This is a diagram of the Enterprising Cycle™ – our journey as entrepreneurs and partners. It’s the framework we use to illustrate the overlapping facets of the enterprising journey.
The individual facets are linked below and explained in detail on the linked pages. You can get all kinds of resources on the detail page, like books, MP3s and videos.
Personal Growth
The first step: to build a strong foundation with a diminishing amount of arrested development which results in well-being, happiness and achievement.
Exploration
Building on life-long learning, the journey to maturity is filled with opportunities to grow through challenges, taking modest risks, researching, epic adventures and feedback loops.
Purpose/Mission
I frequently sailed in the Pacific Northwest with my family. We rarely went anywhere in a straight line. We call ‘tacking’ - the zig-zag route to a harbor. Finding a shared mission with a passionate purpose is like this.
Peer Support
“The death of an Entrepreneur is isolation”, writes Michael Gerber. Going alone – without the support of faith-filled peers, friends and associates is trouble all the way.
Networks
The industrial era is long over. Brute strength has yielded to connections and information. Building your resource network is an essential part of gaining traction in life and business.
Tools
What good is a flint stone if you need to fix a pc? Sure, we can beat our chest and yell louder, but knowing which tool does what, and when to listen for what isn’t being said – ahh that’s powerful.
10,000 Hours
Nothing beats experience. The magic number is more than 10, 000 hours worth. Experts agree that just a thousand hours less and you’ll be mediocre. How’s your expert log progressing?
Team Development
A colleague, Dr. Ernest Sirolli finished a study of over 500 successful brand name companies. Not a single one of them was started by a solo entrepreneur. So much for the myth of the west, huh?
Focus
If you want to start a fire, and all you have is sticks; rub them. If you have glass, focus the sun’s rays. What ever you do, focus energy on finding your market niche.
Opportunities
Bill Gates has admitted he’s struggled finding “THE” thing to do. He has money, power, and more opportunities than we can imagine. How are we then to choose?
Performance
The excitement of a new business, and a marriage, soon turn into work and drudgery. Keeping things fresh without settling takes perspective. Here’s a few new insights:
Outcomes
I’ve lost a child, a multi-million dollar business, a marriage and a partner. I’ve also succeeded wildly. I’ve persevered, grown and celebrated with the rich and some famous. They all said; “don’t miss the journey”
Recognition
We’ve won two of the S.B.A. “Champion-of-the-Year” awards, and been recognized for service to our country. Better yet, we’ve learned to edify overcoming entrepreneurs with the Angel Awards, and to celebrate each day together with affirming conversation.
Contribution
Giving is so… wonderful. It’s done in simple ways, like a ride for a stranger, a nice word at the right time; and in financial and professional social gifts. Join us in celebrating positive outcomes!