Disgusting

Though this is about investing. I believe this person lacks all the ethical qualities warranted for social responsibility (from the text).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28183375/

Good article on ethical standards amid a weakening economy

http://www.ethicalcorp.com/content.asp?ContentID=6240

my favorite local winery made msnbc

This video clip is about utilizing resources by sharing. These two wineries have the same goal, to sell wine. I know that both are passionate about what they do, so sharing purchasing power and resources makes perfect sense.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28022910#27841933

lean/six sigma course for free

This is an opencourse site that I frequently visit. I learned of it years ago by a professor who wrote one of my books. Most the courses are worth while, some are by speakers (with no dialog transcript making them useless). However some sites are really useful and this seemed useful for free. Check it out sometime.

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Engineering-Systems-Division/ESD-60Summer-2004/CourseHome/

Another bootstrap story.. from geology to vodka

This is another bizarre bootstrap story about how a geologist became a vodka distiller by utilizing images of stills from prohibition and obtaining the only distillery license in texas. I learned of this company from a sole ad they published in the paper. There advertisement basically said after 10 years this is the first advertisement we could afford. Basically the gist also indicated, so small our labels are put on by hand and that's why they aren't perfectly straight, you want the vodka not a fancy bottle. I purchased a bottle to give it a try. Its pretty good, I like how he decided what type of vodka to make... suggested by a liquor store attendant.

http://www.titos-vodka.com

The business prior to there first ad has been entirely word of mouth. If you look at the sales numbers (in cases) originally from 1000 cases to 180k is amazing. I feel he is trying to make his own market just like same adams. People are willing to pay more for micro-brew if it really is better. So though there are alot of competitors on the shelf, they aren't his competitors. He is not competing directly with the big distillers. Notice how one is drawn to the story, kinda starbuckish that businesses are entertailing like in the textbook.

Name your business

http://wanjiku-unlimited.blogspot.com/2008/09/wacky-business-names.html

Not the best way to bootstrap but..

Its very inspiring to see people do something they are passionate about. So I thought I'd share the video with you. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27800255#27751572

Tackling problems (Inventory/Supplies )

I saw this article and I thought that it was so inspiring and creative. Most people would look for an alternative instead of creating the alternative. The link is below:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27698880#27682654

Grant information

I was just looking up information that would help sopmeone get started opening a small business and I found this website with information on grant availability and processes based on each state. http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/blstategrants.htm

Stealth Advertising

While getting some coffee, I came across some stealth advertising. I was in a small non-branded coffee shop when I noticed the holder. I had scanned it for you to see. I saved it because the paper has seeds embedded within it. So when you put it in the ground it will break down and you'll have grass appear. A lady developed this idea a few years ago and has licensed the rights out to various groups. They do not serve barenaked foods at this coffee shop that I am aware of.

beer flavored ice cream

i dont quite like the way this is set up its a little slow and boring but the idea is hilarious and there are some other crazy business ideas that worked on the cite too i thought this was interesting to hear about some crazy business ideas and motivating because it shows you that you should never think your idea is too crazy if your pationate about it because sometimes crazy works

http://www.kewego.com/video/iLyROoafYPav.html

slogan

i thought this was a fun list of slogans to help get your mind going to think of your own slogan plus some are pretty funny

http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/wacky.html

Bootstrapping (Bottom Up Approach)

I really liked this article. I've read some things by this author who also has his own venture fund. Lately though in the last few years he has been writting alot hoping to inspire/lead a new generation. I believe the top down approach he states is good for financial estimates. It might be good from then to look at the bottom up when building your timeline and milestones. The article is here http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/01/the_art_of_boot.html

Top workplaces!

Women Entrepreneurs

Tips on Starting a Small Biz!

Interesting flick....from Small Business School

http://search.smallbusinessschool.org/video.cfm?clip=962

Business Method patents

What are your views? Should a process be allowed to receive a patent or should the testing process used from a 1970's era decision still be used? http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/10/30/ap5629507.html

Mergers and Acquisitions

I thought I would share this article with everyone. Apparently GM is going to have cashflow problems and needs to do something. I also thought it was appropriate to share with everyone considering they are buying an existing business. It could be a joint venture or complete buyout. The deal is quite complicated but it shows how complicate purchasing or creating a joint venture can be, especially if you are trying to expand. Reminds me of rapid growth problems. The article is here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27457578/

Upcoming Importing laws

With our previous lessons looking into going global with a business I thought I'd look into some of the laws that are coming up.