All opinions are NOT created equal

In being an Entrepreneur for almost 10 years. I have encountered many people who always want to give  their opinions on being your own boss or doing one of "those" things. In coaching many people, I found that the opinions of well meaning friends, family and loved ones, stopped them from living the life they wanted to live. Instead, they just lived in misery. That's where the phrase, "misery loves company comes from" Why? Fear. We all trust that the people closest to us know what's best for us. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and what I know especially to be true as I parent. One I might think is best, may not be their dream or their passion.

Someone came to me, upset and said their brother suggested that they should stop doing "that business" because "those things don't work". I ask two questions, "what does your brother do?" The reply was, he works at Applebees. My next question was, "has he ever had a successful business?" The reply was, no. Now we were in a room with countless of us who were successful, don't punch time clocks, have changed lives and support ourselves financially. So my last and important question was, "why are you taking his advice?" The reply was, "because he is family." I know right, you see how crazy that sounds? But we do it all the time. (no disrespect to anyone who works at Applebees:)

I have been my own boss and the freedom that comes with it is priceless. BUT it's not for everybody. There is work to be done! The biggest is working on yourself and your mindset. Many Many don't want to do the work just what's easy. Blame the government, blame parents and just make excuses! Excuses are just well, planned lies."Dani Johnson"

I heard from someone who said NEVER take business advice from someone who has NOT or is NOT doing what you are looking to do. That goes for your personal life as well. No one can tell how to have a great marriage and they are on their 6th marriage. No one can tell you not to go into business for yourself and they have never started one and didn't do the work necessary to succeed and quit. You respect them but not their relationship or business advice. I love this quote from Napoleon Hill~Who said it could not be done? And what victories has he/she to their credit to judge others accurately. As my friend, Soomin Kim says, the opinions of others are typically based on personal experience and are highly biased. 

Stop allowing others who are fearful of making their dreams a reality. Connect with others who have what you want, are doing what you want to do and find the freedom that is yours! What does freedom look like to you? Sit down and write out what it is YOU would like to do, where YOU would like to go. Who would YOU like to help? Freedom is yours! Freedom to be, do and have ALL that you were created for!!!

Peace!

My greatest accomplishment!!!

This week is Teacher Appreciation week. First let me say there are some pretty awesome teachers out there who spend more time with our kids than most parents do. You love your students and you treat them as if they were you own. You rock!  This past August I embarked upon homeschooling my 11 year old son. I am no stranger to home-school. Both my girls were home-schooled years ago due to the High School failing to protect my daughter and only caring about where the school placed in the District. So making the decision to home-school this amazingly smart and passionate boy was a no-brainer when too many problems arose at his elementary school. I realized that we as parents are our kids 1st teachers.

Road trip to Utah

We have a few weeks left and today left me speechless and truly grateful that I have the lifestyle to be available to him. I remember years ago when I lost my job, the only thing I could see were the tears in my eyes. How was I going to raise this beautiful boy I was holding in my arms at 6 weeks old and give him the life I dreamed of for him.  Being an Entrepreneur allowed me to just take the day off from everything and just watch him enjoy Horseback riding. The hugs, the thank-yous were almost overwhelming. Although he wants to go to Middle School and experience it this fall, he will always have the precious memories of the time he spent with his family and friends.

Horse Ranch at BLORA

Keep your dreams in front of you! Stop allowing others who are too afraid to step out and live their dreams, stop you from achieving yours!!!

Peace!

New Era of Entrepreneurship

We have one more month until it is 2012. 16 more months until my husband walks away from a 20+ year career with the U.S. Army. Although we are grateful for the experiences, we look forward to having the freedom to do what we choose. Recently I read an article and wanted to share it with those who are wanting the same. Whether it is to open up a Floral Shop or Bakery, there is no time like the present.


Achieving Your Entrepreneurship Destiny
 by Darwin J. Bruce

At this time, more than ever, it is paramount for
entrepreneurs to take control of their entrepreneurial
dreams and plan to succeed in this new era. Of course,
there are certain steps you should take to better control
your entrepreneurial destiny. Read on and learn how to
open the door to your future.

Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset


Entrepreneurship is much broader than the simple definition of small business. It is a mindset. You must think like an investor and act like an entrepreneur. You invest in an idea to create value that is separately identiiable
from yourself. However, as an entrepreneur, you still take full responsibility for it. Make sure that each of your ventures has its own unique purpose, vision, and plan.

The Map –Plan, Manage, and Strategize

There are always inherent risks in business. The word entrepreneur by its own deinition is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise. However, you can overcome many risks if you develop a succinct business plan, an organized management infrastructure, and strategies to create
value. Strive to be innovative and develop new ideas while balancing risks and costs. This will ultimately lead to proitability.


Expect to Succeed

What does it take to succeed? It takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a plan, and management strategies that create value through innovation and a focus on profitability. It does not come easily, but it can be done. The economy has changed, and change creates opportunity for those who are prepared to seize the moment. Don’t miss your opportunity. Expect to win. Plan to win. Prepare to win in this new era of entrepreneurship. The future of our economy awaits!






Darwin J. Bruce, J.D., is COO of The Potter’s House of Dallas and author of The
Map to Entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.darwinbruce.com