I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of Young Guns: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own by Robert Tuchman last week. Riding in on the train Thursday night from CT to NYC, I had the opportunity to finish the quick read begun earlier in the week.
I was meeting five of my CTI Leadership tribe members for dinner. I found myself quoting passages of the book to a fellow Jaguar who is putting together a vision for a new business overseas. She brought up the subject of a business plan and how daunting that piece can be. Having just read a section about that in Tuchman’s book, I pulled it out of my bag and turned to page 47 showing an image of his one page hand-written plan that includes these (abbreviated) bullets:
- Best idea for a name for your busines
- Description of who your business will help (groups, market)
- Vision of what the company will look like in 5 years (employees, profits, salaries, etc.)
- Main goal to accomplish in the first year
- Three important and immediate goals in the next 30, 60 and 90 days to support the main goal
There, reproduced as an illustration, was one page of notebook paper the author used to flesh out his idea. It can be that simple.
What I most enjoyed about this book was the reminder of how big a part passion plays in the formula of business success. The author refers to this as the ‘homework’ test. If doing research for your business feels like work, something you have to do, forget it.
I’m going to the EWN Luncheon in a couple of hours. Some might look on a networking event as work, an obligation, something to check off the list. I can’t wait to go. I see lots of friends, former, current and prospective clients, and I am seen–an important piece of the networking puzzle. I love it! I’ll also hear a great speaker and wear a new outfit. Does this sound like work? And by the way, networking is my primary marketing tool. It’s how I get most of my business.
Of course there are bumps along the way. Tuchman tells hair-raising stories about being near the brink. But I’ll save that aspect of business ownership for another day.
How lucky am I, that what keeps my business flourishing is fun, rewarding, easy and social! Take it from Robert Tuchman’s easy-to-read new book–if you follow your passion, business success can be yours.
As a graduating college student, Robert Tuchman’s “Young Guns,” is a guide for me to get started in the work force. This is an easy quick read with a lot of motivation, enthusiasm, and inspriation. I recommend it to anyone who ever had a great idea and wanted to see it work for them. It is also great for enthusiastic college students. It is a must read!
How often and easily people forget how much fun “networking” can be. I love meeting new people, catching up with old friends and I was wearing a new jacket for the luncheon too… It’s not a race to hand out the most business cards!
I am having an event at my home in a few weeks that’s social and which I billed as social. I invited some people who thus far are “business” contacts. You would not believe some of the replies I have gotten–people who said they would not come because it wasn’t business. But who knows who you might meet while having that glass of wine or club soda? I have met potential clients at parties at my friend’s homes, when I was not even looking or asking for clients.
Why stay home? Let’s go out!
Thank you Jane. I always open up your blogs and never know what direction you are going to take me. It’s always an inspiration and a pleasure to read. Thank you for doing what you do.
Erica
Tx for this Jane. Having seen you in action it is readily apparant that networking is not work for you but is indeed your work.
I’m in High Point for Market and have lined up a series of events/seminars to attend…to be seen, to garner some info and let people know of what I offer for product, should they have an interest in such.
Passion fuels me forward and truly makes work not feel like work but rather a means to further extend yourself.
@Catherine
Interesting response you’re receiving. That means that for those who do show up, more responsive attendees to network with. We all know, less is more.
@Ruth
I’m preaching to the choir, eh?
@Erica
I often surprise myself! Glad to hear you’re inspired and pleased.
@ Sarah
Thanks for your comment. May I also recommend Lindsey Pollak’s great book for college juniors, seniors and recent grads: Getting From College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World. BTW, she’s my daughter… I’m proud!