Acton Hero - Nicole Donnelly

Nicole built her business based on a product idea that she saw was lacking, and that there was a demand for it.  Fear can sometimes stand in the way of moving a business forward, and Nicole says that to embrace the fear, she likes to use the snowboard term “commit to the trick”.  The concept is that you can’t stop half way because if you do you’re going to get hurt!  She also gives some valuable insight into being a woman in the world of entrepreneurship!  At a higher level of business interaction, she mostly deals with men, and would often feel like she was not considered as a valid part to the conversation.  She says that she had to learn the right way to deal with them to get the desired outcome.  This is very helpful knowledge to woman, because it challenges us to not give up in difficult circumstances, and to think outside the box to get the results that we are looking for.  Sometimes this might mean setting aside our pride to what is “fair” or “unfair” in the business world!  I also like that Nicole is using the business as an opportunity to give back to the community.  It doesn’t really matter what we are selling, we are able to make a difference in our community by finding ways to give back!

Acton Hero - Corey Bell

Corey Bell teaches us about living without regrets!  He created a business based on his values.  He realized that the vision of what he wanted didn’t align with what he was doing.  He says that the word “can’t” does not exist.  If we really want something, then we will figure out a way to go through it or around it.  In the end it is all about the impact that we make.  It is not what you did, but who you are!  Oftentimes, we are so busy pushing forward trying to meet our vision, that we don’t stop to think about who we are, what impact we are making, and the steps that are necessary to acquire our vision and goals!  Corey talks about so many who have died with many un-resolved “what if’s.”  His goal became “if I can do it, I am going to try!”  This inspires me to look at my 15 year vision, and see how I can better align my goals to make it happen!

Acton Hero - Catherine Rohr

Catherine Rohr is very inspirational in her drive and commitment to make a positive change to society by creating a Prison Entrepreneurship Program.  She found that she has a lot of resolve, and when she commits, she really commits!  If we want to make a change, our transformation is not a one-day experience… it’s one step at a time.  We have to learn to open our eyes.  As we do, we grow, and learn to not back down.  Catherine states that she “didn’t need to know outcome – just faithful to the vision.”  When we keep our eye on the end goal, then the things that try to side track us, will not completely derail us off the path!  Her journey shows that it does not matter what our background and experience is, that we can choose to make an impact for good on others.  We can use our time and talents to improve others!

Living an Level-A Life...

 This week I LOVED reading “Making a Living and a Life” by Lynn G. Robbins.  This talk has had a great impact on my, and I have reflected on it continually!  He teaches about seeking after heavenly and earthly treasures as we seek to gain employment and carve out a living for ourselves.  He gives great insight about how to rate businesses and the people within them by their primary and secondary motives.  His scale included Level-A with a primary motivation of “Love of God and fellowmen”, down to Level-F with a primary motivation of “Filthy Lucre”, and an intent to do harm to fellowmen.  Levels B, C, and D in between that included varying degrees of money as the primary motivator.  This caused me to reflect on many aspects of my life, what my primary motivators are, and where I fall into the scale in each of these aspects.  I found that I also used this tool to reflect on my relationships with others, and what the motivators of the relationship are.  As I seek to make a living, some of the main questions that I need to ask myself include; 

1. How does it affect my fellow man? 

2. Does it help or hurt society? 

3. How strong is Satan’s influence? 

4. Does it affect my integrity?  

As I choose which level I would like to operate within, and what will be my primary motivation, I am creating a life for my family.  Putting off the natural man, and increasing our love for our fellowman can loosen Satan’s grip, and allow us to move towards living a level-A life!

The focus for this week was on Franchise Operations!  It was very interesting to learn more about how these companies operate.  There are many positive aspects to owning a franchise.  The selection process certainly roots out those who are probably not cut out for the business.  There is also a LOT of money that must be invested into the business.  Personally, I was not sold on the idea of franchising because of the lack of personal/creative control of the business.  It is an excellent opportunity that is very structured and does allow for good profits based on the branding of the company!

On the $100 challenge, I am working on producing a lot of the product – my cookies!  Most of the orders that I am taking will be delivered through mid December, and just a few days prior to Christmas.  It is exciting to see the interest generated in my product, and the word of mouth “testimonials” that are given.  I am also grateful for social media that makes sharing my business so much easier!

Production...

This week I learned a lot about the production process of business. 

I always love listening to Guy Kawasaki.  His talk on “Entrepreneurs: Then and Now” was very eye opening on the evolution of entrepreneurship. Then is 1997 and now is 2003.  I would love to hear an update for 2013! 

In the video he states that entrepreneurship “Now” is all about…

1. Foundation - Technology

2. Priority - building the business

3. Financing – Bootstrap – get the money where ever you can!

4. Key employee - an engineer

5. Getting the word out – Public Relations (get other people to say good things about it)

6. Leverage – Evangalism (getting people to believe in your dream as much as you do – do it to make the world a better place)

7. Scope - to think local before global

8. Business Development - everything is about revenue

9. Reason - Passion

10. Big Picture – the next big thing

I was very impressed with Roxanne Quimby’s story on how Burt’s Bees’ came to be a thriving business.  This is a product that I use and love, and had no idea on the backstory.  It is great to see someone succeed because they are smart and innovative.  This business transformed out of her working knowledge of business and her hard work to implement a product that people want.  She stated that health and beauty is such a difficult market to tap into and marketing yourself differently is key and vital to success.

For the $100 challenge, I have spent the week continuing to spread the word through facebook about my product.  I have been taking orders, and working to fulfill the orders.