Introduction

Ever since the beginning of our human species, there have been among us those who have the creative vision and the innovative spirit to advance civilization to a greater and better summit of well being and prosperity.


From early fur traders to Wall Street traders, mankind has produced a collection of brilliance and bravado in the form of the businessman, the entrepreneur.


Entrepreneurs have always found ways to do it better, faster, stronger, cheaper, flashier, and sexier than anyone.


When did the stroke of genius first light up within the mind of man that would allow him to create something as simple as a tool made from the bones animals or stones from a hill and trade the use of those tools for food, skins, or other tools?


Recently, I read an article about Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin empire.  Branson started with the Virgin record label eventually signing such bands as the controversial sex pistols.  Now, we see his brand soaring through he skies as Virgin Atlantic Airways.  Now, we can find the Virgin brand on over 200 different products and services all over the world.


Richard Branson took the same simple idea trade that our early ancestors used and now trades his brand name for billions of dollars a year.


I have read countless publications in the form of articles and books over the years depicting some of the greatest examples entrepreneurial brilliance and the one thing I can declare from that education is this:


It’s cool to be an entrepreneur!


And, I have 24 reasons why.


Tom J Curtis

Torrance, CA

2008


So, how did I come up with the number 24 and attach to it reasons why it is cool to be an entrepreneur?  Well, I was thinking about possible random numbers to use and I already knew that numbers like 101 or 1001 had been used in numerous books already (101 ways to pick a random number for the title of  a book that you are writing.  Kinda like that.).  I wanted to choose a number that wasn’t too big because I want people to read this book without feeling overwhelmed.  I also wanted this to become a book and not a pamphlet so I didn’t want a number that was too small. The decision came down to the fact that I am a huge fan of the Fox Television show 24.  Need I explain more?


Hey, nobody said entrepreneurs aren’t weird.


Here’s to you being cool.

Friday, November 7, 2008

1. Something Around the Corner

There's something that gives radiance to everything, it is the idea of something around the corner.

- Gilbert K Chesterton

That has been my favorite quote for several years now.  Even now, I still marvel at the power that it has within my soul everyday of my life. Rarely do days go by that I don't ponder its meaning and importance in my life, both on a personal level and in business.

My goal for this blog was to start out with something that really sums up the coolness of being an entrepreneur.  I wanted to capture the essence that continually drives him through the sometimes dark, murky waters of the unknown abyss to the triumphant summits of personal and professional success.

The idea is more than just forward thinking or hoping for things to come.  It is a mindset, a paradigm, a way of being.  The idea becomes part of his DNA.
In my darkest times, it has been that same idea encoded in my own DNA that has seen me through the anguish of certain defeat to a heart filled with gratitude for experiencing such failures.

When early settlers came to the Americas hundreds of years ago the native people could see ripples and movement in the water but did not know what it was from.  Scientifically speaking, the native people had never seen ships before so their minds were unable to project an image of what was causing the disturbance on the water.  It wasn't until the tribal leader of the people described the ships to the people that they were able to see them on the horizon.

Entrepreneurs are like the tribal leader.  They are the ones that see the ships and bring them to us.  They are the explorers and the adventures armed with a simple yet powerful idea.
To me, there is nothing cooler of an entrepreneur than his unwavering willingness to stay the course of possibilities while the constant threat of failure stays cocked and locked in a point-blank stare down.  What is it that keeps the entrepreneur going?  It is the idea of something around the corner.  And, that is an entrepreneur's radiance.

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