Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I get inspiration from going to the driving range and hitting golf balls. It is something I can do and just relax and think about business, life, everything – all while being outdoors and enjoying the scenery.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I seek guidance and get great inspiration from Entrepreneur Magazine. It is for CERTAIN the most helpful magazine and then Inc. Magazine is a close second.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer is a superb and fast read. He explains in English why the method of making small changes works better than trying to do something full blast (like quit smoking cold turkey, stop eating sugar, exercising 45 mins as opposed to start with 5).
It works for all parts of your life including a new venture that can make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, start small. i.e. Find one client or volunteer your service, so you can build up your experience.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: If you’re going to succeed, inspiration has to come from within. Sure, an external source of inspiration can help you get over certain hurdles. You can watch a movie like “Rocky” or meditate over an ocean sunset, or think about how your parents struggled to give you your chance. Ultimately, though, the only place to find real inspiration… is inside yourself.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I am a mompreneur and I get my inspiration from Kim Lavine’s best-selling book, Mommy Millionaire. It is so honest, well-written and all-encompassing that it makes the dream seem possible for any mom with a great idea!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Read this book, Grabbing Lightning: Building a Capability for Breakthrough Innovation and watch this video Carly Fiorina: The Dynamics of Change and Fear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IbKbDhfKw
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: My primary resources for inspiration were (and are): books & articles by / about established business leaders (e.g., Donald Trump). I think reading the stories of how a great businessman or businesswoman got to be where they are today is an amazing way to boost self-confidence and inspire “big thinking”. It’s nice to read about the successes AND the failures that paved the way to the top – it really puts things into perspective and gives a realistic view of the journey that lies ahead for entrepreneurs in any arena.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Let your daily life lead the way to inspiration. Problems you have or see are a tremendous source for inspiration and innovation. We live in a world where many services can be instantly contracted or automated, and most products can be fabricated on demand. If you think it, you can create it. So, do it!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Inspiration comes from within. When what inspires you is aligned with your values and passions it makes it easy to translate that into a business idea. When I decided it was time to reinvent myself from working with an organization to starting my own business, I had no idea of what I wanted to do. I did a lot of “looking inward” to identify my passions, values, strengths, and where I could contribute the most. That was 8 years ago and today I have a very successful executive coaching business.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Pitch your idea to your children to determine if you truly have a unique selling position. You will get a brutally honest answer that is outside of the box and reflects your ability to communicate your message. It is inexpensive, fun, and their creativity may lead to developing your brand identity and strategy.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I have found deep inspiration and motivating power in the book – The Secret (Rhonda Byrne). It provides mental empowerment to manifest our destinies, achieve our dreams, and reach the stars!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: None of the talk-shows, books or videos are as uplifting as an e-mail or a phone call from a friend who believes in you and your business. Mine have kept me from giving up many times over. They are always there, listening, advising, making deliveries, pasting labels on lids, you name it. And then there is that customer that always orders food when I am ready to give up! How does she know?
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki was the tipping point that changed my mindset and opened up a whole new world of possibilities. It educates but keeps us out of the trap of a step-by-step how to book and takes you further into a mindset shift and a new understanding of how money works in your life. The mindset shift he created with that book changed my life – and my family’s life forever.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: From the Pits to the Palace: One Woman’s Journey is an extremely inspiring book. It is a true story about a woman who overcame almost all possible odds to become a successful entrepreneur, owning a multi-million dollar company. What I love about the book is that the final couple chapters are filled with resources for other women dreaming of entrepreneurship but not sure where to start.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: For me, it was working as a volunteer in the community. I began that out of boredom with my own day job, and lo and behold I had an epiphany and changed careers as a direct result. Ironically, through selfless giving we see who we really are. So I highly recommend seeing what bothers you about the world/community, and do something to make a difference there. See what it wakes up in you. Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” So free your own Inner Gandhi!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I think one of the most inspiring books for any person looking to become an entrepreneur is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I read that book when I was still in college and it literally turned my interests from being a school teacher to being in business. Just remember, stop following the “get rich quick” scams and just start learning how to create a business for some part-time income while you’re already at your job. Then keep building that business until you have enough money to quit your job.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: The biggest inspirations to me have been Inc. magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, and Fast Company magazine. When the drudgery of running all aspects of my business start to weigh on me, I can usually fill up my tank by reading whatever month’s edition I’m on (usually 2-3 months backlog on my reading of course). There’s something about reading about all of the other entrepreneurs out there that are either successful, or at least navigating the same rocky waters I am that really helps me to feel a little more part of some unspoken community.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: My inspiration came from Donny Deutch’s The BIG IDEA. There’s nothing like hearing other entrepreneurs’ struggles and triumphs to inspire/motivate me. The implicit message: I too can do it!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Find entrepreneurial groups that exemplify who you are as a businessperson. As a woman entrepreneur, I was lucky to join the organization Ladies Who Launch when I first started my company. Ladies Who Launch offers resources, including press opportunities, and networking for women entrepreneurs. In addition, it offers intensive workshops — called Incubators — that help women start and grow their businesses. This group continues to inspire me to build my business — and to help other women launch their companies.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Think about the business characteristics that are important to you and that you want to incorporate into your business. By focusing on items of importance (e.g. Green, Socially Responsible, Profitable, Help Veterans, etc.) I have seen groups develop businesses around these characteristics.This ensures the new business is something that you are passionate and truly care about while also inspiring new and creative ideas by merging the characteristics together.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: One person can start their own business & get things done – be inspired by this book of a real Non-Profit Entrepreneur: “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: The best place to be inspired is real life. “If only there was a ____”, or “Wouldn’t it be great if there was any easy solution to this problem!” Then I look to magazines, books and TV shows to help me flesh it out, and spur me on to make it a reality.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Every time you hear an inspiring quote, write it down. Over time you will have a cherished list of quotes and can refer to them when ever you need a jump start.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: It wasn’t until I read Good Business: Leadership, Flow, and the Making of Meaning by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi that I knew how I would differentiate my company, which in my opinion, is critical to creating competitive barriers. Taking more than a page from Csikszentmihalyi’s book, a major focus of my website is helping small businesses and nonprofits learn how they can value and foster employee satisfaction, source ethical suppliers, minimize harm to the environment and be good neighbors. Nonprofits and some for-profits go even further to make a social impact.
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: The book that inspired me to create my products and start my business was the Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. This book is awesome and I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to live a traditional life. My business model changed from the one initially inspired by the book however the idea is the same and the way my company is structered has a lot to do with what I learned in that book! Its a great resource for everyone who is interested in doing something different!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: I find that the most inspiring sources are movies or TV shows about the future. For example, one that always comes to mind is Minority Report (which was the first one to have the touch screen that so many people refer to) and the Fifth Element (which still to this day has that cosmetic camera that no one has been able to create quite yet).
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: Travel exposes you to new cultures, ideas, products, and worldviews. You never know what solution you might discover to a common problem. I ran out of Gillette replacement blades in the Cinque Terre, Italy; I was given an old Safety Razor to use. Perche No!, RetroRazor.com was born to shave the world!
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: From Good To Great by Jim Collins, “picture a huge heavy flywheel..and your task is to get the flywheel rotating on the axle as fast and long as possible.” “..you get the flywheel to inch forward moving almost imperceptible at first. You keep pushing, and the flywheel begins to move a bit faster, and with continued effort, you move it around a second rotation. You keep pushing..then at some point–breakthrough! The momentum of the thing kicks in your favor, hurling the flywheel forward, turn after turn…whoosh!..its own heavy weight working for you.” I relate this to my business all the time! pg. 164 hardcover book
Where Entrepreneurs Get Inspired: From Good To Great by Jim Collins, he documents a state championship cross country high school team. Their motto is simple “We run best in the end. We run best at the end of races. And we run the best at the end of the season, when it counts the most.” This simple idea has transformed them into a powerhouse high school cross country team. This did not give it justice… read that part of the book! Hardcover pg. 206
Books. Books definitely inspire me! Whenever I feel I need to get away and grab some fresh air, I head on over to the book store and browse around to see if there’s anything good worth reading.
One of the most inspiring books for me this year has actually been yours; The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (seriously). After all, I consider myself one.
E M Green Says:
May 12th, 2009
To agree with #5 is redundant. However, it is true that it comes from within. Inspiration can strike at anytime if it is within you. I could be watching the news, reading my bible, or just waking up with a great idea. These are normal events which occur naturally in my environment. I have to stop & write down these golden moments since they are so random. I don’t think you can have a planned inspirational moments. I even get inspired when reviewing TP Tweets.
Andrea Says:
May 12th, 2009
This is definitely one for the office bulletin board!
“And this is why, this is why, this is why you’re hot!”
Traffic, Good and Bad | eManagr News and Comments Says:
May 12th, 2009
[...] (John) was also happy to give my two cents to Mike over at The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. “If you think it, you can create it,” sounds much better than what I said, so thanks [...]
Mike Michalowicz Says:
May 12th, 2009
@Everyone – I love the “traveling to SHAVE the world” tip.
@Andrea – This is why you’re hot! Agreed, one for the bulletin board.
@EM – True, true, true – when we peel back the onion, it all boils down to our inside feelings. Everything else is just a stimulus… it is the story we tell ourselves about the stimulus that results in inspiration (or not).
@EM – One more thing… the fact you get inspired by TP Tweets, makes you automatically awesome. Just thought you should know.
@Ricardo – Thanks for being a champion of the book. I appreciate it and know you speak from the heart. I love the fact that you are a champion for the book. Thanks, my brother (from another mother).
- Mike
Lisa McGuire Says:
May 12th, 2009
Mike,
Great list!!! I also think that inspiration comes from seeing other entrepreneurs that are successful and hanging around them. So joining groups, communication with others, sharing ideas, referrals, etc really inspire me. It’s like when you meet someone who is really high energy, you can’t but feel energetic! There is a great event happening on June 3, it’s online and it’s an all day workshop for entrepreneurs to get inspired and take their business to the next level. Here’s the link http://sn4bwjune09.eventbrite.com/
THanks again for another great post!
Bill Says:
May 13th, 2009
On #3 there’s actually a book titled “A Whack on the Side of The Head” by Roger von Oech. written in 1973 and still going strong today.
I’m an aspiring TPE, just waiting to be inspired with something that I will absolutely love.
Thanks for the list Mike. Looks like I have some reading to do.
Alicia Says:
May 13th, 2009
Music inspires, specially does with positive lyrics and good pace, these can drive your adrenaline up fast and get your brain moving together with your body, so move!
Links: Field Day 2009 Edition | Meryl.net Says:
May 15th, 2009
[...] 31 Ways to Get Inspired [...]
“31 Ways To Get Inspired” TPE.com « Young Professionals International Says:
May 18th, 2009
Reading books and articles about other successful entrepreneur’s is also very inspirational to me. Thanks to reading the success stores of 22 very successful women entrepreneurs- featured in Tina Dezsi and Lia Bandola’s latest book “The Power of Women United,” I now feel like I can accomplish my dream of running my own business. http://www.powerofwomenunited.com/authors.html
May 12th, 2009
Books. Books definitely inspire me! Whenever I feel I need to get away and grab some fresh air, I head on over to the book store and browse around to see if there’s anything good worth reading.
One of the most inspiring books for me this year has actually been yours; The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (seriously). After all, I consider myself one.
May 12th, 2009
To agree with #5 is redundant. However, it is true that it comes from within. Inspiration can strike at anytime if it is within you. I could be watching the news, reading my bible, or just waking up with a great idea. These are normal events which occur naturally in my environment. I have to stop & write down these golden moments since they are so random. I don’t think you can have a planned inspirational moments. I even get inspired when reviewing TP Tweets.
May 12th, 2009
This is definitely one for the office bulletin board!
“And this is why, this is why, this is why you’re hot!”
May 12th, 2009
[...] (John) was also happy to give my two cents to Mike over at The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. “If you think it, you can create it,” sounds much better than what I said, so thanks [...]
May 12th, 2009
@Everyone – I love the “traveling to SHAVE the world” tip.
@Andrea – This is why you’re hot! Agreed, one for the bulletin board.
@EM – True, true, true – when we peel back the onion, it all boils down to our inside feelings. Everything else is just a stimulus… it is the story we tell ourselves about the stimulus that results in inspiration (or not).
@EM – One more thing… the fact you get inspired by TP Tweets, makes you automatically awesome. Just thought you should know.
@Ricardo – Thanks for being a champion of the book. I appreciate it and know you speak from the heart. I love the fact that you are a champion for the book. Thanks, my brother (from another mother).
- Mike
May 12th, 2009
Mike,
Great list!!! I also think that inspiration comes from seeing other entrepreneurs that are successful and hanging around them. So joining groups, communication with others, sharing ideas, referrals, etc really inspire me. It’s like when you meet someone who is really high energy, you can’t but feel energetic! There is a great event happening on June 3, it’s online and it’s an all day workshop for entrepreneurs to get inspired and take their business to the next level. Here’s the link http://sn4bwjune09.eventbrite.com/
THanks again for another great post!
May 13th, 2009
On #3 there’s actually a book titled “A Whack on the Side of The Head” by Roger von Oech. written in 1973 and still going strong today.
Look it up http://www.amazon.com/Whack-Side-Head-More-Creative/dp/0446404667 . It’s one of the top ten on my books list and whenever i’m in a creative rut I draw for it.
Wicked Book.
Nice list Mike
May 13th, 2009
I’m an aspiring TPE, just waiting to be inspired with something that I will absolutely love.
Thanks for the list Mike. Looks like I have some reading to do.
May 13th, 2009
Music inspires, specially does with positive lyrics and good pace, these can drive your adrenaline up fast and get your brain moving together with your body, so move!
May 15th, 2009
[...] 31 Ways to Get Inspired [...]
May 18th, 2009
[...] More @ http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog/31-ways-to-get-inspired [...]
May 28th, 2009
Reading books and articles about other successful entrepreneur’s is also very inspirational to me. Thanks to reading the success stores of 22 very successful women entrepreneurs- featured in Tina Dezsi and Lia Bandola’s latest book “The Power of Women United,” I now feel like I can accomplish my dream of running my own business.
http://www.powerofwomenunited.com/authors.html
September 13th, 2009
31 conseils pour trouver l inspiration……
Quand ca vient pas… il faut pas laisser tomber !…