A group of inmates in Tampa, FL (coincidentally my hometown) have started a company making hot sauce aptly named Jailhouse fire.  I’m not sure what excuses your using for not having started that business idea you have, but my guess is incarceration is not one of them.

Besides the fact that this is a unique business I believe there are several things that we can take away from this example to use in our own business ventures.

1) Use your differences to your advantage. What makes this hot sauce different from the rest is that its made by inmates.  They are obviously using this difference, even highlighting it, to gain an advantage over the competition.

2) Don’t let your circumstances stop you. We all have challenges that keep us from going and doing exactly what we want to with our business ideas.  However, don’t let those derail you or worse stop you.  Most things can be overcome with some creative thinking.

3) Turn you negatives into positives. There are going to be negatives that we all have when compared to our competition, turn them into positives.  Smaller than the competition? That allows you to move quicker.  New kid on the block compared to the entrenched competition?  You bring a new fresh perspective to the industry.  Not as much money as the competition? Requires you to be creative, find cheaper ways, work harder with less.

4) Have a story. This is a must if you are going to succeed as an entrepreneur. You must have a story.  How you came up with your idea, what make you different.  People remember stories and yours needs to be an integral part to your success.