Do you have what it takes?

 May 26, 2009   |   Posted by Lance Hood   |  

Have you ever heard the phrase “You have to have money to make money,”? 

That is not nessasarily true, and …

Bill Bartmann is living proof that you can come from nothing and become anything you want. Bill went from being homeless and eating out of dumpsters to becoming the 25^th wealthiest person in America.

So what does it take to become successful? Read more

The Diversity Question: Tips Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Growing a Venture

 April 10, 2009   |   Posted by Lance Hood   |  

An extremely common questions is:  Should I have multiple streams of income or put all my eggs in one basket?

Put all your eggs in one basket.  And then watch it grow.  It may seem contrarian in a culture focused on mitigating risk.  But in reality, successful people find something that works and they stick with it.   Critics would argue that’s dangerous.  According to them, too much of one thing is never good.  Advocates rightfully point out though, that having multiple streams of income eventually becomes too difficult to manage.  The problems that result such as poor financial management ultimately defeat the original purpose of becoming wealthy. So what should you do?  Read more

Overcoming Obstacles: How to Deal with Tough Situations for an Entrepreneur

 April 10, 2009   |   Posted by Lance Hood   |  

If dealing with obstacles lets you know you’re alive, then there are likely times you feel more “alive” than others.  Dealing with difficult situations never seems enjoyable.  But responding to challenges helps us improve ourselves.  And is something the successful do very well.  Below are a few of the many tough situations you may face on the road to becoming successful and the solutions for moving forward.

1. 1.  Difficult customers.  We all have them.  Whether we are self-employed or work for someone else, we have encountered difficult people.  Likely, we have been the difficult person before too!  It’s tempting to disengage difficult people, but sometimes on the road to being successful, and then staying there, we have to embrace those who drive us crazy!

 First, evaluate what Read more

Leadership: 5 Tips Every Entrepreneur Should Know

 April 6, 2009   |   Posted by Lance Hood   |  

Leaders are the very best in their field.  They are the highest paid too.  Becoming a leader overnight may be difficult to do, but the tips below are designed to help you achieve leadership possibilities on your road to success.  And once you’re there, how to sustain them.

1. 1.  Ask the right questions.  Two of the most important questions you can ask in order to be successful are: 

•  How – Asking how gets you out of problems and in the direction of solutions. 
• Why – Prioritizing your goals and knowing why you want to achieve them gets you closer to achievement. 

An important reminder:  Keep these questions positive.  Asking “why me” or “why do I have to do that” are modes of negativity.  Negative leaders don’t last long.  The positive, optimistic ones do.  It’s okay to be realistic and know there are challenges ahead.  But asking “how” provides results and knowing “why” keeps you motivated. 

1. 2.  Communicate.  Want to be a leader?  Communicate with everyone you meet.  Some will be above you.  Others below.  No matter the situation, focus on your communication skills.  One of the best methods for rewarding people you lead is Read more

3 of the Biggest Mistakes on the Road to Making it Big

 February 23, 2009   |   Posted by Lance Hood   |  

Here’s some great information about the biggest mistakes people make when they are getting started in their own business.

1. Procrastination

Making it big means taking on big projects.  Taking on big projects can lead to procrastination.  And it’s tough to get ahead when procrastinating.  The key is to start somewhere.  Anywhere.  Take each big project you have and break it down into little, more manageable pieces.  No matter how small each step may seem – it counts.  And now you’re no longer procrastinating on your great idea.  Take this process further by freely writing or drawing to loosen and relax your mind.    

2. Letting fear take over

Ever wonder what the naysayers are going to think about you making it big?  Well, don’t worry about it.  One of the biggest hindrances to success is the fear of what others will think about what we’re doing along the way.  In reality, Read more