10 Questions to Ask (and Answer) to Achieve Bold Innovation

I have always felt that growth and profits come from some form of calculated risk.  You, too?

The essence of making revolutionary changes is taking risks. Bold risks produce bold innovation; they launch new products, services, and companies; they improve workplace conditions for employees; and they may even end up changing the world.

Here are 10 questions to ask (and answer) to help guide you and your organization to achieve bold innovation.  This is an article I [Laurel Delaney] wrote for American Express more than a decade ago and it still applies to today's world.

Don’t reinforce the old ways of doing things.  Continuing to take risks is an important part of achieving bold innovation.  

What Does An Entrepreneur at the Helm of a Successful Startup Look Like?

Hold on to your hats ladies!  Even though the wind isn't blowing, you will be blown away happily by the following notion.

Women who’ve embarked on new careers in their 40s, 50s and 60s are among some of the most successful entrepreneurs!

Yes, you read that right.  If you are thinking that you are too old to start a business, guess again.

Just the facts:

“Eighteen-hundred and 21 of you [women entrepreneurs] a day in the United States are building companies,” said Brooks (52.9 years young :-), referring to a 2018 study of business women commissioned by American Express.

She [Brooks] goes on to say:

"It [later stage entrepreneurship] just means that our life experiences have given us more depth, so not only can we be more successful at this age but we can also share with those who need to hear more perspective.”

Read on, power up and get going!

Small Business Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday.  Are you out and about supporting fellow business owners in your local community by purchasing their products or services?  I hope so!

Go here to learn more.  And tomorrow, expand accordingly:  ShopPlanet (Global Small Business Sunday)!

I wonder if those boots (as shown) are available in my -- or your -- neighborhood!

Illustration credit:  American Express homepage

Dodging Our Global Economic Crisis

Rarely do I weigh in with my own two cents on what's happening in our global economy let alone provide ways in which to deal with it as a woman business owner. But there's always an exception to the rule and I thought you might like the article, 16 Ways To Dodge An Economic Crisis, I wrote for OPEN Forum by American Express.

Check it out and let me know if any of the ways I reference apply to you and your business. And definitely share with us any NEW ways in which to dodge our current global economic crisis.

Economy Center for Small Business

American Express OPEN announced the launch of OPEN Forum’s Economy section, a new platform for small business owners to connect virtually to discuss the current state of the economy and how it affects their businesses. The Economy section is a component of the newly refreshed OPENForum.com, an education and networking resource designed to provide small business owners with practical, actionable information from business experts, celebrity business owners and best-in-class bloggers and news outlets.

The Economy center features blog and news commentary, expert tips and advice for surviving the downturn, personal experiences from business owners across the country, and polls about what the state of the economy means for small businesses.

American Express OPEN sure has it right! Pay a visit when time permits.

Full disclosure: I blog about global small business for the OPEN Forum by American Express. I absolutely love what they are doing and am very proud to be a part of it.