How to Make a Successful Business

In this article I will present a list of characteristics I think any successful business must have. First determine why you’re starting a business, and then start exploring exactly how to make a successful business. Characteristics...

Low Cost Business Ideas from Stanford’s Best

There is a saying amongst marine mammal trainers, “the only thing black and white in marine mammal training are the Killer Whales.” The best killer whale trainers know that thinking outside the box is crucial for...

Creating a list of Business Ideas

Coming up with a list of business ideas is one of the easiest steps in creating your side business. Business ideas can hit you at any moment. When they do, make a point to write them down or store them in your smart...

Surround Yourself with Smart People

One of the “tricks” I used to train marine mammals was to pair rookie animals with veteran animals. Suppose I was training a two-year old whale to jump at three specific points in the pool. To do this I would simultaneously...

Motivation in the Workplace through Positive Reinforcement

Perhaps the most effective technique used in marine mammal training is positive reinforcement. Most of you are already familiar with this principle – reinforce (reward) desirable behavior, and that behavior should...

How to Create Good Business Names

Every trick you see an animal doing in a show has a name. When choosing the name, there are four rules I kept in mind. The name had to be easy to say, easy to remember, easy to spell and explain what the trick is. By...

When to Have a Partner in Business

Successful partnerships in business have the same qualities as successful partnerships in whale training. Here’s how to determine if a partnership is right for you and your business. The only reason enter into a partnership...

Advertising Strategies: Free, The 4-Letter Word

When working with killer whales we followed a two step formula: ask the whale to jump, feed the whale for jumping. Offering something “for free” can produce desired results, but only for the experienced trainer....

Five Must-Have General Partnership Agreements

Your business partnership should include the five agreements listed below. All general partnership agreements should be in writing and signed by each partner. Additional agreements may be needed. Buy/Sell Agreement A...

How to Invest with LendingClub

LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending site that connects borrowers (them) to lenders/investors (us!). Instead of going to a bank, borrowers can apply for a loan through LendingClub. This loan is reviewed by investors,...