The Blog - Where Business Collides with Human Nature

Richard Gabel, it is his birthday today - Celebrate with me

Celebrations happen every day in the day of an entrepreneur.  A new idea, a new problem conquered or a new introduction made are part of the path to success.  Today (June 21), we celebrate the birthday of Richard Gabel.  In my world, Richard Gabel is a celebrity and trusted advisor.  Professional, personal, committed, knowledgeable and open minded are words which would not be enough.

If you are local to the Pacific Northwest, you have a big opportunity to meet Richard in person.  He does not juggle, do magic or stand on his head to get your attention.  In fact, he becomes a perfect example of how those who are most valuable may not be talking the most because they are busy getting things done.

Topics: Celebration Business Success

It's Possible to Run a Successful Business in Your Pajamas

Today, it is possible to run a successful business in your pajamas thanks to advances in technology.  Beyond just the convenience of running your business on the go, ditching the formality of an office setting offers a plethora of benefits.  From flexibility in scheduling, significant savings in overhead costs, the reduce of stress, and the fact that no one has to worry about lengthy commutes getting in the way of a productive day, more people are picking up on this phenomenon.  A recent survey of over 3,000 business owners found that many believe that by 2023, most businesses will be built entirely with teams of virtual workers.

Topics: Business Success Home Based Business

Business Startup Failure Rates [infographic]

Reviewing the infographic about business startup failure rates, it appears that a mobile game business may be the best opportunity.  If you do create a mobile game, do me a favor?  Please create a game which has some educational value that will help people gain skill and knowledge.

Topics: Start a Business Business Success Failure

Steve Jobs: I'd Rather Quit than Let Something Slide

How do you make decisions?  Is success based on core values or a moving standard based on sales, problems and barriers?  Steve Jobs shared his his thoughts about what matters:

Topics: Steve Jobs Business Success

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

While trying be accomplished and successful, we work all week and get our personal responsibilities done during whatever downtime is available.  Yet, all the while, we spend much of our mental energy figuring out how we can carve out a few precious hours of comfort.

Comfort can be a double-edged sword.  If we languish there too long, we can grow complacent.  Being content with our lot may be the key to inner peace, but too much comfort can stymie creativity.

Topics: Business Success

How to Have Success - Will Smith

 "This is what I believe and I am willing to die for it." 
- Will Smith

What is success and how do you achieve it?  Is it easy or complex? 

"If you are not making someone else's life better, then you are wasting your time." - Will Smith

If success is just beyond your reach and it seems to elude you, you will want to watch the whole video while considering your own personal skills and talents:

Topics: Business Success Quotes

The Disconnect Between the Media and the Real World

A week ago you read the story and watched a video on FOX News.  The dramatic news story made a point that things are bad...very bad. And things are going to get worse.

David Lightfoot is in the thick of business reality and offers his thoughts and perspectives regarding the "fiscal cliff":

Topics: Taxes Government Business Success News

The Entrepreneur's Creed

A sign on my wall helps me to remember what entrepreneurs can do to achieve success.  While it seems simple and certainly not all inclusive, the sign offers a reminder for why some achieve success and others fail. 

Topics: Business Success Deep Thoughts

Workforce Planning Study Shows the Greatest Concern in Business

The greatest concern of business owners and exectives is shared in the infographic below.  A majority are concerend about recruiting and hiring the right people.  Many will avoid or delay recruiting to avoid hiring the wrong person.  Which has more serious consequences?  Slowing down the hiring process is less risky since there is a possiblity that the "wrong person" might be hired.

What is the reason for not adding more staff?  Uncertainty of the economy stands out as the number one reason.  The infographic paints the picture.  Read between the lines.

Topics: Business Success Human Resources Landing Pages

Shawn Achor: The Secret to Changing Business Outcomes [video]

Shawn Achor shares his views on how to change educational and business outcomes.  We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards?  In this fast-moving and entertaining TEDtalk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity. 

Topics: Business Success

Small Businesses: By the Numbers

A lot has been said in recent years about the negative state of the economy and the many struggles that face the common worker. Job loss and inability to pay bills have forced many people who once relied on major companies to make a living to become more independent in their careers. As a result, the small business sector is showing more activity than it has in decades. A look at the statistics associated with small businesses shows that it is a good time for the “little people” of the American economy.

Topics: Start a Business Statistics Business Success

An Entrepreneur's Life: Gary Vaynerchuk

"Social media expert Gary Vaynerchuk talks about his life and dreams as an entrepreneur."  - says Entrepreneur.com   Gary is more than a social media expert.  His unique approach and "give it all you got" mindset sets him apart. 

Topics: Business Success Entrepreneurship