I am a lifelong entrepreneur and I love the challenges and opportunities presented by operating a small business enterprise.
Today, I am honored to manage an amazing resource for small businesses in Orlando, Florida, called the Disney Entrepreneur Center. I love my job!
This blog is an outlet to share my thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on small business with you. Please feel free to comment, add your perspectives, or just drop in occasionally for some food for thought.
I have worked for the largest business in the world (AT&T) and the smallest (my own), but I don't have all the answers! I do have lots of opinions, questions and ideas to ponder...so I hope you come back often to enjoy the journey into the mind of a serial entrepreneur!
Are You Ready For Some Business?
(General)
Monday, August 23. 2010
Our annual Entrepreneur Fair takes place this Thursday at the downtown Sheraton. (formerly Marriott) From 1- 5 pm, we have six educational sessions featuring experienced professionals who are speaking on subjects ranging from The Body Language of Business” to “Government Contracting.”
Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer once again, will attend our networking reception in the evening, and the best part is that the whole day is FREE! Even FREE parking at the Amway arena!
Even though we are in our 5th year, my excitement is at an all time high! Maybe...
2 Ears, 1 Mouth
(General)
Wednesday, July 28. 2010
Is it possible to make a point, express an idea, or even have a disagreement anymore without being interrupted, challenged, attacked or demonized? When did folks change from wanting to entertain healthy debate, and discuss the best ideas, to the desire to turn every discussion into an argument? Did I miss a memo? Can’t we disagree anymore, without being disagreeable?
Most television news shows use a combative debate model to attract audiences to view the verbal brawl that they call “debate”. One side is allowed to make sweeping generalizations, biased accusations,...
Vision...or Not!
(General)
Sunday, July 25. 2010
How do you know the difference between real insight, or vision, and a bad idea? I have both regularly, but I always struggle to distinguish between the two. Sometimes, I recognize a great idea (or a really bad one) immediately, but other ideas only reveal their true worth over time; long after the decision has been made and the results are in. So, what do you do when you don’t know whether you have a visionary insight, or a very bad idea?
I usually test my idea by asking as many people as possible to get diverse input and perspectives. Sometimes folks are immediately taken with...
Go Blue!
(General)
Saturday, July 17. 2010
I toured the new retail facility for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida this week and I saw the future of healthcare. The new facility located in Winter Park Village off of 17/92 gives you the feeling of an Apple retail store; high tech, inviting, interactive, and staffed with knowledgeable and personable employees. The idea is to engage, educate, and enlighten healthcare consumers, whether they are BCBS clients or not, and in the process, provide easy access to healthcare options offered by the company.
I played the WII bowling, competed in the I-Pad coffee table game that tested...
What's In Your Wallet?
(General)
Thursday, June 24. 2010
I admit it, I enjoy those funny commercials with the Vikings that always end with the question, “what’s in your wallet?” They use that tagline to entice you to carry a Capital One credit card and use it for all your purchases. For over 15 years I have carried a CitiCard credit card in my wallet, and believe me, it got used! My card is labeled “black diamond” because it has been used through the start up of several business ventures. I always pay my bill in full and on time. Sadly, during my last business trip, I reached my limit of frustration with Citi and have begun...