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6 Lessons Most Entrepreneurs Only Learn On The Street

Startup Professionals Musings

In my role as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, I find that most have the technical challenges well understood, but many are a bit short on some basic street smarts , or basic business realities. Intellectual property is required for a competitive edge. Even the best college degree is not a substitute. Neither is good.

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8 Key Startup Drivers Bring Pleasure As Well As Sweat

Startup Professionals Musings

There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the results of your mentoring and leadership. Love that sustainable competitive advantage. Working on that unique design, or completing the breakthrough for an innovative patent, are moments of inspiration that you will never forget, especially if they become your competitive edge.

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8 Potential Entrepreneur Assists From Your Alma Mater

Startup Professionals Musings

Most universities have a file of patents from project work that they are willing to license to any entrepreneur for business commercialization, with little or no cost up front. Access to entrepreneurs-in-residence, business mentors. Most schools have a rich pipeline of real-world executive volunteers available for mentoring.

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6 Drivers For Aspiring Entrepreneurs To Finish School

Startup Professionals Musings

Take advantage of free startup programs and mentors. They provide peer group organizations, usually called incubators, with free resources, practice environments, and outside mentoring that can help you learn and pivot with minimal cost. Initiate networking to find peer partners and investors.

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5 Ways To Make Innovation A Priority In Your Business

Startup Professionals Musings

I call this linear thinking , and it’s a sure way to be ultimately overrun by your competition. One way to do this is to nurture mentoring relationships with experts in other disciplines, as Bill Gates did with Warren Buffet. You need to see these as opportunities for growth and a chance to get ahead of competition.

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Maintain Your Startup Motivation While Working Harder

Startup Professionals Musings

Similarly, it will be very satisfying to see the productivity increases from your leadership and mentoring. Watch that patent provide a real barrier to competitive entry. Overcoming obstacles and learning is one of the biggest inspiration for most entrepreneurs. Celebrate the ability to pay yourself a salary.

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8 Ways Your Old School Can Energize Your New Venture

Startup Professionals Musings

Most universities have a file of patents from project work that they are willing to license to any entrepreneur for business commercialization, with little or no cost up front. Access to entrepreneurs-in-residence, business mentors. Most schools have a rich pipeline of real-world executive volunteers available for mentoring.

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