Carl Boniface
Carl Boniface is recognized as an entrepreneur, while essentially a successful businessman. His blog supplies useful info and tips to help others succeed. Click: MAIN WEBSITESyndicate
Daily Entrepreneur jargon - Join the Extra-Mile-Club!
he Extra-Mile-Club is where one entrepreneur in a hundred hangs-out; a place that goes beyond boundaries, where humans stretch themselves to gain new knowledge and skills, while making the effort to make dreams come alive!
The two hour train journey from Wallington to Victoria, and then underground to Paddington where I took the Silver Line service to Newbury, Berkshire was worth it. Once there the publisher of my book, 'The Entrepreneur Business', and I had an interesting conversation when we had a great tête-à-tête (heart-to-heart). Like me he is extremely passionate about his business and what he is doing to follow his dreams. It is what makes an avid businessman want to grow, explore ways to improve, and follow avenues to win a galactic battle.
So ask yourself; are you the one, or are you one of the 99 percent who settles for the Status-quo so many people accept? This is no joke, but rather the category so many people fall into after trying to climb to the top in their career. It might not start out that way, because deep down everyone or the majority would like to achieve success, become triumphant, and earn wealth like victorious pop stars, actors, and royalty, or even relatively successful working careers. Alas so many eras are stifled by intermediating circumstances, and negative forces that hold down any hope of prosperity. Fact!
It seems hard to believe that an unknown person stopped in the street would really mean that there was no interest in having more than their wildest dreams, the opulence to make dreams become reality, or the opportunity to live life the way you envisaged when you were younger. We all dream; it is nature’s way of making us aspire to greatness. Having a Malibu home looking over the Pacific Ocean was one of Atul’s dreams when he was in his forties, and he had a plan to get there. He was in the one percent!
So many people give up and settle for defeat when the key to reaching those objectives is simply not to lose focus on your purpose irrespective of the present circumstances that may have meant closing your business, or taking a massive blow to poverty. It means picking yourself back-up, and finding a suitable way to re-energize, harnessing the obstacles that have robbed you and seeing if they can be fixed, or literally starting a new venture whether it means taking two jobs a day to make ends meet; or pull together resources to start-off again!
I know where I stand, and fortunately my publisher reminded me why I am a member of the Extra-Mile-Club. Are you?
Daily Entrepreneur jargon – Multi-tasking!
very good article written by an entrepreneur expert about multi-tasking, which according to the author; made clear that multi-task believers had to understand why it was not a good idea to multi-task!
Without going into every detail she gathered facts that led to psychologists observations that those who practice such methods take around four minutes to return to the concentration levels and productivity they were experiencing when they were previously doing a specific task i.e. a person is less productive because the change from one task to another wastes valuable time. This has been scientifically proven. Bravo I say!
Psychology plays strange tricks on the mind; ask and often no will be the answer even if the real answer is yes. E.g. a woman will possibly mislead a man in times of attraction. See where I’m going? Don’t worry if you don’t we’ll get there.
I thought about her critique and for a while she had me lapping-up her spiel. It was extremely well written. Later that day after work when the daily soap ended I came to the conclusion that her words contradicted my opinion, and the why behind my feeling is as follows:
As an entrepreneur for over a quarter of a century I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs; like everything every situation has intermediating circumstances then I just had to write my observations. To me being an entrepreneur often requires multi-tasking. If your responsibilities require an extensive work load then there is little chance of wiggling out of it. Saving the pennies on additional staff is often compensated by affording business investments so relevant to ongoing growth!
For example at this moment I am training a salesman to take responsibility for cold calls that come in, help troubleshoot and offer solutions, put deals together, give out quotations, and close sales. A salesman not only makes the pitch (speech to bring the potential clients closer to the company), but he has to liaise with other departments often dealing with delivery and admin issues. While organizing these aspects of a business transaction the phone can ring, and other prospects often come between what you are doing and your line of attention at literally any moment.
The point I’m trying to make is we don’t live in a perfect world. If we did we wouldn’t need to tie up our shoe laces. Perhaps if the man power were available because the company has plenty of investment capital to allocate specific jobs to employees, and everyone has a private secretary then you could ask to hold all calls, take notes, and tell prospects we will call at a more convenient time, but then that is a definite turn off. When an entrepreneur has to roll up his or her sleeves to make business there are no short cuts.
Often long hours, short lunch breaks, and compelling reasons are behind not having the comfort of being able to fully concentrate on specific tasks. As long as you make every effort to work multi-tasks in a concentrated manner then there is every reason to accomplish and stretch yourself to achieve greatness!
A real entrepreneur often works outside of office hours then giving you ample time to produce an order for new merchandise, or slave over hours of intricate analyzing, or whatever it is you do!
The Middle East can live in peace!
ipples ashore were nearly none existent when I strolled into the chilly Mediterranean ocean, as calm water glided over my skin. 
It was the day before my journey to England. Thinking how serene Israel had been, I wanted so much to stay in Tel Aviv. Seconds later the water reached my belly button height; still feeling the bite from peacefully cold water I submerged gracefully, while keeping my head above. After suffering mild earache from a blocked right ear a couple of days earlier my response was to avoid further complications. It had taken several hours to clear!
Low tides meant a tranquil swim would wake me up fully, without loads of caffeine, and at the same time give me an early morning workout, whilst giving me the opportunity to reflect over the past weeks of my Israeli trip. Blue skies filled the horizon over the distant ocean on earth’s edge. It had been fun; a time to relax. But on reflection I recalled the people I had met, their friendly temperament, and serious attitude towards life!
Israel is a wonderful country; yoffee - Its people love the land that they call their home. Israel is an independent country of open-minded thinkers who have greatly influenced the Middle East region, produced little into abundance, and kept peace by standing up for their rights. When one reflects on the misfortunes of war it makes it all seem surreal, but alas these lands have seen bloodshed for dispute over the ownership.
It’s a political standpoint which dates back thousands of years before Christ when the Jews rightfully were the first to settle in Israel. Then the Roman’s dominated, also the Crusaders in 1099, and then for hundreds of years the Ottoman Empire ruled up until the 20th century when the British Mandate came into effect.
According to my research Islam, in other words Muslim followers started in or around 622 AD. Since then many Arabs have lived in and around Israel. So from what I can gather the original refugees rightfully are Jews as they were massacred and expelled. These facts can be verified in the links from this article. Many massacres were committed against Jews and I have verified some like the Hebron slaughter of 1929 before writing this blog!
On July 22, 1946, in retaliation for a harsh crackdown on Jewish defense fighters by the British, the smallest and most radical group of freedom fighters called Lehi and according to some the Etzel or Irgun groups bombed the King David hotel. This was radicalism, but as the British ignored a warning to evacuate the hotel, dismissing it as a joke many died. However, according to sources telephone warnings were sent, but not to the British authorities.
That isn’t to say that they didn’t come back, and it would appear many have come back over the years. When the British decided to leave Jerusalem in 1947 they wanted to divide the state of Palestine between Muslims and Jews, but from what I understand the Arabs were against it. Although they outnumbered Jews, Zionists wanted to bring back Israel to Jewish sovereignty.
Refugees arrived after the Second World War after losing their homes, the atrocities suffered from concentration camps and hardship, and in many cases believed Israel was the land that rightfully offered hope of reuniting them in their own kingdom. It was a small piece of land that thousands of years ago once belonged to them.
Fighting between the Jews and Arabs escalated and several Arab country sympathizers supported the Arab Palestinians. Jewish organization such as The Hagana was founded in 1920 to defend the Jewish community in Palestine against Arab violence. It fought like an underground resistance to gain control against British after the war to form the state of Israel.
In 1948 Israel finally had its independence when Ben Gurion became the first Prime Minister. Since then there has been many conflicts between the Palestinians that were not prepared to live peacefully together. It is currently believed that just over 20% of Israel’s population is made up of Arabs who have the same rights as any Jew in theory, but some say in practice it isn’t the case.
Nevertheless, on the last night before leaving it was spent dinning at Benny Hadayag, a bustling fish restaurant in the port of Tel Aviv. There at the next table were two Israeli Arabs dressed with Arabs veils. It just goes to show Arabs and Jews can live together. This is an overall account of my analysis and an attempt at painting a regional picture of Israel!
Start-up business reviewed - Israeli restaurant
ever known to refuse an invitation for dinner Nir Zook impressed me. An Israeli teenager, who started work in restaurants at just thirteen years old, worked his way up the ladder, and now the proud and successful owner and chef of Cordelia Restaurant, in Jaffa, Tel Aviv.
Set in the old city of Jaffa, in an alleyway through the middle of a classically historic Middle Eastern building, Cordelia boasted antique styled furniture dating as far back to perhaps the 17th century. Stunning solid wooden tables, every one different not just by shape and size, but exotic finishing touches on both legs and tops. Fine crystal goblets and gold plated dinnerware were displayed on table surfaces, bouquets of flowers laid out around the room, and large pear drop chandeliers gave a warm reaction from the guests. Everyone was happy and smiling, while some laughed, and others appeared radiant in this highly recommended restaurant.
I personally felt like royalty, especially when the two waiters smiling, one male and one female came in black uniforms to take our order. Not certain what to take from the magnificent menu options we quickly decided that the ten course meal offered a complete selection of fine cuisine:
1 – Appetizer a petite array of fancy dressed biscuits
2 – Salmon flowers on swisschard & tartufu cream
3 – Truffles tortellini in yolk dough
4 – Whipped Salad
5 – Shrimp porcini
6 – Grey mullet in celery cream
7 – Smoked goose in port sauce
8 – Zook goat cheese with walnuts and honey
9 – Finely chopped melon fruit and figs cream
10 – Gormandize of finely assorted sweet delicacies
There were Russian guests, which isn’t surprising as many have immigrated to Israel since the end of the cold war. One refined gentleman, possibly a billionaire had three women sitting around the circular table by our side knocking back one vodka after another. They all drank it, but he must have consumed at least half a bottle during his meal. And then after lavish deserts and coffee, as a group they went on to finish it.
We sat by the enormous bell shaped windows that faced the bar across the alleyway. On the bar side, owned by Nir, as well, there was a wide patio between the pebbled driveway and the property that contained several high rise oblong and round tables surrounded by bar stalls. We couldn’t help notice two Asian gentlemen who were connected to the vodka guzzler, probably as chauffeur and personal bodyguards.
Nir, who had started the restaurant six years earlier, appeared to be early 30s. He told me he had worked a year in San Francisco, a further year in Paris, and most of his experience came from Herzliya, which is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, to the north of Tel Aviv. He frequented culinary school also for a year. No panache restaurants were mentioned, and as his first entrepreneurship, I had to hand it to him he had done superbly well. He even owned a third restaurant business called Noa bistro on the same block behind Cordelia.
Now you might ask how I would have known the Russian was a billionaire; well I can’t prove it and I’m guessing based on a gut reaction, but when I noticed one of his personal assistants hanging by the side of an idling, top of the range, black Mercedes, and the other in the distance guarding the group walking toward the apex of the old port it added to my sentiment.
Lifestyle at its peak!
or most having a good lifestyle is a question of living life well - the perfect lifestyle we all aspire to, or is it? For others regardless of financial conditions they relax, unperturbed by stress, or emotional problems in this complicated world.
Some say it is distinguished by a successful career to afford the luxuries of life. Others stress easily, and never become settled to appreciate life, and often broke to live a life of suffering - some never have much choice because of where they live. There are endless reasons. In my case it is a question of searching for a concise balancing act, which includes control over my day to day circumstances!
One thing that struck me as lifestyle is having choices in a demographic political system. None other than the UK’s election results demonstrated the people’s choice with David Cameron as the winner with 306 seats. It fell short of an overall majority by 19 seats, but that is another issue to be resolved. Where I stand at this moment in time is seeking reform. Change is the way forward, especially as the Labor government is responsible for the mess it has got the Brits into in the first place.
Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat now has a certain power to play with England’s future, so that is breaking news in itself. Whatever the outcome; life goes on. Lifestyle is something we all have a choice over, so making the right decisions from an early point dictates the general direction we are heading. It doesn’t have to be like that though; lifestyle is obviously the way we live. We all have our lifestyles. The question is: are you happy with the lifestyle you lead?
I know when we are young and discovering our real identity it can be extremely exciting, the partying times with friends, clubbing, and binge drinking, that is until the next morning at least… But it can also be a time of fear, uncertainty of where one is heading, not sure about where one might end up. I used to be very confident as a young man, but there were times when uncertainty of reaching my objectives took the centre stage.
Whether you are passing a difficult period or not the objective of this blog is to suggest taking the time out on your own to appreciate the opportunities ahead, create that lifestyle you have always wanted, start or maintain an exercise regime, self develop, and meditate, while dedicating time to rest and to recuperate your energies. Write down on a piece of paper, a notebook, or dairy exactly what it is you want in your life. Make goals and plan towards reaching your objectives.
These should be some of the essential traits a successful person needs; well that is my view if you care to reciprocate then you are welcome!
How important is a holocaust survivor?
holocaust survivor in my midst! Shabbat evening Friday May 30th 2010, my father-in-law, some family members, and Joseph Stevens, a 92 year old Polish Jew, survived World War II by outsmarting the Nazis: he posed as a Catholic by day and engaged in missions for the underground resistance movement by night.
On telling him I had read his book. He replied, “You are not the first one to read it!”
At first I felt estranged by his reaction, which got me thinking because it wasn’t the response I was anticipating. I was expecting a question like what did you think, or a simple thank you, or basic acknowledgement, but it seemed a strange response. Perhaps it was appropriate as later during our feast he caught my attention, and said he never intended to write the book, and definitely didn’t want to expose his children to certain things he had omitted from the book. Presumably sordid atrocities too painful to relate!
Joseph Stevens is a humble while decent man who radiates a beaming shine on his face, still has all his teeth, seems affectionate and caring, and grateful to live another day. His persona comes across as someone who has learned to cope with losing everything dear to him, his family, possessions, and environment stripped away by a devil. This is someone to be admired for the courage he has shown, the willingness to overcome obstacles, and the dynamic disposition to beat oppression. He is a man we can all learn from!
So what is the lesson here? Everything in life has a consequence. Everything can be going in the right direction, then all of a sudden the impossible occurs, and we find ourselves back to square one. Everyone has to deal with it, some better than others, so the right attitude is to learn how to overcome it and prosper. We have to try and try until we build strength to fight another day. This might seem obvious, but then why do so many people succumb to the negative force?
We learn from going without, and by not having we should become stronger and better people, so keep taking forward steps even when times are hard then eventually a method or answer will pop up and we pull through. It is human nature, so don’t be scared of it, but rather embrace it and carry on until a solution is found.
Fear can be turned into a positive emotion and ally to deal with issues on the basis of my comments above, so talk to yourself more frequently in times of need and bring out the true warrior spirit!
Joseph Steven’s book, ‘Good Morning’ , is a worthwhile read!
Social networking and its impact!
Today my blog is slightly different, so if you are into social networking and for business opportunities on Facebook, Twitter, or one of the other online networks read on.
Some social networkers create good meaningful relationships, or they just plain know it all and take people for granted, or don’t listen to anything anyone else says, or get offended or on the offensive if someone else makes a comment, however, clear it may be written. Some don't think they should respond to a direct comment for whatever reason - probably don't think it necessary. The English language defies many, as sentences can be interpreted in a number of ways. And by the way I realize my own personal circumstances though private, are far from perfect. Stretching into unchartered territory to claim my piece of the action as well as some of you guys is a go situation whether for fun or for future business relationships. I use social interaction for pleasure and growth as well!
Nine out of ten social networkers bounce from one comment to another due to time constraints and often misinterpret the real meaning of a sentence, or assume an understanding of what the writer might have been thinking. It can lead to confusion while affecting relationships to the extent that the majority of social networking gurus get accustomed to a certain type of chit chat when indeed the oddball fits into one of the categories in the previous paragraph. Recently I have come to the finale that it’s a reality that needs some clarification.
What happened to having a personality? Is it wrong to reword in an unexpected way to be creative, and seek open debate only to find others misinterpret and condemn, or don’t answer? Foreigners often have difficulty writing in English, so it stands to reason one would get confused. As an example I wrote, ‘does anyone have anything interesting to say on Twitter? Or is it just me?’ That’s right no one responded, or continued with a debate. A few minutes later I said, ‘I am about to take a nap for lack of intelligent conversation’, and even that didn’t spark a wink. Perhaps I really am a jerk! Facebook walls are full of agreeing, sucking up to, or yes remarks. Is there something wrong with having an honest negative opinion? People prefer positive responses to their posts. Can you blame them? It is a fact of life that people who agree are the ones we feel more comfortable around.
What really bugs me with social networking is so many people nowadays just promote, promote, promote like nobody’s business thinking that the more they promote will equal more business opportunities. I'm personally in a phase of experimentation to see if social networking for business really works, but I believe it's a balance thing - not 100% promotion. That might seem the readers’ choice, but the fact of the matter is those using Twitter for friendship purposes can get pretty fed up with repetitive undistinguishable links, but they don’t forget a face. It wouldn’t go amiss if there were fewer efforts made to secure hits on URL shortening, which in my opinion is a bit of a farce.
I don’t know if they are all the same, but the one I’m using showed over twenty hits every time a new tweet was up on my home page. They became obvious as soon as I went to manage mine. I checked my site analytics the following day and less than twenty total hits had been to my site, so it just goes to show it is part of the illusion. Perhaps though it is because it takes some 20 seconds to register a website when it is opened online. Someone will have to cite me on that idea. Those online marketers that suck on it sometimes end up chasing the white fairy, and I don't want it to be me!
I don’t want to offend although I probably will, but such naivety makes me realize there are plenty of scum bags who profit from uninformed people like you or me. So the obvious question is; am I wasting my time? Time is money or health depending on how you see it. You either love it or hate it and as it's the craze right now it makes sense to to try it!
Start-up business reviewed – honey distribution
oney distribution has occurred since way back to the beginning of trading when honey had been used to sweeten coffee. Well, maybe not quite that long, but there are references to honey in the Bible, and the ancient Aztecs and Romans traded in honey as well.
Honey is produced by bees that make it from nectar gathered from flowers to feed their young larvae. I’m no expert in honey production although cheese and honey on toast is delicious, and one snack worth trying. In countries like Brazil and the USA where bee farms provide excellent qualities of honey produce then for sure a consumer based market can be developed. Take Brazil as an example it has many village stores devoted to selling various kinds of honey like Comb Honey which comes direct from the hive honey-filled beeswax comb as stored naturally by the bees. Different kinds suit different palettes and for most people they are used to buying it at the local supermarket either in liquid form or crystallized.
Nowadays the new theme is green, save the planet, or sustainability with much emphasis on Mother Nature, preserve, and breed dying species. So it stands to reason that distributing honey could be a new trend worth investigating. It is creative in as much as in the eyes of the consumer it is health related and if a variety of brands are available could become a mega tendency for shop goers. Just think about some of those chain stores who specialize in body creams and lotions like the Body Shop that sprang from nowhere and now lines high streets around the globe.
Start a small store and get seen by passing traffic alluring self-conscious individuals, set-up a website and sell online, and before you know it demand has increased. Plus the added bargaining power with your suppliers for buying more volume means decreased costs i.e. more profit. You are on a role for the better. Before you know what is happening you are opening a second, and then a third store. All of a sudden you get the idea of opening a franchise and trade really takes off. Take it to the next level and suddenly everyone wants to get in on the action.
And I am not kidding. This is off the cuff creativity that will make someone thousands, if not millions. Take heed because fresh ideas like this are worth cultivating!
Stay tuned to more creative ideas and subscribe!
Start-up business reviewed – adult content franchise
veryone knows XXX sells! Do you doubt it? If that is the predicament you find yourself in read on. If you agree then today’s blog will make you seriously consider working it.
Today there are new multi-level-marketing websites like Allxclub that offers a small business opportunity to get paid and enjoy life. So what is it? The club is really saying there are unlimited videos-on-demand, adult dating services, chat, travel, strip poker, lingerie, shoes, and more for members who join up and pay a monthly fee of $39.95. They go on to say let the system do the selling for you, and that their system does 99% of the work, and you can create a sizeable six figure income with 6 ways to earn.
Like it? It could work, as anything is possible. A friend some time ago introduced me before it was launched in 2009. I am open-minded to analyze business opportunities, but as a married man firstly I’m not looking at the content they offer, so it would be difficult for me to become passionate. Therefore, it doesn’t appeal to me, and secondly like any business, time and effort need to be dedicated to make it work.
At the end of the day time is money, so it needs to sell itself and I for one just can’t see that happening. In actual fact, as a younger man before meeting my partner I used to love clubbing, meeting healthy women, and dating, and I wouldn’t say no if an opportunity arose that would give me a good time, but to actually pay for it was out of the question.
Before you start jumping to conclusions and criticizing me for not wanting to check out young sexy women, if you are single or unhappy with your relationship then it is understandable this kind of business might be appealing. Anyway, nowadays there is so much free stuff online who actually wants to pay?
Check out the site for yourself!
Funding your business options!
oday’s blog focuses on funding a start-up business venture. You may have sufficient capital to kick off a new business, but not always the case. Many small start-up enterprises rely on finding suitable capital venture investors.
Unfortunately, the reality is unless you have a truly brilliant idea, something unique and patented, then the probability is there are a couple of options open to consider if one cannot be found. One is to find a partner, or develop a joint venture with other like minded individuals who are prepared to invest, or borrow start-up capital from a bank or loan shark. I would certainly never recommend the latter option due to higher than average interest rates, and additional risk such as potential asset loses if repayment cannot be met.
My own background has taught me that wherever possible start up on a budget, stick to it, and create enough momentum to fund it from proceeds taken from sales revenue. This depends on the kind of business you are running, as many take time to develop, and ultimately sufficient reserves for overheads need to be met. Cash flow is critical in early stage development, so apart from project plans a concise business plan needs to be designed to meet deadlines. While a business plan prepares for future outcome it also enhances the project and can be used to stimulate investment capital.
Take a bank for example. Arrange an appointment to go and speak with the bank manager. How could he/she possibly think about supporting a new business venture if there is nothing to back it all up – that is why a concise business plan needs to be put together. It might take some time to produce, but it will take longer to get a loan if not done. That may seem obvious, but you would be amazed at how many small business start-ups fail due to not making one.
