. Yes to be successful in any venture you have to be persistent and if you enjoy what you are doing, you will try harder to succeed. I have been involved with internet marketing for some time now and find each day to have new opportunities. I recently started my first lens on Forex and hope to add a few more. Posted September 19, 2008 |
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darklion
I like things to work out for us Posted September 18, 2008 |
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Johnson3Navy
Amazing lens! Lots of great info. I have read some of the books listed and they truely are informational. Posted September 11, 2008 |
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Starving_Artist
wonderful, positive lens Posted September 09, 2008 |
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revwayne
Interesting ideas. Thanks for the info. Few see the Bible as inspirational and business minded. You picked a good quote. Posted September 09, 2008 |
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hempnecklace
I have my own online business. Posted September 06, 2008 |
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MusicMadness
I'm still working on my dream of owning my own successful business a reality. People like you willing to share info, are helping make that come true. A big 5 star thanks to you. Posted September 05, 2008 |
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nekoneko
cookie business! Posted September 02, 2008 |
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clefty
This lens is great! Some inspiring words for sure :) Posted September 02, 2008 |
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nycelady13
great lense! thanks for sharing your ideas..more power! hope you could drop by my lense too..:-) Posted August 29, 2008 |
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hesika
Thank you for this lens, which remembered me in some fundamental thoughts I have to have for being successful. Posted August 29, 2008 |
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a_willow
Thinking of starting my own business these days... Great info! Posted August 29, 2008 |
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WendyKrick
Very nice lens. I so glad to see you have Think and Grow Rich on your list. I have read it many times and each time learn something new. I wouldn't have been so blessed in my business without that book. Posted August 23, 2008 |
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SemperFidelis
A most excellent lens. We're entrepreneurs and can really appreciate the info you have here. Posted August 22, 2008 |
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HandMadeInIndia
This is too cool! Amazing lens, Posted August 11, 2008 |
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ZoeyJordan
Great resource - thanks! Love the quote by Shakespeare...so true! Posted August 04, 2008 |
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moneyexpert2877
Brilliant lens.. Posted July 31, 2008 |
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WillKnight
Excellent lens, love the Arturo story, keep up the great work Posted July 31, 2008 |
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mymoneycrunchsolutions
Great lense and very inspiring, thank you! Posted July 31, 2008 |
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Coluden
Did you steal my mantra? Seriously I love your site. I've been writing that Shakespearean quote for years...Finally a connection! Our doubts are traitors... Posted July 28, 2008 |
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qlcoach
Belief, faith, and motivation are all important characteristics for achieving our goals. But sometimes fear and other internal issues hold us back. Feel free to see how I am trying to help people too: http://www.squidoo.com/ebyway. Posted July 26, 2008 |
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Steve-SEO-UK
After many years employed in the fast moving world of Publishing, I know exactly how Arturo feels and reacts to the venture proposal. My philosophy: You work to Live! Great Lens, Steve. Posted July 19, 2008 |
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StayAtHomeJobs
Great lens! I particularly like the Shakespeare quote at the beginning. I've always that our thoughts are what dictate our lives in the end. Posted July 16, 2008 |
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4x4ever
Awesome lens one every level: content, style and organization! And "The 4-hour work week: is my personal favourite! Cool stuff, definitely deserves top ranking! Posted July 14, 2008 |
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youhavegottobekidding
I very much agree with one of those tips where is says "If you want to prosper let your costumers prosper" Posted July 14, 2008 |
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banjo
Thanks for the lens Posted July 09, 2008 |
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RyanRE
Great lens Allan. As a business owner I can say first hand that hard work and dedication are the two of the biggest keys to success. Posted July 09, 2008 |
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GypsyOwl
Great Lens! 5* FAV Posted July 05, 2008 |
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Serenity_Prayer_Gifts
Thanks for this inspiring lens! :-) Posted June 22, 2008 |
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