If you’re running your business from a kitchen table, garage or spare bedroom, you’re in good company. According to the SBA, about half of all small businesses start at home in the U.S. In fact, some of the world’s most recognizable brands began the same way. Apple started in a garage, Amazon in Jeff Bezos’ home and Clif Bar in its founders’ home kitchens. Even Google began in a dorm room (and later, a rented garage) before turning into what it is today. These stories prove t

Every business starts with a vision, but even experienced professionals can lose sight of the basics when things get busy, challenging or frustrating. Those are the times when we tend to skip past the hard questions and focus more on day-to-day activity versus real direction. In Your First Business Blueprint  I challenge my readers to stop and assess their foundation first (even if they’ve been in business a while). And this isn’t about mission statements or big-picture strat

Behind every thriving business is someone who stayed the course when others decided to go back to their 9-5 jobs. The people who succeed aren’t always the most creative or well-funded. They’re the ones who stay focused, keep learning and take consistent action. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to stand out. The basics, done well and done consistently, make all the difference. Here’s what separates the entrepreneurs who last: They know their “why.”  Purpose fuels them when

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business, this is your moment. The tools, technology and support available today make it easier than ever to turn an idea into income. You don’t need permission, perfect timing or a big investment. You just need to start. Entrepreneurship isn’t only for people with deep pockets or big networks anymore. The digital age leveled the field. Anyone with drive, focus and a willingness to learn can build something of their own. Here’s why the

Starting a business doesn’t take a perfect plan or a million-dollar idea. It takes focus, direction and the willingness to begin. Every successful entrepreneur starts the same way: by deciding to move forward. From there, it’s about figuring out what you’re good at, who you want to serve and how to build something that fits your life. Progress comes from small, steady steps. Here’s how smart entrepreneurs set themselves up for success: Start small, think big.  Every strong bu

Shark Tank is fun to watch, right? Well, it’s not exactly the full picture of what starting a business looks like.

If you’ve been thinking about starting something of your own, now might be the time to take that idea seriously.

If you’re serious about starting a business, here’s your task: Stop spinning your wheels and start asking yourself the hard stuff.

Starting a business is hard enough. Don’t make it harder by believing things that simply aren’t true.