Homepage | Contact | Site Map | Search | EntrepreNEWS |
|||
June 8, 2022 ~ Come tell us about your business ~ https://conta.cc/3GYou6W
You've come up with this neat idea and it
would be great to start a business!
Do you remember days gone by when: You wanted to buy something, you went to a store? You wanted a hot meal you didn't prepare yourself, you went to a restaurant? You needed information, you went to a library? These days, whatever you want is only a click away. Business incubation, career development and mentoring are also just a click away. If you want it, click it! What do you have on your site that is a click to buy? Should you not have something, add it. Make it very convenient for people to buy from you. If they want it, they click it. Give me a call or meet me for breakfast Wednesday at Corner Bakery Cafe and we'll discuss the results of "click to buy" technologies!? March 30, 2022 ~
Success ~ https://conta.cc/36vnwBv I describe "success" as having
fun, making money and doing good! March 09, 2022 ~ Aspirations ~ https://conta.cc/3sULkak Aspirations? Webster's Dictionary:
ardently desiring; strong wish; high desire. February 16, 2022 ~ Stay
The Course ~ https://conta.cc/3gCYxxw
January 1, 2022 ~ https://conta.cc/3mMcVae December 1 2021 ~ Happy
Holidays ~ https://conta.cc/3rnnqUx November 24 2021 ~
Your Life - Your Future ~ https://conta.cc/3kMweii November 17 2021 ~ Perfect the
first time ~ https://conta.cc/3F4qulK How thorough are you? November 3 2021 ~ A phone call
away ~ https://conta.cc/3bfssJg I'm a phone call away. September 29 2021 ~ Annual
Events ~ https://conta.cc/3CRuvz3 September 15 2021 ~ We Keep
In Touch ~ https://conta.cc/3Ej0Xf6 Email. August 25 2021 ~ Your Input
Please? ~ https://conta.cc/3yeJLDa August 18 2021 Economic
Development ~ https://conta.cc/3iHrgCR Economic Development, simplified, is when people
spend money with you rather than with someone else! August 11 2021 Eliminating Stops ~
https://conta.cc/3fx8Dj0 August 4 2021 Making Choices
~ https://conta.cc/3zKAhkn July 28 2021 How May I
Assist? ~ https://conta.cc/3kOn4D7 What can I assist you with? July 21 2021 For Rapid Growth ~
https://conta.cc/3iaTXGZ Over the years people have asked me how it is our
Co-Op has been so successful in growing companies and advancing careers? July 14 2021 For Rapid Growth
~ https://conta.cc/3km6idY "Earning while learning" was a phrase I heard from a Co-op Associate many years ago. It made perfect sense to me. July 7 2021 Your Plans ~
https://conta.cc/3Afzskx June 30 2021 Public Speaker
~ https://conta.cc/3zMvfVv June 23 2021 No Hokus Pokus ~
https://conta.cc/2SNvVJG June 16 2021 More On The Dome ~
https://conta.cc/3gwYQe5 < This video created several years ago.> My vote is to have it serve as part of Houston's entrepreneurial legacy and make it functional and profitable. Houston is already "Business Start-Up Capital of the World," so let's convert The Dome into a core facility for just that: "the place to go when you're starting a business in Houston." (Or Texas or the USA!) In The Dome's 350,000 square feet, let's combine WiFi hot spots, areas for co-working, trendy cafes, start-up consultants, a big bank, marketing, sales training, a smaller bank or two, executive suite, publicist, brew pub, coffee shop, credit union, angel investors, lenders, real estate agency, convenience store, drug store, office supplies and furniture outlet, a business incubator/accelerator and make another portion into extended-stay residences so out-of-towners have accommodations while starting, expanding, relocating, acquiring a business in Houston and still another part into a residency business incubator - first in the world - just as the Astrodome was in its time. The astute "powers-that-be" realize it's our small businesses that drive our economy. Let's make it easier to get a business started in Houston than any other place in the world, eh? ? "Business start-up" is an industry for Houston that brings in outside money. Let's make it efficient, convenient and effective. What's your opinion? Send me an email cdkring@servicesca.org, even if it's just an "Amen, Brother." And, perchance, should you be a business consultant, attorney, CPA, realtor, marketing company, bookkeeper, banker, insurance underwriter, seed fund/venture capital fund administrator or any other support entity serving in-bound/start-up/emerging business clients and choose to have a presence in this vibrant entrepreneurial hub, send me that information, too, and I'll go show it to the "Dome Destiny Decision Makers." Should you have an interest in conducting business in the Dome give me a call, connect on Skype, send an email or come have breakfast with me any Wednesday morning. June 9 2021 Plans For The Dome ~ https://conta.cc/3uY0nhb ![]() "For the past three years, Houston has created more new companies than any city in America." The Economist - 06/23/2001 ASTRODOME NOW You may know that there is a group: Home - Future Dome (astrodomeconservancy.org) that has been given the task of determining what is to be done with our Dome. My suggestion for the Dome is that we have it house all the support operations a business may use to start or grow or relocate to Houston - truly a "one stop shop" - and have it to be including a hotel and restaurants. Let's build on Houston being startup capital of the world with virtually any resource a company is likely to need and operate the Dome as a business co-op. Should you have an interest in conducting business in the Dome give me a call, connect on Skype, send an email or come have breakfast with me any Wednesday morning. June 2 2021 Accelerating Movement ~ https://conta.cc/3fHbUNw May 26 2021 Movement Forward ~ https://conta.cc/3fNycf4 May 19 2021 Another Research Project For Growth ~ https://conta.cc/3tY8biv May 12 2021 Economic Empowerment ~ https://conta.cc/3eyyDup May 5 2021 Next Steps ~ https://conta.cc/2PNKA5T
Take a concept - the idea - and shape it into a viable, functional, profitable venture. Oh yeah, that's also lots of fun! Now this "process" is not magic. It's a methodology that produces a predictable result - a successful business owned and operated by the founder! The process includes marketing, operations, administration and financial controls. All the things that exist in every successful business. I could spend hours sharing with you these particles, procedures, components, processes, etc. However, there's an easier way and we've been doing this awhile. When you are thinking of starting (or growing) a business, give me a call or join me for breakfast any Wednesday at Corner Bakery Cafe, 7:30 to 8:30 AM and I'll share with you the things you need to be aware of and in the best way that you a absorb them. Be sure to let me know you're coming. You need not be in Houston, by the way. People connect with me from around the world via Skype. Successful regard$, (Not thinking of ever having a business? Pass this on to a friend who is, please?) April 27 2021 You're Special ~ https://conta.cc/3sTUbWv Youre SPECIAL! April 21 2021 Clean Presentations ~ https://conta.cc/2RQRDLS
April 14 2021 Anyone can do the Easy Stuff ~ https://conta.cc/3dLuaD0 ![]() 1. Youve decided what it is you want to do? 2. So, get started. No procrastination. No fear. No delays. No reasons or excuses. 3. And give yourself a schedule with a task and time line. 4. Youve decided the what. Next is the how and when. 5. Business plans totally unnecessary, thank you. 6. Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Mary Kay Ash - just to name a few - HAD NO BUSINESS PLAN! 7. You have a resource mix. 8. Time, Money, Ability, Contacts, Energy, Attitude, Integrity. 9. Which of these can you really do without? 10. Trick question. (T)(M)(Ab)(C)(E)(At)(I) = Desired results. No zeros allowed. Zeros are horrible multipliers. 11. Bring in additional input should you encounter doubts or delays. 12. A mentor will move you forward faster with whats to be done, knowledgeable on how to do it and motivated to get it accomplished. 13. 93% of the worlds richest people have a mentor. 14. Why do you suppose that is?
Over
the years I've had the good fortune to work with exceptional people. March 3 2021 Contingency ~ https://conta.cc/3kJWBEv I've been conversing with numerous former clients over the last several months and they shared their contingency plans. They all had them and used them. And it doesn't matter if you are a business owner or not. Things change. Sometimes drastically, eh? So if you are responsible for keeping food on the table, a roof overhead, or paying staff, you have a contingency plan. Need assistance in recovery or ideas for recovery?? Give us a call or join us for breakfast Wednesday in the private room at Corner Bakery Cafe, 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Be sure to let us know you're coming. Successful regard$, February 24 2021 Snowed In? ~ https://conta.cc/3aDxoYP |
I've enjoyed living in Houston since the early
70's and haven't had the "playing in the snow" opportunity before.
And t'was a tad "nippy," yes?
I had no electricity and no water - which is why EntrepreNEWS was published Saturday and
not Thursday - so playing in the snow was a fun replacement.
When circumstances give you lemons you make lemonade, eh?
In life we are sometimes presented with unfortunate situations.
We learn to turn them around to create a positive mental attitude and go forward.
I have some pictures of the snow.
If you have some, send them and we'll have a Snow Art Show!"
Or bring them Wednesday and join us for breakfast in the private room at Corner Bakery
Cafe, 7:30 to 8:30 AM.
February 17 2021 Accomplishments ~ https://conta.cc/3qjOAs0
Starting a business is easy. Having it grow
and prosper, ah . . . not so easy.
And our co-op has been in the business of growing companies for 38 years.
We brought you the "Business Building Breakfast" in 1983. More than 100,000
people have attended.
In 1985 we founded the "Entrepreneurial Development Center," Houston's first and
Texas' oldest business incubator.
In the years following we created the Womens Business Center, Health-Medical Enterprise
Center, International Business Center, Product Development Center, Software Business
Center and Startup Center. Also all first in the United States.
Our final business incubator design is the Virtual Business Accelerator, first in the
world.
?We also perfected a development methodology based on the entrepreneur's resources,
aptitude and attributes that has the business grow faster and more secure.
No brag - just fact.
When you or someone you know is starting a business, we recommend the Entrepreneurial
Assessment to provide a highly accurate 2nd Opinion on what might be expected.
Should the business qualify for incubation, we'll design a custom tailored development
methodology, with a mentor, professional development coach and advisory board in an
accelerator program at a rate easily affordable.
We're business owners serving business owners and our clients have won virtually ever
award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally!
Join us Wednesday morning via Skype or in the private room at Corner Bakery Cafe, 7:30 to
8:30 AM and we'll answer any questions you may have and you can share your accomplishments
and ambitions.
February 10 2021 Patience ~
https://conta.cc/3jym5UI
We can be perfect in our next life.
In this one, we get to be human and humans make mistakes, eh?
So, what is it you do when you make a mistake?
<Yeah, I know it's very, very seldom.>
You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, clean up any mess, apologize as necessary,
and continue with what you were doing/what's to be done with any fix-up process.
Make sure you "own up" to the "screw up" without beating
"yourself up."
And how about when someone else makes a mistake?
You help them with the actions above and remember the key phrase: patience.
Join us Wednesday morning via Skype or in the private room at Corner Bakery Cafe, 7:30 to
8:30 AM and tell us the examples of patience you've encountered?
February 3 2021 Smiles ~
https://conta.cc/2YELKBq
Positive Mental Attitude.
"PMA" for short.
You remember last week we discussed positive energy and how it expands?
So this week we'll focus on applying positive energy to attitude.
As in our own and those around us.
It's very easy to determine if you are appropriately and effectively doing this.
You look for smiles.
And you already know that people who smile are happier and more productive, eh?
Pop Quiz: What's the one thing you have your competitors will never have? Send your answer
here.
I invite you to join us Wednesday morning via Skype at 7:30 to 8:30 AM and we'll get you
started in increasing the PMA of people you interact with.
January 27 2021 Positive Energy ~ https://conta.cc/3qWyDrD
Positive energy expands!
Negative energy contracts!
We've been showing people how to create and attract positive energy for a goodly number of
years now.
38+, if I remember correctly.
We teach a development methodology that produces a predictable result!
It's not magic.
It's a methodology that you can learn and apply.
I invite you to come meet with me any Wednesday morning via Skype at 7:30 to 8:30 AM and
we'll get you started to being a source of positive energy.
January 20 2021 Welcome ~
https://conta.cc/3sMBm8T
2021!
New Year!
Woo Hoo!!
Ok, what are the plans you have for yourself for today or this week, month, quarter or the
entire year?
I invite you to come share your thoughts, intent and projects with me Wednesday morning
via Skype at 7:30 to 8:30 AM.
I enjoy the new, different and challenging ambitions of people I work with.
You may know that my start-up clients have won virtually every award for business growth
in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally!
And some of my past clients are household names in Houston.
For true!
Give me a call and let's get started.
No procrastination, please.
We can get you to where you want to go!
The sooner we start the sooner we get there.
Successful regard$,
January 13 2021 What's Past ~
https://conta.cc/3byVXqI
Well, we made it into the new year, eh?
The holidays are over!
And the elections, too!
By the way, I've never observed an election for President of the United States like we
just had.
And from where we started in all this political process to where we ended is
"troubling" to me.
Where are we as American citizens?
What's to be done so that we recognize what a exceptional country we have, populated with
all of us: red, white and blue.
Come share your thoughts Wednesday morning via Skype at "Houston CrossRoads"
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Please come to inform and discuss, not to argue.
Successful regard$,
December 23 2020 Exceptional People ~
https://conta.cc/2WAlyXK
Over the years weve discovered some
interesting things about people and their capability
Weve been fortunate in that weve had opportunity to work with exceptional
people.
Exceptional people produce exceptional results, consistently.
Exceptional results like companies which consistently grow and prosper.
Exceptional results like having a business that they love and their passion demonstrated
in the quality of their output.
Exceptional people continually overcome roadblocks, stops, obstacles, difficulties
negative situations and produce a huge amount of positive energy.
I know you remember that positive energy expands, while negative energy contracts.
Exceptional people consistently do what they say they will do and by when they say it will
be done.
Exceptional people are effective in their use of their time to accomplish their
objectives.
Exceptional people utilize mentors.
COME share the holiday season with us at the Business Building Breakfast Wednesday, either
in person or remotely via Skype at "Houston Crossroads"
December 16 2020 Tis the Season ~ https://conta.cc/388wDVg
I think you'll agree these are interestingly
unique times with things like COVID 19 and all the controversy regarding the election.
I've never encountered anything similar.
The holiday season, however, is important and very special.
Use it as a time to thank friends, family, co-workers and all those others who make a
difference in your life.
And share yourself with us for the Business Building Breakfast Wednesday, either in person
or remotely via Skype at "Houston Crossroads"
Successful regard$,
November 25 2020 What's
Going On? ~ https://conta.cc/3nViX6a
We're about to be running out of year, in case you've
not noticed.
Are there any 2020 goals still on your "to do" list?
Or maybe some 2021 ambitions you've not even written down yet?
Tsk-Tsk!
Here's a suggestion.
Engage a planner, mentor or a professional third party to spend a few hours with you to
guide you in completing what's to be done!
Taking that stress off your end-of-year activities is worth the price!
Business Building Breakfast Wednesday!
November 18 2020 The
Power of Truth Tellers ~ https://contac.cc/36KfRer
Did you ever get the feeling that sometimes in a
conversation someone is not telling you the truth?
Afterward, when you confront them with the chance to clear it up, they will tell you A)
you misunderstood, B) they said no such thing, C) they didn't have a choice, D) they had
not had the time to let you know of the changes?
I've some very smart friends I've known for many, many years who are in the agri-business
and who create additives that are used to alter crops. When people eat these alteredfood
crops and then tell a "false hood" their noses turn bright red!
I'll bet there'll be lots of red noses around soon, eh??
Don't you wish it could be just that simple?
Join us for our traditional truth-telling Business Building Breakfast Wednesday!
November 11 2020 Job Done! ~ https://conta.cc/35eusPZ
The 46th president of the United States is
supposed to be positioning himself to lead a nation gripped by a historic pandemic, a confluence of economic and social turmoil, some
bit of disagreement/confusion as to what the presidential selection process really is and
who is actually the president, anyway!
However, you can continue with your economic development activities by joining us for
breakfast on Wednesday mornings at Corner Bakery Cafe: 7:15 to 8:30 AM, 9311 Katy Frwy.,
(I-10W at Echo Lane.)
November 03 2020 Job
Done! ~ https://conta.cc/35eusPZ
October 21 2020 You decide ~ https://conta.cc/3o37keq
It's time to make your preference known.
When we have a vote we have voice.
Make sure yours is heard!
September 30, 2020 Who
is in charge? ~ https://conta.cc/3jf6Gb4
It's your life.
Live it so you're having fun, making money and doing good.
Make sure that little voice in your head (that only you can hear) keeps you focused on the
"what" you want to do and the "how" to do it.
Please remember that little voice works for you and not the other way around.
Give yourself some goals, targets, aspirations or ambitions to get you from where you are
to where you want to be.
Believe in yourself and your abilities to achieve your future.
Keep a positive mental attitude. Never give up and make your accomplishments worthy of
you.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday - virtually
or in person - and we'll discuss moving you in the direction you want to go!
September 23, 2020 Update ~ https://conta.cc/3hTfdif
Years ago we identified a target market in an important
area of interest that was not served.
It was the emerging business owner.
So we designed a model business to teach these emerging business owners what they wanted
to learn to have successful businesses.
It was also "an earning while learning environment."
The first in the U.S.
Co-Op companies have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston.
Please pass this information on to anyone thinking of starting a business.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday - virtually or in person - and we'll discuss teaching
you what you want to learn and doing so in the best way you can learn it.
September 2, 2020 Speed it up! ~
https://conta.cc/3bHIbjF
Speed
yourself along!
How about doing something you love that pays very well and benefits many people?
Is that your intent?
Havin' fun, makin' money and doin' good?
Also known as high quality of life, high standard of living and high return to community.
We're business owners and teaching business ownership in an easily mastered format was our
intent.
In the early 80's we designed a "model small business" to provide "on the
job training" that yields a successful business and a confident business owner in a
minimum time frame.
We included an "easy to implement" development methodology that produces a
predictable result.
Again, in minimal time.
No brag, just fact!
We proved that entrepreneurship could be taught and our co-op companies have won virtually
every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally, and some even
internationally.
Our co-up also created Houston's first (and Texas' oldest) business incubator, plus the
first Womens Business Center in the U.S., plus the first virtual business accelerator in
the world!
All without the first dime of public funding.
We are NOT your tax dollars at work!
Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday - virtually or in person - and we'll discuss you
having the business you deserve and how to do it sooner rather than later!
And the things you learn with the co-op are also perfect for professional development and
career advancement for non business owners.
August 26 2020 Entrepreneurons ~ https://conta.cc/34sTk6w
Entrepreneuron: the smallest energy
particle of economic development and having certain quantifiable characteristics
identified as resources, attributes and aptitude for the entrepreneurial process in which
to undertake a business initiative for success consisting of quality of life, standard of
living and return to community, also expressed as having fun, making money and doing good.
Although capable of individual or isolated location, these particles generally can be
found in clusters, having an attraction or affinity for one another and are apparent in
nature involving innovation, imagination and creativity.
Entrepreneurons comprise the greatest economic energy resource in the United States.
While there are many theories, no one can positively prove the origin of Entrepreneurons.
However, all indications are that they are formed as a by-product of certain situations
and conditions associated with commerce.
Entrepreneurons tend to thrive, propagate, expand and increase in a free enterprise
system, excepting in those environments which bureaucrats are found to predominate.
Bureaucracies, in a manner not totally understood, acting as the anti-matter of individual
or collective Entrepreneurons.
A truism being that if one must sin, it is better to sin against God rather than a
bureaucracy, for God will forgive you, whereas the bureaucracy never will.
The typical Entrepreneuron is atypical, being unique in personality, however sharing a
central trait or core quality known as understanding and operating at risk, also expressed
conversely as no guts, no glory.
Entrepreneurons transcend all ethnic, gender, age and religious criteria, classifications
and boundaries, the only universal application being themselves and entrepreneurial
exponent.
Call me at LinkedIn or Skype, when you're ready to verify entrepreneurial energy and let's
begin sooner rather than later, please.
The perfect next step when you are an Entrepreneuron seeking entrepreneurship training,
entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development, and entrepreneurial expansion is
the Entrepreneurial Assessment®.
Or join us for breakfast any Wednesday - virtual or in person - and we'll discuss you
venturing into entrepreneurship.
Successful regard$,
August 19 2020 Meet, Greet and Follow-up ~ https://conta.cc/2Y9XLyX
Have you noticed that more networking group meetings are virtual these days?
When you attend a virtual meeting, be sure that you've confirmation with the host that
you'll get complete contact information on everyone attending.
Why?
So you can do your follow-up, of course.
"The meeting is never completed until the follow-up is done."
And you'll have these people in your database so you can keep in touch.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday - virtual or in person - and we'll send you complete
follow-up information on everyone attending.
We've been doing this for years!
Successful regard$,
August 12 2020 Easy and Effective ~ https://conta.cc/2XObawI
The essence of entrepreneurship:
#1 - Find a niche!
#2 - Make sales!
#3 - Manage to profits!
#4 - Distribute to contributors!
#5 - Repeat the process!
Have questions?
Don't hesitate to ask.
We're here because you're here.
Work a breakfast
with us into your schedule.
Chances are excellent we've been there and done what it is you want to do.
Successful regard$,
August 5 2020 Your Wish ~ https://conta.cc/2ERupPf
You've noticed we've altered our format?
We've added some of the other exciting changes you've requested with more coming!
Your feedback is always welcomed.
In these tough times, let us know what you want/need?
We're here because you're here.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday
morning, in person or via Skype.
Tough times don't last.
Tough people do!
Successful regard$,
July 29 2020 Houston, Texas, USA ~ https://conta.cc/3hJYMFc
to Houston, Texas, USA!
Entrepreneurial energy capital of the world.
The best place to start a business, grow a business, acquire a business or relocate a
business!
Starting way back when with the Allen brothers.
And you already know that Houston is the most culturally diverse city in the nation!
Uh huh!
Go look it up for yourself
And we have such things as the Texas Medical Center, largest in the world!
And who was that bunch that dredged the ship channel so Houston could have a fully
functional port for ocean-going vessels?
And it was Houston that had the first domed stadium in the world; We think it should be
converted into the first residency business incubator world-wide!
And what about all the Houston people keeping our exceptional city famous: Paul Barela,
Annise Parker, Mike Mangan, Jerry Cooper, Jim McIngvale, Sandy Lawrence, May Wang, Sandra
White, Mark Kamin, R. D. Yoder, Willy Verbrugghe, Susan Deison, Rosemary Behrens, Milton
Thibodeaux, Russel Treat, Gail Stolzenburg, Valerie Burson, Doris St. Cyr, Hiett Ives -
this list goes on and on and on!!!!!
And you knew, of course, that among the terms of Texas joining the United States way back
when was the agreement that any time the pledge to the flag for the United States was
given in Texas so would the pledge to the Texas flag be given:
Be sure to remind those "Northerners" to include the Texas pledge.
Please join us on July 29th for
your choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype with Houston Crossroads or a
traditional seated Business Building Breakfast in a private room at Corner Bakery Cafe and
share what it is you're doing in keeping Houston Number One in the world?
July 22 2020 All there is to know ~ https://conta.cc/32N4WAa
In the not too distant future, we're all going to get smarter.
Remember years ago when we wanted to know something we'd go to a library?
So now that we've reached micro-chips and the internet we've an infinite amount of
information at our finger-tips.
It's just a matter of time before we have a tiny connector implanted in our brains that
gives us access to all that's known in the world.
Bet you a pizza.
It's not if, Dear Reader.
It's only when.
Join us on July 22nd for your
choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype with Houston Crossroads or a
traditional seated Business Building Breakfast and share what it is you're learning and
how you're learning it?
July 15 2020 Return To Community ~ https://conta.cc/2OlEcOX
In the past we've spoken about success being expressed as "havin fun, makin' money
and doin' good."
That equates to high quality of life, high standard of living and high return to the
community.
Let's focus on your return to the community for this session and while there are many,
many ways of achieving this, I'll suggest your community's chamber of commerce.
We indexed chambers of commerce in and around Houston a number of years ago.
You can find them here:
https://www.servicesca.org/HoustonProudChambers.htm
and here:
https://www.servicesca.org/HoustonProudAreaChambers.htm
My suggestion is you go check several out to see if there is one you'll find yourself
comfortable with and, if so, join it, become active on one of the chamber's committees and
use your actions on that committee as your return to the community.
Being active in your local chamber of commerce creates higher visibility in the community.
Join us on July 15th for your choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype
(Houston Crossroads) or a traditional seated Business Building Breakfast and share what
you're up to in the community!
July 8 2020 Happy Birthday America ~ https://conta.cc/2VNaAyb
Independence Day!
I love this time of year!
Reminds me of when I was a kid, with school out, warm weather, summer fun, and long days.
I grew up a military brat, with parades for July 4th!
Independence day was a very special celebration.
And, oh yeah, my birthday month!
Couldn't get much better than that!
I remember I was 12 years old when I discovered another form of independence.
It was financial independence.
I had a paper route with money coming in and money going out, and learning how to manage
those activities to build a surplus.
Achieving financial independence is among the things we teach in The Co-Op today.
Join us on July
8th for your choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype (Houston
Crossroads) or a traditional seated Business Building Breakfast and let us share with you
our discoveries in creating financial independence.
July 1 2020 Economic Development ~ https://conta.cc/2VxdXce
Economic development!
That's where people come spend money with us here in Houston rather than with someone
someplace else.
So, what do we have as Houstonians that others don't have so that people will continue to
come spend money in Houston?
I can easily answer that.
Remember when Houston was referred to as "The Energy Capital Of The World"?
I'm sure you do - it wasn't all that long ago.
Houston was referred to as the energy capital of the world because of our many
hydrocarbons activities - AKA "oil & gas."
We had world leaders in "da earl bidnezz" calling Houston home.
I started my professional career many, many years ago working with one of "The Seven
Sisters" in the oil business.
That was Pan American Petroleum Corporation, with the marketing arm, AMOCO, producing the
1st lead free gasoline in the world.
Uh huh, I've been in research my entire career and have assisted in the discovery and
advancement of many "firsts!"
That's all history, so let's talk about something Houston can do now that will have people
continue to come to Houston to spend their money.
And, once again, it's an energy resource.
This time it's entrepreneurial energy.
Entrepreneurship can be taught.
Uh huh, that's right!
And we were the first kids in the country to demonstrate that business incubators - we had
Houston's first and Texas' oldest - were teaching entrepreneurship starting in 1985.
It became an overnight sensation!
We proved we knew about teaching entrepreneurship because our incubator clients have won
virtually ever award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even
internationally.
So what does Houston have for economic development activities?
If you want to start a business, grow a business, acquire a business or transfer a
business, Houston is "the place" to do that!
Join us on July
1st for your choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype (Houston
Crossroads) or a traditional seated Business Building Breakfast and let us share with you
our talents in independent economic development research that might be applicable with
something you want to do as your first.
June
24 2020 Ready to move forward ~ https://conta.cc/2N89Y1u
Piece of cake!
1. Decide the what, then the how, then the when.
2. Have some targets, goals, ambitions, or intentions to accomplish change with a
time-line.
3. No, business plan not needed: Bill Gates, Michael Dell, the late Steve Jobs (the list
goes on and on) had no business plan.
4. This is what you have to work with (your personal resources):
a) Time
b) Money
c) Ability
d) Contacts
e) Energy
f) Attitude
g) Integrity
5. You have attributes to decide how you utilize your resource mix:
a) Intellect (also known as "smarts.")
b) Quickness.
c) Ability to accept input.
6. The final measure is your aptitude for the entrepreneurial process.
a) Understanding and operating at risk.
b) Self-confidence.
c) Positive mental attitude.
7. What has made you successful?
8. What's next for you?
Join us for your choice of a virtual morning business meeting via Skype or a seated
Business Building Breakfast on June 24th and share with us what you're doing (or want to
do) to move forward.
June
17 2020 No Excuses ~ https://conta.cc/2Ap1ksF
Over the years we've had opportunity to
work with exceptional people.
You know some of them.
They've become household names in Houston.
And we've discovered some common beliefs among them.
Things like "quitting is not an option."
"Attitude is everything."
"Love what you do."
"Believe in yourself."
"If you don't get it right the first time, try, try again."
These people motivate and inspire those around them.
They encourage results not reasons and excuses are never an acceptable replacement!
June 10 2020 Tough Times ~ https://conta.cc.2YgVUrr
" . . . one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Have we forgotten?
Has this changed?
Is it because of the Coronavirus?
Lots of new and different things going on in our lives and across our country, eh?
Riots, violence, looting - peace, prayer, passion.
Please remember: Tough times don't last. Tough people do.
And when you think you can, you can!
We'll all get through this.
Join us for a virtual
morning business meeting on June 10th and share with us what you're doing to
get through these tough times.
June 3 2020 Predictions ~ https://conta.cc/3cq4I3n
In these uncertain times we've been getting numerous questions regarding a multitude of
empty office buildings and the high vacancy rate.
Because of the importance of the questions we consulted our high accuracy "tell us
the future" source.
Some of you know It's the deluxe model, complete with swirling mists, and very reliable.
The answers provided were complex and highly interesting.
In particular it revealed that the "vacate the office" evolution has started and
that an ever increasing number of people will remain working from home, with even more
doing so in the future.
And the trend will now be home offices, including the staff working for the really, really
big companies.
Sci-fi scenarios forecast that environmental change years ago.
And communication technologies, very easy to use, have attained a level of sophistication
that permits excellent simultaneous audio/visual conversations among dozens, scores or
hundreds of people from a few yards to literally thousands of miles away.
Don't be surprised as larger companies start providing increased compensation and improved
hardware for work-from-home staff and special software will facilitate remote access to
company data/information/communications keeping it secure.
Consider the additional benefit of no drive time, vehicle use, parking requirements or
transportation pollution.
Watch and learn.
Join us for a virtual morning business meeting
on June 3rd and share with us what your company is doing to keep you working at home
and away from the office.
May 27 2020 Your Patience https://conta.cc/3d0q4VS
for being so patient as we navigate through these
unprecedented times!
In my young (slightly over 3/4 a century) age I'm noticing the people around me are unequally dividing into two categories:
A.) those who are taking all this in stride.
and
B.) those who want it all back to "normal."
I congratulate those with the patience and flexibility to be accommodating to all the changes we're faced with and the ones yet to come.
You are an inspiration to us all.
Join us for a virtual morning business meeting on June 3rd and share with us how you've kept your poise.
May 20 2020 Updates ~ https://conta.cc/2TmRLk7
We're happy to have you reading our weekly EntrepreNEWS during these
trying times!
Some of you know we've been publishing this
informative newsletter for more than 25 years.
<Waving to our long time readers.>
Thank you for your loyalty and for keeping us
informed of your preferences over the years!
For you newbies, please be so kind as to take a
moment and tell us what you'd like to be seeing more (or less) of in this publication.
We'll start implementing your suggestions as
received.
Have an interesting article you've written?
Send it to us and we'll see if we can include it
in a future edition.
Thinking of starting a business?
Bring us your bright ideas.
We can move you forward faster!
It's no accident our startups have won virtually
award for business growth in Houston.
Some nationally!
Some even internationally!
We're available by telephone or Skype or
join our virtual
business development meetings on Wednesday mornings.
May 13 2020 Recovery ~ https://conta.cc/2Wm1Ks0
So what's next for recovery?
When can we all get back to work, or school or where-ever?
Is the virus issue completely past or merely taking a little break to reappear even worse?
Grumble!
Stumble!
Scratch our heads and mumble!
Here's what's true!
We don't really know what's ahead!
What we do know is we'll get past it!
Amen, Brothers and Sisters!
We'll all make it!
Some patience required, eh?
Amen!
May 6 2020 Anyone Can Do The Easy Stuff ~ https://conta.cc/2YCqugQ
So the question lingers as to when we
can resume our previously normal activities?
Whenever we can all get out and about again without our face masks or social distancing
will be our new normal and it will be within an economy that has been severely impacted by
the virus!
No moderation there.
A severe whammo has befallen us!
Whew!
Come share with us those things you've already implemented for recovery and we'll share
them with a receptive audience!
And let us all continue with our patience, trust that where there is a will there is a
way, that this is Houston, Texas, USA and we shall prevail!
April 29 2020 Making Your Money Machine ~ https://conta.cc/2xYWgdn
During
very tough times more than 37 years ago a young woman came to me asking instructions on
building for herself a "money machine" to get her through the hardships.
She was ready to have her own business so she could be independent and not have to rely on
other companies.
And it had to be something she enjoyed.
She said it was to provide a product or a service that was wanted and needed by her future
customers.
Further,
It must be challenging, interesting, gratifying, exciting, stimulating, worthy, and
worthwhile . . .
And it had to create for her solid, financial independence so she could keep doing it.
So now you know about money machines.
And that's what we do.
We teach people how to build their own money machine.
It's not magic.
It's a methodology that produces a predictable result.
Your own business, that's enjoyable challenging,
interesting, gratifying, exciting, stimulating, worthy, worthwhile and create
solid,
financial independence.
We're a not-for-profit cooperative association of independent business owners with many
years of hands-on business experience.
As business owners, we know a tad about financial independence.
As history, we brought you Houston's first business incubator (which became Texas'
oldest), and the first Womens Business Center in the nation and the first virtual business
accelerator in the world, and, just so you know, our start-up clients have won virtually
every award for business growth in Houston - some nationally and even internationally.
All without the first dime of grants, gifts, donations, contributions or public money.
We are NOT your tax dollars at work.
No brag.
Just fact.
Go look it up for yourself!
Here's what people say about us.
Have questions?
Give us a call or connect on Skype or attend any of our Wednesday morning virtual meetings.
You'll be glad you did!
Remember, you can do anything you put your mind to and where there is a will, there is a
way.
So why not you - why not now?
April 22 2020 Virtual
Operations ~ https://conta.cc/2RIkTRU
You may recall when I forecast that technology was
having more and more things operating in the virtual mode with increased sales of products
and services.
And, for example, you may be working at home and communicating with
your staff, co-workers, bosses and even customers/clients via smart phone, Go-To-Meeting,
Zoom, Skype or any of the many other cloud-based programs permitting face-to-face and even
group conversations.
Make a note of things that will be changing in the future brought
about by people working remotely.
Things like increased vacant office space.
Less travel time.
Easier access to people in group meetings.
We went virtual a number of years ago with our business accelerator,
advisory board, and mentoring.
We're even conducting our co-op business development meetings
virtually.
Technology has come a long way in making face-to-face point of
contact more accessible, convenient and dependable and will continue to do so.
April 15 2020 Time for change ~ https://conta.cc/2XnjLai
Have some extra time on your hands these days?
If so, put it to good use!
Get started on that idea you've had bouncing around in your head for
awhile.
This may be destined as the perfect opportunity to make it real for
yourself.
Yuppers!
Why not you - why not now?
Join us for our Virtual Breakfast Wednesday and
we'll share with you our successes in converting ideas into reality.
Wednesday doesn't work for you?
April 8 2020 Staying Positive
in Negative Situations ~ https://conta.cc/3aNMY1M
My. My. My.
Life can certainly get complicated at times, eh?
Like now, for instance, with this virus and all the lock-downs and
self-sanctions.
What are these situations doing to your lifestyle, company, business
or career, friends and family?
And how long before things return to a normal that will be completely
different than the "normal" we were all accustomed to?
In the face of adversity remember: Tough times don't last. Tough
people do.
And what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
You can do anything you put your mind to!
We can and will certainly survive this epic tragedy and again go
forth and prosper.
Need an attitude adjustment?
Join us for our Virtual Breakfast Wednesday and
tell us what you're up to and your plans for the future?
April 1 2020 ~ Working From Home ~ https://conta.cc/2JqiSoT
Stay at home mandates don't stop face-to-face meetings and haven't for a number of years.
Not in the least!
Digital webcams and numerous software programs permit easy and convenient connections, communications and interactions with individuals and groups vastly far apart.
We recommend SKYPE because it's easiest to install and use.
Get a webcam and save yourself the inconvenience of travel time and parking to meet with clients.
We added a "click to chat" button and a camera option to our website a number of years ago and enjoyed an immediate increase in interactions with our visitors.
You can even enjoy traditional networking meetings via webcam.
Join us for a Virtual Breakfast Wednesday and you'll see what I mean.
March 25 2020 ~ Welcome ~ https://conta.cc/39efok4
Thanks for stopping by.
How can we assist you in these troubling times?
And rather than telling you of all the processes, projects, conditions, issues and
situations we've assisted people with in the past, it's far easier for you to simply tell
us what it is you want done.We're in our 38th year as a business development cooperative
association and our list of "firsts" fills pages.
Chances are excellent we've already "been there and done that."
No
brag, just fact.
Join us for a Virtual
breakfast Wednesday, and tell us what you have in mind.
As long as it doesn't involve sex, drugs, politics or laundering money, we'll be delighted
to take a look!
March 18 2020 ~ The more you learn ~ https://conta.cc/2x2Yw2b
I remember as a lad growing up one of my teachers telling me there is always more to
learn.
Amen, Brothers and Sisters. Amen!
I was taught that by my parents and grand-parents and other military
brats I grew up with.
I learned that the learning process is never ending and the more I
learned the more I knew there was still more to learn.
Discoveries lead to more discoveries.
Knowledge to more knowledge.
And the process that produces increased knowledge produces tools,
attitudes and advantages.
Things like entrepreneurship could be taught and business incubators
accelerated business growth and neither a college degree nor a business plan is a
requirement for a successful business.
And the confidence to explore the unknown with the curiosity to go
where no-one has ever gone before and the courage to move new ideas forward.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday, and
bring your discoveries to share.
March 11 2020 37 Years of Service ~ https://conta.cc/2TKKM3G
Seems like just yesterday when Services Cooperative
Association ("The Co-Op") conducted its first public meeting.
Time flies when you're having fun
and working with start-ups is an absolute hoot!
So many new ideas, vast energy and
fantastic attitudes.
Entrepreneurship and the free
enterprise system combine in Houston to make this city the "start-up capital of the
world."
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday, bring your
new idea and we'll share what we do to accelerate business growth.
March 4 2020 Accountability ~ https://conta.cc/2TknNNX
Accountability?
Does it still exist?
How is it weighed, counted, measured?
Who decides?
How is it applicable?
Is it governed by freedom of information and availability of relevant
data?
Does it have the same implication/impact/importance with politicians,
government officials, law enforcement, and/or academic personnel or are they entitled to
exemptions?
Who are you accountable to?
Statistics indicate that people who have accountability partners are
85% more productive that those without.
The accountability partner can be a business partner, spousal unit,
mentor, financial adviser, business coach or accountability guide.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and tell us of your experiences
and opinions regarding accountability.
Over the years we've had the good fortune to have worked with some very talented people.
And while our clients have ranged from pre-startups to the largest companies in the world, our focus has been on small business.
Small business is big business and Houston's greatest energy resource is its entrepreneurial energy.
So it wasn't by accident that we've attracted these talented small business owners.
We provide them services that no one else is providing.
You'll recall that the 1st rule of entrepreneurship is "find the niche."
We provide them services that no one else is providing.
You'll recall that the 1st rule of entrepreneurship is "find the niche."
We found and developed the niche of business incubation here in Houston, with Houston's first small business incubator, which became Texas' oldest.
What made our business incubation so convenient to client companies is that they had access to virtually every resource they were likely to use conveniently located under one roof.
The second factor leading to our incubators' success is that entrepreneurs are highly individualistic.
"One size does not fit all."
Each case is unique.
So not only did our business incubators (which included the first Womens Business Center in the U.S.) provide conveniently available support services, we also provided total flexibility in the way the clients could access and utilize these resources.
"Only pay for what you need."
The final factor was our participation with a royalty interest in our client's growth.
If our client companies didn't grow, we didn't make any real money.
And because we are very good at what we do, we are entirely willing to share the risk.
We still are and we still do and our incubators were also the first in the world to be virtual.
Mentor, advisory board, professional development coach, custom tailored development methodology all conveniently available to our clients via the World Wide Web.
We're always just "a click away."
Our specialty is service companies because all the forecasts predict service companies as employment leaders for many years to come.
So a business cooperative focusing on startup service companies with virtual business incubation tailored to specific entrepreneurial needs.
Services Cooperative Association, since 1983 and operating entirely without grants, gifts, donations or public funding.
We're business owners, independent, self-funded and very proud of it.
Our clients have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally.
We grow companies, advance careers and move new ideas forward.
May we assist with yours?
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and discover the benefits of "The Co-Op" for your interests.
February 19 2020 Making clean presentations
~ https://conta.cc/39JqPAD
Use public speaking as a very effective way of "getting the word out."
Start with an "attention-getter."
Drop "you know," "but" and "ah" from your presentations
With smaller groups, establish eye contact with everyone in the room, one person at a time.
Have a handout with your complete contact information: name, title, company, telephone number, email, web URL and impact statement.
When there are multiple speakers, see if you can be first or last in the presentation order.
Ask the host for complete contact information on everyone in the room so you can do your followup.
When asked to speak, inquire if there is a budget to pay the speakers.
Asked how the event or function will be advertised/promoted and will same include your name, company and your topic title.
Do your own promotion via web-site, newsletter and social media.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and discover the benefits of public speaking.
February 12 2020 Measuring Progress ~ https://conta.cc/2uEFEWjHow do you measure progress?
It's really easy to tell if you're making progress when you have output you can weigh, count or measure.
And it's increasing in terms of new clients gained, for instance.
Or projects completed by your team.
Or "thank you" calls received.
Or smiles produced by your staff.
Or referrals made by your existing customers.
Keeping score is an easy way to tell when you're winning.
Like revenues generated.
Or promotions received.
What's your way of measuring progress?
Don't have one?
Start one!
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and share your way of measuring progress or to learn one that will work for you!
January 29 2020 Easy as 1,2,3 ~ https://conta.cc/37ZFs2y
Decide what you want to do!
Determine how it's to be done!
January 22 2020 Your Future Ahead ~ https://conta.cc/30PF4Rb
You're inspired and motivated to be changing, modifying, and/or improving your future?
If not, please just skip this part.
If yes, read on.
While it's often believed that the future can be neither predicted nor controlled, significant accomplishments by numerous individuals have clearly demonstrated it certainly can be influenced.
So, why not you?
Why not now?
You can be the source to change your future.
It's not magic.
It's a methodology.
And it produces a predictable result: achieving change.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and share your ideas.
We'll help you get started, as we have with so many others and our companies have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally.
January 15 2020 We're Here For You! ~ https://conta.cc/2R3l5Ks
Over the years we've noticed that people essentially come to us
for one of two reasons:
They require assistance or they want to provide assistance.
So we've made the process more simple with one
web page to provide for both situations.
For those of you already familiar with Services Cooperative Association, you know our
history and track-record, including Houston's first
and Texas' oldest business Incubator; the first Womens Business Center in the United
States; the first Virtual Incubator in the world; that our clients have won essentially
every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally;
that our clients have ranged from pre-startups to the largest companies within their
respective industries in the world, plus non-profits, plus universities, plus governments,
plus charities Oh yes, we're independent business owners and operate entirely without
grants, gifts, donations, contributions or public funding.
We are not your tax-dollar at work and we are outspoken critics of those organizations
which use tax-funding for business support services and have no up-line overseeing their
efficiency, accuracy or accountability.
Here are a few of the endorsements we've
received over the years from real people and you probably already know some of them.
I invite you to check us out on the World Wide Web and to determine if working with us is
appropriate for you.
January 2 2020 Welcome 2020
~ https://conta.cc/2tk0j18December 18 2019 Top Spin
~ https://conta.cc/2E7wVgG
Things not going as well as you'd
like?
Attitude in the pits?
Need more progress in your projects?
Assistance is just a click away and let's get you
some effective top spin!
Join us for breakfast Wednesday and we'll move you forward in a positive frame of mind!
Look closely.
Look carefully.
What's still to be done for the year?
Find it.
Do it!
Complete those unfinished projects.
You don't want them serving as distractions.
Should you have to bring in outside assistance, then do so.
Get it done!
No reasons, excuses, overwhelm or pity parties!
Plan your strategies to start your 2020 fresh with new ideas, projects and goals.
Join us for breakfast Wednesday and we'll ease you through the process for completion of this year and preparation for the next.
December 4 2019 Only you. ~
https://conta.cc/33zMckyWhat do you have that no one else has?
No, it's not a trick question.
Think about it for just another moment.
You are unique in the universe.
In all this immensely vast space - billions of light years across - you are special.
And what do you do with this wonderful quality?
How about make the world a better place.
A simple act of kindness or a word of praise to someone does just that.
Not only are you unique, you are a positive influence in all this vastness.
Have time and energy and the desire to improve upon those around you?
Consider volunteering your time, energy and good intentions with the numerous
organizations that would love to have you.
Like Volunteer Houston or Special Pals or any of Houston's many other Resource Groups.
You, yes you make a difference in the universe.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday and
share what you're doing to make your neighborhood or Houston or Texas or the U.S. or the
world a better place.
November 27 2019 Makin' a list . . . ~ https://conta.cc/2rbv4UW
Ok,
we're running out of year.
You've
noticed, eh?
So
you're ready to ease into the full holiday mode, party and relax?
With the new year approaching you can start with goals and targets for your 2020.
As in "what's next for you?"
Now back to "makin' a list."
It's to be a list of all the people you want to say "thank you" to for making
your year a success.
November 20 2019 Transform and Empower ~ https://conta.cc/2XkQUkF
Need
immediate assistance with growing your company, building your career or
advancing your ideas?
If so, you're in the right place.
We've
been doing this awhile.
Here's
what people say about us.
We're
a not for profit cooperative association of business owners and we operate entirely
without grants, gifts, donations, contributions or public funding.
We're totally independent and proud of it.
Come
have breakfast Wednesday and we'll see about showing you how to be
totally independent, too!
This breakfast on the 20th is an open forum and you can speak freely about your ideas,
wants and needs.
Breakfast not convenient or you are already very well established and seek to return
something to the community, connect with us here and we'll discuss possibilities and opportunities.
Come have breakfast any Wednesday and we'll see what's to be done so that you are empowered.
November 6 2019 Mind Over Matter
~ https://conta.cc/2NzSB9g
As a lad
growing up I was taught I could do anything I "put my mind
to."
I learned that "where there is a will, there is a way."
That "difficulties could be over-come."
That "quitting is not an option."
That "perseverance provides success."
The list goes on and on.
Where did all this come from you may ask?
From my parents, my grand-parents, my uncles and aunts, my cousins, my
teachers, my coaches, my band-masters.
This list goes on and on, too.
And of course the little voice in my head that encourages me to "figure
it out" and "get it done."
This is the same voice only I can hear that has me occupy my thoughts in
the how to do it and not the not the doubt that
it can be done.
Is the little voice in your head president of your fan club, your chief
supporter and supplying you with positive
mental attitude?
Come have breakfast with us any
Wednesday and we'll see what's to be done so that your little voice knows it
works for you to achieve those things you want to accomplish.
Breakfast not convenient?
Connect with me here.
October 30 2019 Scary ~ https://conta.cc/362LM8L
Scary?
No, I'm not talking about Halloween.
What I'm referring to is we're running out of 2019.
Have you accomplished what you set out to do for the year!
If so, congratulations.
Good job.
If not, why not?
You still have several months remaining.
Let's get it in gear, eh?
Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and I'll share some simple secrets on what you
might think of doing so that you complete your "to do list" before you run out
of time.
October 23 2019 Motivation ~ https://conta.cc/2pqMjR8
Some number of years ago the topic of motivation came up in a group conversation.
And in particular, self-motivation.
So what motivates you?
How about doing what you love and having your passion demonstrated in the results you produce? |
How about creating happy customers, clients, staff and co-workers. |
How about self-fulfillment and satisfaction? |
How about the discovery of what's never been done before and seeing it become widely accepted and implemented? |
The latter is a personal favorite of mine.
Years ago the belief was that entrepreneurship could not be taught.
This opinion, by the way, was solidly held by tenured professors in business schools who
taught management courses.
They "knew all about business" and if they couldn't
teach it - "because it was unteachable" - then
no one could.
Pipe-smoking research scientist that I am had me believe that entrepreneurship could be
taught by successful entrepreneurial business owners.
So I arranged to have them put in classrooms in the business incubators we had founded,
Houston's first and Texas' oldest.
You know what happened next.
It became an "overnight sensation" with colleges and universities around the
world teaching entrepreneurship using their successful entrepreneurial business owners in
the classrooms.
Come have breakfast
with us any Wednesday and I'll share what our latest discoveries are and they all
have to do with you.
October 16 2019 What - How - When ~ https://conta.cc/2IEDcmB
1. You've decided what it is you want to do?.
2. So, get started. No procrastination. No fear. No delays. No reasons or excuses.
3. And give yourself a schedule with tasks and time lines.
4. You've decided the "what." Next is the
"how" and "when."
5. Business plans totally unnecessary, thank you.
6. Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford - the list goes on and on - no
business plan.
7. You have a resource mix.
8. Time, Money, Ability, Contacts, Energy, Attitude, Integrity.
9. Which can you really do without?
10. (T)(M)(Ab)(C)(E)(At)(I) = Desired results. No zeros allowed.
11. Bring in additional input should you encounter doubts or delays.
12. A mentor will move you forward faster with what's to be done, knowledgeable on how to
do it and motivated it get it accomplished.
13. 93% of the world's richest people have a mentor.
14. Why do you suppose that is?
Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll discuss what you want to do, how and when.
October 9 2019 Quarantined ~ https://conta.cc/2o03t7Q
Scientists
tell us the universe is a vast space.
More
than a billion light years across and continuing to expand.
They
say it's more than 13.8 billion years old and contains billions of galaxies.
They also say that about 65 million years ago, plus or minus a few hundred thousand
years, a massive asteroid hit earth killing off more than 70% of the life forms and
taking millions of years for our planet to recover.
<whew>
They also tell us that all the basic requirements for life generation is found in the
cosmic dust that blankets the universe, leading me to think that the probability exists
that there are numerous planets in the universe that didn't have the major setback our
earth did.
So
what's the deal?
I
would suspect that other more advanced life forms have been monitoring earth for years and
have no plans of visiting until we stop killing one another.
Me
thinks we've been quarantined until we get our act together.
So
what does this have to do with our Co-Op's mission to grow companies, advance careers and
move new ideas forward?
Easy
answer - we're making things better one person at the time and have the track record to
prove it.
Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll see if what we're doing will move you in the direction you want to go to make the world a better place.
October 2 2019 Ah, but and you know ~
https://conta.cc/2lEUs30
Ever
been listening to a conversation or a presentation where the speaker was continually
injecting a "you
know," a "but"
or an "ah"?
They
will say a few words, pause, then say "ah," "you
know,"
Here's why.
It's been my experience that those guilty of these injections are totally
unconscious of them and will continue to insert the words into the conversation or
presentation in the future.
Follow me on this, please?
The speaker/presenter is completely, totally, absolutely unaware of the injections.
They don't know they are doing it.
If they knew, they would stop, eh?
So,
two things to correct the matter.
The
easiest is when the speaker asks for questions or comments.
You'll
be doing them a favor by commenting on their injections and saving future audiences the
grief.
No opportunity for questions, then track down the speaker and the individual who booked
them and tell them of all the junk word "clutter" they use.
Come
have breakfast with
us any Wednesday and we'll see if you inject junk into your conversations
or presentations and if so, how it can be easily corrected.
September 25 2019 Where to??? ~ https://conta.cc/30tFDyg
Where do you want to go?
I'm not asking regarding a geographic destination.
My question is directed toward your business, career or moving
a new idea forward.
It's progressing from where you are now to where you want to be in the future.
And while the future cannot be reliably predicted or controlled, it can be influenced to
yield a more favorable outcome, especially when compared to doing nothing regarding any
advancement you may seek.
Come have breakfast
with us Wednesday and we'll talk about where you are now, where you want to go
and what can be done to get you there.
Just so you know we've been doing this awhile now - since 1983.
It's not magic.
It's a proven methodology to move you forward.
Breakfast not possible because of time or location constraints?
Then give me a call or connect on Skype.
September 18 2019 Follow-up ~ https://conta.cc/2A96rcH
You're
out networking and meeting new people?
Great!
And you remember to get their business card?
Another great!
And you ask them what they do or what they are interested in, yes?
Yoo hoo!
And your parting remark as you go on to meet more people is "let's keep in
touch?"
Fabulous!
So what remains?
You put them in your database and do your follow-up before your head hits the pillow.
A recommended method is an email to generate hard copy for your files and theirs.
Start with something like "What a pleasure meeting you!"
Then "I look forward to learning more about you."
And end with "Should you know of someone who needs (fill in what it is you do),
please think of me."
That's it.
Piece of cake.
Keep in touch by sending your newsletter or periodic updates and connect with them on
social media like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Remember to include in your notes where you met them and what they might be seeking
assistance with.
Come have breakfast with us
Wednesday and we'll show you how to turn your contacts into clients!
September 11 2019 Getting to your
"Yes" ~ https://conta.cc/34xzogu
Getting
the yes!
Growing a company, building a career, or advancing a new idea you need "Yeses."
Let's talk about start-ups for a moment.
More start-ups fail because they run out of money than all other reasons combined.
Yet they typically have a viable product or service.
What they don't have is personal selling skills.
Turns out personal selling can be taught.
We're not talking social media.
We're talking face-to-face words that sell.
What's the benefit to the decision maker, for instance?
In The Co-Op we teach personal selling skills.
One of the tools we use is "The Guest Game."
First rule is you have to ask.
Second rule is you have to follow-up.
Learn how to have Guests at Chapter Meetings and you learn how to sell.
It's not magic, it's a methodology that produces a predictable and very favorable result:
a "yes!"
Come have breakfast with us
Wednesday and we'll show you how to get "yeses" for your project!
September 4 2019 Labor
Day Edition ~ https://conta.cc/32kdFq7
Labor Day
in the United States of America is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in
September.
It honors the American labor movement and the
contributions that workers have made to the development, growth, endurance, strength,
security, prosperity, productivity, laws,
sustainability, persistence, structure, and well-being of the country.
It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor
Day Weekend.
It is recognized as a federal holiday.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union
and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed
that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.
"Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor
Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized
the first parade in New York City.
In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United
States to make it an official public holiday.
By the time it became an official federal holiday in
1894, thirty states in the United States officially
celebrated Labor Day.
from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
August 28 2019 What's best for you ~ https://conta.cc/31PZwAO
Houston
is filled with "networking" groups.
How do you pick the one best for you?
Of course you can always go visit them one by one to decide.
That will only take you a few years.
And then you have to go visit the new ones that were started while you were visiting the
established ones.
Whew!
Sounds like a never ending process which can be made much simpler.
For instance, what's the difference between a networking group and a business
development group?
Taa daa!
Easy answer: "Business!"
So you really want a business development group rather than a networking group.
And speaking of "development," wouldn't it be great to discover a group
that "develops" you while providing you business and contacts and professional
growth.
Something along the lines of "connect, learn, grow and prosper."®
And a group that's been around awhile (since 1983) and worked with lots of people
(65,500+).
And has a successful track record of "growing companies, building careers and moving
new ideas forward."®
And has a history of returning to the community, like demonstrating that
entrepreneurship can be taught.
Join us for breakfast any Wednesday morning and
I'll introduce you to just such a group.
August 21 2019 It's all about change ~ https://conta.cc/31JUHZV
and
how well you adapt to it.
So how do you get the word out about your business or career?
Change is inevitable, adjustment is important.
For instance once upon a time to advertise your business there was a
telephone directory called The Yellow Pages.
And to go out and meet other people for business development or career advancement there
were chambers of commerce and various professional organizations.
There's still radio, TV and newspapers for advertising or promotion as well as
fund-raising functions where you can dress up, go meet people and make contributions to a
good cause.
You've no doubt noticed social media is robust and networking groups are multiplying.
Meetups abound and they're everywhere on every subject.
However, the shopping/buying experience has changed dramatically and there's
still much, much more change to come.
For you to best get the word out about your company, products, services or career, come
meet people face-to-face over breakfast with us any Wednesday
morning.
We'll teach you how to craft a
memorable introduction and get you noticed as Featured
Speaker, Motivational
Speaker and/or Business Showcase.
August 14 2019 Fix The Problem Not The Blame ~ https://conta.cc/2yVOUnF
Have
you noticed all the finger pointing that's going on in Washington by the politicians.
These people remind me of very badly behaving, very spoiled children.
Total clowns without the makeup.
How do we get those who are "duly elected" to focus on fixing the problems and
not the blame so that our country continues to be a world leader? How do we impress upon
them that arguing is not a solution to even the most complex issues facing our great
nation?
Come share your ideas and opinions with us at breakfast Wednesday morning.
I need not remind you that you will please leave your arguments, pointing fingers and any
negative attitudes at the door.
We'll make a list of items to be fixed and send it to Washington from "we, the
people."To have your issues be included, just show up on the 14th.
Fix the problem, not the blame.
August 7 2019 Windows of Opportunity ~ https://conta.cc/31jv4yQ
Opportunity presents itself.
Sometimes when you're not even looking.
So what do you do?
Choice one: ignore it.
Choice two: act on it.
Now we've met some folks who are totally, absolutely completely content with whatever they
have going and any change is simply not a consideration, thank you very much!
Their life - their choice - certainly ok with us.
For those others who want to pursue an opportunity, oh boy, hooray, let's do it, eh?
We've been in this active support mode for a goodly number of years and some of the
individuals we've worked with are brand names in Houston now!
Come have breakfast with us
any Wednesday morning and discover how we
can very effectively guide you in developing your opportunity.
Breakfast not convenient?
Then call or click to chat.
We're here for you and we love what we're doing to speed new ideas along.
July 31 2019 Aspirations ~ https://conta.cc/2SMytTG
Webster's
Dictionary: ardently desiring; strong wish; high
desire.
It's a simple
process to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
It's not magic and it produces a predictable result: accomplishment.
Start with the attitude that it can be done and you're going to discover how to do
it.
Make sure the little voice in your head is offering positive suggestions in moving
you forward and not doubts that hold you back.
Devise some action steps that you can achieve. Create an empowerment team that you
can count on to offer constructive input.
Come have breakfast with us any
Wednesday and discover how we can assist you in successfully fulfilling your vision
for creating your future.
July 24 2019 Teamwork ~ https://conta.cc/2Y0BBMM
Team playing skills.
What are they?
Do you have them?
Are they important?
Why are they important?
In my youth I was on several teams; football, baseball, basketball.
I remember practice, practice, practice and more practice.
Yes, we won championships.
In band it was the same thing: practice, practice, practice.
We had to march right and we had to sound right.
Maybe "right" is too lame.
More like "perfect!"
Yes, we won competitions.
Now what about career?
Co-Op Associates have held positions of leadership in too many organizations to list here.
Now what about business?
Co-Op Associates have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston, some
nationally and some even internationally.
Do you have to have team playing skills?
You betcha if you want satisfaction and success!
And do you practice?
Of course you do.
Right?
Want to learn more about team playing skills and perfect practice producing
perfect results?
Come have breakfast
with us Wednesday and see team playing in action.
July 17 2019 Houston's Greatest Energy Resource ~ https://conta.cc/2NRBP9m
We describe "success" as
having fun, making money and doing good!
Our clients do what they love and are well paid for it.
Their passion is demonstrated in the results they produce which
makes for very happy customers!
Our special thanks to all the Houston Entrepreneurlal Heroes who came out for the
celebration lunch at Gallery Furniture last week.
These are the people who are responsible for organizations that keep Houston, Texas
"The Entrepreneurial Capital of the World!"
What's next for you or your business, career, company or organization?
Make it something worthy of you and should you need assistance, join us for breakfast
Wednesday to meet some of the exceptional people we're working with.
July 10 2019 Making It Happen ~ https://conta.cc/2JnWoG3
You've heard there are three types
of people:
1) Those that make things happen.
2) Those who watch things happen.
3) Those that say "what happened?"
Should you be in that top tier, let's get you booked as the Featured Speaker at
one of our meetings so you can share those skills with a receptive audience.
In the event you're not that top level, come have lunch with us this Wednesday
and we'll get you started on the path of motivating, inspiring and leading others into
changes that make them happier and the world a better place to live, work and play.
Alas, should you be that bottom rung, we'll introduce you into the political world, where
you will be surrounded by people who will gleefully point out what's happening from their
very biased and selective point of view.
July 3 2019 Virtual World ~ https://conta.cc/2Nk9B6E
Do you remember days gone by when:
You wanted to buy something, you went to a store?
You wanted a hot meal you didn't prepare yourself, you went to a restaurant?
You needed information, you went to a library?
These days, whatever you want is only a click away.
Business incubation, career development and mentoring also just a click away.
If you want it, click it!
June 26 2019 Hope vs. Faith ~ https://conta.cc/2RoGb5X
Over the years we've been asked many times: "What
is it you do?"
Our direct response is: "We grow companies, build careers and
advance ideas.
"Most often the next question is: "How do you do
that?"
And while the first question (the what) has an easy
answer the second question (the how) is not so easy.
You see each person, idea and situation is different.
One size does not fit all.
And an effective development methodology is determined by the resources,
attributes and aptitude of the person we're working with.
As pioneers in the incubator industry we discovered an accurate way to take the individual
from where they were at the moment to where they wanted to be in the future.
We had our clients abandon "hope," for instance, and substitute
"faith" instead.
Think about those two words for just a moment.
What's the difference between hope and faith?
If you had to select one or the other to work with, which would you choose?
Come share your thoughts
with us any Wednesday
morning at breakfast.
June 19 2019 Entrepreneurship ~ https://conta.cc/2IbIUg2
You've noticed that some
people have the amazing capability of turning defeat into victory.
And of overcoming any and all obstacles in their path to victory.
It's interesting to me that sometimes our government seems to miss such simple
facts that are so obvious and compelling.
Take "entrepreneurship" for instance.
Entrepreneurship is absolutely, totally, completely color-blind and gender
neutral.
Yet there are those who continually say that being a minority or female
or gay requires special set-asides because these people are disadvantaged.
What!?!
Why?
Glad you asked!
So they can go get tax-payer money to set up special programs to
"help" these "disadvantaged" business owners.
Have you any idea, by the way, of how much these people actually pay themselves for their
"noble" cause.
Wow!
You'll find it shocking!
Talk about "gaming the system!"
And the largest such group in the United States, originally funded on a temporary basis to
ease those negatively impacted in the great recession to become self-employed has no
oversight leadership to monitor top level salaries.
Now I'm not talking about such groups as SCORE, who are essentially volunteers
and don't draw a salary.
And I am speaking out about those other groups who set up charity programs (AKA
programs funded by tax dollars) for those who don't want or need charity.
Let's talk about women business owners, for instance.
We surveyed thousands of women business owners and women business
owners-to-be before setting up our Womens Business Center Incubator (first in the United
States).
These thousands of women we talked with gave us their priorities in a
very clear manner: "a level playing field" and "a hand
up."
They emphatically did not want a "hand-out" or "charity."
They did not consider themselves disadvantaged and in the process of
forming their own companies began starting businesses at a faster rate than men.
They objected, vigorously, when individuals or organizations said they
needed charity to get started or be successful.
Methinks those organizations out there still "gaming" the system, having no
oversight controls or monitoring should be shut-down.
And let's get them to publish their salaries, all the way to the top, since it's
"public funding" and you'll see what I mean.
We see chambers of commerce, networking groups and other self-funded organizations doing
just fine, thank you, in developing Houston small businesses.
If and when you ever decide you want to start a business please heed this suggestion: make
sure whomever you may be speaking with seeking advice has hand-on business ownership
experience.
Also be aware the most progressive organizations have the convenience of
you connecting via phone, chat or Skype for business
assistance or career guidance.
Have you thoughts or opinions?
Come share them any Wednesday morning at breakfast.
June 12 2019 Pondering? ~ https://conta.cc/2QPWo3L
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
Oh my!
So many considerations.
So much to ponder.
So many options, alternatives and possibilities.
You can think the situation to death!
Or, you can stop thinking and start doing!
Uh huh - just do it!
And if it doesn't work the first time, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off
and proceed with the knowledge you've gained!
Still stuck?
Get yourself a mentor.
Want to know more?
Come have breakfast any Wednesday morning.
June 5 2019 Politics, good or bad?
~ https://conta.cc/2EHrhCA
Many
years ago, I was taught the duty and privilege of voting.
I think it was during the 6th grade.
Grammar School is what that used to be called - grades 1 to 6.
I have no idea what that's called now, just as I have no idea of what's going on
within our political system.
It appears to me that there is a lot of name calling, high intensity
arguments and varying levels of facts in this system these days.
I don't recall this from previous years in elected representatives
responsible to move our nation forward.
I do, however, recall a conversation I had with my father, God rest his soul.
My dad was career military and his term regarding politicians was "a
necessary evil."
These days I'm wondering how necessary, why evil and what can be done about it?
Our focus remains on growing companies, building careers and advancing ideas.
We are independent and self-funded, operating entirely without gifts, grants,
donations, contributions or the whims and disagreements of tax funding.
Have some opinions?
Come share them over breakfast any Wednesday morning.
May 29 2019 About Investors ~ https://conta.cc/2HMSepc
Should you be considering
obtaining an investment for your startup idea, please remember the 6 "P"s the
investor will be evaluating.
They are:
May 22 2019 Oops ~ https://conta.cc/2HxFPp1
In our next life we can be perfect.
In this one we get to be human.
Humans make mistakes.
Sometimes the most serious consequence is the "oops moment."
It's when we embarrass ourselves and maybe those around us.
It's often very difficult not to laugh with the oops.
When it happens, we clean up any corresponding mess, cut ourselves some slack and
learn from the experience.
Of course any friends, staff, clients or co-workers who witnessed our moment will
continue to enjoy our "oops" for many years to come.
See more "Oops Moments here.
May 15 2019 Making Progress?
~ https://conta.cc/2Vrtywa
Should
you not know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?
Heard that before?
As a kid growing up I certainly did.
And later in life, when I would do cross-country sports car rallies, it made
"lotsa" sense.
So the simple answer to where you're going is decide where you want that to be when
you get there.
That's also called success.
AKA as havin' fun, makin' money an' doin' good.
AKA high quality of life - high standard of living and high return to the
community.
Now if your goal is to win one of the "lotto" jackpots, please keep me
posted on your progress, eh?
Otherwise, come have breakfast with us any
Wednesday morning and I'll share with you the process of getting from where you
are now to where you want to be in the future.
It's not magic, it's a methodology that produces a predictable result.
AKA "success."
May 8 2019 Sales
~ https://conta.cc/2GPF3Dk
Should you be a business owner or otherwise involved in the
selling process, let me share some of our discoveries.
Answer four simple questions in this process.
1. What are you selling? Besides yourself, of course. Is it better, cheaper, innovative
and how so.
2. Who will buy? Identifying your intended customer. They have to have the money, need and
confidence you can provide what they want.
3. How do you access? Informing your target market about your product or service.
4. At what cost? The costs for you to define and notify your target market and the costs
your customers incur in making the purchase.
Have questions or need assistance, bring your idea to breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll tailor a
selling model that works for you.
Can we really do that?
You betcha!
Please remember that our companies have won virtually ever award for business growth
in
Houston, some nationally and some even internationally.
April 24 2019 Take the
Chance ~ https://conta.cc/2Xlj8dW
How well do you understand and operate at
risk?
As you may know, some people are totally, absolutely, completely risk averse.
If it's not a sure thing they avoid it entirely.
These types of people are not bad, wrong or deficient.
They just, by nature, avoid risks.
Others like the excitement of venturing into the unknown, especially if they have the
opportunity to do something previously undiscovered.
They thrive on making these discoveries, achieving new things, and accomplishing
what's never been done before.
Should you be a risk taker, come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and
share your vision of a creation.
Many others have.
April 17 2019 Creating Success
~ https://conta.cc/2UtkGW5
You don't need anyone's permission to
be successful!
It's your life.
Live it so you're having fun, making money and doing good.
Make sure that little voice in your head (that only you can hear) keeps you
focused on the "what" you want to do and the "how" to do it.
Please remember that little voice works for you and not the other way around.
Give yourself some goals, targets, aspirations or ambitions to get you from
where you are to where you want to be.
Believe in yourself and your abilities to achieve your future.
Keep a positive mental attitude.
Never give up and make your accomplishments worthy of you.
Should your interests involve growing a company, building a career or advancing an
idea, come have breakfast with us any Wednesday.
April 10 2019 Time is
Money ~ https://conta.cc/2Ke4pjs
Some say it's all about time.
60 seconds to the minute.
60 minutes to the hour.
24 hours to the day.
7 days to the week.
Time is fixed.
Just for fun, go lookup all the quotes about time.
What we do with it, ah, not so fixed, eh?
Here's my take on it.
You decide how to pass through your time.
Your life.
Your choices.
Enjoy! And
should your interests involve growing a company, building a career or advancing an idea,
come have breakfast with us any Wednesday.
Chances are excellent that we can show you how to use your time having fun and making
money in the process.
April 3 2019 What's
Your Target? ~ https://conta.cc/2JKcJqC
What is
it you want to accomplish?
Does it keep changing?
Kinda like a moving target, eh?
Let's see if we can make it more stationary.
And let's have it consist of such things as financial freedom doing something
you love that there is a excellent demand for.
Some very simple rules to follow.
First you decide "what."
Then you decide "how."
We've been assisting people in this process for years now.
Let's see if it would also work for you. Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and share your target.
Find these suggestions helpful? You
can have them delivered to your mailbox once each week every Thursday morning. Cost is
only $50.00 a year. Make your payment here.
Ready for a Mentor? Get more information here.
© 1983-2022 Services
Cooperative Association. A not-for-profit cooperative association of independent
businesses. All rights reserved ® |