{"id":24398,"date":"2023-09-28T17:34:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T17:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/?page_id=24398"},"modified":"2025-03-07T15:54:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T15:54:19","slug":"entrepreneurship","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/entrepreneurship\/","title":{"rendered":"Entrepreneurship"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-24398\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-24398-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-24398-0\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div id=\"pl-w66ba59aa5bdea\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w66ba59aa5bdea-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w66ba59aa5bdea-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-mobile-last\" ><div id=\"panel-w66ba59aa5bdea-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w66ba59aa5bdea-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h1><span style=\"color: #003da6;font-size: 35px\"><strong>Entrepreneurship<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w66ba59aa5bdea-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty\" ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-24398-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-0-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h1><span style=\"color: #003da6\"><strong>How to Start Something Successful and Sustainable<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #003da6\">To start with, you need to be VERY clear about the following: What problem are you solving, and for whom? What value are you providing, what promise are you making, and how will you deliver on that promise? <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-24398-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-0-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-3d378eda3958-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-left\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-ionicons\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf124;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"color: #ffffff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\tBack to Home Page\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-24398-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-c7441c663480-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"mailto:assenzap@wcsu.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<b>Have questions about starting your own business, Contact Dr. Pauline Assenza<\/b>\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-24398-0-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-0-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-3c33b408575c-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/alumni\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<b>Get in touch with Entrepreneur Alumni<\/b>\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-24398-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div class=\"panel-cell-style panel-cell-style-for-24398-1-0\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"career-header panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-efa1152bc976-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t7 step formula for success:\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-24398-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">Look for an opportunity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">...To solve a problem<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">......For someone who\u2019s willing to pay you for the solution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">.........BUT they have to perceive your solution as better than anything else that\u2019s out there<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">............AND be ABLE to pay you enough<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">...............To cover your cost of delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">..................And then you must satisfy them enough so they keep coming back, over and over.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>By Dr. Pauline Assenza, Professor, Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, Ancell School of Business, WCSU<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-24398-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-video panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-video so-widget-sow-video-default-c08170c47cfb-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-video-wrapper\n use-fitvids\">\n\t\t\t<iframe title=\"Who Even Is An Entrepreneur?: Crash Course Business - Entrepreneurship #1\" width=\"1120\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aozlwC3XwfY?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation\"><\/iframe>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/situational-awareness-slide2.png\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/situational-awareness-slide2.png 960w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/situational-awareness-slide2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/situational-awareness-slide2-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" title=\"Situational Awareness Template\" alt=\"Structural Awareness PowerPoint Template: A visually appealing template for presentations on structural awareness.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-24398-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-4b9e92b2a16f-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFour Necessary things to be Successful:\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-24398-2-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">1. A target market<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">2. ...With the ability to pay<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">3. ......The desire to sustain this relationship over time<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">4. .........And YOUR ability to understand your industry, the competition, and fully assess your operational, financial, and human resource management capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">Dr. Pauline Assenza has the following to say about how to proceed: Success is a process, and requires a certain set of skills. It also requires research, and something called \u201c<a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Situation_awareness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Situational Awareness<\/a>\u201d\u00a9, the ability to see what\u2019s going on around you, figure out what\u2019s important about what you see, and decide what might happen in the future, so you can best prepare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">Although originally developed for fighter pilots, soldiers and spies, it helps ANYONE figure out what to pay attention to. In business, as in life, success is dependent on our ability to perceive, comprehend, and predict elements in the marketplace\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\"><strong>This is a process.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">And there are a LOT of processes out there. What can we do to maximize our chances for success? Here are some suggestions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-24398-4\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-tabs panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-tabs so-widget-sow-tabs-default-8ab5a229c278-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-tabs\">\n\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-tab-container\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t sow-tabs-tab-selected\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"design-thinking\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"true\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDesign Thinking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"lean-start-up-method\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLean Start Up Method\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"anticipate-management-challenges\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnticipate Management Challenges\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"use-agile-project-management-combine-processes\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUse Agile Project Management &amp; Combine Processes\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"overview-of-motivation\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOverview of Motivation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"develop-an-entrepreneurial-mindset\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDevelop an Entrepreneurial Mindset\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"purpose-of-a-business\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPurpose of a Business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"false\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w9b0a46b8\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w9b0a46b8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w9b0a46b8-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w9b0a46b8-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-254acb9ac814 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>BEGIN WITH DESIGN THINKING<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2022\/10\/daria-nepriakhina-zoCDWPuiRuA-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w9b0a46b8-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w9b0a46b8-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLooking for an opportunity requires research into what problems people see as worth solving\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>This means starting with a \u201ccustomer\u201d in mind. I believe the most important thing is to <strong>find out what the customer values<\/strong>. Not what the customer <em>wants<\/em> because they often don't know, but what problem are they trying to solve, and how can you provide a solution that will be valuable to them?<\/p>\n<p>We're always looking for gaps between where something\/someone IS and where they want to be.<\/p>\n<p>The customer can't always articulate this, so we'll have to ask questions about the current state of affairs, and how happy they are about this, then ask what they would like to see, how they would like things to be different.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SO, best to begin with \u201cdesign thinking\u201d: <\/strong>Made popular as a tool for business innovation by <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ideou.com\/pages\/design-thinking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">David Kelley<\/a>, founder of IDEO and the Stanford d.school, <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Design_thinking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cdesign thinking\u201d<\/a> is all about discovering innovative solutions by first figuring out what the problem really is.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in diving in deeper to the world of \"Design Thinking\" check out our page on \"<a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/life-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Designing your Life<\/a>\".<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture1.png\" width=\"476\" height=\"264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture1.png 476w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture1-300x166.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 476px) 100vw, 476px\" title=\"design thinking\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w9b0a46b8-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-42f6405a2ee3\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe focus is on creative problem-finding\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>What good is it to spend time (and money) delivering something that doesn\u2019t really solve anything? Best to truly understand the problem first.<\/p>\n<p>The <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/dschool.stanford.edu\/resources\/design-thinking-bootleg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">design thinking process<\/a> as practiced at the d.school begins with a question \u2013 what might we need to know more about?<\/p>\n<p>To find out, we need to understand the context and the people involved. This requires <strong>empathy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is an effort to understand why people do what they do, and what is meaningful about these actions.<\/p>\n<p>It requires observation and engagement, and sometimes results in a <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nngroup.com\/articles\/customer-journey-mapping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cjourney map\u201d<\/a> that includes artifacts of the user or customer experience. This is an essential place to start because it requires us to challenge those assumptions that can blind us to what\u2019s really going on. The idea of empathy, and the exploration of what the customer experiences, leads to new thinking about what people really need.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture2.png\" width=\"1173\" height=\"803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture2.png 1173w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture2-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture2-1024x701.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture2-768x526.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1173px) 100vw, 1173px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w9b0a46b8-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w9b0a46b8-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is the step where we define the problem\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"8\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Based on our new point of view. This is a synthesis of the empathy step, and should lead to the discovery of patterns that connect people to the larger context, giving us insight into the true nature of the problem \u2013 what do people REALLY NEED?<\/p>\n<p>Now we can begin to \u201cideate\u201d or <strong>generate ideas<\/strong> that might lead to innovative solutions. This can involve brainstorming in a group, building on other people\u2019s ideas, or <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mind_map\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mindmapping<\/a> to help visualize possibilities. (<a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lucidchart.com\/pages\/landing\/mind_mapping_software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Software<\/a> is available to do this as well.)<\/p>\n<p>The purpose is to use a free-flowing process to uncover all ideas, and then select those that have the most potential for addressing the problem we\u2019ve identified.<\/p>\n<p>See this example of a diagram of all the things that can affect and therefore improve a tennis game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image\" data-index=\"9\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture3.png\" width=\"492\" height=\"348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture3.png 492w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture3-300x212.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-0-3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>The next step is to <strong>prototype<\/strong> something we can interact with, to communicate our idea, start a conversation and be able to test the possible solution. This doesn\u2019t have to be fancy. It\u2019s just something tangible, a model or mockup of our product or service offering. It\u2019s an experiment that helps us know if we\u2019re on the right track. A lot can be learned from building a prototype.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>test mode<\/strong> is when we get feedback from our customer. This helps validate our initial assumptions, lets us know if we truly understood the problem, if we\u2019re able to figure out what people need, and if we can possibly deliver something that will help answer our initial question.<\/p>\n<p>If we\u2019re even somewhat successful, we should share our story and inspire others to act as well, enriching the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w9b0a46b8-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-42f6405a2ee3\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe design process assumes that we\u2019ll iterate or cycle through each step, probably multiple times\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"12\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>One of the best applications of design thinking is when we use it to address <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wicked_problem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cwicked problems\u201d<\/a>, those that are hard to define, that may not have a definitive context or any one \u201cright\u201d or optimal solution.<\/p>\n<p>For an idea to be successful, it needs to simultaneously address three types of risks: <em>customer risk, technical risk,<\/em> and<em> market risk<\/em>: the end result of design thinking should lead us to something that begins to fulfill the following criteria: <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ideou.com\/blogs\/inspiration\/how-to-prototype-a-new-business?source=post_page---------------------------\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>desirability, feasibility, viability<\/em><\/a>, and begins to address the issue of s<em>ustainability.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder\" data-index=\"13\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-1-2\" ><div id=\"pl-w650c7cdb0aab0\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w650c7cdb0aab0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w650c7cdb0aab0-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w650c7cdb0aab0-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture4.png\" width=\"935\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture4.png 935w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture4-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/Picture4-768x542.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" title=\"wicked problems\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w9b0a46b8-2-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w9b0a46b8-2-1-3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>These criteria are most useful when building a business, and can be combined with the \u201clean\u201d startup processes to provide a final test of the concept:<\/p>\n<p>It is <em>desirable<\/em> for the customer and the market? Is it a solution the customer really needs and wants to use? Does it have a unique value? Does it make sense for them? Can we easily market this?<\/p>\n<p>Is it technically <em>feasible<\/em> for us to do? Can we produce it given the resources, strengths and capabilities we possess? Is it functionally possible? Does it work??<\/p>\n<p>Will it create a <em>viable business <\/em>in its market? What are the costs and how will we pay for it? What has to be true in order for this business to work? Can this solution lead to a <em>sustainable<\/em> business?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w30043c7c\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w30043c7c-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w30043c7c-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w30043c7c-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-bfff874009b6 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>DO BUSINESS BUILDING WITH THE LEAN STARTUP METHOD<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2022\/11\/competencies-student-working.png)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w30043c7c-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w30043c7c-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w30043c7c-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOnce we have an idea that we think will work in our target market, we need to create a STRATEGY for proceeding. \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>We\u2019ve begun to develop a <em>vision <\/em>of a future where our customer would like to \"live\". We have some idea what it would look like, what it would sound like, what it would feel like.<\/p>\n<p>But that\u2019s in the future, where things are always uncertain, so we need a <em>strategy,<\/em> or guidance about how to make decisions in pursuit of that vision.<\/p>\n<p>Strategy answers the question \"Where are we going, and why? How should we proceed? What's our purpose in going, and what will it look like when we get there?\"<\/p>\n<p>Strategies also help determine what one WON'T do in pursuit of an outcome. This is where beliefs or values come in... so sometimes it's important to investigate what the client believes, AND what WE believe, what assumptions we've made about the way the world works. (i.e. If someone believes people always lie, then the strategy is usually always defensive...!)<\/p>\n<p>We have to have a plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Suggestion is to start \u201clean\u201d:<\/strong> especially for those who want to build a viable and therefore sustainable business, there\u2019s no need for a full \u201cbusiness plan\u201d. Best to start by asking who the customer is, what problems this customer may have, and how any proposed solution to those problems may have \u201c<strong>product-market fit<\/strong>\u201d. Does the proposed product or service actually \u201cfit\u201d the needs of the target market, and can it perform in the industry? This also requires information about the competition!<\/p>\n<p>To do this, to maximize the success of any new product or service, it\u2019s best to \u201cget out of the building\u201d and ask the customer what he or she thinks. This is an extension of the <em>test<\/em> step in design thinking but goes beyond this to build out the <em>operational <\/em>requirements of the business.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/lean-startup-model-test.jpg\" width=\"549\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/lean-startup-model-test.jpg 549w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/lean-startup-model-test-300x168.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px\" title=\"lean startup model test\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w30043c7c-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>This is what <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/steveblank.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Steve Blank<\/a>, considered the father of the \u201clean startup\u201d model, says. He recommends first learning about customer problems, then designing solutions and testing those solutions through a prototype, or \u201cminimum viable product \u2013 MVP\u201d, a prototype that allows you to investigate the operational issues around actual delivery. The purpose of the MVP test is to do real customer development, by getting out of the building, with real data you can use to further \u201citerate\u201d or \u201cpivot\u201d to another variation of the solution.<\/p>\n<p>Use this test to uncover the assumptions you might have made about the problem, and about how you\u2019ll deliver the solution, those assumptions that may make the solution ineffective.<\/p>\n<p>Keep designing and testing until it\u2019s clear \u201cproduct-market fit\u201d has been achieved \u2013 when you have proof that your product or service adequately addresses the needs or demands of the target market, and you know how best to deliver it to that market in a way that makes the competition irrelevant.<\/p>\n<p>Then, and only then, are you ready to implement this solution, build a company and go to market!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-1446d55ad01f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLean Startup is most often associated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Business_Model_Canvas\" target=\"_blank\">Business Model Canvas<\/a>, originally developed by Alexander Osterwalder, or the Lean Business Canvas adapted by Ash Maurya\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>These are both single page \u201cplans\u201d that focus attention on the proposed business model by investigating assumptions about things like the customer segments, the value proposition, the delivery channels and quality of customer relationships, the revenue streams, cost structures, key partnerships, and the resources or key activities or measurement metrics that need to be present in order to improve chances for success. The \u201ccanvas\u201d can then be used to craft a story to share with potential investors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w30043c7c-1-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w30043c7c-1-1-3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/BusinessModelCanvas.png\" width=\"1130\" height=\"796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/BusinessModelCanvas.png 1130w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/BusinessModelCanvas-300x211.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/BusinessModelCanvas-1024x721.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/BusinessModelCanvas-768x541.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" title=\"Business+Model+Canvas\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w3841bff0\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w3841bff0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w3841bff0-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w3841bff0-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-bfff874009b6 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>ANTICIPATE MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AND REFINE BY REFERENCING DEMING AND FAYOL<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/irfan-simsar-wxWulfjN-G0-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w3841bff0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w3841bff0-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w3841bff0-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-1446d55ad01f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/social\/upload\/528c4881f2765458b97a9368\/Teece%20%282010%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">business model<\/a>\u201d is the template for building an operating business, but requires us to continue to refine, to develop management processes that can work.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>The lean startup model looks very similar to other processes that are \u201citerative\u201d or cyclical in nature: <em>Plan-Do-Test-Act<\/em> \u2013 PDCA or Plan-Do-Study-Act \u2013 PDSA \u2013 from W. Edwards <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/deming.org\/explore\/p-d-s-a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deming<\/a> is used for continuous process improvement. It stresses the need to test or \u201cstudy\u201d the results of any action before putting that action into a production process. Deming also exhorts managers to pay attention to the data and use that data to uncover the root cause of any variation in the process that\u2019s outside of acceptable limits.<\/p>\n<p>Deming\u2019s philosophy has inspired other approaches such as <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kanbanize.com\/lean-management\/what-is-lean-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201clean\u201d manufacturing<\/a>, where decisions about production revolve around customer needs and require organizations to identify the value being delivered, map the \u201cvalue stream\u201d of a process, create a continuous work flow that \u201cpulls\u201d the work process based on demand, and requires a mindset of continuous improvement.<\/p>\n<p><em>Plan-Organize-Lead (Command and Coordinate)-Control (Verify)<\/em> is a model of management functions, including management principles and a suggestion for process, adapted from <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toolshero.com\/management\/five-functions-of-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Henri Fayol\u2019s<\/a> study of professional managers in the early 20<sup>th<\/sup> century. The last management function, control, means the manager checks to make sure creative problem solving has occurred.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/plandoact.png\" width=\"320\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/plandoact.png 320w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/plandoact-300x199.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w3841bff0-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is the step where we define the problem\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>This requires that the \u201cplan\u201d includes performance standards based on organizational objectives, that the relevant resources have been \u201corganized\u201d to support the plan, that some leadership entity has asked (commanded) the organization to start \u201ccoordinating\u201d action, and that a mechanism for controlling or\u201d verifying\u201d actual performance has been designed and implemented.<\/p>\n<p>This includes adopting <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fayolism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cFayolism\u201d<\/a> or a set of management principles that guide management action.<\/p>\n<p>The final step is to compare results with performance standards to see if any correction is required. This will probably lead to a revision to the \u201cplan\u201d and so the cycle continues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w3841bff0-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w3841bff0-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/fayolism.png\" width=\"710\" height=\"738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/fayolism.png 710w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/fayolism-289x300.png 289w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wb6385788\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wb6385788-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wb6385788-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wb6385788-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-a5f7aabe98af so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 655px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>DELIVER USING AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/eden-constantino-iJg1YzsEfqo-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wb6385788-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wb6385788-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-wb6385788-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAgile project management is an approach to delivering on a solution through an iterative process\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Originally part of an adaptive software development framework, the <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/agilemanifesto.org\/principles.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cagile manifesto\u201d<\/a> stresses the importance of satisfying customer needs through early delivery of products that have been tested through collaboration with the customer. It anticipates and welcomes cross-functional team involvement, internal feedback from all stakeholders that may be affected by the new process.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The results of customer feedback are incorporated in <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlassian.com\/agile\/scrum\/sprints\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201csprints\u201d<\/a> where prioritized tasks are discussed and incremental progress is tracked through daily \u201cscrum\u201d meetings in an iterative process \u2013 design-test-develop-test-integrate-test-deliver-review. The goal is to deliver something useful in increments, assuming that feedback will occur, and changes will need to be made in order to deliver a fully functional final product.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>One thing all these processes have in common is the requirement that EVERY stakeholder is involved in some way. This includes not only the customer, but employees and management as well. Someone has to provide direction, but listening to the voice of key stakeholders is essential for ultimate success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/sprint_cycle-c.png\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/sprint_cycle-c.png 512w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/sprint_cycle-c-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2024\/01\/sprint_cycle-c-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wb6385788-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to Combine Processes\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><strong>Combining processes: <\/strong>It should be obvious that all the above are useful in some way for lots of things.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Starting a business<\/li>\n<li>Innovating an existing enterprise<\/li>\n<li>Troubleshooting service delivery<\/li>\n<li>Reengineering a process<\/li>\n<li>Designing a product<\/li>\n<li>Designing your LIFE!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The overall process for sustainable success involves the following<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Figure out what problem you want to solve<\/li>\n<li>Investigate possible solutions<\/li>\n<li>Test those solutions and refine<\/li>\n<li>Research the market and the competition to verify \u201cfit\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Assess your capabilities to perform<\/li>\n<li>Implement something<\/li>\n<li>Manage the process<\/li>\n<li>See if it works, and be prepared to cycle back and refine further<\/li>\n<li>Realize you\u2019re never truly DONE, but that\u2019s ok<\/li>\n<li>Celebrate what\u2019s worked<\/li>\n<li>Share what you\u2019ve learned with others, joyfully!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-42f6405a2ee3\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThere\u2019s a graphic created by a software company that illustrates the stages: \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-1-3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/software-agile.png\" width=\"1102\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/software-agile.png 1102w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/software-agile-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/software-agile-1024x547.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/software-agile-768x410.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1102px) 100vw, 1102px\" title=\"software agile\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb6385788-1-1-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb6385788-1-1-4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>1. Generate a feasible idea by defining the problem (using design thinking);<\/p>\n<p>2. Develop a solution (using lean startup methodology);<\/p>\n<p>3. Implement that solution and transfer to the customer (using agile product management).<\/p>\n<p><strong>But you also have to MARKET this solution. <\/strong>It\u2019s all about telling a story that gets to the heart of your offering, told in a voice that resonates with your targeted customers. And you have to <strong>MANAGE <\/strong>the ongoing operations so you can deliver on your promise, adapting as necessary to changing market\/industry conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wb026acd7\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wb026acd7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wb026acd7-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wb026acd7-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-ca830f2a8d9c so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 1055px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW OF MOTIVATION \u2013 WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO? <\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/nik-z1d-LP8sjuI-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wb026acd7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wb026acd7-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-wb026acd7-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPhilosophical and psychological truths: \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>There are a few concepts that underpin successful endeavors, things that people have been talking about for decades. Especially since we\u2019ll have to include other people in our pursuit of success, these deserve notice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why do we do what we do?<\/strong> <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/selfdeterminationtheory.org\/our-purpose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deci and Ryan<\/a>, researchers at University of Rochester, point out that human beings have reasons for doing things, have intrinsic or internal motivations, a need to be \u201cself-determining\u201d creatures.<\/p>\n<p>We have a basic desire to have <em>autonomy<\/em>, to be in control of our choices, to have personal agency in deciding what we will do, for how long, in pursuit of a goal. We also have a need for <em>mastery<\/em>, or an opportunity to demonstrate our <em>competence<\/em>, to have our work be acknowledged as something well done. Also, because we are essentially social creatures, we have a need for <em>relatedness<\/em>, or an opportunity to perform with <em>purpose<\/em>, making a difference to others with our actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/autonomy.png\" width=\"660\" height=\"439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/autonomy.png 660w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/autonomy-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/autonomy-272x182.png 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wb026acd7-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>If we see an opportunity to fulfill these needs, we\u2019ll be engaged and inspired to do our best to achieve both our goals and the goals of any external entity that can help us do this. But organizations must provide a supportive environment for employees and key partners, creating an empowering culture where resource needs can be met, where we feel we belong, in order to encourage productive behavior.<\/p>\n<p>As we strategize for success, we also need to develop an approach to human resource management that supports the culture of empowerment we desire. This can be communicated to customers as well.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.danpink.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dan Pink<\/a> and others have commented on what drives us. A lot of this is based on Deci and Ryan\u2019s concept of self-determination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-42f6405a2ee3\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee Pink\u2019s compilation of ideas below\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wb026acd7-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-video panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb026acd7-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-video so-widget-sow-video-default-c08170c47cfb\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-video-wrapper\n use-fitvids\">\n\t\t\t<iframe title=\"RSA ANIMATE: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us\" width=\"1120\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/u6XAPnuFjJc?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation\"><\/iframe>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wd9f4ecb7\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wd9f4ecb7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wd9f4ecb7-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-e7c9cf689df4 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 855px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>DEVELOPING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/randy-tarampi-U2eUlPEKIgU-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wd9f4ecb7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-wd9f4ecb7-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis focus on motivation could lead to mutually sustainable success, but an iterative cycle exists here as well, because everything always changes! \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Recently there\u2019s been discussion about something called the \u201c<a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/elimindset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Entrepreneurial-Mindset-Imperative.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">entrepreneurial mindset<\/a>\u201d, which doesn\u2019t necessarily refer to building a startup business. <strong>Everyone <\/strong>can benefit from the ability to do the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize you have choices, so be ready and able to spot opportunity \u2013 where is there a problem that needs to be solved?<\/li>\n<li>Identify resources that can be activated, and be willing to design a solution that adds value \u2013 what can I do that can help?<\/li>\n<li>Utilize existing expertise, and be confident enough to act, to try, and fail, and learn \u2013 How can I continue to improve?<\/li>\n<li>Collaborate with your community, be inspired to share and encourage others \u2013 who can benefit from my story?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Recent <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/elimindset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/ECIE-The-Language-of-Success-Entrepreneurs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research<\/a> points to the following characteristics of successful innovators, who tend to be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Willing to take action, to get out and \u201cdo\u201d things;<\/li>\n<li>Focused on the customer or end user, on making sure this customer can do well and succeed;<\/li>\n<li>Focused on the future, on looking for opportunities that may present themselves going forward;<\/li>\n<li>Willing to work with others, collaborate, engage in collective effort;<\/li>\n<li>Curious, life-long learners, accepting of failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wd9f4ecb7-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-81a7ca5376bb\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, there\u2019s the work of Dr. Saras Sarasvathy, who coined the term \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/effectuation.org\/the-five-principles-of-effectuation\" target=\"_blank\">effectuation<\/a>\u201d\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/Picture8.png\" width=\"975\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/Picture8.png 975w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/Picture8-300x37.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/Picture8-768x94.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" title=\"effectual principles\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wd9f4ecb7-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Her work studying successful entrepreneurs uncovered the following: they didn\u2019t create a business plan. Instead, they just started with what they had, and were willing to risk this in pursuit of opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>They also recognized the value of partnerships, understood how to leverage surprises and make them into opportunities, that they were the ones ultimately in control, making decisions to shape the future, transforming their environment into something that mattered to both them and their stakeholders.<\/p>\n<p>HOWEVER, their successful actions required that they ask three very important questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Who am I?<\/em> What do I believe about the world, what values do I hold that guide my behavior, values on which I am unwilling to compromise? What WON\u2019T I do in pursuit of opportunity?<\/li>\n<li><em>What do I know?<\/em> What knowledge and experience do I have that can guide my actions? What am I good at, and, conversely, what am I NOT so good at?<\/li>\n<li><em>WHO do I know? <\/em>This is the most important question, because we can\u2019t do it alone. The best outcome is possible when we develop a network of people who share our values and have skills that complement our own. Then we can leverage those beliefs and skills to co-create something extraordinary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wc632e599\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wc632e599-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wc632e599-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wc632e599-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc632e599-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc632e599-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-bfff874009b6 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>THE PURPOSE OF A BUSINESS<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/david-iskander-GTnFf_44e7o-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wc632e599-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wc632e599-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-wc632e599-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc632e599-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc632e599-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-1446d55ad01f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Management-Responsibilities-Practices-Peter-Drucker\/dp\/0887306152\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Drucker<\/a>, 20th century business guru, famously said: \u201cthe purpose of a business is to create and keep a customer.\u201d\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wc632e599-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc632e599-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>He also said that a focus solely on profitability would become \u201ca limiting factor\u201d. He believed organizational success was based on a foundation of <em>quality<\/em> \u2013 but that\u2019s not enough. Customers must know about the product or service, which is the role of <em>marketing,<\/em> and successful businesses understand they need to continually adapt to changing customer needs, which requires <em>innovation.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Success ultimately involves the following: discovering an opportunity to solve a problem for someone who\u2019s willing to pay you for the solution. That\u2019s the start, BUT, they must know who you are, trust you and perceive YOUR solution as better than any other, and be ABLE to pay you enough to cover the cost of your delivery, being delighted enough to buy from you over and over, and that takes a lot of study, and the ability to continually innovate, to figure out... But it IS sustainable.<\/p>\n<p>Ask yourself \u2013 do I understand the processes that might be necessary in order to build success? Do I have the right mindset and do I have confidence in my ability to sustain needed action even in the face of adversity? Can I find people willing to work with me on this journey? I need to be prepared.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes opportunity appears, and I need to start somewhere\u2026 But I need to keep monitoring my results, because at some point I\u2019ll have to adapt to changing conditions\u2026. Nothing lasts forever\u2026<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wc632e599-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc632e599-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc632e599-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/purpose.png\" width=\"525\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/purpose.png 525w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/purpose-300x189.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-24398-5\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-24398-5-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w67cb16ab2401a\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w67cb16ab2401a-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w67cb16ab2401a-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w67cb16ab2401a-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"career-header panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w67cb16ab2401a-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-6aeb7d50c473\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>WCSU Opportunities to Grow your Entrepreneurial Skills<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w67cb16ab2401a-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w67cb16ab2401a-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w67cb16ab2401a-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"so-rounded panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w67cb16ab2401a-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h4><span style=\"font-size: 15px;color: #ff4d00\">These opportunities collectively create a comprehensive ecosystem for individuals interested in entrepreneurship.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 15px;color: #ff4d00\"> Offering guidance, networking, and resources to help you develop your ideas, launch successful businesses, and thrive in the competitive business landscape.<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w67cb16ab2401a-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w67cb16ab2401a-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-accordion panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w67cb16ab2401a-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-accordion so-widget-sow-accordion-default-3159c21c4803\"\n\t\t\t data-max-open-panels=\"1\" data-initial-scroll-panel=\"0\"\n\t\t><div>\n\t<div class=\"sow-accordion\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"danbury-hackerspace\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-danbury-hackerspace\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-danbury-hackerspace\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDanbury Hackerspace\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-danbury-hackerspace\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-danbury-hackerspace\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w45687d7c\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w45687d7c-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w45687d7c-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w45687d7c-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w45687d7c-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w45687d7c-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010be3f5\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010be3f5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w65a83010be3f5-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010be3f5-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010be3f5-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/danbury-hackerspace.png\" width=\"209\" height=\"241\" sizes=\"(max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209px\" title=\"danbury hackerspace\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010be3f5-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010be3f5-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"so-rounded panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w65a83010be3f5-0-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><a class=\"\" style=\"color: #ffffff\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/danburyhackerspace.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Danbury Hackerspace<\/a> is a non-profit corporation founded by Jon Gatrell and Mike Kaltschnee\u00a0in 2012. We were granted 501c3 status by the IRS in 2014.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The City of Danbury has generously provided the Danbury Innovation Center\u00a0at 158 Main Street (attached to the Danbury Library) for the Danbury Hackerspace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The Danbury Hackerspace is a makerspace with 3D printers, prototyping tools, a mockup studio, a common work area, program space, &amp; coworking space.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"womens-business-development-council\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-womens-business-development-council\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-womens-business-development-council\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWomen's Business Development Council\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-womens-business-development-council\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-womens-business-development-council\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wb4a193aa\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wb4a193aa-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wb4a193aa-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wb4a193aa-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wb4a193aa-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wb4a193aa-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010bf21e\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010bf21e-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010bf21e-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010bf21e-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ctwbdc.org\/\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/08\/womens-business-council.png\" width=\"266\" height=\"190\" sizes=\"(max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" title=\"womens business council\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010bf21e-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010bf21e-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>The mission of the <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/ctwbdc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Women\u2019s Business Development Council (WBDC)<\/a> is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. From starting or growing a business to increasing income, the Women\u2019s Business Development Council drives business success in a tangible and accessible way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"score\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-score\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-score\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-score\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-score\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wa282ec8e\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wa282ec8e-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wa282ec8e-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wa282ec8e-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wa282ec8e-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wa282ec8e-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010bfa71\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010bfa71-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010bfa71-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010bfa71-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ctwbdc.org\/\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/score-logo-300x225.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/score-logo-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/score-logo-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/score-logo.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010bfa71-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010bfa71-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div class=\"heading-container \">\n<p class=\" semibold \">Get Free Business Advice From Experienced Mentors<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.score.org\/westernconnecticut\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SCORE<\/a> mentors know what it\u2019s like to be a small business owner. Their community of experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives are eager to help you start and grow your business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"u-s-small-business-administration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-u-s-small-business-administration\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-u-s-small-business-administration\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S Small Business Administration\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-u-s-small-business-administration\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-u-s-small-business-administration\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wa32eb316\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wa32eb316-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wa32eb316-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wa32eb316-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wa32eb316-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wa32eb316-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010c0189\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010c0189-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c0189-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c0189-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ctwbdc.org\/\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-300x84.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"84\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-1024x287.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-768x215.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-1536x430.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sba-logo-2048x574.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" title=\"sba logo\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c0189-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c0189-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div class=\"heading-container \">\n<p class=\" semibold \"><a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Business Development Center<\/a> (part of SBA)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"sba-program__hero sba-standard-margin-spacing\" data-test=\"sbaProgramHero\">\n<section class=\"usa-hero\">\n<div class=\"grid-container usa-hero__container\">\n<div class=\"usa-hero__callout \">\n<p>SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing\" data-once=\"sba-paragraph-debug\">\n<div class=\"usa-prose field__item\" data-test=\"fieldItem\">\n<p>Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation\u2019s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"connecticut-small-business-development-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-connecticut-small-business-development-center\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-connecticut-small-business-development-center\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tConnecticut Small Business Development Center\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-connecticut-small-business-development-center\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-connecticut-small-business-development-center\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w0ef33913\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w0ef33913-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w0ef33913-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w0ef33913-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w0ef33913-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w0ef33913-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010c072d\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010c072d-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c072d-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c072d-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ctwbdc.org\/\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sbdc-logo-300x148.jpeg\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sbdc-logo-300x148.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/sbdc-logo.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" title=\"sbdc logo\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c072d-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c072d-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div class=\"heading-container \">\n<p class=\"home-header\">Helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/ctsbdc.uconn.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connecticut Small Business Development Center\u2019s<\/a> trained and experienced full-time advisors work with a variety of small businesses in all industries and stages of development by providing no-cost advisory services.<\/p>\n<p>At the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, their team is passionate about helping small business owners reach their business goals. Their professional, expert advisors offer guidance and support so you can focus on growing your business.\u00a0 Whether a new idea, a new product or a new location \u2013 they help you turn your dream into a reality by helping you access funding, create new strategies and find critical information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"wcsu-entrepreneurial-society\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-wcsu-entrepreneurial-society\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-wcsu-entrepreneurial-society\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWCSU Entrepreneurial Society\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-wcsu-entrepreneurial-society\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-wcsu-entrepreneurial-society\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"panel-w5771bbf5-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 24px\">Become Involved in the WestConn Entrepreneurial Society<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A club for students throughout the university.<\/p>\n<p>Getting involved in the society is a great way to develop a variety of critical thinking skills and real world experience while also having an impact on your area. Most groups are focused on specific issues or topics in the community so the opportunities to take part and even lead one of their initiatives are numerous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"panel-w5771bbf5-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in getting involved check them out <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/wcsu.campuslabs.com\/engage\/organization\/westconnentrepreneurialsociety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Westconn Entrepreneurial Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"panel-w5771bbf5-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"e-r-i-c-the-garage\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header-container\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-header\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" id=\"accordion-label-e-r-i-c-the-garage\" aria-controls=\"accordion-content-e-r-i-c-the-garage\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-title sow-accordion-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tE.R.I.C @ THE GARAGE\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-open-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf107;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-close-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-fas\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf106;\"\n\t\t \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-accordion-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"region\"\n\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-label-e-r-i-c-the-garage\"\n\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-content-e-r-i-c-the-garage\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"display: none;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-accordion-panel-border\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w59920b0f\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w59920b0f-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w59920b0f-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w59920b0f-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w59920b0f-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w59920b0f-0-0-0\" ><div id=\"pl-w65a83010c0e2a\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w65a83010c0e2a-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c0e2a-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c0e2a-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ericwcsu.com\/2018\/01\/02\/welcome\/\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/eric-300x230.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/eric-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/eric-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/eric-768x589.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/eric.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w65a83010c0e2a-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w65a83010c0e2a-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div class=\"heading-container \">\n<p class=\"home-header\"><strong>E.R.I.C.\u00a0<\/strong>is the center for Entrepreneurship, Research, Innovation, and Creativity, \u00a0and\u00a0<strong>The Garage<\/strong>, its physical location for the center on the ground floor of the classroom building\u00a0at the Westside Campus of Western Connecticut State University, was created to foster entrepreneurship and innovation both on campus and in the surrounding greater Danbury community.\u00a0The vision is for <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/ericwcsu.com\/2018\/01\/02\/welcome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">E.R.I.C.<\/a> to\u00a0serve as a catalyst and incubator for new business ventures, with WCSU as a regional hub for entrepreneurial innovation. This vision is a collaborative one, providing opportunities for partners and mentors from the area to link with students and faculty from all academic disciplines at the university.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-tabs panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-tabs so-widget-sow-tabs-default-61adfb412899-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-tabs\">\n\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-tab-container\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t sow-tabs-tab-selected\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"creating-a-startup-business-checklist-to-follow\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"true\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCreating a \u201cStartup\u201d Business (Checklist to follow)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"first-steps-to-take\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFirst Steps to Take\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"legal-issues\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLegal Issues\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"setting-up-the-business-how-to-maintain-it\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSetting up the Business &amp; How to Maintain It\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"create-your-business-transaction-foundation\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCreate your Business Transaction Foundation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"financial-needs\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinancial Needs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"develop-your-pitch-pivot\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDevelop your Pitch &amp; Pivot\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-tab\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\n\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"commentary\"\n\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-title sow-tabs-title-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommentary\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"false\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w224d3303\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w224d3303-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w224d3303-0\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w224d3303-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w224d3303-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w224d3303-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-bfff874009b6 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>CREATING A STARTUP BUSINESS<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/09\/proxyclick-visitor-management-system-l90zRbWvCoE-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w224d3303-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w224d3303-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w224d3303-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w224d3303-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w224d3303-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCreating a \u201cStartup\u201d Business (with guidance from Dr. Assenza, assenzap@wcsu.edu):\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w224d3303-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w224d3303-2\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-w224d3303-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w224d3303-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w224d3303-2-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>To start with, you need to be VERY clear about the following: What problem are you solving, and for whom? What value are you providing, what promise are you making, and how will you deliver on that promise? I have a 7-step formula for success:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">Look for an opportunity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">...To solve a problem<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">......For someone who\u2019s willing to pay you for the solution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">.........BUT they have to perceive your solution as better than anything else that\u2019s out there<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">............AND be ABLE to pay you enough<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">...............To cover your cost of delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%\">..................And then you must satisfy them enough so they keep coming back, over and over.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>SO\u2026FIRST of all, you need an IDEA \u2013 what product or service do you want to create?<\/p>\n<p>Then you need to find out if this idea is feasible \u2013<\/p>\n<p>Is there a need for this product or service? Who might need it (or want it)? Does anyone else currently provide it? Will my product or service ultimately satisfy the need of my target consumer?<\/p>\n<p>RESEARCH your target market and your competition!<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s where understanding your industry\u2019s product life cycle can be useful \u2013 at what point might the market or industry be saturated, signaling time for product innovation? Can YOU provide that innovation?<\/p>\n<p>SECOND, based on this research, figure out what RESOURCES you need in order to deliver this product or service:<\/p>\n<p>Money? People (labor or business partners)? Physical place (or Internet location)? Systems (financial, communication, operational tracking systems, etc)? Access to ideas (intellectual property), permissions, regulations?<\/p>\n<p>THIRD, if it looks like you have a good idea, and can get access to needed resources, then create a formal set of PLANS. You\u2019ll need at least three plans if you\u2019re going to ask for outside funding (these will become part of a formal Business Plan you can share with potential investors):<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w224d3303-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w224d3303-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w224d3303-2-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Marketing plan (who are your customers, where are they located, how much will they pay, how will you deliver the product\/service to them, how will you let them know you exist and that you can fulfill their needs?)<\/p>\n<p>First you need a product (based on the idea, research and resources identified above).<\/p>\n<p>Then you need to figure out how much your target customers will pay for this product \u2013 what price is right?<\/p>\n<p>Part of the price calculation is based on the place, or how you\u2019ll be delivering the product or service to your customers \u2013 your distribution channel. You need to make sure you\u2019ve priced the product high enough to cover not only your variable costs (or how much it will cost you in materials to create the product), but also your fixed costs (how much you\u2019ll be paying for things like rent, utilities, insurance, property taxes). This requires doing a break-even analysis \u2013 at what point do your monthly sales cover not only your variable costs, but also your monthly fixed costs?<\/p>\n<p>The formula is Break Even Point = fixed costs\/(selling price - variable costs)<\/p>\n<p>Only after you\u2019ve done all the above are you finally ready to create promotions \u2013 ways to let your customers know about your product.<\/p>\n<p>Financial plan (how much will this cost, how much revenue can you generate, what kind of monthly cash flow will result, where are you going to get needed funds?)<\/p>\n<p>Management\/Operational plan (who\u2019s going to run this business, how many employees will you need, what will the business structure be \u2013 legal and otherwise? Where will you be located, how much space will you need, how will you get your raw materials, how will you monitor your performance?)<\/p>\n<p>FOURTH, set short-term goals based on the expectations you generated with your plans, put your resources in place, and START DOING IT!<\/p>\n<p>FIFTH, MONITOR your progress \u2013 how are you doing?? Continue to keep track of what\u2019s happened so you can keep LEARNING from your mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>FINALLY, REPEAT all the above until you get it right!!!<\/p>\n<p>--<\/p>\n<p>Dr, Pauline Assenza, Professor, Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, Ancell School of Business, WCSU. Contact me at\u00a0assenzap@wcsu.edu\u00a0if you want help with any of this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w22ba8982\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w22ba8982-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w22ba8982-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w22ba8982-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w22ba8982-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w22ba8982-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-bfff874009b6 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>FIRST STEPS IN CREATING A STARTUP<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2022\/10\/brooke-cagle-xcgh5_-QIXc-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w22ba8982-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w22ba8982-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w22ba8982-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w22ba8982-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w22ba8982-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMake sure the business is feasible!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w22ba8982-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w22ba8982-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Specific target market defined &amp; qualified? How do you know they actually need and will pay for your product or service?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Competition identified? What can you do to differentiate yourself?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Value proposition clearly articulated: what is the benefit your market will gain, and how can you best communicate this?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Financial requirements specified &amp; tested?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Sales forecasts?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Pricing, variable vs fixed costs, break-even analysis?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Startup &amp; working capital needs, monthly run rate, time to profitability?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Cost of acquisition of customers, lifetime customer value? Sales cycle \u2013 how long does it take you to close the sale?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Anticipated cash flow by month for at least the first year, identifying possible seasonality shifts?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Management team qualified and well-balanced? Other HR assets full or part-time or contracted?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Operational requirements identified &amp; easily procured? Including the choice of distribution model, i.e. physical or e-commerce?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 If feasible, go for it, if not feasible, PIVOT until it is!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w22ba8982-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w22ba8982-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w22ba8982-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vardan-papikyan-JzE1dHEaAew-unsplash-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wdd8cfb8a\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wdd8cfb8a-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wdd8cfb8a-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>LEGAL ISSUES &amp; FINDING YOUR NAME<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/romain-dancre-doplSDELX7E-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wdd8cfb8a-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-wdd8cfb8a-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tConsider finding a lawyer and a CPA you can rely on!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Decide if you\u2019ll have partners or mentors involved in the beginning.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 If so, create an \u201coperating agreement\u201d or initial partnership agreement, with a buy-sell clause for the exit strategy:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 What role will people play?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 How they will be compensated?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 What are the \u201cequity\u201d understandings?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 How will you transfer ownership\/interest when one of you exits?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Establish the legal entity \u2013 LLC, C-Corp (S or Benefit designation available, OR not-for-profit), formalize the operating agreement.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Create a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement depending on the nature of the business.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Create independent contractor\/agent agreements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wdd8cfb8a-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-8976ada06d0f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.justia.com\/lawyers\/business-law\/connecticut\/danbury\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDirectory of Local Business Attorneys - Justia.com\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-8976ada06d0f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.lawyers.com\/small-business-law\/danbury\/connecticut\/law-firms\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDirectory of Local Business Attorneys - Lawyers.com\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wdd8cfb8a-1-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-8976ada06d0f\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ctcpas.org\/find-a-cpa\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDirectory of Local CPA's - ctcpas.com\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w016f2f2e\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w016f2f2e-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w016f2f2e-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w016f2f2e-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w016f2f2e-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w016f2f2e-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>SET UP THE BUSINESS ENTITY &amp; MAINTAIN IT<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2022\/10\/austin-distel-rxpThOwuVgE-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w016f2f2e-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w016f2f2e-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w016f2f2e-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w016f2f2e-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w016f2f2e-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat\u2019s your company NAME? Note this becomes your BRAND, so choose wisely.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w016f2f2e-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w016f2f2e-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>\u2013 You will have to pay a domain name registration fee yearly to maintain this domain, and pay a monthly hosting fee to whatever service you use to host or manage your website.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Check Secretary of State to see if the name is available <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/business.ct.gov\/New-Business-Registration-System?language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Secretary of State Business Services<\/a>. \u2022 File with state to register the legal entity - See steps in CT at <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/business.ct.gov\/manage\/all-business-filings?language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Services Hub<\/a>\u00a0\u2022 Get the Federal Employer ID (EIN) \u2013 see https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/employer-id-numbers-eins<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Get Sales Tax certificate - see Department of Revenue Services, how to register in CT at <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ct.gov\/drs\/cwp\/view.asp?a=1454&amp;q=509884\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Revenue Services. <\/a>Once you do this you will have to file sales tax reports either quarterly or yearly and pay any sales tax due.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 File Doing-Business-As (DBA) designation with local city\/town. Once you do this you will have to file a business property tax form yearly with the town clerk, and pay taxes on your assets.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Double check the above by going to another service website such as <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/howtostartanllc.com\/connecticut-llc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Start an LLC.com<\/a> (This is NOT an endorsement of this service, just one example of the steps you need to take. You do NOT have to hire someone to set up your business for you!)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The State of CT only requires the business entity filing form and a $120 one-time fee to create an LLC. After that you will have to pay the SOTS (Secretary Of The State) an annual report fee of $80. You will also have to file tax form CT-1065\/CT-1120SI with the State and 1065\/1120 with the IRS yearly, and pay any business tax due.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w016f2f2e-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w016f2f2e-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w016f2f2e-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDouble Check Regulations\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w016f2f2e-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w016f2f2e-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Check to see if licenses or other regulations are necessary \u2013 SEE <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/DCP\/License-Services-Division\/All-License-Applications\/License-Permit--Registration-Forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">License-Permit--Registration-Forms<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Get business insurance: \u201derrors and omissions\u201d, liability coverage, \u201ckey man\u201d insurance, premises &amp; inventory loss coverage. You will need a \u201ccertificate of insurance\u201d at some point.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Get guidance from the State if you plan to hire employees, register with Department of Labor \u2013 SEE <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ctdol.state.ct.us\/gendocs\/employers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State Employer Docs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Worker\u2019s compensation insurance, disability, hiring laws.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Tax &amp; compensation paperwork requirements.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Review IRS and State Revenue Services requirements for filing deadlines, record-keeping systems and forms \u2013 SEE <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">small-businesses-self-employed<\/a> and <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ct.gov\/drs\/site\/default.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Revenue Services<\/a> If you will also be operating in another state, get advice!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w09652195\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w09652195-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w09652195-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w09652195-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w09652195-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w09652195-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>GET READY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN THE COMPANY NAME &amp; WHAT IS AN MVP?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/andrew-neel-cckf4TsHAuw-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w09652195-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w09652195-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w09652195-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w09652195-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w09652195-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLay the foundation!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w09652195-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w09652195-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Set up a specific phone number for business communication; get an email address that signals the company business is professional.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Create a bank account in your company\u2019s name, get a debit card to track business expenses.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Branding!<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Create logo, tag line, promotional materials \u2013 business cards, print brochures, etc.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Create a website, make decisions about type &amp; scope of social media presence.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Get intellection property protection if necessary.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Be prepared for challenges - idea, branding, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret. \u2022 See <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United States Patent &amp; Trademark Office<\/a> and <a class=\"\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copyright.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Copyright.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Market segment outreach \u2013 do a sales forecast, estimate your initial Share Of Market (SOM).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Choose channel\/distribution network.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Create &amp; test your Minimum Viable Product.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w09652195-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w09652195-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w09652195-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMinimum Viable Product - prototype, sample,\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w09652195-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w09652195-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Simplest example of what you\u2019re providing.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Minimum set of features\/benefits someone is willing to pay for.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Show it to your prospective customer. Get FEEDBACK! Does it work?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 If it does work, how can you improve it? If it doesn\u2019t work, you\u2019ve just saved a lot of money!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w08420bc0\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w08420bc0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w08420bc0-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w08420bc0-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w08420bc0-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w08420bc0-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>IDENTIFY FINANCIAL NEEDS AND FIND FINANCING<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/micheile-henderson-SoT4-mZhyhE-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w08420bc0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w08420bc0-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w08420bc0-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w08420bc0-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w08420bc0-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRemember you need FIVE sets of numbers:\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w08420bc0-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w08420bc0-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Startup Capital \u2013 what do you need to spend just to START doing business? These are one-time costs.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Prices \u2013 what will you charge?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Based on what it costs you to make &amp; deliver, what customers are willing to pay.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 FIXED costs \u2013 what does it cost just to keep the doors open, even if you produce nothing? Rent, utilities, insurance, business reporting fees, loans, your living wage\u2026?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 VARIABLE costs \u2013 what does it cost you to produce one unit of what you\u2019re selling?<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Working capital \u2013 what kind of cushion do you need monthly to cover your costs until you break even?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Prepare a monthly Cash Flow Analysis to double check this!<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 DOUBLE CHECK YOUR NUMBERS<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Remember the \u201cBottom Line\u201d:<\/p>\n<p>Revenue or Sales What\u2019s your price? What\u2019s your anticipated sales volume?<\/p>\n<p>(Minus) -- Expenses or Costs What are your fixed costs? Variable costs?<\/p>\n<p>(Equals) Profit or Loss or 0 (Break Even)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Break Even Point = monthly FIXED costs (Divided by)<\/p>\n<p>(Unit Price \u2013 (minus) unit VARIABLE costs)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 What are the startup &amp; working capital needs that you have, and where will you find this money?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Select funding source:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Bootstrap (yourself, family, friends, GoFundMe!)<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Loan (bank or personal)<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Investors\/donations:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Indiegogo)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Angel Network or Venture Capital or equity crowdfunding (Wefunder)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Set up chart of accounts, bookkeeping system to monitor cash flow.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Get ready to transact business!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-wc25f99cc\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-wc25f99cc-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wc25f99cc-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-wc25f99cc-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc25f99cc-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc25f99cc-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>PITCH!<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/teemu-paananen-bzdhc5b3Bxs-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-wc25f99cc-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-wc25f99cc-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-wc25f99cc-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc25f99cc-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc25f99cc-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy do you need a pitch?\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wc25f99cc-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc25f99cc-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>To determine credibility with target market.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 To convince investors you\u2019re worth funding, produce the following:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Executive summary.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Pitch deck\/presentation, including market\/customer analysis.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 MVP &amp; growth plan, plus financials.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Anticipate challenges for market acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Competitor strategy \u2013 how will you identify and beat them?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Identify critical unknowns.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 EXIT strategy!<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 The Financial or Other Resources ASK!!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-wc25f99cc-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-wc25f99cc-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc25f99cc-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPIVOT PITCH PIVOT PITCH\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-wc25f99cc-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-wc25f99cc-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Dr. Saras Sarasvathy says to remember to start with what you\u2019ve got, and ask yourself three questions:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Who am I? What do I believe about the world, what values do I hold that guide my behavior, values on which I am unwilling to compromise?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 What do I know? What knowledge and experience do I have that can guide my actions? What am I good at, and, conversely, what am I NOT so good at?<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 WHO do I know? This is the most important question, because we can\u2019t do it alone. The best outcome is possible when we develop a network of people who share our values and have skills that complement our own. Then we can leverage those beliefs and skills to co-create something extraordinary.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Keep going, be humble, keep learning. ALWAYS be open to opportunities!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-tabs-panel\">\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-tabs-panel-content\"\n\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w61bf1058\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w61bf1058-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w61bf1058-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w61bf1058-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w61bf1058-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-hero panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w61bf1058-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-hero so-widget-sow-hero-default-92203a64a1cc so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-base\" style=\"display: none\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-slider-images\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;pagination&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:800,&quot;timeout&quot;:8000,&quot;paused&quot;:false,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:false,&quot;swipe&quot;:true,&quot;nav_always_show_desktop&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nav_always_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;breakpoint&quot;:&quot;780px&quot;,&quot;unmute&quot;:false,&quot;anchor&quot;:null}\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"min-height: 455px\"\t\t\t\t\tdata-anchor-id=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\t\t<li class=\"sow-slider-image  sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"visibility: visible;;background-color: #333333\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO HEAR<\/strong><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sow-slider-image-overlay sow-slider-image-cover\" style=\"opacity: 0.6;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2023\/10\/vonvix-LPDhHsisTz4-unsplash.jpg)\"  ><\/div>\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"sow-slider-pagination\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"0\" aria-label=\"Display slide 1\"><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\" data-action=\"next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-right\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-slide-nav sow-slide-nav-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" data-goto=\"previous\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\" data-action=\"prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<em class=\"sow-sld-icon-thin-left\"><\/em>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w61bf1058-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w61bf1058-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w61bf1058-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w61bf1058-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w61bf1058-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDr, Pauline Assenza, Professor, Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, Ancell School of Business, WCSU. Contact me at assenzap@wcsu.edu if you want help with any of this.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w61bf1058-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w61bf1058-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-3d9ad8b6673c\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe most challenging aspect of a new business startup is what\u2019s called \"market validation\" or \"product-market fit\".\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w61bf1058-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w61bf1058-1-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>It's sometimes sobering to find out that what YOU think is the best, most exciting idea actually doesn't truly excite your prospective customers!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The first thing to do is to scope out the potential market - who ARE your customers, what problems do they have that you, and ONLY you(!), can solve, and how much are they willing to pay for this solution? This may require you asking lots of people what they think... AND also finding out who else is providing a solution - who are your competitors?<\/p>\n<p>I can hear you say, but I already know what my customers want... I'd STILL recommend you ask. For instance, if I were considering investing in your business I'd want to know the following:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 The size of your market - how many people already have something similar to what you plan to provide?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 What are the demographics - age, gender, geographic location, income &amp; education levels \u2013 that let you figure out how to target them and get a sense of their financial viability \u2013 how much discretionary income are they willing to spend on what you might offer them?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 What is the cost to acquire a customer (the marketing cost to reach the customer plus the time it takes to convert a browser to a buyer).<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 What is the sales growth rate (how many new customers can you add in what time frame)?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 What is the lifetime value of a customer (how many re-orders will a customer do over time, at what average price point?) You need a realistic sales forecast, by month, for at least the first year...<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 Also what do you need to do to ramp up, or \"scale\" your business?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 How much of this product or service can YOU produce in what time frame?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 At what point do you need to increase capacity, either machines or manpower?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 Have you considered any product expansion possibilities for future customer acquisition?<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 Do you have a good sense of the trends in your industry so you can anticipate any disruption to your business?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Thoughtful answers to all the above are necessary in order to convince an investor that you're worth investing in...<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>First I think you need to do your customer research: identify the most obvious customers, then ask them what they care about the most, what products or services they wish they had access to, how much time they have to spend using these products or services and how often they do so? You need to find out how often repeat purchases may happen! (It does you no good to sell what you offer to everyone and then find out they don't need any more... Unless there are significant NEW customers entering this space all the time...)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>THEN you can give these people a price range - starting much higher than you think - and find out at what point most people say yes. Obviously these prices are based on what your competitors charge AND on what your costs are. I'm assuming you know your fixed and variable costs, and what your break even point might be. AND this break even point will now have to include a salary for you that allows you to live!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>One issue will be your distribution method - if you sell direct via the web, you'll get full price, but if you sell via retail distribution you'll have to at least cut your price in half to get to a reasonable wholesale margin, and that affects your profit picture. Best to scope out the retail scene carefully \u2013 it\u2019s hard to decide on reputable retailers...<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>BEST thing to remember? Start with what you\u2019ve got and be ready to pivot\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-24398-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-24398-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-atom-295ed5b9ff2a-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-24398-7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-24398-7-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-atom-295ed5b9ff2a-24398\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Start Something Successful and Sustainable To start with, you need to be VERY clear about the following: What problem are you solving, and for whom? What value are you providing, what promise are you making, and how will &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":316,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"university-homepage.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24398","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/316"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24398"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24398\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/careersuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}