Employee to Entrepreneur

July's Emotional Endurance Tip

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Take the “lottery test”.

The lottery test is a simple test to see what you would do if you won the lottery. Would your life be different or the same? What would you do differently? Simply take 5-10 minutes and create a list and then put it in a safe place – somewhere you can review it from time to time. The key to putting this list in writing is to feel your desire for what you want without the limitations of money, or society – it is simply about you and your desires and how you would like to live your life.

About 13 years ago, I took the lottery test for the first time. I realized several things I would do if I won the lottery. I would certainly be working for myself. I would write a book. I would buy myself a Ford Explorer. I would take my kids skiing and I would live close to the beach. Was I doing any of these at the present time? Absolutely not. I was working in a job and pretending I liked it because I made good money. I was driving a car I didn’t like because I was afraid to spend the money on a new one. I was afraid to spend money on taking my kids skiing. I never even attempted to write a book and I didn’t live near the beach. I saw from my list how far I was actually living from the life I really wanted. It was a bittersweet reality. But the truth was out – I knew now how I wanted to live. What I really wanted my life to be like. I didn’t know it at the time but I actually created a new vision for my future and was starting to work towards it.

What was most surprising about creating this list was that the things on the list started to happen. Within a year of making this list, I bought myself a Ford Explorer. It was used – but that didn’t matter – I bought the car I desired. I dealt with the discomfort of spending the money and the uncertainty of whether I could afford it. Next, I took my kids skiing – I bought all of our ski clothes at a second hand store – but we went and again I dealt with the discomfort of spending money. It was about this time that I realized that I was doing what I desired – what was on my lottery list – and I hadn’t won the lottery. I realized that winning the lottery wasn’t the secret – having a vision and working towards it was. I discovered that money wasn’t the limitation. I was. My thinking was. My beliefs were and my lack of a vision for my life was the limitation. I realized that if I had the ability to limit my desires, then I had the ability to manifest them as well. This little lottery list opened up an entirely new part of myself that I had never seen before. Why didn’t I know this before?

Ten years ago I left my job and started a business. I wrote my first book five years ago and four years ago I moved walking distance to the beach. I, with the help of the universe, manifested all the things on my lottery list. Has it been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Yes.

Create a lottery list. Trust time. Trust yourself. Trust life to bring you your highest good, and it will happen. Believe that.

Feel free to share your lottery list with us in our comments.

Emotional Endurance Success Story - Warren Wandling

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:24:00 +0000

The First Step
Warren Wandling
Academic Success, Inc.

The first step for an entrepreneur is, well, the “first step.” It can be overwhelming for an entrepreneur to actually launch out on his own, despite that he has dreamed and planned this for probably months, if not years. Employee to Entrepreneur™ convinced me in a way that I had never understood before that my first step needs to be “Getting the Guts.”

In reality, though, entrepreneurs take many first steps. Along with their businesses, they continue to grow at each new level, and each step of growth requires new “firsts.” Employee to Entrepreneur™ showed me how to work through this never-ending new “firsts” process, and I now see the importance of Emotional Endurance®.

My instructor, Suzanne Mulvehill, demystified the journey of being an entrepreneur. She pulled back the curtain and exposed how many entrepreneurs struggle. In the process, she effectively guided her clients to understand, implement and manage the essential Emotional Endurance® techniques.

Following the training, I had to start taking action in my own business and taking it to the next level in order to really understand “Getting the Guts.” Since then, I have begun developing Employee to Entrepreneur™ discussion groups, sending out press releases and scheduling opportunities to speak at various networking meetings.

Granted, I had several unanswered questions as I began, such as, how will my audience receive and perceive my material? But Suzanne taught me to be confident in my ability and to expect success. As a result, I began to share this information with others and, just as she had said, they responded positively with saying things like, “Yes, that is what I need to help me be successful,” or “Wow – I’m not the only one that is experiencing this!” I truly believe this is the missing key to my entrepreneurial journey so far.

Though I have had many opportunities throughout my career to be brave and take bold action, Employee to Entrepreneur™ challenged me to ask myself if I am currently being brave. As I self-coached, asked tough questions and forced myself to respond honestly, my answer was a painful but resounding “No.”

And so I have discovered that I once again need to be brave if I am to implement “Getting the Guts.” It takes bravery to schedule an Employee to Entrepreneur™ group and not know who is going to attend. For that matter, it takes bravery to show up and be a part of the group. The “Brave and Courageous” material gave me focus, energy and excitement to take bold action.

Thanks to Employee to Entrepreneur™, I now teach my clients to have the unfair advantage over their competition as they learn how to develop an unshakable emotional endurance. I teach them to get the guts, and encourage them to be brave and courageous.
And I also encourage anyone who has not taken the first step in a journey to entrepreneurship to go ahead and step out.

Warren Wandling
warren@awakeningsignificance.com
www.awakeningsignificance.com

June's Emotional Endurance Tip

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Write down all the questions that you don’t know the answer to.

You may ask – “Why?” When you write down questions, you allow your subconscious to do the work for you. I have used this practice for years. In fact, I like to write my questions on a large, easel size pad of paper and then post them on the wall. Each time I have a question, I simply write it down. Sometimes I forget about the questions – and then when I look to read them – be it one week or one month later, I have answers. I have found this exercise to work, every time. We simply will KNOW what the answer is. We don’t have to seek out answers; they will come to us in their own time. We have to trust time to bring us the answers we need – that is the benefit of this exercise – to know you have a question, to put it in writing and then allow time to help bring an answer to you. The key is that once you know that answer, it is important to take action – and do whatever it is you now know to do. This is not always comfortable as sometimes you will get an answer that might mean making a call and saying, “no” or making a call and saying, “yes”. Either way, action is necessary so you and I can remain open and not get bogged down in non-action – we need to stay in the flow – which we will discuss more next time.

Share your outcomes when you wrote down your questions in our comment section.

Entrepreneur inquiry: Are their tax benefits to dual citizenship?

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:59:00 +0000

Ms Mulvehill:

I was originally doing some research into the "economic benefits" of maintaining dual citizenship and came across an article in the Palm Beach Post that implied some benefits of EU access to entreprenuers. It stated that a Mr. Levine is a facilitator in the process and that a lot of student entreprenuers under your guidance are seeking his help. Here's a clip from the Post article:

"He [Mr. Levine] is receiving calls from people like Mulvehill, executive director of the Emotional Institute, a Lake Worth-based company that trains entrepreneurs..."

I'm wondering if you'd share with me the benefits you've discovered regarding dual USA/EU citizenship. I would particularly like to know about any tax benefits that would be available to me as an independent contractor working in the USA.

I'd like to state at this point that i am coincidentally a "budding" entreprenuer. I may remain in this budding position if logistics in executing any of my concepts dictate such. Frankly, i am very happy with my career as a dental specialist. Still, I know that this career has its limits. I've possess personal attributes that may make me a shoe-in as an entreprenuer; if what clients and friends are telling me is true. Perhaps my research and the crossing of our paths may develop this discussion into a tangible advance for me?

Here are some quick facts: If USA/EU dual-citizenship proves to be something worth pursuing then I would do so as a first-generation Italian. My mother and father were both born in Italy, as were both of their parents. My mother was born in Italy in 1930, and my father was born in Italy in 1910. My mother and father immigrated to the USA in 1944. My grandfather on my father's side came to the USA in the 30's and worked on the railroads and to the best of our knowledge died here of tuberculosis. His grave is reportedly located somewhere in Pennsylvania but we havent been able to substantiate the location or obtain a death certificate. I am the youngest in my family of five and I was born here in the USA in 1968. My oldest brother and a sister are also cursorily interested in this citizenship issue and we are all sharing the results of our research.

Hopefully, we''ll speak more on this issue soon, but in the meantime thank you very kindly in advance for your time and response.

Regards,
Mr. Tom S., DDS
_____________________________________________________

Dear Tom,

Thank you for writing. I have not yet obtained my dual citizenship. I am here in England for 3 months on an academic visa – teaching my Emotional Endurance training programmes and establishing an international alliance here in the UK.

As far as tax benefits, I don’t know yet. But I will share with you that the personal and professional benefits have been worth this exploration for the reasons I shared in the article. To me, tapping into opportunities that are available and accessible and can be integrated into an international scope are advantageous. I also believe there are many opportunities outside the US for my work of helping entrepreneurs develop their own emotional endurance. You bring up a great topic that would be worth a newspaper story.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

Teachers remain clueless

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:41:00 +0000

This article ties in a comment Suzanne Mulvehill made in the Financial Times on May 22 - the previous blog entry.

Teachers must develop mindset of entrepreneurs

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:38:00 +0000

University of Essex - School of Entrepreneurship and Business

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:36:00 +0000

University of Essex - School of Entrepreneurship and Business

I will be presenting at this workshop on 26 June. Please contact mgohar@essex.ac.uk for more information.

Senate Boosts Small-Business Budget - Job Growth - Small Businesses

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:58:00 +0000

Senate Boosts Small-Business Budget - Job Growth - Small Businesses

Ryze business networking

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:48:00 +0000

Ryze business networking - feel free to share posts and comments to support each other!

Sincerely,
Suzanne

Suzanne Mulvehill
Emotional Endurance Institute
www.emotionalendurance.com

Licensing your product/service

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:55:00 +0000

Hi Suzanne,

I have been referred to you by Donny Deutsch's The Big Idea for assistance or advice.

I would like to offer your firm a lucrative licensing agreement or compensation in locating an appropriate one.

I have a one of a kind invented food embossing product that is plastic, inexpensive to manufacture, and already has a worldwide interest to purchase in both the food and advertising industries. Patents have been issued in the USA, and pending in Canada, Australia and India because of the high, pre-manufacturing interest in these countries. Please review my web site www.gourmetimpression.com and demonstration video on the home page for complete details. I already have 67+ interested countries, over 600,000 hits on my web site, and a waiting list of about 2,000 businesses and people worldwide waiting to purchase and distribute upon manufacturing. The media coverage heading has hyperlinks to over 2,000 publications which have written and raved about the Roller and the Stamper.

The attached file is a (confidential) sample list of the top 100+ interested parties on my waiting list to purchase when manufactured.I look forward to your response. Respectfully yours, Rich Errera, CEO Gourmet Impressions, Inc. 13701 NW 4th St. Unit 207 Pembroke Pines, FL 33028 Phone: 631-930-6014 Rich@GourmetImpressions.com www.GourmetImpressions.com

_____________________________________________________

Dear Rich,

With 2000 people waiting to use the product, you might like to get orders from them so that you can go ahead with manufacturing. I know the US Small Business Administration can back loans for purchase orders - so as to use orders as collateral. This might be a different approach than what you were thinking - but I am looking at based on your situation - where your "in" is - and it sounds like it is that you already have product interest and to start yourself with manufacturing.

Check out a friend of mine's website and story. Her name is Pam Moore and she founded Icetubes.com. She was named SBA's Woman Business Owner of the Year a few years ago with a business worth 5 million. She started like you did - with an invention - that she patented. She went and got orders and manufactured the product herself - she - like everyone else - needs a starting place. You just need to find your entry place into the market - be open as it might not happen exactly as you like or plan - but know where you will and will not settle.

Keep me posted on your progress and thank you for sharing your idea with me.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

With U.S. in slump, dual citizenship in EU countries attracts Americans

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:51:00 +0000

With U.S. in slump, dual citizenship in EU countries attracts Americans

Suzanne Mulvehill - The Fear of Failure - The Big Idea Blog - CNBC.com

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:01:00 +0000

Suzanne Mulvehill - The Fear of Failure - The Big Idea Blog - CNBC.com

Starting a dialog...getting attention for your product/service

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:08:00 +0000

After many failed attempts to get people/businesses to take the first step with me and start an dialogue through e-mail, I feel the only option is to show up on their doorsteps and force them to listen by causing a disruption. Most all the company's I sought help from are cloaked in secrecy as far as "who" to contact and "what" the contact info is for their spokesperson. In other words, they aren't very transparent when it comes to entrepreneurs with business proposals seeking their help.

Entrepreneurs have "confidential" info that needs to be protected so we can't just show up and expect them to listen with "preconditions." What is the best way to get their attention when they refuse to take up a dialogue with you through other means?

Dan in Montana

____________________________________________________________________

Great Question Dan. I think the most important thing in this process is to be open to all possibilities and have an open mind. Changing the approach to one as to you are "providing" something to them instead of trying to get something from "them" - and I'm not just talking about your situation - I am speaking to others in general who have an idea that they are trying to communicate. Here's a story of someone who did this about 25 years ago - I heard this at an inventor's society meeting about 8 years ago and it made a lasting impression. Mr. Jay Morton invented what is today called, the pop-top soda can. He was what I called, a Living Ledend. This man had stepped on a soda can tab - the old fashioned ones that you could pull off. He had shared that they were all over Miami Beach - they were everywhere - as they never got thrown away, they actually became litter. Anyway, after he had stepped on one and cut his foot. He proceeded to go to his office and spent the next 30 or so hours designing what we now have on almost every can - a lid that could not be thrown away. He contacted the canning companies in North Carolina and told them he had something he wanted to show them - he had something for them. They asked how much he wanted for this design and he said one mil - one one hundreds of a penny for each on produced. From what I recall, his first check was for like 76 million dollars - of which he donated all of it to the Discovery Channel. Anyway, that is what I recall of this story.
The key is that we don't have to "force" anything onto anyone - go where your idea is welcomed - create it in your mind first that you desire to meet someone who will be open to your ideas - be open yourself to meeting this person. this may sound odd if you are not used to business in this way - but I do believe, and have experienced, that everything I need is right in front of me EXACTLY when I need it. I also believe that everything works out for my highest good - even the things that I can not see as good at that time. So first - create it in your mind what you want it to look like - then, write to me again about what your vision is - what you want it to look like and I will advise from there.

Q&A: Starting an Internet Business

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Dear Suzanne,
How did you start a online business, did a mentor help you start you're business? I'm interested in starting an online business, but have no experience. Do you know any successful business mentors who can help me start and run a business, aswell market my business to give it more exposure along with bringing in the revenues, I live on Long Island New York?

-R.N
____________________________________________________

Dear R.N.,

A great resource to turn to for help in starting any business is the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Since you are based in the US, this is a great resource. The organization is funded by the government so most of the services are free. I was a business counselor for a SBDC for more than 2 years and helped many entrepreneurs with their marketing and business development strategy. You can go to www.asbdc-us.org and then do a search for an SBDC near you.

As far as how I started my internet business, it first started 10 years ago as a consulting business called, Profit Strategies, Inc. So for me, I grew into having a business that is on the web. I wanted to have an international scope of services and the internet provides that ability.

So it is important as you develop your internet business to develop your vision, become clear about the big picture of what you would like to provide. I knew three things when I started my business 10 years ago: that I wanted to be a speaker, writer and trainer/consultant. That was it - that was all I knew - it was kind of like "connecting the dots" - remember doing that when you were a kid? So just create an outline of the dots - and that will get you started!

Enjoy the journey!
Sincerely,
Suzanne

Question from Inventor...Where to Turn?

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:17:00 +0000

Dear Suzanne,

I have an invention that I need help with. It is in the clean energy field.

I live in Montana where there are meager resources for inventors/entrepreneurs. I was told

I could seek help from our university system but, I would have to give the state "all rights to all patents." Gee, and they wonder why Montana is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to all things business related.

I really believe my project will be a positive force to change the way we look at the worlds energy situation.

Can you offer me any help to see this to market?

Thank you for your consideration,

Dan from Montana

P.S.

I have contacted numerous peoples and organizations in the green/clean energy field looking for support, and to this day, not a single one has written me back. I gave up on trying to find a solution to the worlds energy problems until I saw you on TV and was inspired to try one more time. I thank you for any help you can offer me.

____________________________________________________
Dear Dan,

What comes to mind for me is Colonel Sanders of Kentucy Fried Chicken, who was turned down 1,008 times before he heard a YES! So, my first recommendation is to be inspired for the long haul...one day at a time...rather than one more time. Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about a few options:

1. Business Incubation - there are more than 1,000 business incubators in the US alone - some are generic and others have specific focuses - the website is www.nbia.org - that's where you can either look up or call to find out about where an energy-related business incubator may be located.

2. Is your product patented? I know the patenting process can be expensive, but it is also an important step to go through.

3. Inventor Clubs/societies - I have presented at these clubs in South Florida and will say that I met incredible inventors there and gained valuable information about the invention process. So I would suggest you look into these.

4. Try a different university - Similar to my comment above about business incubators, I would also approach universities that has a focus in the field/area of your invention. Many universities actually have business incubators - so that would be where I would look. You need to decide what is important to you in making a deal - and this you could learn from other inventors - to see what worked and what didn't work for them through the inventor clubs or even online forums. Maybe getting a royalty for life is more important than having the patent in your name. Maybe the patent can be in both your name and the university's name - these are all opportunities to explore.

5. Go global - some countries are actually more involved in energy projects than others - so you are not limited to your city, state or even country. Technology has changed that - and we get to use that to our benefit.

Thank you for your question and I wish you much perseverance, optimism and creative thinking in birthing your idea into reality.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

Facilitator to Coach

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Upgrade your Potential

Become a Certified EE Coach and Generate Revenue!

Please join me in congratulating Sheila Edens of Chicago, IL and Warren Wandling of Kansas City, MO in becoming Certified EE Coaches! They now have the opportunity to generate revenue in a number of ways, including providing the Employee to Entrepreneur 7-week Discussion Series.

Below are the requirements if you would like to upgrade your Facilitator Status to a Certified Emotional Endurance Coach.

• To upgrade to an EE Coach

Register 5 Members* ($149/each or pay $299 for current facilitators)
Take Coach Training ( 1 hour session for facilitators trained before 5/1, approx. 5 hours for those after 5/1)
Training is free-Training is free as long as you sign up 5 members.
We require a one page paper on what you have learned from the training. Please pick one particular module that you found particularly useful.
Receive income generating revenue!

Contact Josh@EmotionalEndurance.com so you can upgrade your status by May 31st to become a Certified Emotional Endurance Coach.

After May 31st, it will be necessary to pay for (2) Continuing Education Courses re-certify yourselves and then update to become a Certified EE Coach

* The Emotional Endurance Institute is now a member based organization. $149/membership includes 7 Week Series, Discussion Groups, Articles and Radio/TV Shows, Online Community, discounted products.

As an Emotional Endurance Coach you will have the following benefits to help build your revenue, awareness and client base:

Become certified to provide Emotional Endurance coaching in your business coaching/counseling practice.
Host the Employee to Entrepreneur Series or the Emotional Endurance Series in your community and generate revenue.
Build your client base by being listed on the Emotional Endurance Institute website as a Certified Emotional Endurance Coach.
Have the exclusive right to use the name Emotional Endurance® Coach on your website and in marketing materials.
Become part of the Emotional Endurance Online Community.
Access to exclusive Emotional Endurance Revenue Opportunities.

What You Must Know About Writing Pitch Letters

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:12:00 +0000

What You Must Know About Writing Pitch Letters
O'Neal Media Group
http://www.ONealMediaGroup.info

I love writing pitch letters for my clients for several reasons. First of all, it is one of the most creative ways to reach out to individual journalists and editors to help them connect with the sources they need for current and future stories. Unlike a press release, they are not distributed en masse, but rather target specific editors and reporters with valuable information they can use, rather than file in the circular basket. There is less of a chance a pitch letter will be ignored- since personalization is a key element. Pitch letters can be an excellent way to communicate with the media and express the reasons why an event, book, product, individual endeavor should get coverage. Before writing a pitch letter, there a few things to keep in mind: Be sure you research the demographics of an outlet and understand their editorial neds, so you can have a better chance of getting into the reporter's good graces- and land the placement. Most important of all, call the outlets to verify their preferred method of delivery since you do want your letter to get noticed. If the reporter or editor prefers e-mail, you won't want to send it by fax- it will simply get lost in the press release jungle.

Stay tuned next time for more tips on how to communicate effectively with the media to increase your chances of getting coverage.

Sample Pitch Letter

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Dear Twenty-Twenty Story Editor,

Your investigative stories which affect audiences needing to solve difficult problems related to business, education, military and other industries made me think that your audience may want to know about a problem that is flourishing into a trend due to the growth of social networking sites and the popularity of blogs- online harassment.

Since approximately 100 million people use the internet and 1 million have been victims of cyber-harassment, according to Working to Halt Online Abuse (WHOA), it is a likely issue to resonate with your audience.

My expert ----------------------------------- is a survivor of one of the nation's most notorious cases. The case has been well-documented in popular media like The New York Times, but many relevant facts have yet to be revealed. Recently, _____________ has been a guest on several radio shows discussing her case, and also offering practical solutions to victims of all ages.

The college is a rural campus where dynamic footage can be captured, as well as on-the-spot interviews with the staff involved in the case including my expert ------------, and possibly the anonymous blogger ( who was identified) as __________

The best time to reach me are from 9 to 5 pm Monday-Friday at my office, 609 334-8621, or after hours on 609 441-0115. I'll take the liberty of following up with you via e-mail to see if there is anything else you need.

Sincerely,

Jackie O'Neal
O'Neal Media Group

May's Emotional Endurance Tip

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 03 May 2008 02:03:00 +0000

NEW! Creating an Entrepreneurial Mindset, by Suzanne Mulvehill

Create a healthy and positive dialog with yourself. It is so important that the dialog we have with ourselves supports us. It can be easy to be hard on ourselves or talk negatively to ourselves. Even though we may do this, it doesn’t serve us. Pay attention to what you tell yourself – do your thoughts support your growth or are they holding you back? Do you need to change your dialog with yourself? For example, sometimes I get overwhelmed and then my thoughts are, “Oh, this is just too much. I can’t possibly get all this done.” And it can spiral from there if I’m not aware. I have to consciously change my thoughts and be loving with myself. “Okay, Suzanne, just slow down and do one thing at a time right now. My job now is to act on the new thought so I do consciously slow down so I don’t feel so overwhelmed. So – pay attention this month to your thoughts and what you tell yourself and change your negative thoughts into positive thoughts…one at a time.

How Employee to Entrepreneur Can Benefit You...Exclusive Interview

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:53:00 +0000

GWM EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Suzanne Mulvehill - Author: Employee to Entrepreneur

SJ and I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Suzanne Mulvehille, author of Employee to Entrepreneur. Suzanne is a tremendous entrepreneur in her own right and we hope that you learn as much from this interview as we did. Enjoy! -jd

GWM: What is the premise of "Employee to Entrepreneur" - why did you write it?
SM: The premise of my book, Employee to Entrepreneur, is the mind, body and spirit transition that we all need when going from Employee to Entrepreneur. I was shocked to discover my own emotional challenges in my transition into entrepreneurship - the depth that I would resist change and cling to the known and familiar - despite my discomfort. Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur was harder for me than getting a divorce - my security was wrapped up in a job - everything I learned and went to school for was about feeling secure - that security was more important than happiness or fulfillment in work. I challenged that belief and wrote Employee to Entrepreneur after I learned I was not alone in the challenges of the transition.

I was contracted as a marketing counselor for the largest Small Business Development Center in the U.S. and soon discovered that I spent more time helping entrepreneurs deal with the emotional challenges - like breaking through fears, developing courage, figuring out what they really wanted to do - than I did on the business challenges. That's when and why I wrote Employee to Entrepreneur - because no one was talking about how to transition in mind, body and spirit - becoming an entrepreneur was much more than writing a business plan and saving money.

GWM: Why do Internet entrepreneurs need what you call, Emotional Endurance®?
SM: Emotional Endurance® is a coin I termed while writing Employee to Entrepreneur. It is the ability to withstand the emotional challenges of starting and growing a business. I heard a statistic recently that 800,000 new businesses will start this year and only 10% or 80,000 will still be in business in 5 years. Why is that? I believe that entrepreneurship is an "inside job" we need to learn how to use our intuition, trust ourselves, deal with change, overcome resistance, and much more.

Emotional Endurance® is even more important for internet entrepreneurs because they work by themselves. Internet entrepreneurs have an opportunity to work on building emotional endurance® in a concentrated fashion because there is no dilution - no more chats down the hall, or by the coffee pot. We get to know ourselves better than ever and even see parts of ourselves that we may need to change. For example, my thinking was such that if I was making money, I felt good about myself and if I wasn't I didn't feel so good about myself. I had to deal with myself and the feelings that this thinking generated. So, you know, I wasn't making much money.and so I would feel bad. I finally looked into myself to see what was going on because I just wanted to give up and get a job and make money so I would feel good again. Going back wasn't the solution anymore - so I had to change my idea of success and money - so that I wouldn't go to self-induced feelings of despair. It's amazing what we do to ourselves - it's even more amazing what we learn about ourselves as entrepreneurs! It is worth the journey!

GWM: The internet has changed the world. In your opinion, what are the challenges of being an "Online Entrepreneur"?
SM: I think it's much more advantageous to be an internet entrepreneur today than 10 years ago.
I imagine that most internet entrepreneurs work from home. I too work from home - but when I started my business, it was not that readily accepted to be working from home. It was still about "looking good." That has changed - it's acceptable to have a dog bark or a baby cry and not be embarrassed anymore.

Challenges of being an online entrepreneur include isolation. You've got to get out! Sometimes I'll work the library - just take my laptop and set up a mini-office right at the library. In fact, I have mini-offices in several libraries. Another challenge is focus - staying focused. It can be easy to get distracted when working online all day - and following our impulses to check email or do dishes or whatever. Again, similar to the line in the Godfather - "go to the mattresses" entrepreneurs "go to our virtual office" - whether its Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, or your local library, know what you need to do and do it.

GWM: What are the best resources one can seek to be successful?

SM: Interesting question. I think the best resource one can seek to be successful is knowledge - self knowledge and business knowledge. We have got to trust ourselves, follow instincts and at the same time be willing to learn and grow. I believe knowledge is power - so the more knowledge the more power you can tap into and have access to. Keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a process - it's not about doing it perfectly. That's a snag that many of us get caught up in. As Johann Von Goethe said, "Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live." Another great quote about is by John Bradshaw, "Everything you need will be right in front of you exactly when you need it." Both of these quotes have helped me a lot. We all want a formula - our whole lives we've been told - do this and you'll get that. Whatever it is. Even school - take these classes, do good and you'll get this degree. There is not one formula for success - we each have our own formula - the trick is we have to be willing to dig deep inside ourselves - to find it. Just like diamonds - you have to dig the deepest for them. Are we willing to give it all we've got to become the entrepreneur we want to be? Ultimately, we are our own best resource for success - that's where the magic happens - within us.

GWM: Many of our community participants are either established entrepreneurs or aspiring folks who want to work at home from an internet connection..What would your advice be to them?

SM: If I can do it, you can do it! And know there is no right way to start. The key is to make a decision about what business you are going to start and just start. I've seen so many people get caught up in the "planning of the business." Planning is easy and safe - it's stepping out there - meeting a potential client - getting business cards made - going to a networking function - when the action starts. Take baby steps - start stretching yourself - challenge yourself to do things differently - and go inside - connect to your spiritual self - get comfortably uncomfortable by practicing taking risks - start doing it differently today - right now - step into your new entrepreneurial self.

I thought I had to have it "all figured out" before I started. People said I needed a business plan before I could start, well I wrote several business plans and never started those businesses because I was too scared. Writing a business plan was easy compared to facing my fears. Get to know yourself - and love yourself more. If I were to do it over, I would have lightened up. I was so uptight about thinking about lack - not having enough money - running out of money - not having enough business - whatever. None of that worrying served me at all - I had to learn to give that up and realize that I was doing my best and just let go of the rest.

GWM: What else does your company offer that might benefit Internet entrepreneurs (feel free to promote all of your publications, websites, services, etc.)?
SM: I have a number of products and services that might be of interest to Internet entrepreneurs. The latest edition of my book is now out - Employee to Entrepreneur: A Mind, Body and Spirit Transition. I also have a new book coming out in the spring called Empowerment for Entrepreneurs: A 90 Day Guide. I publish a free Employee to Entrepreneur newsletter with tips, resources, and valuable information. I also have digital training programs - meaning you can download a training class - such as Breaking out of the Employee Mindset - and listen to it at your leisure. I offer Employee to Entrepreneur teleseminar series and one of my favorites is my bi-annual retreat called, the Awakening your Entrepreneurial Spirit Retreat. The next retreat is June 6,7, 2008 in South Florida.

GWM: Any new publications we might need to keep an eye out for down the road?
SM: I can't think of any.

GWM: What are the main emotional hurdles entrepreneurs have to battle? And what can they do to insure success?
SM: I discovered 7 main emotional hurdles through my own transition into entrepreneurship which were validated while providing business counseling to more than 500 entrepreneurs. That's when I saw the patterns and realized entrepreneurship was an "inside" job. The 7 main hurdles or challenges are:

1. Developing Courage and Confidence - Getting the Guts to start and grow a business

2. Connecting to your Passion - Discovering and doing what you love.

3. Developing your Mind, Body and Spirit - Getting into balance and peaceful and content with the process.

4. Overcoming the Obstacles - Quieting the "voices" that tell us we're not good enough or won't make it or whatever.

5. Breaking through the Fears - Discovering the fear - feeling it and walking through it - transcending it.

6. Letting Go of the Comfort Zone - Feeling and working through the discomfort of change

7. Understanding Success - Before the Money Flows - Trusting yourself and the process. - Coming to believe that you will be okay no matter what, no matter what!

I believe the way to insure success is to redefine success on your terms. Success means different things to different people. It even meant different things to me as an employee than as an entrepreneur. Part of my struggle as an entrepreneur was trying to live according to my old values and ideas of success. Success for me now means that I create the life I desire, that I serve and from serving I make a living. Success to me is getting an email from someone who started the business they had wanted to start. I know we all want to define success by money - that made me miserable because I discovered for me that success meant so much more than money.

GWM: What keeps you up at night?

SM: Great question. A new idea - a burst of energy. I sometimes have very creative ideas in the middle of the night and I get up and write them down. The idea for my retreats was born in the middle of the night - sometimes I get very clear about what to do or what to stop doing in the middle of the night. I've written the majority of both of my books in the middle of the night, in fact, I would set my alarm to wake up and write. I am most clear at this time and ideas flow to and through me.

GWM: Any last minute tips for the beginning Internet entrepreneur that's never done an online business before but wants to throw his/her hat in the ring?

SM: Go to your local Small Business Development Center or Business Incubator - learn what you need to do to get started and start. Write a business plan or a mini-business plan to get started. Develop a self-dialog that supports you rather than deters you from moving forward. Remember, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "We are either stepping forward in growth, or back into safety." The choice is ours!

POSTED BY: J.D. AT 09:14 am | Permalink | Comments | E-mail this

Do you have what it takes from the "inside" to start a business?

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:29:00 +0000

my recent interview with Jim BlasingameSmall Business Advocate

1st Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Group Launches in Kansas

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:01:00 +0000

Group are part of a global grass roots campaign to help improve entrepreneurs success rate

Overland Park, KS: Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups launched on January 14, at Borders, 12055 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas. These groups are based on Suzanne Mulvehill’s book, Employee to Entrepreneur and are a global effort to make an impact on the success of entrepreneurs world wide. Warren Wandling, President of Academic Success Inc. has been trained as an Emotional Endurance Facilitator and will lead the group. The group will meet the second Monday of every month 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and participation is free.

“I am excited to facilitate the Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Group,” says Wandling “I have seen the true benefits of studying and applying the emotional side of entrepreneurship and believe that participants will gain insight from attending the group.”

Wandling completed 4 weeks of facilitator training in order to prepare to host the group. Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA, author of Employee to Entrepreneur and executive director of the Emotional Endurance® Institute, based in Lake Worth, FL, lead the training. “There are specific skills and techniques that facilitators need to help entrepreneurs raise their consciousness and build awareness so they can develop what I call, Emotional Endurance®, says Mulvehill. Emotional Endurance® is the ability to withstand the emotional challenges of starting and growing a business.

“In addition to being challenged myself by the emotional transition into entrepreneurship, I’ve worked with thousands of entrepreneurs and know for a fact that the emotional transition into entrepreneurship is just as significant as gaining business skills or saving money,” says Mulvehill.

The Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Group will meet at Borders at 119th & Metcalf second Monday of the month, beginning on January 14, 2008. Seating is limited so registration is required. For more information contact Warren Wandling at 913-406-9509 or register at warren@awakeningsignificance.com

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Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Groups Launch in Chandler, AZ

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:57:00 +0000

The Chandler Employee to Entrepreneur Meetup Group
A series of group discussion on the transition from employee to entrepreneur shared by Christina Thompson, a Certified Emotional Endurance Facilitator. The discussions are based on the book Employee to Entrepreneur by Suzanne Mulvehill, executive director, The Institute for Emotional Endurance. Ms. Thompson has coached many entrepreneurs to develop the emotional endurance needed for success. The program takes you through the exercises in Ms. Mulvehill's book with additional exercises to facilitate the transition to entrepreneur. This is a new program, integrating both the business needs as well as the personal needs for transitioning into entrepreneurship. This series is for people who are committed to their transition in a positive, constructive and supportive environment. COST: Free. "Learn how to trust yourself and the process and create success strategies that support you during this time of transition."
This is not a sales event for my services or anyone else's services. This event is a gift to all who attend from the deepest part of my heart. I'm very busy with our businesses, being a Mom, and a wife, however I am drawn to serve the new entrepreneur.
Location: Chandler, AZ 33.31-111.92 85226US
Founded: Dec 29, 2007
Member Fee: none
Rating: New Meetup Group!
Members: 13
Meetups: None yet

1st Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups Launch in Ohio

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:44:00 +0000

Cleveland, OH: Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups will launch on January 22, 2008 at Seekers Coffee House located at 13365 Smith Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH. These groups are based on Suzanne Mulvehill’s book, Employee to Entrepreneur and are a global effort to make an impact on the success of entrepreneurs world-wide. Timothy A. McGinty, President of CLM Independent Business Advisors, Inc. has been trained as an Emotional Endurance Facilitator and will lead the groups. The group will meet every Tuesday evening from 6:30 – 7:30 PM and participation is free.

“I am delighted to facilitate the Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Group,” says McGinty. “I have come to understand the benefits of the emotional side of business and believe that people will benefit by participating in this supportive environment.”

McGinty completed 4 weeks of facilitator training in order to prepare to host the group. Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA, author of Employee to Entrepreneur and executive director of the Emotional Endurance® Institute, based in Lake Worth, FL, lead the training. “There are specific skills and techniques that facilitators need to help entrepreneurs raise their consciousness and build awareness so they can develop what I call, Emotional Endurance®, says Mulvehill. Emotional Endurance® is the ability to withstand the emotional challenges of starting and growing a business.

“In addition to being challenged myself by the emotional transition into entrepreneurship, I’ve worked with thousands of entrepreneurs and know for a fact that the emotional transition into entrepreneurship is just as significant as gaining business skills or saving money,” says Mulvehill.

The Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Group will meet at Seekers Coffee House every Tuesday, beginning on January 22, 2008. Seating is limited so registration is required. For more information contact Timothy A. McGinty at 440-236-6519 or register at http://www.clmbizadvisors.com/events। For more information on Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Groups in your area or to start one visit www.profit-strategies.com/discussion-groups.htm

1st Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups Launch in Florida

suzanne@emotionalendurance.com (Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:34:00 +0000

1st Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups Launch in FloridaGroups are a global grassroots campaign to raise the success of entrepreneurs worldwideLake Worth, FL: Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Groups will launch on January 23, 2008 at Border’s Bookstore located at 441 and Glades Road in Boca Raton, FL. These groups are based on Suzanne Mulvehill’s book, Employee to Entrepreneur and are a global effort to make an impact on the success of entrepreneurs world-wide. Paul Stevens, President of Paul Steven Photography, Inc. has been trained as an Emotional Endurance Facilitator and will lead the groups. The group will meet the 4th Wednesday every month in the evening from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and participation is complimentary. Paul strongly encourages you to get Suzanne’s book Employee to Entrepreneur as we will use the book to discuss monthly topics. We will take a bulk order to save on a discounts each month for new members. So bring a little cash for Paul to order the books in bulk. The first meeting will be an introduction meeting and overview of the topics and format. First 15 minutes of introductions of attendees and facilitator and the format expected for the next several months.“I am delighted to facilitate the Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Group,” says Paul. “I have come to understand the benefits of the emotional side of business and believe that people will benefit by participating in this supportive environment.” Paul completed 4 weeks of facilitator training in order to prepare to host the group. Suzanne Mulvehill, MBA, author of Employee to Entrepreneur and executive director of the Emotional Endurance® Institute, based in Lake Worth, FL, lead the training. “There are specific skills and techniques that facilitators need to help entrepreneurs raise their consciousness and build awareness so they can develop what I call, Emotional Endurance®, says Mulvehill. Emotional Endurance® is the ability to withstand the emotional challenges of starting and growing a business.Borders Bookstores agreed to be the host Employee to Entrepreneur Discussion Groups nationwide. There are approximately 14 groups being launched in the U.S. and 4 international, beginning this month.“In addition to being challenged myself by the emotional transition into entrepreneurship, I’ve worked with thousands of entrepreneurs and know for a fact that the emotional transition into entrepreneurship is just as significant as gaining business skills or saving money,” says Mulvehill.The Employee to Entrepreneur™ Discussion Group will meet the forth Wednesday of the month, beginning January 23 at Borders Bookstore at, 441 and Glades Road in Boca Raton, FL at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Seating is limited. For more information contact Paul Steven at 1-866-443-0873 or visit www.emotionalendurance.com/discussion-groups.htm.