A simple business plan template to follow is to develop a “sniff test.” Hold up the fish (project) – if it doesn’t smell right, throw it away. This is simply a short-hand way to tell if a project is worth a more detailed look.

Every scalable startup will require external funding. A great team with an amazing idea where there is a clear demand is still doomed without the finances to make it happen.

There has been a trend to try to create one overarching company mission statement. However, they often become “wall art” hanging in the office of little practical use in operating the company.

At its core, entrepreneurship is about the monetization of an idea. That idea emanates from the process of identifying a problem that someone or some business faces and finding a solution. That idea is the very heart and soul of your start-up.

Greek historian Herodotus once said, “Great deeds are usually wrought at great risk.” The great company you are building will not come easy. It may require you to go “all in” (and take a prudent risk) to make it work. But what does that mean and when do you undertake such a risky action?

If _______, you might be an entrepreneur:

You can be a successful entrepreneur. You’ve just graduated and are ready to put all of that knowledge and energy to use. Admittedly, a great deal of your practical knowledge was picked up outside the classroom – like the time you broke into the Dean’s office with.. how long ago was that? Nevermind, the statute of limitations hasn’t passed.

Since the business side of my world is focused on entrepreneurialism and business growth, so is my new year reading list.

IDEA is entirely student-run! We have about 384 ventures going through the program and about 35 coaches advising these ventures through the process. Their experience is entirely managed by our team of 28 undergraduate students.

How to kill a mockingbird? The best way to kill a mockingbird is to keep your sights set on the goals and dreams that drove you to create your startup. The fact that your company’s mockingbird exists at all is proof that you are onto something.