I just finished reading a very good business book that you might like. Think of all the business books I've read this year, this is one of the better ones. Be the Elephant by Steve Kaplan (Difference Maker) gives very solid information for solo entrepreneurs intent on getting a grip on having a profitable business.
Initially I wasn't interested in this book, the blurb is talking 'employees, buildings, and all that nonsense' but once I started reading it I found some tidbits that fit solo entrepreneurs to a tee!
Chapter 3, Think You're Ready to Grow forced me to go back and re-do the assumptions I had made when starting my business. If you hear yourself saying anything on page 19 - it's time to regroup, and fast!
Chapter 5 is going to bother some of you because you've been 'playing at' having a business.
This chapter had me blushing because as a trained accountant I did a bit of my own 'it'll work out' fudging. Now I see where my numbers needed to be more accurate especially since I'm not making the income I wanted after 2 years - and I'm working harder. Something had to go and only after I sat with my own 'Baby Elephant' over the weekend, I didn't know what that something was.
My suggestion: Buy this book, get it from the library or borrow it from another successful solo entrepreneurs because it's that important. Put it right beside your computer with The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber.
Take actions suggested from either one when you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by everything that still needs doing in your business.
Entrepreneur Education Resources
One thing we all must do, if for no other reason than to keep our brains working, is to keep ourselves in the loop on what's important to run our business. These are a few I've found and will share more as I find them.
IRS Offers an ongoing series - Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop that can help you figure out the ins and outs to stay out of trouble but it also shows you how to keep more of your money in your pocket! Strange....the IRS helping solo entrepreneurs for a change!
SBA These courses are all self-paced and should take a little over 30 minutes to complete. Most of the courses require a brief online registration but it's worth the information.
SCORE Some of these are basic for those still thinking about starting a home-based or road-warrior business, but there are also more advanced courses that are ongoing to help your business grow.
Agile Conference For my UK readers, this is a great place to find out what the large companies look for in outsourcing partners and gets you in front of decision makers if you want to supply your products or services to the big boys.
Women and Minority Owned Business 2007 Conference and Business Opportunity Fair being held in Miami. Here's where you get to network with hundreds of successful entrepreneurs and business prospects in one setting.
This site is where to go online if you prefer to do your networking at industry trade shows, Ultimate Trade-Show Find trade shows for just about any industry and anywhere on the globe. You can check by location, dates or by industry. 2008 is just around the corner, so be sure to download one of the free Excel spreadsheets for planning your business trip next year.
That's it for today and I leave you with this
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.~ Vince Lombardi
