Entrepreneurial Spirit - E3

[William Jackson]

Educating, Encouraging and Empowering - E3
Iron sharpens iron, has been applied in biblical
scriptures, military terminology and importantly
in the business environment.
When like minded people come together with a
common purpose and mission great things begin
to develop. No business can stand on its own for
long; there is a time when collaboration, partnerships,
a joining of resources, people or capital is needed.

Seeking Resources
Many entrepreneurs are seeking resources to help them
start, expand or enhance their business interests and
achieve success. Men and women because of the
economic challenges are facing possible reduction in salaries
or even unemployment are motivated to start their own business.
Even in this volatile economic environment people
with dreams and a desire to throw their hats into business
have the courage, aspiration and talents to start their own
business, but there are some that are fearful to take that
first step and need to be educated, encouraged and
empowered.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
The federal government has stated many times that the
economy and its growth is dependent on the entrepreneur
spirit of small and medium businesses. Quoted in
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Union; Politics don't
create jobs; it is the entrepreneurial spirit of the people.
They are the life blood of the financial mechanism that
allows our communities to run. Talented and courageous
people are the very life blood of organization,” Global Environmental.

Business Dissection
When dissecting a business operation each business
has its independent way of functioning. Just as the
human body has independent parts that work together
the overall purpose is to keep the body alive, growing and
in health. When things are not functioning a visit to
a medical professional is needed. As stated by,
Cheryl Williams, RN and part owner of Sister To Sister
Catering applies medicine and business, an examination
is performed to see what is causing the medical issue,
as it relates to business what areas or parts are not functioning
well enough for the business to prosper and grow. There is
needed a medical professional and a business professional.
A person or team who has the experience and training
to diagnose the ailments that keeps business from
continued health.

Importance of Access
Access to business professional(s) that has experience
is needed by small business owners.
A business mentor who serves as a guide,
a source of wisdom, someone who understands that
businesses need someone who has a vested interest in
seeing the business prosper. That interest does not have
anything to do with monetary returns, special interests
or political alliances. They just want the satisfaction of
knowing they could help. Seeking such a person or group
causes business owners caution, scepticism, and doubt
because of the lack to availability of such a group.
There are in existence Chamber of Commerce, but their
mission at times does not mesh with a small business
mission. There are too many routes to take to get to the
right person for help especially when time is money and
the small business time does not match with a Chambers
time line especially when there is a large membership
fee required first or an appointment is required over a long period.

Non-Profits
A unique business opportunity can be provided by
Non-Profits such as E3 Business Group, Inc whose mission is:
To develop entrepreneurs with the mindset, skills, and
processes which allows them to create successful businesses
while building themselves into successful leaders within
their neighborhoods, communities and personal lives.
In essence business should be successful with support
from like minded people and give back to their communities
which enhances their personal and family lives.
Businesses are finding that there is more to success than
the bottom line, they must provide an environment where
the community and family has a contributing role. Businesses
in many cases shape and mold their communities. Looking at
the current demographics seeing how successful businesses
create a successful atmosphere in their environment and how
the business owner contributes back into their community.
Ownership and accountability are key elements to being
role models that guide others in business. Business is not
just 9 to 5 especially for a small business, but what
contributions can be made in community activism and
grassroots efforts to improve the community. Organizations
such as E3 Business Group, Inc.
(http://www.e3businessgroup.us/index.html) have
provided forums Real Talk…Real Change…. with the
support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) A Cultural
Resource of UNF. Ending The Blame Game; that promotes
dialogue on community issues that businesses must be
aware of and address in support of their employees families.
There are very few organizations that support small business
on the level of business, community and family, the question is
why not?

Business expansion
The global economy will eventually be addressed by small
business because at some level small business will contemplate
the diversity of national and international expansion or a
partnership. Entrepreneurs reaching diverse people and
the challenges experienced by businesses and consumers
attempting to cross cultural and racial lines have to address
these issues, but it does not have to be feared. Collaboration,
partnerships and correct implementation is needed. The
business environment has to expand beyond color lines,
cultural lines and religions ideologies. Microsoft, Dell,
IBM, CSX, Google, and even Facebook have learned this.
If Facebook was a country it would be the fourth largest
country in the world. Facebook is bigger than Russia,
Japan and Mexico. Small business will need to consider the
implementation of technology to expand their presence and
using teachology to educate the public.

Conclusion
A key mindset that is often forgotten, entrepreneurs are
parents, spouses, have children, are going to school for
advanced degrees and certifications. E3 embraces the
humanity of members and use their collective passion
to fuel growth in business and community.
This mindset is shared in the E3 mission and philosophy.

Upcoming Opportunities
Real Talk... Real Change II The second community dialogue
event under RTRC will deal with the topic:
"Are YOU Living COLOR"
The event will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available for
this event. Attendance is expected to be over 600.
For more information email [e-mail]
There are other opportunities for networking, partnerships
and collaboration, but businesses must make the first step to
embrace a business model where their success comes first.

William Jackson, M.Ed.
[e-mail]
E3 Business Group Jacksonville Chapter Official Blogger
"Educate, Encourage, Empower"
www.e3businessgroup.org