1. by Beth Marcus, Ph.D. June 6, 2001

2. Things are different in Turbulent Times Don’t try to learn on your own nickel Being CEO is not the objective Building value for investors is Be Decisive You don’t have money for mistakes You may not get a second chance Financing may not come in time, or at all Listen to the market and change if necessary Don’t fall in love with your products, ideas, business plans Many companies evolve with changing market forces Good entrepreneurs know when to fold their tent

3. Rules to live by Understand yourself/your partners what do you want out of life/business 100% of nothing is nothing Take the money Share with your employees Make your own luck Know the competition Know companies who would benefit from what you have Talk to everyone about your company Don’t believe your own hype When the plan is wrong change it When potential weaknesses are brought up, listen Hire people smarter than yourself

4. Getting personal Don’t wait untill a sale to understand taxes You will live to ride again Enjoy life while it is happening Take care of your employees Give some of the money away You  your business It is not your child There is more to life than business success Don’t lose your friends & family in the process There is life after You can’t predict what it will be Never say “never” Learn to say “no”