As a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, the most common question I get is, “I want to be an entrepreneur—how do I start?” The obvious answer is that you need an idea first, but I’ve come to realize that the process is really much more complex than that. Many people with great ideas never make it […]
Character
How to Be a Great Coach: 3 Keys for Leaders
What does coaching have to do with leadership? Everything. Years ago, as a new leader (a.k.a. manager), I was responsible for a team of people and a pile of targets. There was so much I didn’t know about effective leadership. It’s easy to believe that as long as there’s plenty of work to do, you’re […]
Successful People Deal in Truths
Those who tend to be most successful in life (both business and personal) deal in truths. They learn and they understand the laws; the truths of nature, including human nature, physical nature, and economic nature. They don’t deny or ignore those truths; they don’t fight those truths; but rather they work within those truths…in order […]
7 Tips to Develop Entrepreneurial Skills and Characteristics
Being an entrepreneur might sound glamorous, but it can be a challenging path that requires discipline and a special kind of personality. Successful entrepreneurs must acquire certain entrepreneurial skills and characteristics that help them become effective leaders. These skills help them create more success in business and allow them to communicate, form relationships, and achieve […]
Traits of Successful Franchise Owners
Owning a franchise is the best way to become your own boss, but not all franchise owners are equal. Here are 10 things successful franchise owners have in common. If you are looking to make a plunge into the exciting and often challenging world of franchise ownership, it doesn’t hurt to learn from the crème de […]
Can a “Good-Hearted” Entrepreneur Succeed in Business?
People argue over whether an entrepreneur with a sense of fairness, a desire for collegiality, a want to share the profits can succeed in the long run within a business world full of lions and tigers that eat timid entrepreneurs for lunch. Does a “good heart” diminish the chances of success? First, let’s separate the […]
These 5 Elements Measure Your Real Power as a Business Leader
How does a small business owner increase his or her power? If you believe as some do that power is all about title, position, authority, control, and supremacy, you’ll be hard-pressed for an answer. Leaders in small businesses can give themselves any title or position they want. They have complete authority to do whatever they […]
Self-Leadership: A Prerequisite for Teamwork
Building effective teams requires building self-leaders. Let’s start with teams first. Is it better for organizations to be more like a natural (wild) garden or an orchestra? One of these models is not better than the other—they reflect different purposes. A natural garden has beauty, freedom of expression, and individuality that cannot be reproduced in […]
Building a Successful Business is Harder without Trust
It probably goes without saying that without trust in your partners, your employees, or the people you rely on for parts or supplies, building a business is exponentially more difficult. As a small business owner, I’ve had partners I trusted, partners I’ve respected, and one or two who lost my trust. So when Lynda Bekore […]
Leadership Development: 5 Special Qualities Shared By Courageous Leaders
The following content is inspired by my keynote HEART OF A LION: The Essential Qualities of Courageous Leaders. There are many different aspects that make up the complex psyche of a true leader who passionately strives for success for both themselves and others. A leader has so many special qualities that it’s inspirational when you work with […]
