The Freestyle Entrepreneur

[ A verion of this article first appeared in the June 2009 issue of Corporate Report Wisconsin.]   (This could be titled, “How John Lost His ‘Blink Factor’ … and How He Got It Back Again.”)   Like the cat that always lands on its feet, some entrepreneurs consistently seem to stroll through the mine fields of [...]

[A version of this article first appeared in the May 2009 edition of Corporate Report Wisconsin] Note to the university professor at last fall’s business conference:  The following is an attempt to explain why I slipped out early during your presentation on “The New Economics.”   As a business writer, I send out biz-tip email [...]

People who know me tell me I’m unemployable.  There’s some truth to that.  I’ve been self-employed since 1985.  I’ve been borderline wealthy and down to my last 17 cents.  I’ve had a handful of employees and had a staff of just me … unless you count Rocky the Boxer and Toni the Golden Retriever.   [...]

If you go belly up during these challenging economic times, do not blame (A) the economy; (B) the government; or (C) bad luck.  In other words, do not roll over and play victim or, worse, sit up and beg for a handout. There is honest money to be made and there are genuine opportunities to [...]

I hadn’t seen Marty in a few weeks, not since his restaurant failed.  The news had left me sad. It’s never fun to watch a hard-working fellow lose not only his money, but also his dream.  Fortunately, he still had his base business: a small tavern, with quarters upstairs for him and his wife.  But [...]