Entrepreneurette 101
Presented by: Laura Furtado
Owner of DivaGirl Inc., Sexy & Wealthy in Heels & Partner
in the Chic-A-Boom Room
#SWinHeels
@sexyandwealthy_
#SWinHeels
@sexyandwealthy_
• International Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer,
Speaker & Mentor
• Founder & Owner of DivaGirl Inc.
• Partner in the Chic-A-Boom Room
• Canada’s Top Young Entrepreneur for 2010; Top 25
in 2009
• Nominee for Best Personal Brand
• Nominee for Best Performing Artist of the Year
• Lole & Lululemon Brand Ambassador
• Bachelor of Commerce- Marketing & E-Commerce
• Various Marketing Awards:
– J.L. Beaton Scholarship: Ryerson University 2004
– Knud B. Jensen Business Award- Marketing Excellence 2003
– Faculty of Business Awards for Excellence 2013
– Dean’s Honor List- year 1-5
#SWinHeels
@sexyandwealthy_
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
“I love to see a young girl
go out and grab the
world by the lapels.
Life’s a bitch. You’ve got
to go out and kick ass.”
-- Maya Angelou, Author &
Poet
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Creating Smart, Sexy & Successful
Entrepreneurettes
• Week 1: Start-Up 101- make your idea happen
• Week 2: Business Plan, Structure & Process- aligning your
business
• Week 3: Marketing & Branding- learn how to SELL it
• Week 4: Social Media- let’s get online
• Week 5: Networking & Relationship Building- no one gets
to the “top” alone
• Week 6: Making Money- and lots of it!
• Week 7: Managing Lifestyle- be fabulous “doing” it
• Week 8: Wrap-Up & Final Case Presentation
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Module 1: Start-Up 101
Making Your Idea Happen…
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Strive for Success!
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness
is the key to success. If you love what you are
doing, you will be successful.”
-- Albert Schweitzer
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
What is Success?
• The favorable or prosperous termination of
attempts or endeavors
• The attainment of wealth, position, honors, o
r the like
• A successful performance or achievement
• A person or thing that is successful
• Obsolete or outcome
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Facets of Success
• Doing what you love
• Following your path
• Overcoming obstacles
• Living each moment to the fullest
• Doing your best
• Treating people well
• Overall excellence
• Contributing for the better
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Keys to Success
• Get clear
• Be authentic and
self-aware
• Stay positive
• Work hard
• Stay determined
• Network
• Set goals
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
4 Vital Keys to Creating an Idea
• Desire
• Passion
• A great idea
• Belief in yourself
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Entrepreneurship
Do YOU have what it takes to be a sassy
entreprenette?
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
• Possession of an enterprise
• Accountability
• Visionary
• Opportunist
• Leader
• Organization Builder
• Inspiration
• Motivation
• Drive & energy
• High but realistic goals
• Risk-Taker
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Men vs. Women
• Not encouraged
• World less safe for women
• Daddy’s Little Girl
• “Learned helplessness”
• Failed perception
• Less risk= less courage
• Download: Women & Entrepreneurship via
the
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Top 10 Tips to Be a Successful
Entrepreneurette
1 Have a plan
2 Find ways to keep costs low
3 Sell a product/service that people want
4 Test and measure everything
5 Be open and willing to change
6 Ask for advice
7 Add value
8 Get a coach
9 Generate new business… everyday
10 Create relationships
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Entrepreneurial Benefits
• Control
• Flexible scheduling
• Fun
• Free of boredom
• Creativity
• Money
• Challenges & problem
solving
• Self confidence
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Challenges Ahead…
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Top Ten Challenges
1 I don’t know where to start
2 I know what I want but I don’t know how to get there
3 I feel overwhelmed when I think of everything
4 I don’t know how to take my idea and put it into action
5 I don’t know how to brand
6 There is too much competition
7 There is too much work to do and I can’t do it by myself
8 I have no money
9 There are people who can do it better
10 I have too many ideas
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Challenges vs. Solutions
CHALLENGES SOLUTION
You don’t know where to
start
Find a mentor
Women of all trades Swap Services
You don’t have time Delegate
You don’t have all the
expertise
Just ask!
You don’t have a big target
group
Network
Isolation & loneliness Keep in contact w/ the most
important
Overworked/long hours Take a break!
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Being An Entrepreneur= Taking Risks
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Why You SHOULD Take Risks
• Progression: grow, develop,
learn, get unstuck,
transform
• Challenge
• Increase revenue
• Opportunities
• Self-esteem
• Control your destiny
• Makes life “interesting!”
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Top Tips in Risk Tasking
• Download: Risk-Taking: The
Journey to Success
– Risking-taking
– Stages of risk-taking
– How to take “calculated” risks
– Tips to be successful in risk-taking
– Building courage
*Download via the
Entrepreneur section
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
It All Starts With YOU
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Tap Into You
• Words
• Passions
• Characteristics
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Short term goals
• Long term goals
• Vision
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Who is Laura?
• Words: divalicious, fun, hard-working, focused
independent, sassy
• Passions: people, entertainment, women,
contribution, creativity, success
• Characteristics: loyal, reliable, leader, “doer”
• Strengths: marketing, leadership, execution,
selling concepts, money management, multi-
tasking
• Weaknesses: “letting go,” saying “no”
• Short term goals: collaborating and growing with
the right people, brand building
• Long term goals: creating an empire, domination
in other cities, making a difference
• Vision: domination with collaboration, being
influential, providing value to women
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Strengths & Weaknesses
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Align Your Passion= Your Business
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Tips to Turn Passion Into a Business
• Believe in yourself
• Get support and
criticism
• Find a role model
• Know your options
• Delegate and offload
when possible
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Turn Your Passion Into A Business
• Download: Turn Your
Passion Into A Business
– How to find your passion
– Reflecting on your passion
– 20 tips to turn your passion into a
successful business
– How to make money from passion
– Lessons learnt
*Download via the
Entrepreneur section
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Importance of Self Worth
• Be positive!
• Learn from the past
• One step at a time
• Listen to others
• Welcome change with open arms
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit
themselves to what they think they can do.
You can go as far as your mind let’s you.
What you believe, remembers, you can
achieve.”
-Mary Kay Ash- Founder of May Kay Cosmetics
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Start-Up 101 Checklist
Evaluate & Develop Your Idea
• Determine your passion(s)
• What is your company mission and vision?
• How much will you allocate each week to work on this venture?
• Who are your mentors, coaches, support circle?
Your Offerings
• What are your core products and/or services?
• What are other ways to generate revenue?
• How will you produce and/or create your offerings?
• What will your pricing be?
• Who’s your market?
• Who’s your competition?
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Start-Up 101 Checklist
Business Structure
• How will you operate your business (on an elementary level)?
• What will it cost you to set in up? How will you fund it?
• How will you market/promote your business?
• What people do you want on your team?
Business Name
• What is your business name and tagline?
• Did you research to see if the name has been trademarked?
• What copy/vocabulary will you use to promote your company?
Register Your Business
• Register your business name with the government
• Register your domain URL
• Set up at HST # (if income is greater than $30,000/annual)
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Things NOT To Do
• Don’t quit your day job.
• Don’t incorporate.
• Don’t get a bank account.
• Don’t rent an office.
• Don’t hire an attorney.
• Don’t hire an accountant.
• Don’t get a loan.
• Don’t hire anyone.
• Don’t try to patent anything.
• Don’t buy office supplies.
• Don’t buy any equipment.
• Don’t try to find a partner.
• Don’t get a business telephone number or mailing address.
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Tips to Expand Your Business
• De-clutter and be organized
• Leverage people
• Make residual income
• Never turn down business
• Leverage your expertise
• “Awareness” of new opportunities
• Perfect personal branding (Brandapoolza)
• Build solid relationships
• Empower your employees
• Start small- think BIG!
• Download Women & Entrepreneurship via
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Maintaining Momentum
• Create “forward progress”
• Set up accountability for actions
• Track growth
• Meet up with mentors and/or advisors
• Follow one success immediately with another
• Create wins for your team
• Celebrate successes
• Download Momentum- Thriving in the Arts
via
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
We Will Get Interactive!
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Success Tips for the Week
1 Determine what success looks like to YOU
2 Know your strengths and weaknesses
3 Be prepared to take risks
4 Discover your passion
5 Evaluate & develop your idea
6 Know your offerings
7 Determine your business model
8 Create your business name and register it
9 Be aware of ways to grow and create momentum
10 Be realistic with your goals
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Module 1 Homework
• Download the corresponding PowerPoint presentations from the
DivaGirl Boutique
• Determine 5 people who are “successful” and set up meetings with
them
• Identify 5 people/companies that you can potentially work with
• Determine and list your strengths and weaknesses
• Begin your Start-Up 101 Checklist
• Identify 5 things that you must additional complete to get your
business set-up
• Begin setting up your vision board
• Finalize your “elevator pitch”
• Book your one-hour mentorship call with Laura Furtado
(info@laurafurtado.com)
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
What is an Elevator Pitch?
• A short summary used to quickly and
simply define a product, service, or
organization and its value proposition
• Reflects the idea that it should be
possible to deliver the summary in the
time span of an elevator ride, or
approximately thirty seconds to two
minutes.
• An elevator speech should "sum up
unique aspects of your service or
product in a way that excites others."
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Sneak Peak Into Module 2
• Business Plan, Structure & Process- aligning
your business
• “Elevator Pitch” Presentations
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_
Laura Furtado
W: sexyandwealthyinheels.com
W: laurafurtado.com
E: hello@sexyandwealthyinheels.com
E: info@laurafurtado.com
@sexyandwealthy_
@sexywealthyinheels
@laura.ann.furtado
#sexyandwealthyinheels
@sexyandwealthy_

Sw&h module 1

  • 1.
    Entrepreneurette 101 Presented by:Laura Furtado Owner of DivaGirl Inc., Sexy & Wealthy in Heels & Partner in the Chic-A-Boom Room #SWinHeels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 2.
  • 3.
    • International Dancer,Instructor, Choreographer, Speaker & Mentor • Founder & Owner of DivaGirl Inc. • Partner in the Chic-A-Boom Room • Canada’s Top Young Entrepreneur for 2010; Top 25 in 2009 • Nominee for Best Personal Brand • Nominee for Best Performing Artist of the Year • Lole & Lululemon Brand Ambassador • Bachelor of Commerce- Marketing & E-Commerce • Various Marketing Awards: – J.L. Beaton Scholarship: Ryerson University 2004 – Knud B. Jensen Business Award- Marketing Excellence 2003 – Faculty of Business Awards for Excellence 2013 – Dean’s Honor List- year 1-5 #SWinHeels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 5.
  • 6.
  • 8.
    “I love tosee a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” -- Maya Angelou, Author & Poet #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 9.
    Creating Smart, Sexy& Successful Entrepreneurettes • Week 1: Start-Up 101- make your idea happen • Week 2: Business Plan, Structure & Process- aligning your business • Week 3: Marketing & Branding- learn how to SELL it • Week 4: Social Media- let’s get online • Week 5: Networking & Relationship Building- no one gets to the “top” alone • Week 6: Making Money- and lots of it! • Week 7: Managing Lifestyle- be fabulous “doing” it • Week 8: Wrap-Up & Final Case Presentation #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 10.
    Module 1: Start-Up101 Making Your Idea Happen… #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 11.
    Strive for Success! “Successis not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” -- Albert Schweitzer #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 12.
    What is Success? •The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors • The attainment of wealth, position, honors, o r the like • A successful performance or achievement • A person or thing that is successful • Obsolete or outcome #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 13.
    Facets of Success •Doing what you love • Following your path • Overcoming obstacles • Living each moment to the fullest • Doing your best • Treating people well • Overall excellence • Contributing for the better #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 14.
    Keys to Success •Get clear • Be authentic and self-aware • Stay positive • Work hard • Stay determined • Network • Set goals #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 15.
    4 Vital Keysto Creating an Idea • Desire • Passion • A great idea • Belief in yourself #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 16.
    Entrepreneurship Do YOU havewhat it takes to be a sassy entreprenette? #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 17.
    Characteristics of anEntrepreneur • Possession of an enterprise • Accountability • Visionary • Opportunist • Leader • Organization Builder • Inspiration • Motivation • Drive & energy • High but realistic goals • Risk-Taker #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 18.
    Men vs. Women •Not encouraged • World less safe for women • Daddy’s Little Girl • “Learned helplessness” • Failed perception • Less risk= less courage • Download: Women & Entrepreneurship via the #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 19.
    Top 10 Tipsto Be a Successful Entrepreneurette 1 Have a plan 2 Find ways to keep costs low 3 Sell a product/service that people want 4 Test and measure everything 5 Be open and willing to change 6 Ask for advice 7 Add value 8 Get a coach 9 Generate new business… everyday 10 Create relationships #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 20.
    Entrepreneurial Benefits • Control •Flexible scheduling • Fun • Free of boredom • Creativity • Money • Challenges & problem solving • Self confidence #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 21.
  • 22.
    Top Ten Challenges 1I don’t know where to start 2 I know what I want but I don’t know how to get there 3 I feel overwhelmed when I think of everything 4 I don’t know how to take my idea and put it into action 5 I don’t know how to brand 6 There is too much competition 7 There is too much work to do and I can’t do it by myself 8 I have no money 9 There are people who can do it better 10 I have too many ideas #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 23.
    Challenges vs. Solutions CHALLENGESSOLUTION You don’t know where to start Find a mentor Women of all trades Swap Services You don’t have time Delegate You don’t have all the expertise Just ask! You don’t have a big target group Network Isolation & loneliness Keep in contact w/ the most important Overworked/long hours Take a break! #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 24.
    Being An Entrepreneur=Taking Risks #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 25.
    Why You SHOULDTake Risks • Progression: grow, develop, learn, get unstuck, transform • Challenge • Increase revenue • Opportunities • Self-esteem • Control your destiny • Makes life “interesting!” #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 26.
    Top Tips inRisk Tasking • Download: Risk-Taking: The Journey to Success – Risking-taking – Stages of risk-taking – How to take “calculated” risks – Tips to be successful in risk-taking – Building courage *Download via the Entrepreneur section #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 27.
    It All StartsWith YOU #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 28.
    Tap Into You •Words • Passions • Characteristics • Strengths • Weaknesses • Short term goals • Long term goals • Vision #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 29.
    Who is Laura? •Words: divalicious, fun, hard-working, focused independent, sassy • Passions: people, entertainment, women, contribution, creativity, success • Characteristics: loyal, reliable, leader, “doer” • Strengths: marketing, leadership, execution, selling concepts, money management, multi- tasking • Weaknesses: “letting go,” saying “no” • Short term goals: collaborating and growing with the right people, brand building • Long term goals: creating an empire, domination in other cities, making a difference • Vision: domination with collaboration, being influential, providing value to women #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 30.
  • 31.
    Align Your Passion=Your Business #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 32.
    Tips to TurnPassion Into a Business • Believe in yourself • Get support and criticism • Find a role model • Know your options • Delegate and offload when possible #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 33.
    Turn Your PassionInto A Business • Download: Turn Your Passion Into A Business – How to find your passion – Reflecting on your passion – 20 tips to turn your passion into a successful business – How to make money from passion – Lessons learnt *Download via the Entrepreneur section #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 34.
    Importance of SelfWorth • Be positive! • Learn from the past • One step at a time • Listen to others • Welcome change with open arms #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 35.
    “Don’t limit yourself.Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind let’s you. What you believe, remembers, you can achieve.” -Mary Kay Ash- Founder of May Kay Cosmetics #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 36.
    Start-Up 101 Checklist Evaluate& Develop Your Idea • Determine your passion(s) • What is your company mission and vision? • How much will you allocate each week to work on this venture? • Who are your mentors, coaches, support circle? Your Offerings • What are your core products and/or services? • What are other ways to generate revenue? • How will you produce and/or create your offerings? • What will your pricing be? • Who’s your market? • Who’s your competition? #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 37.
    Start-Up 101 Checklist BusinessStructure • How will you operate your business (on an elementary level)? • What will it cost you to set in up? How will you fund it? • How will you market/promote your business? • What people do you want on your team? Business Name • What is your business name and tagline? • Did you research to see if the name has been trademarked? • What copy/vocabulary will you use to promote your company? Register Your Business • Register your business name with the government • Register your domain URL • Set up at HST # (if income is greater than $30,000/annual) #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 38.
    Things NOT ToDo • Don’t quit your day job. • Don’t incorporate. • Don’t get a bank account. • Don’t rent an office. • Don’t hire an attorney. • Don’t hire an accountant. • Don’t get a loan. • Don’t hire anyone. • Don’t try to patent anything. • Don’t buy office supplies. • Don’t buy any equipment. • Don’t try to find a partner. • Don’t get a business telephone number or mailing address. #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 39.
    Tips to ExpandYour Business • De-clutter and be organized • Leverage people • Make residual income • Never turn down business • Leverage your expertise • “Awareness” of new opportunities • Perfect personal branding (Brandapoolza) • Build solid relationships • Empower your employees • Start small- think BIG! • Download Women & Entrepreneurship via #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 40.
    Maintaining Momentum • Create“forward progress” • Set up accountability for actions • Track growth • Meet up with mentors and/or advisors • Follow one success immediately with another • Create wins for your team • Celebrate successes • Download Momentum- Thriving in the Arts via #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 41.
    We Will GetInteractive! #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 42.
    Success Tips forthe Week 1 Determine what success looks like to YOU 2 Know your strengths and weaknesses 3 Be prepared to take risks 4 Discover your passion 5 Evaluate & develop your idea 6 Know your offerings 7 Determine your business model 8 Create your business name and register it 9 Be aware of ways to grow and create momentum 10 Be realistic with your goals #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 43.
    Module 1 Homework •Download the corresponding PowerPoint presentations from the DivaGirl Boutique • Determine 5 people who are “successful” and set up meetings with them • Identify 5 people/companies that you can potentially work with • Determine and list your strengths and weaknesses • Begin your Start-Up 101 Checklist • Identify 5 things that you must additional complete to get your business set-up • Begin setting up your vision board • Finalize your “elevator pitch” • Book your one-hour mentorship call with Laura Furtado (info@laurafurtado.com) #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 44.
    What is anElevator Pitch? • A short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value proposition • Reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes. • An elevator speech should "sum up unique aspects of your service or product in a way that excites others." #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 45.
    Sneak Peak IntoModule 2 • Business Plan, Structure & Process- aligning your business • “Elevator Pitch” Presentations #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_
  • 46.
    Laura Furtado W: sexyandwealthyinheels.com W:laurafurtado.com E: hello@sexyandwealthyinheels.com E: info@laurafurtado.com @sexyandwealthy_ @sexywealthyinheels @laura.ann.furtado #sexyandwealthyinheels @sexyandwealthy_

Editor's Notes

  • #4 Experience in dance- professional dancer for 13 years. Experience in fitness- 13 years Experience in marketing, events and advertising- working agency for 5 years
  • #5 Branding is the identity to the soul. Which inturns, outlines your purpose.
  • #6 -Mention DGP and DGU- it’s goal was to help female entrepreneurs succeed with what they are passionate about -Confidence woman are more successful
  • #7 Women I admire: Gabby Bernstien, Leanne Grechulk, Marie Forleo, Jen Groover, Oprah, Beyonce The more I do, the more I want to accomplish
  • #8 Inspire women entrepreneurs to build sustainable and profitable businesses… but stay true to who they are… being WOMAN.
  • #10 What will you learn in this course? Our course is divided into MODULES. Each week, we focus on a new topic that is necessary for divalicious success
  • #13 that’s our goal…. This is what u need to keep in mind throughout the entire course
  • #14 Success means different things to different people. Determine what success means to YOU
  • #16 These are necessary when CREATING YOUR IDEA
  • #21 Why should you take the plunge?
  • #24 You need to turn your CHALLENGES into SOLUTIONS
  • #28 Tap into YOU- who ARE you and what makes you special?
  • #29 BROOKE- you need to change this slide when you are presenting the course by yourself Set up your PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
  • #31 Outline and be AWARE of what your strengths and weaknesses are. This way, you can determine what VALUE you can offer others (via your strengths) an what you need to LEVERAGE (via your weaknesses)
  • #32 To most successful entrepreneurs are those who turn their PASSION into a business
  • #35 Self worth exercise. HOW MUCH ARE YOU WORTH? EXERCISE: write down THREE services that you can offer to someone. How MUCH is that service worth? Write it down on paper and keep/post it so you are reminded of your worth
  • #36 Let’s get started on setting your idea up
  • #37 Top 20 list of things to do once you have your IDEA
  • #39 Don’t quit your day job. Don’t incorporate.  Seventy five percent of all businesses are sole proprietorships, and they already make money. Don’t get a bank account.  Your personal banking account will work just fine if someone wants to write you a check, or if you need to pay for something. Don’t rent an office.  Work from home. It won’t require a first, last and security deposit. Plus, it’s tax deductible . Don’t hire an attorney.  What’s an attorney going to tell that you didn’t already know, or couldn’t figure out on  Nolo  or in a good bookstore? There are only two times to call an attorney: if you’re in jail, or if someone else’s attorney contacts you. Don’t hire an accountant.   Quickbooks Simple Start  will get you going. Don’t get a loan.  To get a loan from anyone, even your family, will require that you do too many items on this list. And besides, if you get a loan, you know work for the bank — not for yourself. Don’t hire anyone.  Don’t hire someone if you can do it yourself. For everything else,  use contractors and give them 1099 . Don’t try to patent anything.  It takes  1.5 to 2.5 years to get a patent . Who knows what the market will look like then. Don’t advertise.  Advertising costs money, and takes time to perfect. Selling takes only you. Don’t buy office supplies.  If you need a pencil, get one out of the kitchen or your son’s backpack. You are working from home, aren’t you? Don’t buy any equipment.  Outsource everything.  Fedex Kinkos  can handle all of your printing, and instead of splurging on a postal meter head down the  post office . Need something big? Rent it! If it’s not something you can rent by the day, maybe there’s another local business with one. Can you rent it during their off hours in the middle of the night? Don’t try to find a partner.  What do you need a parter for? Capital? Don’t take loans. Need someone with some sales experience? If you the inventor of your product/service can’t sell it — no one will be able to. Don’t get a business telephone number or mailing address.  You have a cellphone, use it. If someone needs to mail you something, have them send it to your house. You’re working there, remember
  • #41 Don’t get stuck in the NOW
  • #42 Group Activity? Guest Speaker? Article Discussion?
  • #46 In Module 2, we will start working on your business plan and the details on HOW you will execute your business