When people copy your work, it means you inspired them to do something in your field. When I say “Let them copy you!” I don’t mean that you should not take action against those who infringe on your work — sometimes action is required.

Working with entrepreneurs for nearly a quarter century, I’ve come to realize that the best time to ask for money is when you don’t need it, or when you already have it. The worst time to ask for money is when you need it.

Strategies are just as vital as the money you may secure.

In my experience, having a plan is key to securing funding. But the ability to effectively ask for money is also key.

In many previous blogs I’ve noted that there is a way to ask for money. In the most recent posts, I’ve discussed the importance of getting cash and credit when you don’t need it, and how to access these ideas and thoughts.

I’ve always believed that Cash is King.

It is easy to get cash if you have good credit. That doesn’t mean you can’t get cash if you don’t have good credit, it’s just easier if you do.

Whenever there are changes or shifts in the economy, there is talk about the challenges of starting or growing a business. Did you know that many of the largest companies in the world started in tough economic times?

Working with so many leaders globally, I’ve learned that even when expectations are obvious, the words used to explain them are not necessarily clear to everyone.

We all make mistakes. There are those who blame everyone else, and those who take all the blame, even if they didn’t do it.

I’ve had conversations with leaders around the world — many of whom seem to be confused about two things:

You don’t have to own something to lead it.

You don’t need to lead something to own it.

The most successful entrepreneurs and leaders around the globe are always investing in themselves via time, interactions, reading books, and exploring new ideas and thoughts.

Some folks call me “the reality check in the room” because I can be very focused on details.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t have dreams or that you shouldn’t have or chase your dreams.

In the early months of the year, “Work/Life Balance” becomes a hot topic. How DO we balance our work with our lives?

For many years after I came to the U.S., I had to live day-by-day because I carried a refugee document and was under government supervision and an order of deportation. This meant that on any given day I could have been uprooted, sent to jail or deported. I had no rights.

It’s a question that plays like the game of rock, paper, scissors — do you write your plan on a napkin, a piece of paper, on a rock, or in software? Which is the best?

In December, many of us were busy reflecting on what we did for the year of 2023.

Some of us — on a personal level — faced big challenges, whether it was war, interruption, or family matters.

One thing I know for sure is that if we keep doing what we do, we will move forward — but if we want to grow, we must reflect.

One of the programs I run while working with leaders around the world is about resiliency.

I’ve never been one to say what you’d like to hear. I’ve always been the one who says what you need to hear. I’m accustomed to being uncomfortable all the time — being who I am, where I grew up, and where I continue to live, can sometimes be challenging.

We all struggle with taking a break because there is so much to do, even though we know the wisdom of the adage, the work will still be here tomorrow.

I just facilitated a workshop on the one thing you need to do to achieve your 2024 goals.

On a high level, the number one thing is FOCUS. We often get distracted by the minutia or noise that comes along.

By now most of you know that for the last 30 years I’ve been in the business space — starting, growing, consulting, and advising at every level from entrepreneurs with a startup idea, to Presidents or Governors on policy and program development for their local communities.