Small Business Connections                                                              April 2012 

Window WellScapes 

 

Michael McGuire has entrepreneurial spirit in his blood. He invented an inflatable potty seat after he discovered the challenges of traveling with a child who is potty training. His invention was well received at EigerLab's Fastpitch competition in Rockford, and he was able to procure a licensing deal with a major distributor. Unfortunately, a dispute with a remote partner derailed his plans.

       

Mike decided he would rather switch than fight, so he shelved his invention, and pursued his passion for working outdoors and working with his hands through his new business, Window Wellscapes - this time without a partner.

 

Window Wellscapes transforms ugly window wells to beautiful, customized environments. Mike removes the ugly metal lining, and frames the well in brick or other natural landscape materials. He then customizes the space to the customer's taste. Window wells can be decorated with plants, water features, rock beds, and a wide variety of other materials. Each wellscape is sealed with an easily removable cover, which keeps creatures out, but allows quick egress in an emergency.

 

Mike states, "I have always found it surprising that folks spend a great deal of money to finish their basements into warm, inviting living spaces, yet ignore the one common unsightly exception; the ugly steel window well. When we decided to have our basement finished, I went online to see what kind of ideas or products there were to help make the window well less of an eye-sore.  I was surprised by the lack of creative initiative and limited options I found.   

 

Mike has used the services of the IL Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee throughout his various entrepreneurial endeavors to help with business planning and other aspects of his business.

 

Window Wellscapes puts the finishing touch on finished basements, adding light, color and depth to the room. For more information about Window Wellscapes, visit their website or give Mike a call at 630-740-4322.

 What's Your Entrepreneurial DNA?

Have you ever attended a networking event, business meeting or chamber mixer and met business owners you have very little in common with? Some are pushy and appear like the stereotypical "used car salesman". Others struggle to connect with people and get their message out. Some build huge businesses (almost effortlessly). Others are perfectly content to keep their business small. Others struggle to get established at all.

We all have sensed that we're not like every other entrepreneur out there. But what impact do our differences have on how we [should] operate our businesses? If we're not all clones of each other, should we all be following the same roadmap in areas like social media, salesmanship, growth strategy and human resources? When you really think about it, it starts to seem silly that we would copy best practices from people who are nothing like us. Yet, that is what happens every single day in the world of startups and small businesses.

"If it worked for Jim, it will probably work for me."

"Sue had a very successful rollout of her Facebook page and email campaign - so I'll just learn what she did and do it myself."

"The webinar on outsourcing was really good. I think I'll apply those ideas in my business."

These (and other similar statements) are the reason most startups and small business owners are frustrated with their company direction and growth. We've been fed a one-size-fits-all approach to running a business.

"The thing I love most about entrepreneurship is that we come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us want to build the next Google. Others want nothing to do with that commitment and would much rather own home-based, lifestyle-friendly, online-marketing businesses. Then, in between, there are the rest of us."

That's a quote right out of the breakthrough book Entrepreneurial DNA, where Joe Abraham, author and founder of BOSI Performance Institute, posits that the person who is suited to try and build the next Google isn't the same person who should be opening a consultancy. The first part of the book has several examples that illustrate that what people want to do may not always be what they're best suited to do. This doesn't mean they're not suited for entrepreneurship-just that they're focused on the wrong business and/or not playing to their strengths.

Knowing your Entrepreneurial DNA will help you filter people, plans and processes that are best suited for you. The book was a result of 3+ years of research with thousands of entrepreneurs participating. It has been endorsed by Seth Godin, Rafael Pastor (CEO of Vistage International) and Ivan Misner (CEO of BNI). Pick up a copy - you'll find it fascinating reading.

Meanwhile, here are some practical tips on how to leverage the breakthrough insight of Entrepreneurial DNA:

1. Take the free Entrepreneurial DNA Assessment. The Assessment will generate your Primary and Secondary DNAs. It takes less than 5 minutes and your results are instantaneous.

Here's a snapshot of the 4 primary DNAs-

• Builder (business owners with a track record of building small business to large enterprises)
• Opportunist (always at the right place at the right time - all about timing)
• Specialist (think doctor, lawyer, writer, baker - the experts)
• Innovator (think scientist, inventor - the mad scientists)

2. Based on your Assessment results, here are some quick tips:

• If Builder is your primary DNA - have your employees take the management team assessment so you can see how well your team is balanced/optimized. Morale and performance usually run low in Builder DNA companies.
• If Opportunist is your primary DNA - watch out for the risk that comes with having multiple income streams/multiple projects running at the same time. Joe Abraham's research proved that if you have Primary O DNA and are juggling multiple income streams, your risk of failure increases by up to 700%.
• If Specialist is your primary DNA - it is mission critical that you spend the time right now [get help if you need it] to come up with a game-changing marketing plan. One that allows you to stand out in your crowded marketplace of competitors
• If Innovator is your primary DNA - you need to get around individuals with strong Builder DNA who can guide and advise you on how to scale and manage your company. Business operations will not come easily to you. We can bring the right people around you to help.

The IL SBDC at Waubonsee is here to help you optimize your business and plans around your unique Entrepreneurial DNA. We've worked closely with Joe and his team to understand this breakthrough and find ways to help you leverage it to build the company of your dreams. We are here to help you take advantage of this information. In qualifying cases, we may even schedule you for complimentary coaching and strategy work with Joe and his team. Give us a call at 630-906-4143.

Biz Bitz

A panel of industry experts will present three, 20-minute information-packed sessions on funding sources available to grow your business now. You will leave with real contacts, phone numbers and information  you can use today.  Please register for April 19th for our seminar and lunch at the Hotel Arista at City Gate Centre in Naperville.   

The International Trade Center at College of DuPage is offering a series of free webinars for businesses considering or doing business internationally.  From Basics of Exporting, to International Logistics, you will find a wealth of information to help you do business globally.  For more information on these free webinars, Click Here.  

Illinois SBDC at Waubonsee Community College