Well Begun Is Half Finished - but you have to begin!
Our doubts are traitors
and make us lose the good we oft might win,
by fearing to attempt
Shakespeare
Define and achieve your own business success.
"Liberty consists in doing what one desires." - John Stuart Mill
I once heard a story about an independent businessman named Arturo.Arturo came into the dock early one morning with his small boat full of lovely fish; one for his family, others to sell. Bill, an Ivy League MBA on vacation, saw Arturo return while all the other fishermen were still out with almost empty boats.
Bill asked about Arturo, everyone agreed that Arturo was the best fisherman on the coast.
Bill walked down to Arturo and asked how he spent his days. Arturo said he fished a bit in the morning, went home to spend some time with his wife and play with his kids, then in the evening Arturo met his friends at a local restaurant for songs and games.
Bill got excited and proposed a partnership. Together they would build a fleet of ships that would benefit from Arturo's knowledge. They would Move to a big city, and later run offices and fleets around the world.
Arturo asked about the future beyond the world wide ventures. Bill expounded on the glories of the great cities and high society, finishing with the statement that when Arturo decided he was ready to retire he could go anywhere and do anything he wanted. Bill asked what Arturo would do with such a fine retirement.
Arturo replied, " I would fish a bit in the morning, go home to spend some time with my wife and play with the kids, then in the evening I would meet my friends at a local restaurant for songs and games."
And Arturo walked away.
the #1 idea for your business success
"If you wish to prosper,
let your customer prosper."
Bastiat
Which are the best business books for budding entrepreneurs?
Start your business with your own business idea today - keep learning how to improve it the rest of your life.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 - the Bible
Gaining wisdom within one of your passions can become a 24/7/365 adventure. There will be challenges, but your dreams are a promise that your efforts can help create. That is why passion is so important, it can provide the determination to keep going during difficult times.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurma
Rate the following books by clicking arrows. Add a personal favorite start-up business book you want to share. Make this business book list a resource to assist emerging entrepreneurs searching for answers.
Be sure to click on the books you have not yet read to read their reviews.
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
The subtitle of this great book is "why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it". Read it before you begin and try to learn to avoid the common mistakes. Read it again after 12 months and fix your business.5 points
Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised by Napoleon Hill
A classic, credited by many as powerful in their success. "The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those, which fail." - Napoleon Hill3 points
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin
Get the edge to make your business stand out against the merely excellent.2 points
The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. Covey
Read it -- do it.2 points
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
A great story teller relates ideas important to each of us.2 points
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson
The future of business, and the best opportunities for starting your business reside in the longtail.1 point
See You at the Top: 25th Anniversary Edition by Zig Ziglar
Zig was the source for "You can have anything you want if you help enough people get what they want." He will help you get out of your own way.1 point
Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out by Farrah Gray, Fran Harris
A remarkable teenager who went from public assistance to a million dollar net worth shares his story.1 point
Weekend Entrepreneur: 101 Great Ways to Earn Extra Cash by Michelle Anton
Do you want to start slow and careful?0 points
How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis
#1 British bestseller, brutally honest look at capitalism and the drive for great wealth. Yes, we have many great magazines due to the Dennis dedication to wealth - many charities are now funded - a new Forest of Dennis has been planted - but Felix Dennis lays out the personal cost and procedures of his trip from quite poor to very rich in a way that should be investigated by those looking at getting rich as a singular goal.0 points
The 4-Hour work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferris
Tim Ferriss is an extraordinary young man on a mission. The twenty-eight-year-old serial vagabond and successful entrepreneur has been teaching a wildly popular course at Princeton University for the past four years--a how-to and why-to guide to throwing out the old tools and methods for success (balancing life and work, retiring well, having a great nest egg) and replacing them with a whole new way of living.0 points
Small Business Ideas For The Internet
"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals." - Larry Bird
* Your competition is getting on the net.
* Google maps now points out local businesses.
* All the search engines are starting to reference local business in a more logical manner.
* Your customers use the net to get information.
* Did I mention your competition is on the net or thinking about it?
There is a learning curve to getting effective net coverage. This is not like the yellow pages - although for some of you it may be bigger.
There is a value to having bought and used your online name in terms of how the search engines will treat you. Pick your name and get something up today, you can re-do it next year if you wish. Web names are like wine - a little age is a good thing.
No one will come to the door to sell you a quarter page internet business format. However, there are kids and professors at the local college that can get you started for little money - or you can build yourself a quality online presence for very little cash, just some time.
Perhaps you are already busy landscaping, drilling teeth, selling real estate, or doing lawyer stuff. There is a good do it for you option that will not cost too much and profit too little -- SiteSell Services may be for you. SiteSell services can also help if you already have a web site, but it is not bringing you clients.
If you use other Internet professionals - expect to pay what you would for any professional services. A great web master is part advertiser, copywriter, public relations agent, and web navigation specialist. If your site is done right - your customer will enjoy the site just as much as the search engines.
If you want to do it yourself; click on one of these free internet business creation and training courses in pdf format:
* Professional Service Sellers Internet Course
* WAHM, Work At Home Moms, with case studies (ok for dads too, it is about starting an at home internet based business)
* Write For The Internet - tools, tricks, and techniques
As the Cluetrain Manifesto declared; your customers are human, to succeed you must deal with them as humans.
Think of it this way - when your client is on your site he has chosen you. You have his undivided attention to communicate with him.
Make that time valuable for your customer.
Start Your Own Business -- Part Time
Not everyone wants to start an entrepreneurial enterprise. You may just want to earn extra money while learning new skills.
Mark Twain
You don't have to quit what you are doing now, you can also start a business for some extra cash flow. At some point your business may grow enough to consider it a full time occupation. For now, some extra dollars may provide just what you need.
To keep initial investment small, use an online company to make your business cards and other graphics. Free (you pay shipping) business cards are easy to craft at Vista Print and similar companies. I even had a friend use Vista Print for cards in an indie movie he was shooting.
Your education, training, passions, hobbies, interests, or creative ideas are a great starting point. Get started today and grow as you learn.
The 4-Hour work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 01/08/2009) 
List Price: $24.95
Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 01/08/2009)
List Price: $24.95
The Stay-at-Home Mom's Guide to Making Money from Home, Revised 2nd Edition: Choosing the Business That's Right for You Using the Skills and Interests You Already Have
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 01/08/2009)
List Price: $15.95
The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 01/08/2009)
List Price: $21.95
The 200 Best Home Businesses: Easy To Start, Fun To Run, Highly Profitable
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 01/08/2009)
List Price: $12.95
Once you have started your business - persist.
Entrepreneurial success can come with your first business venture, or your third - you will need to cultivate the drive to persist until success.
The key to success once your own business is started is to keep learning. Cultivate your natural abilities and grow with them.The act of starting or growing a business is a valuable education. Using your own business idea to start your own business will be a less expensive education than attending a brick and mortar college - and you can learn more useful and actionable information.
You can also create an income using your entrepreneurial business idea, instead of deferring income while in school. "The hardest thing about getting started is getting started." - unknown
A person that graduates with a business degree and is hired by a corporation has not failed, they have completed a step toward their definition of success.
An entrepreneur that shuts down a failed business and then starts a new business has likewise completed a step toward becoming free to live life by their own rules.
"The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those, which fail." - Napoleon Hill
Take your prototype on the road and sell it, if there is demand build a company to support it. You can learn or hire MBA methodologies later. The only types of business knowledge you can't delegate or outsource are (1) knowing your customers intimately, and (2) understanding how cash flows into and out of your business.
Your start-up business will have a steep learning curve. Start your first business small and manageable; making your mistakes as inexpensive as possible. Wait to "ramp up" your business until you are sure of the demand. Then persist.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas Edison
It will not be easy. This is not a get rich quick scheme, this is business!
Your business.
"We can not ensure success, but we can deserve it." - Joseph Addison
Your chances of success as an entrepreneur increase if the business idea you develop is based on passions that drive you. Create what is for you a natural enterprise and you can make a very good income - while enjoying the journey.
Guessing at the Direction Of Business
watch this entertaining video with a nice "Twilight Zone" twist
Think about the future of your business idea.
Day of the Longtail
Tell us about your dream business.
Where do your passions intersect with other's needs?
Your education, training, passions, hobbies, interests, or creative ideas are a great starting point. Since you will be spending time, money, and effort as you struggle toward business success - choose to do something you can do with enthusiasm. Focus on your top two or three passions; the joys of pursuit can help you through rough periods.
"It is no use saying 'We are doing our best.' You have to succeed in doing what is necessary." - Winston Churchill
Seldom will your business' future growth be determined by what you learned in the past - be prepared to adapt constantly as the rules of engagement change. Your personal liberty will arrive when you solve problems for folks that are willing and able to pay for your product.
Listen to what people say they want; try it, and adapt it.
Repeat.
The rewards of owning your own life are worth the investments you are about to make.
Tell us about your dream business;
the one you own, or the one you want to start.
Rewards4life wrote...
Thank you for such an informative lens, I have started running my own business, the 2nd one. The first did not really take off and it's down to Persistence, I'm glad you covered it, defiantly one of the most important pieces of information. Things take time and although I have always been patient I was not always persistent. This is a valuable lens and will be re-visited many a time. 5* Great stuff
Posted January 05, 2009
AZMT wrote
thanks for such a great lens. so true that customers' needs and satisfaction by far the most important ting in business.
I added timothy ferriss' book "4 hour work weeks" because i find it to be an amazing book. helps you clutter free life and have lots of time to spend on you really love to do. and if it's your business you love then you will have even more time to spend on improving it.
Cheers mate,
http://azmovietrailers.com
Posted December 15, 2008
knozit wrote...
Well done and well thought out. Super advice for any "netrepreneurs" and brick and mortar folks as well. Rated 5* in my book!
Posted December 14, 2008
gabrielangel wrote...
Creating is definitely not the hardest part, but the patience thing is. There a lot of business that don't get successful until years after most businesses would have closed their doors.
Posted December 13, 2008
Starving_Artist wrote...
really great advice and information...a must read for people trying to get a business started
Posted December 03, 2008
PublicRelationsGuru wrote...
What a fantastic lens! You've included a lot of concrete, practical information that is certain to be useful to small business owners. Having a strong public relations plan to attract customers is one of the best things small business owners can do to attract customers and boost sales.
Michele Glance Rooney
Great Lakes Sales and Public Relations
www.greatlakessalesandpublicrelations.com
Posted December 01, 2008
UniversalSpiderWeb wrote...
Great resource. Thanks for the information. Lots of value!
"A journey of 1000 miles begins with one single step"
www.squidoo.com/takethefirststep
Posted November 26, 2008
Jesi wrote...
Your very 1st idea was great and i just felt during this time that it is really useful lens. I just pray for you who shared such helpful info with very interesting persons like me... Thank you so much
Your lens is rated 5 stars. Just visit me too at Real Estate Facts
Posted November 21, 2008
nextlevelmarketing wrote...
Great lens and advice. Customer service, marketing and personal development are vitally important to a successful business. My first home-based business I created was successful and went on to sell for multiple six figures. However, I do remember the early days of slow beginnings, and the trials and errors. I just kept the end goal in mind, and listened to the " I can " voice rather than the " I can't " and it paid off. Thanks, a 5 Star favorite.
Laurice Heath
www.squidoo.com/homebasedbusinesssecrets.com
Posted November 20, 2008
Eliezer Martinez wrote
I want to thank Mr. Alan R. Wallace for your action in favor of my first Len known as Hispanic Virtual University. As you may know from my bio, I am new to squidoo and therefore still learning how it works. I want Mr. Wallace know that I admire a person of your stature, a visionary who is helping to change the world. That is also my mission. I dream of a world free of hatred, prejudice because of race, color of the skin, religious intolerance, barriers of nationalistic nature, etc. I dream of a world were all human beings conceive themselves as inhabitants of this planet earth as our home and that we must be united socially, politically, and economically to save it from self-destruction, or we all will perish with it forever.
Posted November 17, 2008
EagleScoutMom wrote...
"The rewards of owning your own life are worth the investments you are about to make." - That is truly what it is all about. Great lens - thanks you.
Posted November 15, 2008
Webcodes wrote...
A wonderful lens. 5* and fav. I am a web developer... although I already have a few websites.. I am in the works of creating a website that is squidoo like.. where users can write articles and post comments. Still got a lot of work to do but I am getting there... wish me luck!
Posted November 13, 2008
garywgoldstein wrote...
That's a good advice in starting business. Proper planning and taking risk are one of the keys needs for start-up businesses.
Posted November 13, 2008
Stacey-Mumof2 wrote...
Writing your own information products and selling them online is a great idea!
Selling information is one of the most profitable online business ideas! But you need to do it right!
I own a successful home based online business called "The Ultimate Internet Millionaire" and what I sell is a complete internet buiness package to help people make money online in a variety of ways!
Owning an online business allows anyone achieve things they thought could not be possible!
I am a 22 year old mother of 2, and I never would have thought I would be where I am today! :)
Posted November 11, 2008
Mentor_Dean wrote...
Great list of books! I've read most of them and will add a few of the remainder to my reading wish list. Leadership in business and in life comes from a base of knowledge and truth. Great lens!
To the Top!
Dean Rittenhouse
http://AutomaticNetworkMarketing.com
Posted November 05, 2008
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
I didn't start out planning to run a small, home-based business on eBay but that is where I wound up! Great lens, lots of ideas for those considering a small business.
Brenda
Posted October 27, 2008
lakeerieartists wrote...
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, but it is great fun and a lot of work too! You need to have plan a, b, c, d and so on.
Posted October 16, 2008
jessicashalyn wrote...
Hi, good ideas and very helpful lens for new business people. thanks for sharing
Posted October 12, 2008
FlowersByDottie wrote...
Nice work and a refreshing lens! I rated 5 stars,lens rolled you to both my lenses and added to my favorites.Please drop by my lenses.Thanks
Posted
Oct.7,2008
Posted October 07, 2008
Gina08 wrote...
I love your quote in the post-in note!! I am going to remember that one.
Posted October 03, 2008
markbestweb wrote...
Great lens! Seems like the hardest part for starting a new business is to get it going,. Think first you have to set up your objectives in a clear way, and next step is keep working until you reach those goals. Five * Lens
Posted October 02, 2008
TrueFX wrote...
"If you wish to prosper - let your customer prosper."
Hands down - the best motto for any business!
The brother of this expression could be:
"Let them feel you care"
Posted October 02, 2008
oimdiane wrote...
I love working online and have been for the past 10 years! Hopefully conditions to continue to reinforce the value of bringing anyone's dreams and plans to the net for money making - real business - ventures!
Posted October 02, 2008
SunnyDaze wrote...
Nice, lense. The most important thing you mention is persistance. I can't believe how important it is to stick with it and in the long run you will achieve anything. Look at the successful lense makers throughout Squidoo. Many started several years ago. Things take time, and you must stick with it.
Posted September 29, 2008
kemengr wrote...
Growth is a typical S-curve. Unfortunately, most people get frustrated during the lag phase itself.
Great Lens, Allan!
Posted September 23, 2008
lccoach wrote...
This is a good saying, I like that and agree totally.
"If you wish to prosper,
let your customer prosper."
Best,
Dr. Lorraine Cohen
Posted September 23, 2008
rensa wrote...
Great informative lens. Yes to be successful in any venture you have to be persistent and if you enjoy what you are doing, you will try harder to succeed. I have been involved with internet marketing for some time now and find each day to have new opportunities. I recently started my first lens on Forex and hope to add a few more.
Posted September 19, 2008
Johnson3Navy wrote...
Amazing lens! Lots of great info. I have read some of the books listed and they truely are informational.
Posted September 11, 2008
revwayne wrote...
Interesting ideas. Thanks for the info. Few see the Bible as inspirational and business minded. You picked a good quote.
Posted September 09, 2008
hempnecklace wrote...
I have my own online business.
My website is.
Hemp Jewelry
It doesn't make much money.
Here's a hemp necklace lens I created.
hemp necklace making
Posted September 06, 2008
MusicMadness wrote...
I'm still working on my dream of owning my own successful business a reality. People like you willing to share info, are helping make that come true. A big 5 star thanks to you.
Posted September 05, 2008
hesika wrote...
Thank you for this lens, which remembered me in some fundamental thoughts I have to have for being successful.
Posted August 29, 2008
a_willow wrote...
Thinking of starting my own business these days... Great info!
Posted August 29, 2008
WendyKrick wrote...
Very nice lens. I so glad to see you have Think and Grow Rich on your list. I have read it many times and each time learn something new. I wouldn't have been so blessed in my business without that book.
~Wendy
Posted August 23, 2008
SemperFidelis wrote...
A most excellent lens. We're entrepreneurs and can really appreciate the info you have here.
Blessed by a Squid Angel today! :)
Colleen ~ www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
Posted August 22, 2008
ZoeyJordan wrote...
Great resource - thanks! Love the quote by Shakespeare...so true!
Best,
Zoey
Posted August 04, 2008
WillKnight wrote...
Excellent lens, love the Arturo story, keep up the great work
Posted July 31, 2008
Coluden wrote...
Did you steal my mantra? Seriously I love your site. I've been writing that Shakespearean quote for years...Finally a connection! Our doubts are traitors...
Please visit sometime at:
a>
Anthony
Posted July 28, 2008
qlcoach wrote...
Belief, faith, and motivation are all important characteristics for achieving our goals. But sometimes fear and other internal issues hold us back. Feel free to see how I am trying to help people too: http://www.squidoo.com/ebyway.
Gary Eby, author and therapist
Posted July 26, 2008
Steve-SEO-UK wrote...
After many years employed in the fast moving world of Publishing, I know exactly how Arturo feels and reacts to the venture proposal. My philosophy: You work to Live! Great Lens, Steve.
Steve SEO UK at Squidoo
Posted July 19, 2008
StayAtHomeJobs wrote...
Great lens! I particularly like the Shakespeare quote at the beginning. I've always that our thoughts are what dictate our lives in the end.
Posted July 16, 2008
4x4ever wrote...
Awesome lens one every level: content, style and organization! And "The 4-hour work week: is my personal favourite! Cool stuff, definitely deserves top ranking!
Posted July 14, 2008
youhavegottobekidding wrote...
I very much agree with one of those tips where is says "If you want to prosper let your costumers prosper"
that is true coz when your costumers are happy and satisfied with your products they will keep on comming back.
5 starts for you.
Posted July 14, 2008
banjo wrote...
Thanks for the lens
Think and grow Rich is an amazing book.
Its amazing how Napoleon Hills ideas still ring true today!
Cheers Banjo Smyth
Posted July 09, 2008
RyanRE wrote...
Great lens Allan. As a business owner I can say first hand that hard work and dedication are the two of the biggest keys to success.
Posted July 09, 2008
Coluden wrote...
Edison was right of course. Our greatest weakness indeed lies in giving up. Persisting with my article writing actually brought in many clickbank cheques, a thrill I relish. I notice you are also recommending Dr. Fran Harris's book "Reallionaire" Sounds like something I have to get. I was fortunate enough to catch her on "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. I'm a believer in conquering our most potent enemy first (our inner fears) Hoping to convey that at my wealthy affiliate training lens.
Posted June 19, 2008
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