Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Every week someone asks here, "I want to start a business. How do I know which one?"

Check out this 3 minute video from Richard St. John on the TED website. He explains, very quickly, the secrets of success in 8 words.

(You can also download as a podcast or transcript.)



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One of the biggest problems we have in modern society, I think, is the decline in separation between thinking and feeling. A hundred years of "modern education" has refocused people on their feelings, rather than on the principles of analysis, logic, thought, imagination, and follow-through.

Ayn Rand coined the term "secondhanding," which essentially means taking a concept and removing all its internal references, then using that word or phrase as if it actually has meaning. A lot of inspirational speakers and so-called coaches do this sort of thing. It`s not a bad thing, really; it`s just that it doesn`t accomplish anything.

In the video, we hear about 8 "things" a person needs in order to be a success. There are some definitions, all of which are anecdotal, and we`re given to believe that the full-length seminars go further into detail. I doubt it, having seen a lot of these types of discussions.

The problem of anecdotal definition is that it doesn`t really say or do anything for the individual who`s trying to develop their thought process. These types of definition (a loose association to the word) offer us countless stories and examples of what other people have done. The implication is that by watching those people we "somehow" will make a leap of intuition and arrive at a proper definition.

Here on Startup Nation we`ve had several discussions about the objective meaning of "passion," for instance. We know that passion falls within the category of emotion, but what exactly is it? If we don`t know and can`t make that guess-by-watching, where does that leave someone?

Inspirational talks make people feel good. The audience leaves the room with a feeling they`ve actually done something, accomplished something, and learned something. In most cases, though, they haven`t changed from when they went into the room. They still have to go *do* something. As soon as they try to do that something, they realize they`re no better off than when they started.

What`s sad, is that underneath the feel-good language are true concepts with real meaning, and powerful capabilities. Passion, persistence, service, inspiration---all these are terms and concepts applied to what has made humanity so different from animals. Education used to mean the development and fostering of these traits in children.

We "feel" things automatically as part of our biochemistry. But to think requires learned skills---especially to think rationally. Feeling good about an idea isn`t at all the same as doing something useful with that idea. It`s like the old joke where someone asks what makes a consultant. In many examples, all it takes is waking up one morning and saying, "Gee....today I feel like becoming a consultant. :-)

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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom

LOL!!  "Success = Not Dead!" I like it!

he-he-he ... I need to raise my sights a bit more as that`s kind of eliminates any partial success (Romero`s movies aside!~)

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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom

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Steve Little: Business Success Coach, Miraculous Retirement Coach, Professional Fitness Coach,
Champion Bodybuilder, Author, Musician, Artist, Master Craftsman, and Entrepreneurial Multimillionaire

www.championsuccess.com
www.secretforentrepreneurs.com

http://blog.championsuccess.com

Phone: 408-847-7052

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If you want something you have to MAKE IT HAPPEN. No excuses. Take responsibility for your life. You have to push, push, push, and NEVER quit.

If you`re going to play the game, you have to know the rules.

Hi, I`m new to this site but this is a great thread. the right attitude is key, isn`t it?

i don`t know if you guys are familiar with Bob and melinda blanchard, but their website is called live what you love and their philosophy is based partly on their practical experience as people who have started 10 businesses together over the years (some successful, others not) and partly on a real determination to live a happy life.

they are big believers in reacting to the events in your life, and making changes accordingly. they have a very positive approach and I`ve really been enjoying their blog and when i ask questions in the comments they`ve been really kind about responding with advice.  i think the blanchards are an excellent resource for anyone who is considering starting a business and needs a positive place to get information and advice!

wdarling, can you provide some of the things you`ve learned from bob and melinda? we`d love for you to share your wisdom right here! i`m sure bob and melinda would appreciate you spreading their "gospel", too, right?! let`s hear it! we`re all about life planning.

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation