It seems like you can't go one day without reading about some CEO who does something stupid, selfish or both. CEO is an immediately recognizable abbreviation for Chief Executive Officer. It's one of those titles that many young entrepreneurs aspire to reach. And while the aspirations may be pure I want to challenge you to think differently about what a modern day CEO should look like. When you break down CEO word by word a clearer picture starts to develop Chief - One who is highest in rank or authority Executive - A person or group having administrative or managerial authority in an organization Officer - One who holds an office of authority or trust in an organization, such as a corporation The reoccurring theme in each is "authority". Authority can be such a tricky thing. Used incorrectly it can lead to abuse while conversely , in others,  it brings out admirable leadership. In any event  when you read those individual definitions of the words it doesn't seem to paint a picture of some of today's next generation CEO's. Tony Hsieh of Zappos certainly doesn't fit the old definition of CEO, nor does Nick Sarillo. Examples like Tony and Nick should lead us to rethink what a CEO of the future stands for.  Phrases like Creative Energy Offered, Chief Example Officer, Caring Excited Outgoing, Crazy Energy Offered are just a few that come to mind.  The  old Chiefs and Officers are no longer effective, like the business environment in the hit TV series Mad Men, it may have worked like that in the past, but no longer . Looking to the future it's about something far greater than authority, it's about inspiring by example, leading by serving, and bringing new ideas to the work environment. What kind of CEO will you be?

When you were little you probably had one of those books that had a hundred "connect the dots" pictures just waiting for you to complete. You know the one with the dots that were so close together it wasn't very hard to see what the picture was going to make once completed.  As I would flip through the book  I could see the pictures that were there and I would systematically eliminate the ones I didn't want to do.  Once I found the one I wanted I would go to town, 1-2-3 until the picture was fully there. I think this is a perfect example of what so many people are looking for when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur.  A step by step, connect the dots guide to success. If that's the case your setting yourself up for failure.

Everyone's an Entrepreneur, why not you? Which excuse are you hiding behind? I'm not creative - Everyone is, look at your dreams, your personality I don't have money - Almost all start without money I'm not talented enough - Determination trumps talent I'm not capable - You're the only one who is. It's too risky - Doing nothing is much more risky It's too much pressure - No more than not being in control of your future That's been done before - Execution not originality leads to success That's never been done - Pioneering something can pay off I can't focus - Sure you can, it just takes some practice I can't make decisions - You do everyday, what to eat, what to wear, where to go I make decisions to quickly - Timely decisions are important My parents weren't and it worked for them - Perhaps but it won't in the future My parents were and it didn't work - Your opportunities are better My ideas are horrible - Horrible ideas can be successful too I have ideas but I don't know what to do - You're already well on your way

...it's your competition. "I've never used an iPhone" was the quote from Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein during a recent interview.  That makes him either a liar or a fool. The arrogance of not deeply knowing your competition is something that perhaps would work in the past, but today and into the future is a direct line to failure.  As an entrepreneur one of the most important things you can do is to understand who your competition is and what they bring to the market.  Whether you're a manufacturer, service provider or blogger you need to make it a pillar of your career to have the mindset of researching your competition.  Here are some reasons why... In sales you will be better prepared to sell your features/benefits over your competition In design you will be able to exploit the design weakness of your competitions products In marketing you will be able to position your product where others aren't and where others fall short In pricing you will be able to target your markets more competitively In support you will understand opportunities that your offering can utilize to reduce complaints In usability you will find nuances that no one can share with you, no matter how many videos, reviews or articles you read. Being an entrepreneur today is all about learning. You need to learn your about your competition, market and customer.  A lack of understanding in any one of those three areas is done at your own peril. How about you, do you research your competition? How? photo credit

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.