Like so many other people, Sue hates conflict. However, a problem untreated only grows bigger, and if it does not change, the results will continue to be the same or worse. It is a manager’s responsibility to consider the company (her employer) first.
Read more »A Small Business Blog for Inquisitive Entrepreneurs
Thinking Outside of the Box (A Technique for Marketing)
The term, “Thinking Out of the Box,” is one of the most overused and under-appreciated phrases in modern marketing. In fact, most people would define the term as “a different way, of thinking, from the norm.” However, the problem lies in asking and answering, “What is the norm?”
Read more »The Ultimate Buy-In
They say that you shouldn’t invest in an organization in which the participants don’t have “skin in the game”. There was a classic story told in which a group was meeting with an investment company to decide if they should make an investment in that company. The group asked the company where the employees had their own personal money. When told the employees had their money in bonds and other investment vehicles other than the investment company at issue, the group left the meeting. Nothing more needed to be said. Why should outsiders invest if those on the inside aren’t investing?
Read more »Shooting For The Stars Is Awesome, But It Takes Some Prep Time — Just Ask An Astronaut
I had the opportunity this past weekend to hear Al Sacco speak about his journey to space as a payload specialist on board the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1995. Dr. Sacco, who is now the dean of the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University, was chosen for the mission because of his work in chemical engineering.
When I listen to amazing experiences like Dr. Sacco’s, I try to think of ways that it relates to my own life, since I can assure you I’m not going to going into space any day soon. And, it came to me that launching a business has the same requirements as a launch into space and that WESST is to our clients like NASA is to its astronauts.
Can Entrepreneurs Expect “Doom” or “Success” in 2012?
A man stepped into my office seeking business-startup assistance. The frantic look on his face and his uneasy demeanor caused me to label him as ‘desperate’ (the worst position to be in when starting a business). Automatically, I went through a series of questions regarding his business idea: did he have experience, money, and a passion? I also wanted to know about his personal finances – was he expecting to support himself right away from the business or did he have a “day job”?
Read more »Make Your Goals SMART-er
Setting goals the SMART way can help you reach your goals, whether it’s a short-term goal of losing 15 pounds or a long-term one of saving enough money to start a business. The act of writing goals down forces you (and me) to focus on those goals in a SMART way. So, this year, I resolve to turn my resolutions into SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-Oriented, and within a reasonable Time-frame.
Read more »What “Credit” Really Means
Even though buying on credit is convenient, it is not always a good decision. Once a person crosses that line, of buying now and paying later, the process becomes more tempting to buy items we do not need or items that are on sale.
Instead we should be asking ourselves, “Can I pay off the debt in a month before interest is added?” “What is the long-term benefit of this purchase?” “Will I end up paying more (in the long run) for the item than it is worth?” “If I had the cash, would I make that purchase?” “Is it a need or a want?”
The wise reasons for not using credit cards are:
Read more »Financial Education: Get ‘Em While They’re Young
You hear it all the time, “I wish someone taught me financial education when I was in school. That sure would have saved me from learning the hard way!” It is a hot button topic right now, especially considering the current state of the economy. Can we prevent future generations from repeating our mistakes? The answer to that question is a resounding “YES!”
Read more »Giving: It’s All About Perspective
As a non-profit, WESST only exists because of people and organizations giving us money to do what we do best—helping entrepreneurs from the idea stage to actually starting and expanding their own self-sufficient businesses. What is the perspective of our investors? Our investors want to know that the investment they are making is a good one. To answer that question, we have to be able to produce actual, quantifiable results.
Read more »WESST’s Winter Faire is a True Community Collaboration
On December 14, 2001, the Santa Fe Incubator will be overflowing with one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 40 talented artists and entrepreneurs from northern New Mexico at the first annual WESST Winter Faire. Come, browse, buy and enjoy the festivities, food and entertainment as you support the creativity of northern New Mexico and reward yourself, your family and your friends with handcrafted gifts this holiday season.
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