15 Core Principles of Entrepreneurship
What skills do you need to be a successful entrepreneur? Here are 15 things you can start working on now!
Know Thyself
- Understand your strengths, weaknesses and your blind spots.
- Find your passion, search for ideas that set your imagination soaring.
- Continue learning new skills which will be relevant to your prospective venture.
Attitude is Everything
- Pay attention to your inner dialog. Make sure that voice in your head has your back.
- learn about the Law of Attraction – Where your mind is, your life follows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFy43EuNshA
Choose the Right Business
- Allocate your energy, time and resources to a business likely to generate good returns.
- Do a lot of research, gather facts and talk to experts.
- Have clarity with respect to the competition; understand the market size and the share you can acquire over time.
You Are Only As Good As The People Around You
- Assemble a team of complimentary individuals that collectively have all the key skills required to execute the idea.
- Provide high-freqency feedback to drive continuous performance improvements.
- Connect with external stakeholders that are vital to your success — customers, suppliers, investors, advisors, industry experts, etc.
- YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT AND THE COMPANY YOU KEEP!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqS9NjVj-DA
Relentlessly Persevere!
- Once you start, never stop. No matter what obstacles and setbacks occur, never give up.
- Don’t let your failures define you, let the fact you work past them define you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHvxDVS4_Y
Build A Winning Culture
- Define your organizational culture, make it explicit and constantly reinforce it.
- Culture is a living organism that requires constant monitoring and shaping.
- Culture is a tool that inspires and motivates your team to achieve goals that may have been perceived as impossible before.
Prioritize and Execute
- Prioritize your goals. Needs before wants. Thinking steps ahead.
- Have a sense of urgency. Nothing happens overnight, so you better start ASAP! Execute plans efficiently. I can’t say it enough – Details Matter!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5uI5q7-_PM
Define The Key Metric That Matters Most
- Energy and resources need to be channeled in the right direction to maximize the odds of success.
- Define the metric and specify the right ways to measure performance.
- Choose one primary metric and update it as the organization evolves into different maturity stages.
Accurately Assess Capital Requirements
- Assess how much capital is required by running multiple scenarios: best, bad and worse.
- Know what type of business you’re in. If you want to get investors, understand risks and effects on stakeholders.
- If you raise money from friends and family, be realistic in how you communicate risks and anticipate the consequences of not meeting your financial objectives.
Use The Right Incentives
- Aim for the right balance based on the behaviors you would like to encourage.
- Incentives can create or destroy value — use them wisely.
- Think of all the unforeseen downsides it can generate and make sure the positives are greater than the negatives.
Have Deep Empathy
- Empathize with the people you interact with to build a profitable and sustainable business.
- Understand the world as it is, and not according to how you would like it to be.
- Listen to people; understand your customers by putting yourself in their shoes.
Experiment In Stages
- Experiment: Try differentiating yourself from competitors and add value to your customers in a unique way.
- Learn: Understant the impact of your hypothesis and evaluate it objectively.
- Adjust: Refine your hypothesis based on the learning.
- Scale: Grow what works, and prune out what doesn’t.
Never Fail
- Remember EVERYTHING is a learning experience, so keep moving forward and pay attention to the details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yuyv0-7D0U
What Next?
- Ensure that you make the right decisions along the way while keeping in mind your long-term vision.
- Write a journal to introspect and gain perspective on how you are progressing and dealing with the challenges you face.
- Regularly think of your exit strategy. Do you plan to sell the company, pass it on to the next generation or go public?
Focus On The Reasons You Succeed Rather Than The Excuses Why You Fail!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuKJGRd43GI
WHY SHOULD YOU PLAY CHESS? – I bet you don’t know ALL the benefits!
Let’s discuss the basics and then the benefits!
Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a chessboard, a checkered gameboard with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. Chess is played by millions of people worldwide, both amateurs and professionals.
Each player begins the game with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. Each of the six piece types moves differently. The most powerful piece is the queen and the least powerful piece is the pawn. The objective is to ‘checkmate’ the opponent’s king by placing it under an inescapable threat of capture. To this end, a player’s pieces are used to attack and capture the opponent’s pieces, while supporting their own. In addition to checkmate, the game can be won by voluntary resignation by the opponent, which typically occurs when too much material is lost, or if checkmate appears unavoidable. A game may also result in a draw in several ways.
Now that we went over WHAT chess is, let’s discuss the benefits of playing!
- Promotes brain growth: Games like chess that challenge the brain actually stimulate the growth of dendrites, the bodies that send out signals from the brain’s neuron cells. With more dendrites, neural communication within the brain improves and becomes faster. Think of your brain like a computer processor. The tree-like branches of dendrites fire signals that communicate to other neurons, which makes that computer processor operate at a fast, optimal state. Interaction with people in challenging activities also fuels dendrite growth, and chess is a perfect example.
- It exercises both sides of the brain: A German study indicated that when chess players were asked to identify chess positions and geometric shapes, both the left and right hemispheres of the brain became highly active. Their reaction times to the simple shapes were the same, but the experts were using both sides of their brains to more quickly respond to the chess position questions.
- Strategic Thinking: Chess is considered to be a strategy game – this means that in order to win, you must have a better plan of action than your opponent. But no one is born with the ability to conceive great strategic moves, it must be learned by practicing. To most people, strategy is associated with war and army generals planning their attacks with strategic moves, this example is not far from chess. Just like a general commands his army, a chess player commands his or her own pieces in a battle of black and white. So playing chess greatly improves the ability to develop certain strategies and plans. And no, this benefit is not only useful to army generals and chess players – a good strategic mind is much more productive, because it creates the best plan of action for every daily task. Also, strategic thinking is a life savior in academic and work environments, because everything is planned one step ahead and there’s always a plan B.
- Raises your IQ: Do smart people play chess, or does chess make people smart? At least one scientific study has shown that playing the game can actually raise a person’s IQ. A study of 4,000 Venezuelan students produced significant rises in the IQ scores of both boys and girls after four months of chess instruction. So grab a chess board and improve your IQ!
- Helps prevent Alzheimer’s: As we age, it becomes increasingly important to give the brain a workout, just as you would every other major muscle group, in order to keep it healthy and fit. A recent study featured in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people over 75 who engage in brain-games like chess are less likely to develop dementia than their non-board-game-playing peers. The saying “use it or lose it” certainly applies here, as a sedentary brain can decrease brain power. All the more reason to play chess before you turn 75.
- Sparks your creativity: Playing chess helps unleash your originality, since it activates the right side of the brain, the side responsible for creativity. One four-year study had students from grades 7 to 9 play chess, use computers, or do other activities once a week for 32 weeks to see which activity fostered the most growth in creative thinking. The chess group scored higher in all measures of creativity, with originality being their biggest area of gain.
- Increases problem-solving skills: A chess match requires fast thinking and problem-solving on the fly because your opponent is constantly changing the parameters. A 1992 study conducted on 450 fifth-grade students in New Brunswick indicated that those who learned to play chess scored significantly higher on standardized tests compared to those who did not play chess.
- Teaches planning and foresight: One of the last parts of the brain to develop during adolescence is the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for judgment, planning and self-control. Because playing chess requires strategic and critical thinking, it helps promote prefrontal cortex development and helps teenagers make better decisions in all areas of life, perhaps keeping them from making an irresponsible, risky choice.
- Improves reading skills: In an oft-cited 1991 study, Dr. Stuart Margulies studied the reading performance of 53 elementary school students who participated in a chess program and evaluated them compared to non-chess-playing students in the district and around the country. He found definitive results that playing chess caused increased performance in reading. In a district where the average students tested below the national average, kids from the district who played the game tested above it.
- Optimizes memory improvement: Chess players know that playing chess improves your memory, mainly because of the complex rules you have to remember, as well as the memory recall needed when trying to avoid previous mistakes or remembering a certain opponent’s playing style. Good chess players have exceptional memory performance and recall. A study of Pennsylvania sixth-graders found that students who had never before played chess improved their memories and verbal skills after playing.
- Improves recovery from stroke or disability: Chess develops fine motor skills in individuals who have disability or have suffered a stroke or other physically debilitating accident. This form of rehabilitation requires the motion of chess pieces in different directions (forward, backward, diagonally forward motion, diagonally backward motion), which can help develop and fine tune a patient’s motor skills, while the mental effort required to play the game can improve cognitive and communication skills. Playing can also stimulate deep concentration and calm, helping to center and relax patients who are experiencing different degrees of anxiety.
- Attention Improvement: the epidemic of the 21st century is ADHD. Adults and children alike are finding it harder and harder to focus at school and work, less is being done and productivity declines rapidly. With so many distractions, it is easy to diagnose yourself with attention deficit disorder, but there are better ways of dealing with this phenomena than heading to your local drugstore. Chess DEMANDS attention, in other words, if your mind is not focused on the game – you lose, simple as that. With such an immediate punishment for lack of attention, the mind is trained to be focused and attentive. This results in better performance in schools and workplaces, less time wasted and more victories achieved.
- Improves Verbal Skills: Yes, verbal skills. Dr. Albert Frank studied children receiving chess instruction for two hours a week. A game that is largely language-independent can improve verbal skills by exercising functions of the brain related to language, such as logic.
Whatchu Know Bout Watch Bands??? Freshen up your look!
Here Martin from Strapsco.com describes his passion for watch straps; how to size them, how to wear them, how to select the best strap for your type of watch, and how each strap or band that you choose to wear should be a true reflection of your personality. Martin writes:
What makes me tick? Watches! I’m a watch enthusiast at heart, but I tend to get bored with a watch after a while. Even the most expensive watch costing thousands can get dull after some time. The solution? A new watch strap from StrapsCo.com! A new watch band can be a fun and economical way to bring new life your timepiece, transforming it into a whole new watch. Remember, watches are all about the details, so I’ve included some tips on everything you need to know about selecting the perfect watch strap.
Sizing
The first thing you need to do is to identify the correct strap size to fit your watch. Watch straps are measured by the width of the strap end which attaches to your watch. You can check the back of your current strap to see if the size is identified. If not, simply measure the distance between your watch lugs to get the correct size. You also have to consider the watch strap length. If you have a regular size wrist, a standard length strap should do the trick. However, if you have a smaller or larger than average wrist, you may need a short or extra-long strap. Watch straps are usually measured in millimeters (mm).
Style & Material
Choose a strap style that suits your watch, as well as, your own personal style. Dress watches are usually paired up with a classic/basic style leather strap. NATO straps look great on military watches. Vintage watches match up nicely with a distressed style leather strap. You’ll often find a rally strap, known for having perforated holes or 3 large holes, on a racing chronograph. Rubber bands go hand in hand with diver’s watches and are usually available in all sorts of vivid colors. High-end timepieces are often flaunted with genuine crocodile or alligator straps. If you want something different and a little bit flashy, try a stingray or python strap, but expect to pay more for straps made from these types of exotic materials. Of course, you can put any strap on any watch that fits. There are countless options to choose from that will reflect your personality and lifestyle. Change-up your bands regularly to keep your watch feeling fresh and exciting.
Colors & Stitching Options
Watch straps are available in a large spectrum of colors. For leather straps, you can go for classic black or brown, or match your outfit or mood with a pop of color. Colorful straps have also become very popular for rubber bands, especially orange, blue and red. You can match up your strap color to your watch dial or another part of your watch for perfect cohesion. The stitching on the strap is where things can get fun. Match up the strap stitching to the hands or markers on your watch for a more stylish and well thought out look.
Buckles & Clasps
Buckles and clasps are available in polished silver, matte silver, brushed silver, yellow gold, rose gold, black, matte black, bronze and an assortment of vintage finishes. You want to match the buckle finish to your watch case finish. Although some people might not mind matching up a polished buckle to a brushed finished watch case, a true watch enthusiast would want the finishes to match up perfectly. Another thing to consider is the buckle style. If you have a thinner style watch, you would want a strap with a standard tang buckle, which isn’t too bulky. If you have a large style watch, you may want a pre-v, or thumbnail buckle, which are more substantial than a standard tang buckle. You would not want to matchup a large pre-v buckle with a dress watch.
The time piece you wear should be a reflection of you. Don’t be afraid to show off your unique, eye-catching, personal style with a variety of watch straps.
What tips do you have for buying a new watch strap? Let us know in the comments below!
DO YOU NEED PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR BAND, services or music or website?
Promotions and marketing is crucial for any upcoming business or artist. If you need any promotions or website and graphic work, feel free to contact us at Capacity Productions Inc. by clicking on any of the banners or links mentioning Capacity Productions. We look forward to talking and brainstorming with you. Having a great team to back you up, can make all the difference in results! Rest assured, we’re here for you 24/7, 365 days a year!
Here is some information from the Capacity Productions Inc. website:
We are the best marketing and promotions company!
Capacity Productions was founded by musicians and industry professionals with well over a decade of marketing and promotion experience. We work with a lot of clients on Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, Myspace, YouTube, Reverbnation, Ourstage, Purevolume, Soundcloud, IndieCharts, Last.FM, iSound, IMDB, Vimeo and all other areas of the internet and social networking sites. We have helped quite a few work their way into the top ten of their genre & field of business by bringing more incoming friends, fans, likes, followers, traffic, plays and views to their profiles. If you have ever wondered how some people, artists and businesses get all of those incoming fans, followers, likes, friends, plays and views, now you know! although we were founded for musicians, we also work with many models, magicians, authors and businesses of all kinds, including clubs, retail stores, restaurants, etc. to increase exposure, promotions, marketing, traffic and sales.
Myspace promotion, Facebook promotion, Twitter promotion, iTunes promotion, Reverbnation promotion, Youtube promotion, IMDB promotion, Vimeo promotion, marketing, SEO, research, consultation, Record labels, Radio stations and more!
Give us a try and I know you’ll love the results we can get you!
Also, feel free to check out the testimonials. They tried it, they loved it and then they took advantage of the savings by following up with a longer term plan. =)
Check it all out and if you still have some questions don’t hesitate to contact us Day or Night, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year!
Skype – CapacityProductions
e-mail: Sales “@” CapacityProductions.net
Phone – 1-213-278-8103
Take care, Talk soon,
-let’s get to work!
Rob M., JJ, CP, Valerie and the rest of the Team here at Capacity Productions!
Aside from promotions, we also produce content for Film and TV. For our film and tv division, please check out CapacityProductions.Com
Entrepreneur Networking Group (ENG) – Let’s Work Work Work!
I started the ENTREPRENEUR NETWORKING GROUP (ENG) on Facebook! There, you’ll find the BEST resources to guarantee your success! Please join us and keep posts related to entrepreneurship, positive motivation, and success! We welcome ALL hardworking Entrepreneurs! Also be sure to share the group and this page with your friends!
Check it out and JOIN us here:
Mulligan LIVE! – Have you seen my live feed?
Please subscribe to my live feed and tune in regularly!
Check it out -> MULLIGAN LIVE!
LIVE videos that have to do with Rob Mulligan. Mulligan is the most intense, focused, self-driven, goal setting, detail-oriented, creative thinking, entrepreneur, modern day renaissance man you’ll ever meet! Motivational, Inspirational and most of the time Cannabis Oriented! #workworkwork #teamnosleep #keepmovingforward #mulligan #pufftuff #fucr #charitycollective #championprerolls #cupofcannabis #stevesgarden #hellitosis #stankmouth #newyou #godpawn #mulliganproject #fkingclassy #medidrops #furecords #immod
Work Work Work – Team No Sleep – Keep Moving Forward – Mulligan
These are the 4 main hashtags I use on all major social networking sites. Please share, use and help motivate good work ethics!
The idea with these hashtags and words are as follows:
Work work work your ass off and never sleep on any opportunity or learning experience and keep moving forward. If you stumble, fall or have a setback, simply give yourself a mulligan and never give up! Remember the difference between a master and beginner is the master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried. NEVER GIVE UP!
Keep a positive mind through all the chaos and support your fellow hardworker! If we all work together, we can better achieve our goals!
#workworkwork #teamnosleep #keepmovingforward #mulligan