Author announces mission to create 14 million jobs.

August 3, 2010 – 7:10 am

Entrepreneur and author of I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey Jeff Weber has established a mission to create 14 million new jobs.  Every economic recession has seen recovery due to the efforts of entrepreneurs by virtue of new businesses being started and new employees hired.  Weber describes his book as an entrepreneurial roadmap and he hopes to get it into the hands of one million entrepreneurial “dreamers” and “doers”.

It is Weber’s goal that his book I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey will help guide and motivate not only new entrepreneurs (dreamers) to take action on their ideas but for existing business owners (doers) to grow and expand.  Weber estimates that an average of 14 employees can be hired over the course of two years for each new business started.   That combined with employment growth from existing entrepreneurs is what Weber hopes will culminate to achieve his mission.

Not too coincidentally, the number of people receiving unemployment benefits was hovering around the 14 million mark at the time of Weber adopting this mission.  Weber said, “This mission to foster one million entrepreneurs directly corresponds with why I wrote I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.  The content in this book is what I wish I had during my entrepreneurial journey that started at the idea and ended at my successful exit.”  The book covers lessons learned from start up, running and eventually the sale of a business that any entrepreneur will greatly benefit from.

When asked, if he is trying to single handily solve the unemployment crisis, Weber responded with, “Not really.  I just believe in big goals and big dreams.  That’s what entrepreneurs are all about.  The more people share that type of vision the closer we’ll come to putting people back to work.”  By virtue of inspiring, guiding and educating readers on how to recognize the two defining moments of entrepreneurial activation and then sharing experience and proprietary methodologies through each phase of business growth, businesses will be launched and employees will be hired.   

Weber describes the first defining moment to be his Entrepreneurial Formula, which actually forms an equation.  A person’s idea added to their situation and then added to the opportunity at hand equals what Weber describes as entrepreneurial activation.  The situation is made up of three components; an individual’s personal, professional and environmental situation.  However, the Entrepreneurial Formula is not enough according to Weber.  An individual must then break through their Risk Box, a collective of a person’s position in life, possessions, age and health.  Mastering these two defining moments is when someone actually takes action on an idea and turns it into a new venture.

Weber delivers his message to entrepreneurs at www.jeffweberventures.com where I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey can be purchased in addition to Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble online. 

About Jeff Weber

Jeffrey Weber earned his MBA from Chicago’s Loyola University School of Business and entered the technology industry during the start of the dot com era. The company he founded earned a rank on INC magazine’s “Top 500 Fastest Growing Private US Companies” list in 2001 and 2002 and he later sold it to a Fortune 100.  He is; an adjunct faculty teaching entrepreneurism at the college level, volunteer for The Network For Teaching Entrepreneurism and regularly speaks on the topic.

For more information about I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey and author press photos please visit www.jeffweberventures.com or contact Lisa Weber at lisaweber1@comcast.net.

By admin | Posted in Entrepreneurism General | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Why Entrepreneur Dreamers Fail to Launch

July 26, 2010 – 9:09 am

I have studied the various entrepreneurial phases for my book I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey and found three reasons in particular that stand out as to why an entrepreneurial dreamer fails to take action and pursue his idea.

 1. The Opportunity Cost

Many boil down their decision to follow an idea and pursue their dream based on irrelevant income comparisons.  That is they feel compelled to fully step into a business venture only when they can or feel certain that they can make the same amount that they are making today.  Now there could be some merit to this in terms of personal financial budgets needing to be met, but for the most part this is purely psychological.  People mentally are adverse or afraid to take a step back.  Those who often fail to launch want to be on a continually rising level of income and are unable to see that a momentary step back may help them make a quantum leap forward.

Compare what you could earn as an entrepreneur versus what you would earn as an entrepreneur.  Don’t view yourself as a salaried employee, but as an innovative creator whose wealth potential is unlimited.

2. All or nothing

Many people feel that attempting entrepreneurship is an all or nothing decision.  The term “Go for it” to them means you have to risk everything you have on your new venture – money, possessions, relationships.  This is so far from the truth for most entrepreneurs and a reflection of poor planning in my opinion.  You have to start with the resources you have or can acquire – and ration those resources to maintain both your personal and professional life.   Many would argue that “risking” everything your business has on one idea would be foolish as failure could sink the business.  The same is true of the individual risking everything they have on one idea to start a business.  The trick is in mitigating the risk and expense.  There are many ways to do so listed in I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey as well as other books.

3. The next Google

Too often entrepreneurial dreamers equate entrepreneurism with the Innovative Entrepreneur.  This is the entrepreneur that creates the next Google or Apple.  They feel they have to come up with truly innovative ideas for products or services that are completely new and revolutionary.  The vast majority of entrepreneurs are considered Replicative and they produce slight variations of existing business models, products and services.  In fact, most successful business owners get their start from their previous employers.  They learn a particular business or industry and then “replicate” the business model with a slight or significant twist.  That twist is what creates their niche or uniqueness. 

Don’t fall into one of the three traps listed above.  If you have a desire to own a business follow the Entrepreneurial Formula for guidance, which is described in previous blogs as well as in detail in I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.

By admin | Posted in Entrepreneurism General, Idea | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (3)

Woman’s Day Review of I.D.E.A. to Exit

July 15, 2010 – 9:25 pm

Check out this review of I.D.E.A. to Exit from Woman’s Day Magazine’s site at http://dailywd.womansday.com/blog/lit-fix/

By admin | Posted in Entrepreneurism General | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How to raise an entrepreneur

July 11, 2010 – 4:15 pm

 I just commented on a blog thread at Inc. Magazine titled “Revitalizing the American Dream”.  It talked about needing more start-ups and how we should foster that as a nation.  Several suggestions focused on college preparation and means to open doors for entrepreneurs.  My comment focused on starting much earlier in the process.

The latest from the Kauffman Foundation found that the highest rate of new business growth in the last 14 years happened in 2009, which was the worst economic year in 77 years.  Teaching entrepreneurism is a challenge.  I know, because I was an entrepreneur and I teach at the college level and volunteer at NFTE.  Rather than teach entrepreneurism, I think the real term is prepare individuals for entrepreneurism.  These classes are great for those who are pursuing entrepreneurism, but many entreprenueurs are accidental in how they start their journey.  Laying the foundation for entrepreneurism needs to start much earlier and requires a societal change. 

Our American society has become so regimented, planned and predictable that it almost excludes the very notion of entrepreneurism. Kids are “patterned” to go to school, progress to the next level, attend extracurricular activities and follow the prescribed ideal routine.  Don’t get me wrong, my three kids have followed the same pattern.  What I found lacking, that I had in my childhood, was the ability and freedom to explore.  Unfortunately, our kids are tethered to their parents and never out of sight. Entrepreneurism is about breaking out of the routine and the ordinary to do the extraordinary.  It’s about taking planned risk to do something that has not been done before.  It’s about seeing an opportunity when others don’t to solve a problem that exists. 

It is encouraging to see that the highest rate of entrepreneurial growth in 14 years happened during our worst economic times.  It shows as a country we still have the vision and guts to start a business when others are only see doom and gloom.  It shows we still are taking chances and coloring outside of the lines. 

When people discuss how to foster or grow the next generation of entrepreneurs, it starts at home and in the community.  Give kids time and opportunities to explore on their own.  Allow them to make mistakes and fall in the mud.  Structure a classroom that changes.  Incorporate kids in establishing goals and to a degree their curriculum.  Plant the seeds early in developing an eye to seek opportunity and to solve problems. 

You know today, every kid wins a trophy when they play park district sports.  It’s an expectation to get a trophy at season end – regardless of performance and effort.  Maybe we’ve made our environment too easy and too predictable? 

To gain other perspectives on entrepreneurism get the book, I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.  Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble on line and www.jeffweberventures.com

By admin | Posted in Idea | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

What it means to be Extraordinary

July 7, 2010 – 9:50 pm

I thought I would share an excerpt from my book, I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.  It is one of the last chapters and it holds a lot of special meanings that are reflective of the entrepreneur. 

“Entrepreneurs are ordinary people that do extraordinary things.”

—Jeff Weber

 Extraordinary is one of my favorite adjectives. It is two words extra and ordinary joined to characterize what is beyond normal or usual. People and events described as extraordinary are exceptional, remarkable, and beyond everyday achievement. An entrepreneur’s efforts and achievements are often defined as extraordinary and they most certainly are. Successful entrepreneurs represent a very small percentage of the population. They take on the enormous task of launching a venture and survive daunting odds to remain in business. They are able to achieve the extraordinary because they researched, planned, and prepared to be successful. Most importantly, they put in a lot of hard work and long hours to make it happen.

“If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I

acquire the ability to do it, even if I did not have the ability in the beginning.”—Mahatma Gandhi

Entrepreneurs are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. When I launched TRC, I knew there were individuals who were smarter, more talented, and better financed than me, but I had the heart, desire, and effort to outperform most of them. I was fueled by passion and activated by the entrepreneurial formula.

As a result of achieving the extraordinary, people are celebrated and revered by others. However, the greatest recognition and reward tends to be internal to the entrepreneur. An idea was sparked, acted upon and tremendous unseen sacrifice was made to make it a success.

If few achieve the entrepreneurial equivalent of extraordinary and even less have the opportunity to pull off an extraordinary rescue or feat of heroism, where is their opportunity for extraordinary in our day to day lives? Does one have to wait for the right situation and circumstances?

 We all can achieve the extraordinary by acting on ordinary things that occur in daily situations. Opportunities are all around. All it takes is the conscious decision to act. Long-term planning and preparation is not required for these types of extraordinary. The extraordinary can be the choice to stop your car to remove dangerous debris from the street or to help a turtle cross the road. Choose not to gossip. Become a volunteer reader. Cut the elderly neighbor’s lawn. Intentionally meet new people. Purposely ask to be of assistance.

Brush snow off the car next to yours. Work at a charity as well as donating your money. Give up your seat on the bus. Act on one of your ideas to make your workplace better or more productive. Seek to create extraordinary events to benefit others and you will come to know extraordinary.

 Extraordinary happens when you break your daily routine. Take time to do something new with your children or your spouse. Go somewhere different on a vacation. Do something you’ve never done before. Help someone, who you’ve never met. I guarantee that if you routinely vacation to Florida and instead take a trip to New York City and reserve one or two days out of that trip to help in a city shelter, you’ll talk about that trip and the experiences you had for the rest of your life.

Your extraordinary may not make headlines but it will invigorate your soul and your purpose for being. It will revitalize your relationships and create new ones. It will deliver purpose, meaning, and substance to your work and for your employer. Best of all, it may profoundly touch someone in a way that you will never know or be able to fully appreciate.

 Ben Hollis, a talented and gifted writer, television personality, thespian, and now philosopher of sorts, (and a bit of a Chicago legend) personifies the extraordinary. He created a show called Wild Chicago that aired on the public broadcasting network and ran for 15 years. The show was a fast-paced, thirty-minute reality show before the advent of reality shows. Ben would find the most obscure, bizarre, and creative people and businesses in and around Chicago. Donning his signature pith helmet, safari shirt, and jungle shorts, Ben set out to find the wild side of Chicago and report on those people who were living wild in the city. For his efforts and innovation Ben won eight Emmys, the Studs Terkel award from the Pulitzer Prize winner himself, and numerous other recognitions. That alone is rather extraordinary!

 About five years after the last Wild Chicago episode aired, Ben reinvented himself and the WILD theme. Reflecting on his own life and accomplishments, he summed up what was responsible for his extraordinary career in the prefix of the show. Ben’s discovery of his success was really by reflection of his failures. Many of his early personal and professional decisions were not focused on what Ben wanted, but subconsciously on what he thought others wanted from him. All of this led to an unfulfilled life that at times brought depression, anxiety, and a sense of incompleteness.

 Only by establishing a sense of purpose and direction of what he desired was Ben able to move toward relationships and career aspirations that matched his passions. When he started taking care of what he wanted and needed, things started to fall into place. By stepping out of his Risk Box Ben was able to meet new people and force introductions which eventually would lead him to a producer at PBS with an idea to feature local Chicago businesses and hot spots around town.

 By discovering Wild Chicago, Ben discovered the wild in him that drives his passion and stirs his soul. Ben’s recent rediscovery was that wild defined him and he in turn defined W.I.L.D. as an acronym for What I Love Doing. On April 25, 2009, Ben introduced his keynote address and soon-to-be-released book titled W.I.L.D. about Living and Loving. He delivered an insightful, motivating, funny, and theatrical performance that stirred the audience. With relative ease, Ben explained how everyone can live an extraordinary W.I.L.D. life that is enriching and focused on spending all of your 86,400 seconds every day doing what you love doing. It’s a way to live your life and the way you should live your life.

I love living W.I.L.D.—doing what I love doing in business and in all facets of my life. The Risk Box and fear prevents us from living W.I.L.D., but I’ve proven that the Risk Box can be shattered. It is a false prison.

 A recent ad I came across from Cisco seemed to sum up this sentiment best:

There’s never been a better time to change.

To find new ways to innovate.

New ways to collaborate.

New ways to thrive.

New ways to share human knowledge.

To work together.

Solve problems together and bring the world a little closer.

By admin | Posted in Entrepreneurism General | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (3)

What they’re saying…

July 1, 2010 – 11:59 am

I wanted to share what people like you are saying about I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.  I wrote this book for you, sharing the same desire to hear and learn what it takes and how to know about becoming an entrepreneur.  How do I take action on an idea – and should I?  What key points should I know or do during start up, running and the exit phase?  I wanted relevant, useful, no BS content that would help me during each phase of the entrepreneurial journey.  I could never find it – so I wrote I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey.   Do you have a passion, or secret passion to own your own business?  Know someone who does?  Do you own a business and want to go to the next level?  Are you a corporate manager or worker looking to develop that entrepreneurial spirit in your team and foster innovation?  Then here is the one book you need to get – AND READ!

“I received your book today and have done a quick once over.  I was so impressed I ordered another book for a friend of mine.  As someone who has owned many businesses over the last 40 some years – I think you have done a great  job of capturing the entrepreneurial spirit.  I especially enjoyed the section on how to exit!”

- Steve Moroni, Adjunct Faculty, Lake Forest Graduate School Management

“I started to read your book, and I must say it is EXCELLENT reading.  I am only about of a third of the way through it, and I can’t wait to finish it.”

John R. McCreary, General Manager at Latisys

“Jeff has provided a valuable road map for entrepreneurs where ever they are along the entrepreneurial continuum. Not only through his own experiences, but through his extensive research Jeff’s book is a motivator and a handbook of the first order. It doesn’t belong on a “to be read” list. It belongs in the hands of everyone who has felt that itch to innovate and create now.”

 Tom Cusick, President at e Commerce Technology

 “Drawing on his own remarkable experience, Jeffrey Weber offers hope and help to the millions of prospective entrepreneurs on whom our economy depends.”

Carl J. Schramm, President and CEO, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

 “Jeff, is a detailed, organized enthusiastic entreupreneur and author. His presentation to my home Business Networking Group was inspiring, eduactional & extreamly helpful to us all. His book is a great inspiration and will be useful in expanding my own business.” 

Michelle Wichtendahl

“I’ve read “I.D.E.A. to Exit an Entreprenurial Journey” and I keep a copy on my desk as a reference. It’s an inspiring MUST-READ for those contemplating the transition into entrepreneurship or who may already be on that path. Kudos to ya Mr. Weber.”

Christopher Bell

Live your dream, maximize your business value and start having fun with your career!  I want to add your quotes to my growing list – because I know you’ll love it!  Get I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey today from my website or Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble online.

By admin | Posted in I.D.E.A. to Exit General | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

June 30, 2010 – 4:45 pm

I love getting comments back from readers, especially those that really resonate with the purpose of why I wrote I.D.E.A. to Exit.  The one below just came in:

“I wish I would have read a book like yours years ago before my partner and I started our company.  We were both sales guys, and did not have the discipline to ever write a busines plan during the entire 3+ years let alone some of the other things you mention in your book.  I think the business would have been a lot more successful if we had.  We definitely would have gotten more when we sold it.”
- John

Look for new video blogs being posted in the near future!  I just need to figure out this video editing software:)

Enjoy Your Journey,

Jeff

By admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Weekend Projects

June 27, 2010 – 3:53 pm

It is very difficult to describe the feeling of owning your own business – more so, the feeling of building your own business from scratch.  Regardless of the level of sales you reach the feeling of accomplishment in bringing a company from nothing to something, especially one that is bootstrapped, is incredible.  

One analogy I can draw from the experience is that of a weekend project around the house.  I’m not talking about cutting the grass or painting the shudders, I’m talking about a real weekend project challenge – that likely goes on for more than one weekend.  A home improvement project if you will.  These are the jobs you decide to tackle that you’ve debated about calling in a professional for.  They require skill, knowledge, correct tools and a significant investment in your time and effort.  It can range from putting an addition on the house to installing a new air conditioner unit or putting a skylight in. 

These jobs require planning and research – you don’t just get out your saw and start going at it.  There is often considerable swearing involved in these projects and you may even draw assistance from a neighbor or relative.  There is probably a bit of cost involved too in terms of material, tools and possibly medical visits for on the job injuries sustained.  These jobs test relationships and one’s resolve to finish what you set out to start.

Yes, I see in a much more condensed view, the effort involved in starting a new business to that of the weekend project.   The end result, because you did it yourself is so rewarding and satisfying – much more so than if you simply hired someone to do the work for you.  Seeing the end result and knowing all the work that went into it makes the project worth so much more to the individual who accomplished it.  There’s a bit of sticking one’s chest out when explaining the process to friends and neighbors who stop by to enjoy or view the end result. 

If the job is done well, it is often the result of considerable upfront planning and preparation.  A vision of the end result guided the process and every detail was planned in advance and tested in order to make sure it was done correctly when called upon.  Sure there may have been mistakes along the way and blemishes that only the architect who did the work would notice, but for the most part it was done well.  There’s pride in knowing you decided to take on this challenge yourself.  You invested considerable time and energy into the project.  You decided to go for it after your research and you made it happen. 

However, others may start the same project only to see far different results, like poor craftsmanship and disjointed connections.  The project looks like an armature’s work and it may not even be suitable to keep.  A professional may have to be brought in after all to complete or restart the project.  In this scenario the project is not so satisfying because the proper steps and planning were not conducted upfront to ensure its success.  Corners were cut and possibly the scope of the project was underestimated.  Here there are feelings of remorse and regret – possibly embarrassment for jumping into something poorly prepared.

And so is entrepreneurism.  Some entrepreneurs have a vision, plan, prepare and execute to see a fabulous outcome to their efforts.  They become one with their project and understand every little detail and every nuance to what it took to make each piece of the business function.  The fact that it is surviving and thriving is a testament to their well laid plans and execution.  This alone is more valuable to the entrepreneur than the revenue or profit the business generates.   Others who rush into their business; fail to research and plan, neglect to bring in the necessary resources or simply lack the skills end up with corresponding results and feelings of despair. 

The entrepreneurial journey can be one of the greatest feelings and experiences an individual can do in their lifetime.  Producing a sense of worth and accomplishment that will invigorate motivate and satisfy a person’s sense of purpose.  However, the chances of that happening are greatly dependent upon the level of effort and preparation done up front.  This often starts with the business plan – once the Entrepreneurial Formula has shown to be viable for activation.  

Enjoy Your Journey!

By admin | Posted in Running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

From Basement to Big Time, Applying an Entrepreneurial Spirit for Success

May 3, 2010 – 10:19 pm

“From Basement to Big Time”,  Applying an Entrepreneurial Spirit for Success

 The RN Group (Robert Rosenthal & Patrick Nimrod) invites you to an event featuring keynote speaker: 

Jeffrey A. Weber   Author of “I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey”

Join Glenview Native and author Jeff Weber as he discusses his entrepreneurial journey from basement to big time.  Learn how you can apply an entrepreneurial spirit for success in your business, career, or in launching a new venture.  Those who drive change, establish vision, and innovate will be the ones who are successful!

Merrill Lynch will provide complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a limited number of signed books.  

May 24th, 2010

6:30pm Presentation

7:15pm Book Signing 

 

The Glen Club

2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL

 Please RSVP by May 20th to

Shaila Sweders at (847) 564-7155

or e-mail s_sweders@ml.com

By admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Attention Entrepreneurs & Entrepreneurial Dreamers.

April 26, 2010 – 7:05 am

Attention Entrepreneurs & Entrepreneurial Dreamers.

My new book, I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey was written specifically for you. This engaging true story educates and motivates with a host of new unique methodologies on innovation, change, scaling, sales, understanding your Risk Box, establishing IP to position yourself for exit and more! Most entrepreneurs fail to have an exit strategy and that is often the greatest financial mistake they can make. I’ll show you how to prepare now, whether you’re selling today or in ten years from now.

After starting a business that made the INC 500 Fastest Growing Private Company List in 2001 and 2002 I successfully sold it to Fortune 100 Chicago based CDW. I’ve documented many of the lessons learned during the startup, running and exit stage in such a manner to benefit existing business owners today – as well as for those looking to start up.

You can find the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or at www.jeffweberventures.com. If you’re looking for a speaker for your group let me know your topic and I may be just the ticket.

Enjoy your journey!

I’m a LION (jeffreyweber1@comcast.net) lets LINK!

By admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)