Q & A: What Is the Single Most Important Thing One Should Know Before Launching a Startup?

A: There isn’t a simple answer to your question. Imagine embarking on a kayak trip across unfamiliar territory. What one thing would you take? Food, water, warm clothing, camping equipment, cell phone? Point being, narrowing the answer to one thing is dangerous. I could cite business maximums, such as find a need and fill it, but […]

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When Using Numbers to Measure Success May be a Mistake

C The Tyranny of Metrics by Professor Jerry Muller. Eye opening book talk with Q&A reveals how fixation on numbers stifles innovation, imitative, and motivation in different fields. C-span.org https://www.c-span.org/video/?441850-2/the-tyranny-metrics Dee Adams is the author of Finding Your Niche: Discover… Views: 40

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Cool Entrepreneur Stories in the News

Mr. Reggie… Kron4.com https://www.kron4.com/news/police-called-on-12-year-old-cutting-neighbor-s-grass-now-his-business-is-booming-1/1273890250 Underwater Dog… World-renowned underwater photographer creates unique dog portraits PBS.org New Mexico Fantasyland https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-this-artist-fantasyland-became-a-new-mexico-moneymaker Dee Adams is the author of Finding Your Niche:Discover… Views: 26

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Q & A: How Some Entrepreneurs Can Avoid Crowdfunding Pitfalls

Q:  Whether Kickstarter or a  competing platform, any advice for someone thinking about crowdfunding a business project? A:  Look beyond the hype.  Investigate the skills and commitment required to succeed in a crowdfunding project. It’s far more involved than you may realize. Check out the blog of Business Librarian, Roger Green, New York SBDC, and […]

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Funny Moneywise Lesson from Actor Jamie Foxx

When actor Jamie Foxx appeared ss a guest coach on the original American Idol, he showed he had the skills of a gifted teacher. Recently, he appeared on Late Night with Stephen Colbert and told a funny story that could be used as a teaching tool for aspiring entrepreneurs…among others. Earlier in his career, Foxx had […]

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Hugh Jackman: Business Warning

Not even a celebrity can sell a product if it’s not good, said Hugh Jackman recently in a news interview. The entertainer and successful coffee entrepreneur cited two iconic figures who failed at ventures despite fame: Babe Ruth and Frank Sinatra. Curious, I searched for more details about the famous singer’s  business venture. Sure enough, […]

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Why Two Young Minority Entrepreneurs Were Arrested at Starbucks

  Editor’s note: This post, which first appeared on April 18, 2018, was removed and then reposted because of a technical issue.  Update on July 26, 2023, with a CNN news story link.  Q: Technology and social movements may help address profiling issues in the consumer marketplace, which you noted. Recently, a cell phone video went […]

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Name Game Revisited

Editor’s note: Portions of this post appeared previously merged with the wrong paragraphs.  The correct copy is reposted below. What industry would you find these items? And what are they? Purple Fiesta Ruby Crescent Russian Banana Purple Peruvian German Butterballs Rose Fin Apple Magic Molly  or New Girl Striped German Cobra Valley Girl Paragon German Johnson […]

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Why Creating a Product Name, Brand, or Title is Challenging

Imagine having the task of creating a name for an ordinary product like carrots. The World Wide Web has greatly increased competition and the need to think all around the box. For instance, a recent search for a title for a new food column was dismal: every clever, quirky, offbeat, humorous, or serious food-related term […]

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Q&A: Best Industries for Women Entrepreneurs

Q: Given the Me Too movement and other gender issues es, what industries are best for women with dreams of entrepreneurship? A: In theory, one should pick a field of interest regardless of gender bias within the industry. Identify possible mentors and influencers. Investigate industry problems beforehand and create a strategy for navigating potholes. Otherwise, based […]

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