10 Signs You Were Born to Be an Entrepreneur

Risk-Taking Behaviors

Starting your own business is a risk in itself. That being said, the sort of risk that entrepreneurship entails is just one of many tests for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs tend to take the saying "with no risk comes no reward" a little bit too literally, but that's what makes them fearless leaders and successful business owners.

Tenacity

Drive and the ability to stick with a task go a long way when it comes to building and running your own business. A lot of people don't have what it takes to see a business through the tough times that can last for years, but at the end of the day, perseverance is what makes a great entrepreneur.

Confidence

It takes a lot of confidence to break out on your own into uncharted financial waters and persist with something you love, even if it is difficult. But entrepreneurs tend to be some of the most confident people around, and they have to be in order to see their vision through to the end.

Adaptability

Everybody knows how fickle the economy can be, and it takes an adaptable individual to navigate these changes with grace and persist to make a business a success. Furthermore, as somebody who will frequently encounter unchartered situations and difficult decisions, an entrepreneur is always willing and able to take challenges head on and try to find the best possible outcome. You never know what to expect as a business owner, but entrepreneurs are always ready and able to adapt to the challenge.

Curiosity

Curiosity is a trait that most entrepreneurs have in spades, and it can really help them innovate and drive their own success. Most businesses are built upon their owners asking questions of the market and finding problems to solve, and they persist by looking into new strategies and solutions to keep them on the cutting edge.

Restlessness

There is quite a bit of work that goes into running your own business; in fact, there is something to do almost all of the time. Entrepreneurs will have no problem with this, as they are always looking to have their hands on what might be the next big thing.

A Focus on the Big Picture

Being able to juggle tasks and wear a million different hats makes a successful entrepreneur, especially at the crucial beginning points in the life of a business. A good entrepreneur can strategize and utilize all parts of a situation with ease.

A Rebellious Streak

It takes a lot of guts to break out on your own, away from the security of working for someone else. This kind of rebellion definitely started early on in life, and you might notice a pattern of breaking the mold in your past.

A Desire to Build Things

This doesn't necessarily mean physically building things, but entrepreneurs really love the process of putting things together to create a whole to show. New challenges excite the entrepreneur and being able to build a successful business or product from the ground up is a source of pride for most.

Competitiveness

Entrepreneurs love to show off their competitive side through their successes, and won't give up until they're on top. Just like the world's most successful athletes, entrepreneurs have an undying drive to be the best of the best, and are always finding ways to outdo their competitors.

Every entrepreneur is different, but the most successful ones all share these 10 personality traits. If this list sounds like you, you may be cut from the entrepreneurial stone and maybe someday, you'll be the founder of the next major company.

 

 

10 Opening Phrases to Use in Your Next Email

Try these lead-ins when what you really need is response, not a bunch of crickets chirping on the other end.

1. "Good news..."

Everyone likes to read about good news. Why not let your recipient know you are the bearer of it right away? As they say in journalism, don't bury the lead.

2. "I have an answer for you..."

Go ahead and lead with a confirmation that you have found the answer. Maybe it dates back to our days in grade school, but we all perk up a bit when someone has answers.

3. "I'll be honest with you..."

This phrase implies that you are going to get right to the point and won't hold anything back. It's helpful because too much opening chatter can confuse people.

4. "We have lift off..."

Apart from the fact that I like any space-related terminology, this opening phrase is positive and is a good precursor to any explanation about a project or business endeavor.

5. "Urgent..."

It's an old-school tactic, and make sure what you are about to say is actually a pressing matter, but leading with the word "urgent" can nudge someone into paying attention.

6. "Let me start with an apology..."

This one works on me because it's probably going to be a little juicy. It also lets the recipient know the message is not about his or her screw-up. It's about yours.

7. "Your day is about to improve..."

I'm guessing there are hundreds of ways to relay positive information, and this is one of my favorites. Work can be tedious, so if a message promises to improve it, that's a good thing.

8. "I've completed my research for you..."

If you use this phrase, I'll pay attention because I know the e-mail is going to give me good information, it will probably get right to the point, and it will be helpful.

9. "The rumors are true..."

You might think, what rumors? But that's a good thing. You are hinting that something special and worthwhile has spread around and now you are confirming it.

10. "Just getting back to you..."

It's a simple technique and maybe overused, but it works. My first thought is, getting back to me about what? Oh--that thing I was really waiting to hear about!

5 Tips to dominate your Monday

Give yourself time.

It's so easy as a leader to pack your day full of meetings. Although I meet with our senior executive staff first thing every Monday morning, I also think it's important to cordon off some time that day just for thinking. A blank spot on your calendar that's reserved for creative brainstorming--not actual work products or Facebook procrastination--at the start of the week is a great idea if you can swing it. See what bubbles up.

Do something physical.

Lying in bed, wishing fervently that you could roll back the clock to the weekend, is a surefire recipe for a lackluster Monday. Get moving. Do yoga, go for a run, or do a quick set of crunches and pushups. That energy will carry over into the day. And as a bonus, you'll feel (deservedly) virtuous for kicking off your day and week so healthfully.

Start with an act of professional kindness.

Want to have a great day? The onus is on you. Although life can throw us a professional curveball or two--an unexpectedly cranky boss, the resignation of a talented hire, a critical story in the press--there are elements entirely in your control. Make a point of starting every Monday by shooting a nice note to a couple of employees or colleagues who have done an exceptional job. Note the specific result, underscore why you know it was valuable, and say thank you. Tell a friend what you appreciate about the friendship you share or text your child with a fun message. You've taken five minutes (or less) and made someone's day. Boom.

Walk around.

Get up from your desk. Get out of your office. When you take a stroll around the office, you can see for yourself how things are going. Make a note of employees' demeanor. Do they look energized or listless? Happy or under the gun? As a leader, you can open the door for more conversations--even a simple "Hello! How is your day going?" can work wonders. Casual chats build rapport, a foundation for more substantive discussions later. Spending 10 minutes asking an employee about what they're working on--and really listening to her response--helps you learn about that person and what makes her tick, her approach to projects, issues that might arise.

Frame your week.

My public relations person had an old boss that recommended thinking of a desired headline before creating a pitch. That's a smart move for you and me, too. By Friday, what would your desired headline say about you? "Product Manager Kicks It Into High Gear, Delivers 2.0 a Week Ahead of Schedule"; "Founder Nails It With Killer Presentation to Top VC; Series A Funding Secured"; "Customer Service Team Beats Last Week's Response Times by 40 Percent." Framing your week in one short, powerful, summary headline or sentence is an exercise in clarity.

 

5 Surprising Habits of the World's Wealthiest Billionaires

1. They swim against the tide.

Becoming supersuccessful means you need to outperform everyone else at whatever you're doing, right?

Nope. It often means you shouldn't even be playing their game. Billionaires aren't better than others; they're doing something different than the others.

Warren Buffett amassed his fortune by buying investments and businesses when everyone else wanted out. Bill Gates didn't want to build the types of programs everyone else was focused on; he wanted to build something people hadn't even thought of yet but would realize they needed as soon as they experienced it.

If it seems as if you're stuck in a rat race and constantly trying to outdo the next person, break away from the pack. Your ideas might have little to no support, but big rewards require big risk. If others don't understand your vision, it doesn't mean it's your vision that is wrong.

2. They are frugal.

Mark Zuckerberg drives a Volkswagen GTI. That's right, the founder and CEO of Facebook, who's worth an estimated $33 billion, drives a $30,000 car.

We often think of the superwealthy as indulgent, with opulent and even wasteful lifestyles. In truth, many billionaires are shrewd businesspeople who are incredibly frugal and personally accountable for their expenditures. Google co-founder Sergey Brin, for example, still shops at CostCo.

Azim Premji, chairman of Wipro Limited, is worth an estimated $12.2 billion but still drives an inexpensive car. He's said to travel by rickshaw to and from the Bangalore airport for business trips.

It flies in the face of the stereotype to have many billionaires actually be very frugal. In American culture, we tend to crave the flashy cars, the big houses, and all the toys. Billionaires are adept at making money but at keeping it as well, and part of that means living below their means for many.

3. They do for themselves.

The Hollywood stereotype of the über-rich might have left you thinking billionaires don't do anything for themselves. They have dog walkers, maids, assistants, butlers, and drivers to take care of the monotonous chores of everyday life.

Contrary to this image, billionaires often do just fine fending for themselves. Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen, worth an estimated $16.3 billion, still packs his own lunch every day! He told the Financial Times he prefers a sandwich and a Gatorade.

It's true that the supersuccessful often surround themselves with supportive people--they understand they can't do everything on their own. But this doesn't mean they're helpless or lazy when it comes to doing the same things each day that regular people do.

4. They fail on a regular basis.

Show me a billionaire who has succeeded at every single thing he or she has ever tried--go on, name one!

Everyone has failures and successes. Billionaires often fail at epic scale, thanks to the sheer size of the deals and investments they're involved in. The trick is, they understand that failure is just a bump in the road on the path to greater success.

Hotel magnate Kirk Kerkorian, at 97 years old, is worth an estimated $4.4 billion. Over the course of his lengthy career, he's made and lost millions many times over. Best known for helping to shape Las Vegas, Kerkorian also had a tumultuous relationship with the auto industry, including massive losses in his Ford stock during the 2008 economic crisis. Still, he kept taking risks and continues to this day.

Billionaires know that you have to fail sometimes. They just become more adept at it.

5. They take better care of themselves.

If you had an unlimited income, you could eat whatever you wanted! Again, there's a stereotype that the superwealthy can be gluttonous or partake in lavish, rich meals that the rest of us can only dream of and then lay around all day.

Sure, they can afford whatever they want, yet best-selling author Tom Corley points out that 70 percent of the wealthy consume less than 300 junk food calories per day, compared with 3 percent of less-affluent people. They get more exercise, too--Corley puts the percentage of the wealthy who do aerobic exercise at least four days a week at 76 percent, compared with just 23 percent of the poor.

David Murdock, chairman of Dole Foods, recently told Forbes he expects to live to 125 (he's 90 now), thanks to his diet and healthy lifestyle. A vegetarian since his 60s, Murdock is more active than many people half his age. He's an advocate of daily physical exercise and still rides horses, practices yoga, and does weight training.

Billionaires aren't some alien life form or even anomalies as people. Their habits may be much the same as yours and contradict everything you've come to expect about how the 1 percent live!

 

 

BATTING : 6 Simple, Fool-Proof Cricket Batting Tips

There are hundreds of different cricket batting tips in the game of cricket which can all potentially improve your batting and run scoring ability. Here is a selection of cricket batting tips that I’ve found useful to help improve your batting.

• 1st Batting Tip – Keep your eyes level, it’s been shown that having your eyes level helps speed up your reaction time, as it makes it easier for the brain to process the incoming information.

• 2nd Batting Tip – Your first movement should be from the shoulders towards the line of the ball. The rest of your body will follow naturally and will help ensure you get correctly inline with the ball.

• 3rd Batting Tip – Play the delivery based on its length, if it’s short; even if it’s in line with the wickets it should be ‘tonked away’ (Andy Flintoff style) to the boundary. The same principle applies with full deliveries and half volleys.

• 4th Batting Tip – One of the most important things is to watch the ball from bowlers hand in run up all the way to the bat. By watching the ball in the bowler’s hand you can see what the bowler may be trying to do with the ball. Try to identify which is the shiny side or rough side, so you can determine which way they may be trying to swing the ball. The same applies with spinners; but also make sure you closely watch the wrist movement to determine the type and direction of spin.

• 5th Batting Tip – When batting against spinners, try doing an initial ‘forward press’, making an initial half-step on to the front foot as the bowler bowls. This will give you good base to play from and help give you quicker feet.

• 6th Batting Tip – It is essential to maintain a solid base when batting and to be in a solid position when you play the ball. If you watch for example Brain Lara play a cover drive, he has a solid base from which he plays the stroke, he is perfectly balanced.

 

 

7 Secret Eating Habits of Charismatic Leaders

1. Mark Zuckerberg ate only meat of animals he himself killed (in 2011, at least). In 2011, Zuckerberg disclosed that he was taking a personal challenge to eat only meat that came from animals he himself killed. Zuckerberg claimed the effort was to remind himself to be thankful for how readily available food is in the modern world, and to experience the significance of sustainable farming practices. While the effort was temporary, ending in 2012, Zuckerberg is still committed to eating healthfully and responsibly.

Zuckerberg's experience was temporary but powerful. Few people in the modern world would be willing to go to such lengths in order to prove a point or enlighten themselves. His challenge encouraged several habits: taking charge of his own food preparation, practicing economically savvy farming, and eating more healthfully. In line with the characteristics of many charismatic leaders, this effort allowed him to take control of his own situation, make a unique effort that impacts a broader environment, and take better care of himself.

2. Henry Ford ate weeds that came from his own garden. According to Sidney Olson's biography Young Henry Ford, Ford began to think of his own body as a type of car, which needed the right fuel in order to work properly. Paying close attention to what he ate, Ford's diet would consist largely of "roadside greens"--vegetables and weeds that he would harvest himself and prepare as salads or as parts of sandwiches. His eating habits turned many of his associates away, but he remained adherent to his culinary philosophy.

While the nutritional value of weeds varies, Ford's habits are interesting because they were an extension of his company's vision. Ford wanted to build the best machines, and the best machines needed the best fuel. That uncompromising philosophy extended to his own meals, giving him the motivation and grit to pursue a better diet, even though most of us would consider it unpleasant (if not disgusting).

3. Howard Hughes was extremely germophobic. Brilliant and reclusive, Hughes was well known for his obsessive-compulsive habits and extreme fear of germs. Before Hughes completely isolated himself from society, he hired several servants to ensure his meals were as clean as possible. According to some reports, Hughes demanded that his utensils be wrapped in plastic and then handled with tissues before he would use them for a meal.

Hughes's habits were extreme, but germophobia and obsessive-compulsive habits are all too common in charismatic, successful leaders (take Donald Trump as another example). Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a serious mental illness, but obsessive habits are hallmarks of perfectionists and detail-oriented individuals. If you find yourself nitpicking small details and fine-tuning setups, chances are you apply that same sort of perfectionism to your business.

4. Margaret Thatcher went on a crash diet before the 1979 election. First female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was recently revealed to have gone on a dramatic "crash diet" in 1979, in the weeks leading up to her landmark election win. Boiled eggs, grapefruit, black coffee, and vegetables constituted most of her diet in an effort to lose weight quickly--but she cooked all her food herself.

Thatcher was a strong leader who worked hard to execute her ideals and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty by doing the work herself. These core characteristics are evident even in her eating habits, given the fact that she would opt for such a restrictive regimen just to improve her appearance. Crash diets aren't healthy, but to see them through takes discipline and commitment--both of which are essential for leaders.

5. Charles Darwin discovered countless species--and ate them. Darwin is well known as being the father of evolutionary theory, a result of his dedicated passion for discovering and studying forms of life. Over the course of his career as a scientist, he discovered countless species of animals, including iguanas, tortoises, and owls. What most people don't know is that Darwin was a part of a Cambridge University organization called the Gourmet Club, whose members thrived on cooking and eating such rare and new species.

While the motivation behind Darwin's eating habits was never explicitly revealed, it's fairly obvious that he was passionate about his work. Darwin wanted to know everything he could about the animals he studied, and strangely, that manifested in a desire to eat some of them. Still, that passionate desire to know everything you can about your subject is what drives people to become great leaders in their field.

6. Winston Churchill valued dedicated, full meals. Churchill's strong personality is still well known and celebrated. Tenacious, witty, and tactful, Churchill is said to have valued table talk as a medium for important discussions, and preferred large meals of oysters, cheese, and various meats. He prioritized meals, even in periods of high stress or chaos.

Churchill saw meals as an important part of his lifestyle, regardless of circumstances, and used them to his advantage when it came to holding diplomatic discussions. Like Churchill, great leaders prioritize certain elements of their own lifestyle even when under great pressure--it is a consistent foundation that can keep you sane and focused.

7. Steve Jobs was a vegan--and would eat one type of food for weeks at a time. Many people familiar with the ingenious former CEO of Apple know that he was a longtime vegan, believing that his vegan eating habits were pure, healthy, and kept him free of body odor. Fewer people know that he would spend weeks at a time eating only one type of food, such as apples or carrots. As reported in Walter Isaacson's biography of Jobs, he once ate so many carrots that his skin turned bright orange.

Jobs was one of the most eccentric leaders of our time, and his strange eating habits may not come as a surprise to those familiar with his obsessive personality. Charismatic leaders are able to determine which efforts are most important, and see those efforts through no matter what. Jobs was willing to see his eating habits through even after turning orange, and he was able to turn Apple into one of the most successful companies in the world even after facing adversity.

Conclusion

Your own eating habits may or may not be a reflection of your style of leadership. If you find yourself creating uncompromising, almost ritualistic habits, you're probably the type of person who plans ahead and prioritizes consistency, both of which are important. If you find yourself being picky or eating in strange ways, you're probably a perfectionist and you don't care what other people think, which are also important qualities.

No matter what type of leader you are, it's important to learn from the leaders who came before you. By knowing their mistakes and shining successes, you can adjust your own approach and become a better leader in your own right.

 

 

8 Things My Dad Taught Me About Entrepreneurship and Life

1. Quit complaining. Complaining solves absolutely nothing. In fact, more times than not, it just compounds the problem. My dad is the most optimistic person I know, never uttering a negative thing about anyone or complaining about his work.

He even stays neutral in political conversations. He always has a zip in his step and a generous helping of affection for everyone. Even today, as I have become older and more crotchety, he is quick to force the conversation into a more productive tone.

2. Appreciate what you have. One does not make a fortune fixing vacuums and sewing machines for a living, though my dad always seemed to provide enough to make us all happy. More importantly, he made certain we all realized how fortunate we were to have what we had, a modesty I still carry with me today as I sit in my hot office typing on old, refurbished furniture.

3. Frame and control your message. My dad was a marketing genius. He was profoundly good at negotiating because he could turn negative concerns into positive attributes almost magically.

This might be most true with my birthday, which falls on Christmas Eve. By most accounts, this is a terribly inconvenient and unlucky time of the year to be born, but because my dad always reinforced how "lucky" I was to have a birthday so near Christmas, I never thought twice about it. Even today, I am giddy about my birthday.

4. Make time for those you love. It did not matter what my dad had to do or how exhausted he might be, he always made time for me and my brother to throw a baseball or integrate us into his household chores, something we loved to do.

He taught us that there will always be time for work, but rarely time for others, and he would remind us that when we die, we will not regret spending too little time at the office.

5. Give more than you take. My dad helped everyone, often at the expense of his business. I can remember numerous times when someone would visit his shop and inquire about something simple, such as a new vacuum bag or belt, which he often would give to them at no charge.

Even at a young age, I understood that if you run a business, you should charge people money for what you do. He always pointed out, however, that little displays of kindness go much further than nickel-and-diming people. Later, I understood this more, as I learned that most of his customers were repeat clients.

6. Wake up early. My dad rarely slept in. Regardless of when he went to bed, he was always up before us. He was typically engaged in some household chore before he slipped off to the shop. I would later learn that he did that so his afternoons would be free to spend with his family.

7. Nurture close relationships. My dad does not have a great number of friends, but the ones he does have been around for as long as I remember. I learned from him that you should never take your closest colleagues or best friends for granted. They require just as much attention and respect as your family.

8. Watch your cholesterol and your mind. For as long as I can remember, my dad has maintained a healthy diet and remained very active. He also reads and keeps his mind sharp. The benefits of taking care of your body and mind, starting at an early age, are undoubtedly clear. Like him, I too hope to act 20 years younger well into my twilight years.

Bonus: Take a nap. We both recently discovered the incredible value of a power nap, although his are a bit longer than mine. Take naps. You will not regret it.

My dad and I share a similar background. We both left established corporate jobs to start a business. Neither of us had any experience in the industries or businesses we started, and for the most part, we both have had a bit of success in our entrepreneurial endeavors. 

The difference is that I had my dad as a role model, and he had nobody -- which in my mind makes his courage and accomplishments much more admirable.

 

 

10 Lessons Every Entrepreneur Must Learn

1. The customer is not always right. From day one, we’re told that “the customer is always right.” We’re expected to bend over backwards to please every single customer, even when they’re clearly and painfully wrong. This maxim, however, can do a serious disservice to ourselves, our employees and our customers. Give your customers the benefit of the doubt, but not at the expense of your (or your employees’) dignity.

2. Time is money. Money, customers, ideas: all resources you can potentially gain more of. Time, however, is the one commodity you’ll always have a finite amount of. One way to ensure you make the most of your time is to assign an hourly dollar amount to your tasks.

Ask yourself: What would be a fair wage for the tasks I perform? If someone else can competently accomplish these tasks for less money, let them do it so you can focus on higher level, revenue-generating tasks. As a business owner, you should only do the tasks that only you can do.

3. Not all money is good money. This is a lesson many entrepreneurs struggle with early in their career. When you’re getting your business off the ground, it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking money from anyone who offers it. The problem is, not all customers or clients are worth it.

Avoid clients who take up too much of your time, who consistently have unrealistic expectations or who you just generally dread working with. It’s just not worth it!

4. There are no cheap shortcuts in marketing. I often speak to business owners who want marketing advice, but who then shun my recommendations as being “too expensive.” The truth is, cheap marketing can make your brand look cheap.

Low-quality content, cheap ads and "budget" SEO may save you money in the short term, but the damage they do to your brand’s reputation can last far longer. For insight on how to market the right way, see my ebook.

5. Outsource as much as possible. If you don’t have in-house staff to share the workload, consider outsourcing. Many entrepreneurs find that hiring an overseas virtual assistant significantly reduces the time they need to spend on routine tasks, freeing them up to work on revenue-generating tasks.

6. Build your personal brand as well as your company brand. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of focusing on building their company brand to the exclusion of building their personal brand. However, your personal brand will differentiate you from your competitors, give you authority and credibility in your field, and stick with you in the event your company ultimately experiences failure.

For some practical tips, see my article, How to Grow Your Personal Brand with Your Content Strategy.

And while there’s been a lot of talk over the years about work-life separation or work-life balance, our whole thing is about work-life integration. Because it’s just life -- and the ideal would be if you can be the same person at home as you are in the office and vice versa. -- Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com

7. Work is life, and life’s too short to hate your work. Work-life balance is something many entrepreneurs struggle with, which is why I’m such a huge fan of Tony Hsieh’s approach. When you’re passionate about what you do, and when you focus on happiness (both your own and that of your employees’), work isn’t just something you do to fund your "real life." It becomes infinitely more enjoyable and meaningful, and significantly reduces your chances of experiencing burnout.

My philosophy is to always find the smartest people you can. Hire people smarter than you. -- Donny Deutsch

8. Hire people who are smarter than you. Face it: There will always be people who are smarter than you. If you’re lucky enough to find these people, hire them. Focus on the things that you’re best at, and give them the freedom to do the same.

9. Best practices may not be best for your customers. Particularly when you’re just starting a business, it’s easy to get caught up in doing what others tell you is the "best way" to do something. Problem is, "they" don’t know your customers or clients. Use best practices as a starting point, but adapt them to meet the unique needs of your business and customers.

10. Just do it. Planning, strategizing and weighing options all have important roles within a business. But there comes a point in time when you just have to do it. You know the quote: “Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.”

Analysis paralysis or simply the lack of ability to execute a plan will stifle growth, innovation and progress in any business. Even if the payoff for work done now won't come for years. Successful people do the work anyway because they know how to delay gratification, and this ability is what separates successful people from unsuccessful people, according to renowned physicist and author Michio Kaku.

There you have it: 10 lessons every entrepreneur must learn in order to build a profitable and sustainable business. Not easy lessons, to be sure, but ones that ensure the best possible chance of long-term success.

 

04 Wrong Reasons to Start a Business

There are literally dozens of reasons to be an entrepreneur and start a business.

As someone who works with ambitious and creative start-ups every day, I don't think we--the entrepreneurship community--spend enough time talking about the reasons not to start a business. In many cases, these reasons may be more important than the reasons to jump into your venture.

If you're thinking of starting a business for any of these four reasons, you may be better off to think again:

1. It is true that successful entrepreneurs are the new rock stars--especially tech entrepreneurs. But the key word there isn't "stars," it's "successful."

Most--and I mean way more than most--new businesses don't succeed. If you're starting one to be the next scruffy or sassy young, wunderkind on a magazine cover, bad idea. Entrepreneurs who want to be famous make decisions and plans to be famous instead of start and run good businesses. They are very different.

Saving the World. It's also true that nearly every single new company--again, mostly technology companies--makes a big show of their desire and ability to transform and improve the human condition.

That's great. But that's not a business plan. That's what charities do. And most of them do it quite well. They are also, of course, non-profit ventures which means they are just about the opposite of a sound business venture. If you want to change the world, give your time, talents and money liberally but you're likely better off to re-think your passion as a business strategy.

Getting Rich. Repeat after me--making money is a legitimate business purpose. Some could--and do--argue it's the primary business purpose. But wealth is a by-product of a good business, not the goal.

If you're entrepreneurship dreams are of you boarding your private jet for Monaco, call a time out. Not every entrepreneur strikes gold. Again, most don't. And chasing cash rainbows can quickly distract you from making good business decisions that will solidify and grow your business.

Creating Jobs. Being able to hire and pay employees is amazing--it can change the lives of families and communities. But it's not a reason to start a business.

Running a business is hard and chances are high that, when you do it, you'll get to experience the highs of hiring and the lows of firing. More importantly, if you're starting a business to put people to work, that goal is likely to stand in way of good business judgments about efficiencies and costs.

In a perfect world, your business may change the world, employ thousands and make you both rich and famous. But you shouldn't make them business goals. There are other, better and longer-range objectives that will keep you in business.

"When someone pays us because we provided a product that solved a problem, it's that satisfaction, not the money, which really hits home and keeps our team going. The money is just the measure of the value we've created," said Michael Noble, CEO, Apruve.

 

 

4 Subtle Gestures That Really Turn People Off

Hand-touching

Hand-touching can make you look tentative and nervous, which could cause observers to think you are hiding something or not being honest, or that you lack confidence. Clasping your hands together may also be interpreted as a closing-off gesture: It could look as if you were putting up a fence between yourself and the people you're speaking with. When you see Nexi do the gesture, it looks like she's a plotting poker player gathering in a massive pile of other people's chips.

Touching your own face

Touching your own face is a common gesture that signals you are thinking. After all, you're touching your head. But what you are thinking is unknown to those who are trying to determine if you can be trusted. And if they don't know you well, the safe choice might be to decide that you're up to no good. To touch another's face is a gesture of intimacy and affection, but to touch your own face is to mask your expression.

Crossing your arms

Crossing your arms is a classic closing gesture. By doing it, you cover your heart and protect your solar plexus, the most vulnerable real estate on the body. Crossing the arms tends to communicate that your true feelings will remain undisclosed, and that you are not open for collaboration.

Leaning away

We like people who like us. When you lean in, you express the desire to be close. When you lean away, you could very well be seen as someone who is running away, disengaged, or avoiding contact--you're aloof on the balcony, not moshing on the dance floor.

Successful public figures are trained to avoid these gestures, which is behavioral marketing: it's hard to get elected and govern if you send negative signals.

Those of us in business also need to earn the trust of the people we seek to influence--which is almost everyone we meet, from direct reports, to peers, to the big boss at the top of the food chain. With a little practice, you can avoid touching your hands and face, crossing your arms, or leaning away from people you're conversing with.

If you watch the video of Nexi, it's clear that Dr. DeSteno is right: Our minds ascribe moral intention to gestures--even those performed by robots--if they show any hint of emotional expression.

 

 

9 Ways to Simplify Anything

1. Translate it into 12-year-old language.

Language is constantly changing and new generations and experts add new words and phrases weekly. Trying to understand complex theories or technical jargon can be a huge pain. Then trying to actually explain all of this to someone else without completely confusing them can be even more of a challenge. Take a minute or two to think about what the underlying theme or message is and translate the language into something that any adolescent can understand. Use a thesaurus or dictionary if you have to.

2. Break it into small chunks.

As they grow, projects, problems, and companies can become so complex that you don't even know where to start when trying to accomplish something. Sometimes, all you need to do in order to simplify things is to break them down into small parts so that you can look at each facet one at a time. Once divided, you can prioritize and create a plan and calendar for efficiently tackling the issue.

3. List the parts you don't understand.

There may be parts of a problem that are beyond your direct knowledge or skillset. Identify these issues so you can resolve the needs before you get in knee deep. Solve them first, one at a time, and then you'll be ready to take the entire project easily from beginning to end.

4. Engage an expert.

There is no glory for your ego in failing by yourself. If you don't understand how something is supposed to work, go get someone who does. You may only need a question answered, or a small adjustment made. But an expert can let you focus your efforts where you are strong and speed your process. These days you can find an expert for nearly everything on LinkedIn.

5. Look at the big picture.

When you are deep in a complicated problem, it's easy to get caught up in the minutiae. Take a moment to step back and look at it from a bird's eye view. The larger perspective may reveal that the small problems are merely symptoms and can be easily solved with a bigger, simpler systemic solution. For example, maybe sales people keep saying the wrong things because there is no scripted sales process trained weekly.

6. Create a map.

Visuals can be very useful in problem solving and project management. Set a plan and create a visual path for getting to the finish line. The map makes it easier for you and members of the team to track progress and apply appropriate energy. With a little luck, you may find that someone else has solved this problem or mastered some of the process. You can use their experience as a map for your own.

7. Find the right tool.

For all the complexity that new technology and innovation creates today, much of it actually helps as well. Check online to see if there is an app, technique, or book that may get you to the finish line easier and faster. Not all are going to work for you so choose carefully. But you can always try a few, combine them, or just create your own tool that makes your project easier to finish.

8. Eat it like an elephant.

When you are staring at a huge complex problem you may be tempted to attack it on may fronts or you may not even know where to start. The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Start with a small step and learn as you go. It will seem slow and nearly insurmountable at first. But before long, you'll gain understanding and proficiency that will carry you through to the end with increased momentum.

9. Delegate to a team.

You don't have to do it alone. Sometimes the best way to master a complex problem or project is for you not to complete it at all. Recruit a team and just manage them to the end. Or better yet, outsource to a knowledgeable third party. Nothing is simpler than just writing a check.

 

 

20 Ways to Become a Better Leader Right Now

1. Apologize without hesitation

It took many years for me to realize how saying "I'm sorry" can help. For years, I thought leadership meant insulating myself from my subordinates and hiding any weaknesses. If I made a mistake, I'd pretend it was just a misunderstanding or someone else's fault. If you fess up quickly, people working for you will respect you more and follow directions.

2. Admit when you don't know every answer

Not admitting my mistakes came from a sense of superiority and pride. I thought, I'm the leader so I must be right. I now understand leadership differently. It's a servant role. And like anyone in business, you are never going to have all of the answers. Revealing you are human is helpful; good leaders go and find the answers the team needs.

3. Analyze first, then act

It takes time to collect information, and there's a sense in leadership that you need to move quickly. We are paid to respond and act, not to sit back and wait for someone else to solve problems. Yet I made the mistake of acting before analyzing. In a few cases, I even approved projects, new hires, and direction before getting 100% of the data.

4. Train others only when you really know the topic

I'm trained as a writer and designer, so it was easy to pass on this knowledge to my team. At times, I'd try to train them in other areas, like testing for bugs in a software program or in HR issues. I should have found an expert to do the training.

5. Be quick with positive feedback, slow with criticism

It sounds corny, and maybe you can overdo this one, but I honestly believe many employees in young companies need constant encouragement. We live in complex, competitive times and people are inundated with too many tasks and not enough time. Technology and business life can be overwhelming, so it's important to point out any "wins" no matter how small. And, if you do have to criticize, think seriously about the impact first.

6. Ask personal questions

One of my greatest challenges as a leader had to do with my introverted personality. I didn't share enough about myself, my family life, and my aspirations for the team. (I've since realized how being hyper-focused and analytical by nature also helped me get promoted and were probably my greatest strengths.) I wish I had tried to understand my team's personal motivations more and relate on a personal level.

7. Embrace failure on projects

Here's an interesting one. During my tenure as an upper-level manager, I tended to avoid failure at all costs. Early on, I started a company on my own that went belly up. So, in the corporate world, I shunned any trace of failure--even if it meant letting projects go on too long. I was right about having an attitude of success, but wrong about the micro-failures. Good managers pull the plug at precisely the right time to free up staff for better things.

8. Hire for potential

I wish I had spent more time studying résumés for clues about potential rather than their narrow skillset as listed on a sheet of paper. I should have looked for things like an interest in hang-gliding or animal rescue as a sign that the person was ambitious and daring. I should have questioned the overly detailed résumé that listed everything about previous work assignments but nothing about risk-taking or aspirations for growth.

9. Fire for negligence

I wasn't too bad at firing people when they were negligent, and I mostly handled them well. In most cases, I went through all the proper steps to build consensus first with HR, create a paper trail to show how I had tried to work through the issues with the employee, and address problems head-on. Yet, I can recall a few instances when I should have moved even faster on the dismissal. Why? Because those troublemakers were bringing down the team as a whole. As a leader, I should have protected my employees more.

10. Mentor intentionally

I had great success with mentoring. During my time as a corporate leader, I met with my direct reports one on one on a regular basis, gave specific feedback about their work performance, and just got to know them better. I should have been even more intentional about it. It's not about how often we met but how much I delved into work issues.

11. Share good ideas quickly and often

Ideas came to me in a flash, but sometimes I'd held them back. Why? I'm not sure. In meetings, I stayed silent at times because I didn't want to overshadow anyone else on the team. Most of those good ideas were lost in a vapor cloud. More important, they could have spurred others on and fostered a better dialogue.

12. Promote slowly

Here's one that proved to be a major detriment. If I could go back, I'd promote people a little more slowly because there were times when the person was not ready. By waiting, I could have mentored that individual more and trained him or her on how to handle the added responsibility.

13. Don't just communicate: Facilitate

At the time, I convinced myself I had to communicate more with my team leads about "best practices" and "company direction" but the truth is, I should have demonstrated the ideas instead. I should have helped team members reach goals and paved the way for them by my example. It's the difference between just giving information versus nurturing growth.

14. Reward creativity, not mindless task completion

There were times when I rewarded employees monetarily or with recognition when they finished a task on a project. That's always expected in the workplace. Yet, by rewarding task completion, I was making a subtle suggestion that I expected employees not to finish things on time. Instead, I should have rewarded them for finding workarounds, thinking creatively, finishing early, and working out of the box.

15. Let organizational change create opportunities

I used to fight organizational changes with every ounce of my being. (Those who know me would agree--there are a lot of ounces when you're over 6-feet tall.) I viewed an org chart as my enemy. What I didn't realize is that org chart changes create opportunities for leaders. We can adapt and grow once we know how things are changing. We get a clearer picture of what the company is trying to do. It's a cheat sheet for better leadership.

16. Nurture allies at work intentionally

Leadership is often seen as a solo effort. It's not. The best leaders have friends and allies at work who provide counsel and advice. I needed more of them. I do remember having a few co-workers who tried to give me advice, but I had the mindset of a lone wolf leader and tuned it out. If anything, it's critical to look for this feedback as a development step.

17. Revel in success

I have learned over the years that a big success on a team is something to cherish and relish when it happens. When my team scored a big project, we should have celebrated with banana splits and trumpet parades all around the office. By not reveling as much, we probably zapped the motivation to push harder on the next project.

18. Focus on the goals, not the budget

Late in my corporate career, I spent countless hours tweaking budgets and moving numbers around in a spreadsheet. Fun times! Because of my attitude about spending money, I viewed the value of an employee in monetary terms. If I did it all over again, I'd view employees first and only as individuals with creative ideas that add value.

19. Address the hardest leadership challenges first

There's a tendency in any job to do the easiest tasks first. Duh! They are the easiest! It's always nice to look like we're getting more done each week and clearing up our time for the harder challenges in the workplace. In leadership, that's a big mistake. That troublemaker on your team? The drop in sales after a marketing snafu? A big tax change? Address those problems first to free up your time to lead better the rest of the week.

20. Start your meetings by sharing something personal

It's okay to get personal--just not too personal. There's no need to explain how the dog is sick or how your car is on the fritz. That's not what I mean. In a meeting, it's okay to quickly share a few personal tidbits about your kids or a recent vacation. Don't just jump right into the budget report or the customer wins. Let your employees know more about you and that you exist as a person outside of work. They will know you are human.

 

 

11 Habits of Remarkably Successful People

1. Go above and beyond

Try to stay several steps ahead of your boss or clients. Think about what you're being asked to do and what requests may come next--and next after that--and then get them done before you're asked.

2. Get organized

You know the old saying, "Behind an organized desk is an organized mind." The more organized you can be--this proposal goes here, that research goes in this pile--the better equipped you will be to get work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

3. Keep it respectful

Be careful what you say and do around others and always show respect for your co-workers, supervisor, and clients. Your respectful, kind behavior will pay you back in kind, whereas a hostile reply could put you in the unemployment line.

4. Be resilient

Truly successful people bounce back under the worst circumstances. Being optimistic that the future will hold more opportunities, and not letting the missed or messed-up opportunities bring you down, is what will lead you to success. Keep pushing onward, no matter what.

5. Listen to the needs of others

By listening to the needs of others and reflecting back those needs so they know you are truly listening, you are developing honest and open relationships with others--you're networking. The more positive connections you form with others, the more successful you will be.

6. Don't put things off

Do it now! So often we have a list of things and slide it to the other side of our desk and say, "I'll do this later." Then something else hits your desk and your other list is completely forgotten. When you have a list, start chipping away at it right away and get it off your plate so you have room for more.

7. Have a sense of humor

Humor is a great way to shatter stress and it makes you much more fun to be around. Take your job seriously, but put some humor in there to soften the blow or lighten things up a bit.

8. Don't be afraid to take risks

As long as you do your due diligence and feel fairly certain that it's a good move, go for it. Risks can reap huge rewards.

9. Know when it's time to make a list

Ever get that overwhelmed feeling that makes you completely shut down and causes you to find everything else in the world to do besides what you really need to do? This is the time to make a list--get all those thoughts, ideas, and to-dos swirling in your head down on paper. Then begin at the top, or the middle, or anywhere on that list, and start ticking off your to-dos one at a time.

10. Keep up with technology

As you know, technology is changing at what feels like the speed of light. If you keep up with the latest software, computer, and mobile technology that fit into your line of work, you will continue to thrive and have success.

11. Remember to praise

By giving praise to your co-workers for a job well done or to your employees who have closed a deal, you are creating a successful working relationship. They will work that much harder if they know you will notice and acknowledge that they have created success for you.

 

 

15 Instant Productivity Hacks Every Professional Needs to Know

1. Pause your email inbox and turn off your phone. Go airplane mode. If someone totaled up all the time you spend in a given day responding to emails, answering calls, and responding to text messages, you'd probably be surprised--if not incredulous--at the results. If you want to actually get things done, shut down everything and focus on the tasks at hand interruption-free. Inbox Pause for Gmail lets you literally pause your inbox, which does the trick perfectly.

2. Clean your desk. Clutter on your desk leads to clutter in the mind. A messy workspace can make you feel disorganized, unfocused, or even downright panicked as you look at all the papers and junk around you. It doesn't take long to clear things off--especially if you have a lot of trash lying around--and the benefits of working on a cleaner desk are immediate.

3. Work on next-day task lists. It's true that focusing on the present helps you get tasks done faster, but working on your next day's to-do lists will help in two ways: First, you'll help your future self by setting a prioritized list of items in advance, and second, you'll be clearing your mind of tasks you don't need to worry about today.

4. Establish a micro-routine. Forming a long-term habit, like a morning meditation routine, takes time. Forming a short-term habit yields similar benefits, but can be implemented immediately. Instead of introducing some new activity to keep track of, sort your current requirements into digestible circuits. For example, you could break each hour down into a repeatable process: 15 minutes of communication catch-up, 15 minutes of simple tasks, and 30 minutes of a difficult, larger task.

5. Break in the middle of a task. Breaks are important. Taking 10 minutes to clear your mind can give you enough of a mental boost to save 15 minutes of eventual effort. Even though it might be tempting to take a break when you finish a task, since you've reached a natural milestone, it's actually more beneficial to break in the middle of a complex task--that way, it's easy to jump back into things.

6. Set sprints for yourself. Large, complex tasks are the usual culprits in slowing us down. The idea of a large task can distract you or weigh on your motivation. Instead of trying to plow your way through it, break it up into sections of effort. You'll trade one large task for several smaller ones, and it will be easier to motivate yourself and measure your progress.

7. Perform mindless tasks as a break. Mindless tasks are annoying when they're on a task list, but when you're actually doing them, they can be quite relaxing. If you don't have time for a real break, take time away from your current sprint to work on something mindless. It will keep you productive while giving your mind a chance to decompress.

8. Deactivate your Internet connection. No matter how focused or busy you are, the Internet is always a temptation. Even if your motivations are purely professional, such as checking in on your LinkedIn contacts or tweeting on behalf of your company, there are heavy distractions on every corner of the Web. To stop yourself immediately, choose a handful of tasks to work on offline, and disconnect your Internet for a set amount of time.

9. Replace a meeting with a bulleted email. Some meetings are genuinely productive. Most meetings are not. Find an unnecessary meeting to skip--possibly an internal one--and replace it with a bulleted email that contains a list of objectives, a list of deliverables, and a list of questions (if applicable). It will keep everyone organized and on track without wasting time in circular or redundant discussion.

10. Work on Sunday night--just a little. You need to take time to relax on the weekends in order to keep your sanity, but working Sunday night can be a great way to catch up and prepare for the week ahead. On Sunday night, you won't be bothered with phone calls or emails. Instead, you can look at the week to come with a refreshed mind and tackle a few tasks while you're at it.

11. Get rid of your low priorities. The low-priority tasks on your list will only serve to distract you or make you feel more pressure throughout the day. Find a way to get rid of them. If they take less than two minutes to complete, do them. If they take longer, then either delegate them to someone else or schedule them for completion on a future date.

12. Commit to starting your least pleasant tasks. We all have tasks on our lists that we dread, but we can't postpone them forever. Getting the worst tasks out of the way first can clear your path for the rest of the day, so commit to at least starting those tasks as early as possible. You might find that once you get started, you'll be more motivated to finish quickly. If you need to break in the middle, you'll have still accomplished the start of the task.

13. Say no. Your list is long and it grows longer by the day. Sometimes the easiest way to get something off your plate is to avoid accepting it in the first place. Don't be afraid to say no to a task or a meeting that you feel would be unproductive.

14. Optimize your commute. Depending on how close you live, you could have half an hour or more time to catch up on voicemails, listen to an audiobook, make voice memos for the day ahead, or just relax with some calming music. Make the most of your trip.

15. Go somewhere else. The mind craves stimulation, and staying behind the same desk day in and day out can get stale and stressful. At least one day a week, make an effort to work in a new location. It can be a home office, a coffee shop down the street, or even a picnic table in the park. It's a great opportunity to get a fresh perspective and a calmer environment in which to focus.

 

 

7 Words the Happiest People Use at Work

1. Joyous

A good place to start when it comes to being happy at work: try using words to convey that feeling directly. Saying you are looking forward to a "joyous" day on a project or have some "joyous" news for the staff means you want to spread some happiness around the entire room. The word itself means you are full of joy--e.g., it's just spilling over.

2. Pumped

It's tempting to use the word "pumped" too often, but here's what I like about it. If you say you are "pumped" about a presentation, it means are looking forward to it so much that you can barely contain yourself. (The word literally means to be filled with excitement.) It shows people you have an attitude of expectation.

3. Motivated

Have you noticed there's a way to say the word M-O-T-I-V-A-T-E-D in an exaggerated way? If you stop by the cubicle of a co-worker and say you are M-O-T-I-V-A-T-E-D you are communicating a few things about your state of mind, your ambitions, and your job. Mostly, you are communicating that you are moving forward with a positive bent.

4. Relish

Not to be confused with the pickled accoutrement, if you say you "relish" the opportunity to do a sales call or "relish" those after-work meet-ups, you are letting people know you are not doing those activities by rote. People who "relish" are happy with life in general.

5. Sanguine

Did you know the word "sanguine" has a particular meaning? It doesn't just mean you are content. It means you are content in the midst of chaos or disappointment. People who are happy at work maintain that disposition no matter what happens.

6. Copacetic

Try using the word "copacetic" in casual conversation. Be careful to avoid sounding condescending or sarcastic. Use the term to imply that the project and the team is getting along, that you are happy with the results, and everything is in harmony.

7. Perfect

I have a friend who likes to say "perfect" when he agrees with an idea or plan, especially as a single word response. Can we get lunch today? "Perfect," he'll say. What does it mean? To me, he wants to spread his happiness. The synergies between us have aligned.

7 Ways You Can Impact Company Culture

1. Own your own role. First, take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Am I part of the problem?" Be honest because in most cases, there are at least a few things you can personally change. Make a list--maybe it's longer than you thought! Your personal attitude, the effort you put into making positive contributions to the culture and how you communicate with others are a few things to consider.

2. Use your influence to make things better. The true leaders at a company aren't always the boss. Natural leaders set an example that people want to follow, so if that's you, be a good one! If you understand the vision, use your influence to help others better support the vision. It's amazing what a group can accomplish with a shared mission. It's contagious. Influence your sphere--and hopefully it will trickle out from you to your team, your department and ultimately throughout the company.

3. Be open, transparent and fair. I have little patience for petty, backbiting office politics and social positioning, but it is inevitable that there will be people at a company who behave as if they're still in high school. Let's help them change. Let's be open, transparent and fair, and people will reciprocate even if it takes them a while. It's incredibly refreshing when you're free to say or do what's best for the company--even if that means making some mistakes--rather than feel like you always have to CYA.

4. Educate and train your boss. Dogs sometimes find it easy to train their owners . . . maybe we can train our bosses. I'm not saying we're dogs, but you know what I mean. You'll find a million supporting articles online to change culture. Check out the slideshares from Hubspot and Netflix, or the Valve Employee Handbook. That should spark a few ideas. Share what you learn and what you're reading. Maybe help the boss think it's his idea.

5. Take measurements. I like measuring things, but measuring culture can be tough! This may just be a feeling you get when you walk into the office or when you know your coworkers are happy. Less whining or grumbling. Many times, teams will be much more focused and productive. And frankly, everyone will work harder. Yes, we are happiest when we're focused and working hard. If the boss sees this impact--if he has any leadership capacity whatsoever--he should jump on the culture wagon ASAP.

6. Talk to HR. Give HR a shot. If anybody should know the mission and vision of the company, it's HR. Go ask questions, find out what HR thinks about culture and how it's communicated to employees. Sometimes HR forgets, and you might be a helpful reminder.

7. Be patient. Everyone loves an easy answer, but great culture requires great effort and time to get just right. And frankly it's never perfect, but we should always be working on incremental improvement. There is a reason patience is a virtue.