Since the 90's the number of start-ups has hovered at about the 500,000 a year mark, according to a Kaufman survey. What's happened to the American Dream? A special report in Inc Magazine entitled Revitalizing the American Dream looked at various ways America could implement a more entrepreneurial friendly environment.  In all there are 16 ideas, everything from schools to banking to government are addressed.  Its a very good article and something we should pay attention to. Revitalizing the American Dream couldn't be more appropriate.  It's whats sorely needed not only in the business world but the world at large.  The "American Dream" is an idea that's ironically infusing passion into many entrepreneurs around the world.  It's what fuels the youth in India or the business in China.

What is the most resilient parasite? An idea.  An idea can transform the world and rewrite all the rules.." a quote from this summers hit movie Inception. Inception is all about the concept of planting ideas in other peoples minds and is a great lesson for entrepreneurs. The concept was for the main character, Cobb, to plant an idea in someone else's subconscious thus changing the reality for that person.  The idea wasn't true but none the less would manifest itself as if it was. The idea is different than reality. A single idea has rocked Apple's world this summer.  With the advent of "antennagate" the idea that a "perfect" company could have made such a huge mistake was much to big of an idea not to take root.  It's blossomed into a full blown debate for years to come. The reality is that "antenaegate" will more than likely have very little negative affect on Apples market share or stock price.

As an entrepreneur when it comes to sharing your ideas there are three types of people you will encounter...negative, positive or indifferent. Here's the scenario, you schedule a meeting, everyone arrives and you commence with your presentation. The presentation comes to an end and now it's time for some feedback. (You can exchange meeting for product launch, new service offering, etc) As you go around the room everyone you hear from falls into one of these three categories -negative, positive and indifferent. The question you should be asking yourself is how do you deal with them and what's your response. Dealing With Negative People At first glance, you would think these are the types that you should try an avoid. It seems like no matter how great of an idea you bring forward these people always have a reason it can't, shouldn't or won't be done. The problem is we tend to immediately discount the criticism based on the negative attitude that comes with it. What you need to know is that out of the three types this one can be of the most benefit to you and your idea. Sounds crazy? Here's why it isn't. First, the negative types are going to bring you objections that others will also bring. Preparing yourself to deal with those is something that will help you make your presentation and idea better. Now the objections may not be warranted, but it will help you prepare an answer to why it's not.  In addition many time the negative comments can be used to improve your idea. Second, if you can explain to a negative person why the idea will work, then you are preparing yourself to sell the idea, product, service down the road.  Handling objections is part of sales and this will help you develop that skill.  Oh and typically if you can change a negative persons perspective to see your idea is a good one, you have a champion for your idea.

...1,350 feet. It was the distance between the ground and the top of the Twin Towers of New York. In 1974, Philippe Petit had a dream of spanning the towers with a wire so that he could walk between the two of them.  The movie "Man on Wire" documents and recalls the incredible journey of one man to reach his dream. I had the opportunity to see this movie the other day and suggest that every aspiring entrepreneur watch this film.The dream, the planing, the challenges, the naysayers, everything so perfectly parallels what you will face when you reach for your dreams. It was such a great reminder to not only envision the dream first but to never let it fade even in the face of resistance. What about your dream? What resistance, problems or obstacles are you facing?  What's between you and your dream?

You've heard it said before, less is more.  But is it really? I mean in a world where you can have it your way and get nearly anything customized beyond belief is it wise to pursue the less is more design theory? A problem that many of us face today is that we are all pressed for time.  So when it comes to consuming something, be it content, products or services, the simpler the idea the easier it is to decide whether that's something we need or want. There is a shift in the marketplace in which products and services that offer less will actually succeed more. Take the restaurant 5 Guys Burgers and Fries.  It's a burger chain that is growing exponentially that offers just what it claims to and nothing more. The decor is always simple red and white, everything is packaged in a brown bag whether your dining in or out and you can order burgers or fries. Simple, easy, successful. If you look at the iPhone a reason for its success can be attributed to the app store. While the app store does have thousands of choices, the choices perform very vertical simple tasks.  This is counter intuitive to what had historically been the norm in software. By purposefully limiting the capability of the software on the iPhone it allowed the options to flourish and the product to succeed even greater. Where is the opportunity for you to take an overly complex process or product and simplify it down to the basics, make it less.  Find those opportunities and there will be more customers. photo credit