What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Circus Performers

Universoul Circus

I went to the Universoul Circus in Washington Park in Chicago, and was in total awe at the ability of the performers.  The amount of work and commitment they put into their performances showed in their grace and execution. Can your clients say the same about you? Does your level of commitment and work ethic show [...]

Business Plan Tips & Resources for Entrepreneurs

Business Plan

There is great debate as to whether entrepreneurs should have business plans.  Although they are required for people seeking business loans, you should still have one even if are not seeking financial assistance at this time. Keep in mind that you may need a loan in the future, and the foundation of your plan will [...]

Things New and Current Business Owners Must Have to Be Successful

Business Owners

As I reflected on my entrepreneurial journey, I thought about things new and current business owners must have to be successful.  This list only includes my thoughts and ideas; and i’s in no particular order. 1.      Business Plan.  When you fail to plan, you fail to plan. 2.      Confidence.  No one will believe you without [...]

Lessons from Radicals & Visionaries by Thaddeus Wawro

Radicals and Visionaries by Thaddeus Wawro

Radicals & Visionaries: Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the 20th Century Author Thaddeus Wawro shared biographies of over 150 entrepreneurs whose inventions, ideas and services greatly impacted the 20th century.  I was really impressed with the ingenuity and negotiating skills of these people. Before I go into more detail, allow me to share my lessons learned. 1.      [...]

What Would Amadeo Peter “A.P.” Giannini Think?

Amadeo Peter Giannini - Founder of Bank of America

I read about this pioneering banker in Radicals & Visionaries: Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the 20th Century by Thaddeus Wawro and was in awe. Known as the “Little Fellow’s Banker,” Amadeo Peter “A.P.” Giannini marked his spot in history by offering banking services to every day working people.  At that time, banks only served the wealthy [...]

My Lessons from Walt Disney’s The Lion King

I absolutely love Disney’s The Lion King.  While experiencing the stage play at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, it occurred to me how Disney turned his dream into something truly magical.  And a cash cow! Most of his characters began as concepts on paper that eventually entertained audiences on a TV or movie screen.  Their [...]

The 10 Greatest Entrepreneurs of All Time

Walt Disney

What do John D. Rockefeller, Walt Disney & Bill Gates have in common?  They are all on Andrew Beattie’s list of  The 10 Greatest Entrepreneurs. While I totally admire the people who made this list, what happened to the women?

Save The Date: Licensing Your Dream – October 23rd

Chicago's First Black Inventors Entrepreneurs Organization

Do you have a desire to be an inventor? Chicago First Black Inventor Entrepreneur Organization (CFBIEO) is holding its second annual Innovation, Patents & Profits Conference: Licensing Your Dream on from 8am – 6pm on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Illinois Institute of Technology Hermann Hall Conference Center 3241 S. Federal Street, Chicago, IL Contact CFBIEO [...]

Marcie’s Thoughts on the Cook County Business Opportunity Expo

I attended the Expo and did not see many people.  It could have been because they were attending the Marketing Strategies workshop that was going on when I got there in the 11:00 hour or it could have been due to a lack of interest.   I can honestly say that there were less than 50 [...]

MillerCoors Business Plan Competition – Deadline October 1st

Miller Coors

Whoever said age was only a number apparently did not apply for the MillerCoors Business Plan Competition.  The contest is for entrepreneurs ages 21 – 35.  You cannot turn 36 on October 1st!  Click here for eligibility details. For entrepreneurs UNDER 35: Hurry up and get your business plan in.  Contact The Write Design Company [...]