Are you an entrepreneur?

I haven’t had a chance to read through the entire book, but I have enjoyed The One Minute Entrepreneur so far!

Here are some insights:

In the US, 1 million businesses started each year. 40% fail within one year. 80% fail by the fifth year. 96% have failed by year 10.

Primary reason for failure: “they are started by technicians – people who are skilled at something and who enjoy doing that thing…. They make the fatal mistake of continuing to do the work they’re skilled at while ignoring other vital parts of the business.” – Michael Gerber

“We are becoming the average of the five people with whom we are most closely associated…. [We should] associate with people we admire and can learn from.”

“You can get what you want in life if you help other people get what they want.”

“Success occurs when opportunity and preparation meet.”

“Profit is the applause you get for taking care of your customers and creating a motivating environment for your people.”

“The best management includes day-to-day coaching that catches people doing things right and redirects their efforts when they are off base.”

“The wrong leaders can send you off in directions you don’t want to go. The right leader at the right time can help steer things in the right direction.”

“You can’t predict the good that can come from helping or forgiving someone.”

To determine your aptitude as an entrepreneur, take a free assessment at www.estrengths.com (the site mentions a cost, but it still appears to be free until the end of August)

For books about entrepreneurial leadership, check out Erwin’s books An Unstoppable Force and Chasing Daylight as well as Mark Batterson’s book In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day.