This week, I’m trying an interesting experiment with my blog–and with you. I’d like you to try it out and participate, as well. This is time-sensitive and won’t be available after October 19 at 1PM Central time. (more…)

Why are you running a business? (Alternatively, why do you want to start one?)

Stop and think about this for a bit. You need a good reason as to why you’re doing this. Otherwise, you won’t make it very far.

I ask this question of other budding entrepreneurs a lot, and I often hear a response like “I just want to make some extra cash on the side.”

That is a vague, hand-wavy answer. (more…)

This is one of the most difficult blog posts I’ve ever written…because I’m about to admit something that’s not easy to talk about. Even though I know some people will not be comfortable with the decisions I’ve made, I think putting all my ugliness, fear, and doubt out there may help you. And if writing about what I’ve been going through and subjecting myself to haters means that even one person gets real help, well, then, I have to write it.

Here goes: (more…)

“How do I price my product?” another entrepreneur recently asked to an email list I’m on. “I’ve looked at our competitors, and I know how much it costs to produce what we offer. I think I know what my audience will pay. So–looking at all of that–what’s the best pricing strategy?” (more…)

Today I want to talk about something I haven’t mentioned on this blog. In fact, I rarely mention this in real life, either. But I have a feeling I’m not the only one with this problem–and I think it will do some good to finally speak about it openly.

Years ago, I started noticing I was in significant physical pain when I used the computer for more than a few hours at a time. I used to spend 10+ hours a day in front of a computer. Figuring it was probably just time I invested in some better chairs, I bought myself an Aeron chair (and later, a better desk.)

Except the pain didn’t stop. If anything, it got worse. (more…)