Posted by Dillon Ferdinandi on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 02:44 PM
I have often heard that children of entrepreneurs are more likely to become entrepreneurs themselves. And until recently, I have always felt that I was an exception to that rule. You see, I didn't grow up in your typical household. I have 16 siblings. Yes, my parents - the same two parents - had 17 children. And while there is no doubt I am an entrepreneur to the core, I never saw that side of my parents growing up - my dad worked hard at his job; my mom worked hard at hers (which happened to be raising the 17 of us).
The fact is, I have been driven by my entrepreneurial spirit and desire to do business as long as I can remember. Growing up, my best friend Sal Competelli and I were always creating new businesses - from lemonade stands and carnivals to neighborhood newspapers and even Mic-Sal's donuts. We may not have made a lot of money in our ventures, but the entrepreneurial bug had bitten us both - we are both business owners today (only now on a little larger scale).
Knowing that parents are highly influential to a child's entrepreneurial spirit, I began to re-evaluate my parents, their traditional roles, and how they may have inspired my love for business. Once I took the time to really think about my childhood, I recognized that my parents were, in fact, entrepreneurs and business owners in many ways. With 19 in the Gunther family, my parents operated our household just like a business - it's how they maintained a happy, balanced, orderly home.
- They were organized - from getting us out the door for school each day, to giving us schedules for chores, to making sure we were all in the van on time when were going on road trips.
- They were managers - they defined clear roles for all of us, recognized our accomplishments, helped us recognize strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and in others, and helped us develop both speaking and communication skills. As all great managers do, they encouraged us to be passionate in everything we did.
- They were leaders - teamwork was not an option, it was crucial; so they were creative in finding fun ways for us to work together as a team. We performed annual talent shows together and were given team projects at our annual camping trips (which still continue to this day).
- They were community-oriented - our holidays were always festive and filled with lots of people, and our doors were always open for those who had nowhere to go. Holidays were always a time when we connected with others in our community.
- They were strategic with finances - we worked off a budget but always included team activities and community giving - if not through money, through time. My parents made a point to teach us, by example, about financials.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, my parents gave me a head start in business. They provided me with fundamental attributes and systems that I learned to love at a very young age and have carried forward to my career. Looking back, I realize that my passion to help others succeed - to create processes, to be good managers, to build strong teams, to understand financials - are lessons I learned from my parents. Teaching lessons to other entrepreneurs brings me great happiness and fulfillment in the form of memories - both old and new.
This is the first in a series of articles on Michael's entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family influenced his career. Email him at MGunther@collaboration-llc.com or call (805) 541-9040.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
Posted by Beth Fillerup on Thu, Feb 18, 2010 @ 05:58 PM
You have probably heard some variation of the quotes: "Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans" or "Life is a journey, not a destination." In my own life, I often find myself focused on "making other plans" and trying to reach my next "destination," working so hard in my business that I lose focus on the journey. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a shock to the system to remind us that life is indeed a journey and that we need to enjoy every bit of it.
Sadly, I recently received one of those shocks. One of my sisters, Rose, died suddenly of a heart attack last month at the age of 57. An event like this makes you reevaluate your own life and rethink your priorities. It also shows you how quickly life can change and to make sure you are enjoying the journey along the way.
I have reflected a lot on my life over the last month and have concluded a couple of things. I feel fortunate to do the work I do - helping people achieve their business and personal goals and dreams is very rewarding; however, my life balance is lacking the attention it deserves.
Over 700 people attended my sister's funeral; it was clear that she had influenced so many in her circle of friends, family, and community, on so many levels. In addition, she maintained a healthy life balance of raising four kids, hiking in the Sierra Nevada (including Mount Whitney two years ago), educating hundreds of children, and working with the State and National Park Service to replant native species. It was apparent that she had recognized and truly appreciated her life journey.
Seeing Rose's journey so clearly and in stark contrast to my own, I realized that I and many other business owners I know are so busy "making other plans" and "reaching our destination" that we are not taking time to enjoy the journey. We believe that by working so hard, we will have more freedom and flexibility as we meet our future goals. In reality, we become one-dimensional: slaving away with less freedom while life passes us by.
I have started and encourage you to take time each week to plan - and calendar - what you are going to do for yourself. What activities will you participate in? What individuals will you spend more time with? Better yet, create a goal list of the top 10 items that you want to achieve in your life or that you want to begin working on.
My sister Rose will be remembered by many, including myself, for her positive influence and for the impact she had on our lives. I also have a little piece of her that I will carry with me through life - inspiration. I will use her inspiration to redirect and enjoy my current journey; not just always work toward a future goal or dream.
The Bottom Line
Life is short. Take time to assess whether you are living the life you want TODAY. I am a believer that through hard work we can achieve anything, and if we focus some of our hard work toward a sustainable life balance, we can get just that. Every week, make a point to plan and calendar time to maintain your life balance. I have to go now - I'm planting my spring garden. Thank you Rose.
Do you have life goals you'd like to share? If so, leave us a comment on our blog or email Michael at MGunther@collaboration-llc.com. Your goals will be featured in an upcoming blog or Facebook posting.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
Posted by Eric Hubbs on Tue, Nov 24, 2009 @ 08:51 PM
By Michael Gunther, President and Founder, Collaboration LLC
What a year this has been!
We've seen ups and downs in the ever-changing economy, challenges in growing businesses during the Great Recession, and impacts on our communities from both the housing and unemployment crises. The list of ups and downs could go on; but the list of things to be thankful for should be even longer - and can be the list that shapes our attitudes as we approach a new year.
This Thanksgiving I encourage you to take a few moments and acknowledge the individuals and situations that have assisted you in achieving your goals this year. I would like to share my list:
- The Economy - no, I'm not thankful that we are experiencing the existing economic situation, but I am grateful for the associated challenges that have made me and others better business people. We have had to go back to the basics of earning business. We have had to be innovative in creating new approaches, services, products, etc. We have had to work hard to pare down our debts and expenses. I'm grateful that these economic times have allowed businesses to rethink and reenergize their organizations to first survive and then to thrive.
- The Community - it is amazing how in a crisis people band together. We are fortunate that we live in a community that relies heavily on small businesses, because our needs have created many organizations and individuals dedicated to supporting the success of businesses. The local Chambers of Commerce, The Economic Vitality Corp., SCORE, etc. are all focused on providing resources and tools to help local businesses succeed.
- My Team - I am fortunate to have employees and business partners who share my passion for helping businesses be profitable and sustainable. Their drive and dedication inspired me through many challenges this year and continue to motivate me to be better at what I do.
- Our Strategic Partners - at Collaboration, we have a remarkable group of professional strategic partners (from lawyers and bankers to accountants to technology firms) who not only support us but also provide support and resources to our clients.
- My Peers - if you don't have a group of other business owners that you can talk to about challenges or use as a sounding board for issues and opportunities, then you are missing a vital piece of growing your business. I am thankful for the peers that I meet with on a regular basis who help me stay grounded.
- Our Clients - I am very grateful to have the opportunity every day to assist passionate people to build their businesses. I am inspired by their commitment and determination to make their dreams a reality. Every time I work with these small business owners, I am confident our economy will grow. They truly are the backbone of our economy!
- My Family - being the 14th of 17 children has provided me a large support network. Add in my life partner, and I have the balance I need to stay focused even during the most stressful days.
Is it 
cliché that during the week of Thanksgiving I am writing a list of things that I am thankful for? Maybe. But writing this list has reminded me that no matter how large the challenges I face, I have strong connections that provide me the inspiration, motivation, balance, and grounding to support me in achieving my goals.
The Bottom Line
Writing out a list of what you are thankful for allows you to see past your challenges to what matters most. Start your list today: Who inspired you? What have you learned about yourself or your business from this Great Recession? Then, make your list the foundation for setting higher goals for your business next year.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
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