How to Empower Entrepreneurs

Currently I'm down with a cold, and while off school and at home, I spent some time browsing the blogosphere for some new inspiration. One of my favorite stops was at Guy Kawasaki's ultra-popular blog, How to Change the World. Founder of the Silicon Valley V.C. firm, Garage Ventures, and former "software evangelist" for Apple Computers, Guy is an affable, "cut-the-bullshit" kind of guy. In a video post dated a few months back, Guy presented on his new book, the Art of the Start, a self-guide handbook to starting up any business imaginable.

Given that I'm in the process of starting a business of my own, there were a few ideas that really grasped my attention.

Make Meaning over Money.
Without meaning their is no business. If your intention is to solely based on making money in an untapped industry, you will be destined to fail.

Out with Mission Statements, in with company Mantras.
To often companies waste exorbitant fees on setting up their own luxurious off-sites, hoping to create the perfect, most emblematic mission statements. The result: broad and worthless statements that are completely uncharacteristic of the company itself. With mantras, companies are able specifically define (in 3 or 4 words) the purposes they serve.

Best Examples:
Fedex -- "peace of mind"
Target -- "democratize design"

Ask the questions: Who is my customer? And how do I get MY Money out of her purse?
The two fundamental questions of any business plan. Be specific. Any further questioning in unnecessary. Get started immediately afterwards.

Once completed, have a WOMAN review your business plan.
By nature, men are vigorous, demanding, critical, and out-spoken. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more responsive, open-minded, and honest. Women are believers, so trust their advice, first.

"You need a soul mate."
Some of the greatest start-ups have been created by partners. For instance, Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google helped to compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. They provides strong reinforcement and allow partners work more creatively.

Hire people who love your company.
Guy was hired by Apple not because of his proven business experience, but because he held a unbridled enthusiasm for the Apple brand and what it represented. Find people who share that passion and they will be your most productive and devout employees.