I've been hanging around with two unemployed friends more now given I've got a completely flexible schedule. Although they are unemployed, they don't have to work because Mike co-habitates with his mother, brother, wife, and child in a rent controlled apartment which only costs about $1,500 a month. His wife's family has money and they get some sort of government assistance … [Read more...]
Happy Halloween! Scary Facts About Business
Happy Halloween Untemplaters! This is one of my favorite holidays because we all get a chance to be totally silly and show off some creativity with ridiculous and funny costumes. It's also a thrill watching scary movies in the dark, pranking friends, and of course munching on all sorts of candy especially when it's free. I almost got hooked on eating candy corn this year, but … [Read more...]
How To Ask For A Raise In 10 Easy Steps
It's that time of year again for writing self appraisals and sitting down for your formal annual review. And I bet a lot of you are feeling rather unsettled thinking about how to ask for a raise. Unlike a lot of people who dread thinking about salaries and the year end process, I actually really enjoy this time of year. It's a time for reflection, a time for looking forward, … [Read more...]
One Nice Benefit Of Being Unemployed: Kindness
I caught up with some old competitors and a client for drinks and food the other night. The client was in town from Asia and game 1 of the Giants vs. Tigers World Series Game was on. I've known everybody for years, so it was good to catch up. Originally, we were just going to get a couple drinks, but when the Giants started turning it on with Pablo Sandoval cracking 3 … [Read more...]
2012 Global Entrepreneur Survey: Where Are The Optimists?
Have you ever wondered if people are born entrepreneurs or if they're made? I've come to believe that both are true and also that there is no perfect, magic formula for becoming a successful business owner. I've met entrepreneurs from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures, some who dreamed of starting their own business before they could even tie their shoes, and others who … [Read more...]