A sensible solution for getting us out of our current difficulties

There have been many different recommendations as to how we might get out of the current state of doom and gloom that engulfs us.  Probably the best, and certainly the most succinct, one I have heard comes from Erika Andersen who believes that the solution is to adopt a strategic approach.

She believes that to pull people out of their panic and self-protective impulses they must

First acknowledging the difficulties, then raising their eyes and hearts to a possibility of success. At that point they can take advantage of their newly available and hopeful energy to make that possibility a reality.

She advocates a strategic approach involving

Doing a clear and accurate assessment of the current situation, then articulating the possibility of a successful future. 

Then, when you see clearly where you are and where you hope to go

 Staying strategic means making core directional choices … about how to achieve that future you’ve envisioned. 

Erika Andersen’s expanded views are available in a ChangeThis manifesto and are well worth reading.  Her blog is also worth a visit.

Entrepreneurship made easy in five simple steps

Getting into business is seen by many as a very complex and complicated process.

Of course it can be - but only if you make it so. On the other hand Steve Sammartino, writing about it at over at Start Up Blog, chooses to make it a very simple five step process.

His five steps are:

First step - Idea: easiest bit.

Second step - Plan: Not as important as you think. A single page summary will suffice, at least until we get to revenue.

Third step - Funding: Better to use your own money. If you can’t fund it go back to first step and get a new idea.

Fourth step - Build it: This will be harder than you thought. Think QDOS. Quick & dirty operating system. Just get a product out there. You can improve it later.

Fifth Step - Sell it: This is the really hard part. Getting people to pay for your product or service. In an economy and where the latest buzz word is ‘free’ this is where you can see if you’ve got what it takes. If you can’t sell, get a job in a nice safe office. Selling is the vital final step for all entrepreneurs.

Simple or what?

Easy, of course, is another issue entirely!