Tag Archive: successful entrepreneurship

Unlocking Your Creativity: The Benefits of Quiet Time

February 1, 2024 6:00 am

Life can often feel like a constant barrage of noise, with our senses continuously intrigued by the sounds of traffic, technology, and chatter. Amidst all this noise, it’s easy to forget the importance of silence. That’s why we celebrate Quiet Day on February 25th – a day dedicated to peace, calm, and quiet that can contribute to better brain health and foster creativity.  Let’s dive into the benefits of embracing silence and how we can create more space for quiet in our daily lives to help ignite creativity… The Significance of Quiet Day and How to Observe It As we[...]

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Person looking through a magnifying glass

Entrepreneurial Alertness: How to Spot Opportunities Hidden in Plain Sight

January 1, 2024 6:00 am

Trivia Day brings to mind the most popular and best-selling trivia game of all time, Trivial Pursuit. In fact, it lands the number seven spot for the top 10 selling board games, with more than 100 million units sold!    Trivial Pursuit involves 2-6 players or teams of players and the goal is to be the first player to collect a wedge from each of the six categories and reach the center of the game board. Players roll a die to move around the board which has colored spaces that align with the categories. When you answer a question correctly,[...]

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Selling Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Unlocking the Marketing Secrets

December 1, 2023 6:00 am

Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a staple during the holiday season, with people eagerly seeking out the most outrageous and over-the-top designs to wear to their festive gatherings. So why and how are these sweaters still so popular? The answer lies in the concept of product market fit – the perfect combination of a desired product at the right price point.    In this blog post, we will delve into the marketing secrets behind selling ugly Christmas sweaters and how businesses can use this understanding to sell any product! So grab your ugliest sweater and let’s explore the world of[...]

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Fight Procrastination Day: Practical Tips for Tackling Critical Yet Difficult Tasks

September 1, 2023 8:00 am

Procrastination is a common struggle that many individuals face when confronted with challenging or uncertain tasks. The tendency to put off important responsibilities can hinder productivity and lead to increased stress levels. Recognizing the impact of this habit, Fight Procrastination Day serves as a reminder to overcome procrastination and embrace effective strategies to accomplish critical tasks that may appear difficult or uncertain. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips to help you overcome procrastination and make significant strides toward your goals. In this blog, you’ll learn:  Discover strategies to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity around challenging tasks. Explore effective[...]

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Side Hustle

Declare Your Own Independence Day: How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full-Time Gig

July 1, 2023 9:00 am

Have you ever dreamed of breaking free from the monotony of traditional employment? Do you yearn for the autonomy to pursue your passions and control your own destiny? If so, it’s time to declare your own independence day by turning your side hustle into a full-time gig. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to transform your side hustle into a thriving business and achieve the financial and personal freedom you desire. In this blog, you’ll learn: Understand and harness the potential of a side hustle to explore passions, develop skills, and generate additional income.[...]

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WVCAP Client Spotlight: Endolumik

June 1, 2023 9:00 am

West Virginia has a thriving startup scene, with several companies making groundbreaking discoveries and bringing innovative products to the market. One of these companies is Endolumik, a Morgantown-based surgical device company. Companies like Endolumik are succeeding in part thanks to new grants and funding opportunities offered by the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) and associated programs that administer its grants.   In this blog, you’ll learn: What the West Virginia Capital Access Program is and how it helps small businesses How strategic partnerships with economic development organizations like the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust help small businesses achieve their[...]

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National Old Stuff Day: What Kind Of Old Stuff Are You Holding Onto In Your Business?

March 1, 2023 12:00 pm

Every year, on March 2nd, we celebrate National Old Stuff Day. This day is dedicated to the appreciation and reflection of the things we hold onto from our past, whether physical items, memories, or old practices. As a business owner, it’s essential to consider the old stuff you have accumulated over the years and whether it’s still serving a purpose in your business. This blog will discuss the types of old stuff you may be holding onto and what you can do about it. In this blog, you’ll learn: The importance of National Old Stuff Day for entrepreneurs and startups[...]

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March is Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women and Businesses That Changed a Generation

March 1, 2023 12:00 pm

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s worth exploring the rich history of female entrepreneurship in West Virginia and how West Virginian female-owned businesses are making a difference. From the strong sense of community support to the numerous resources and opportunities available to women entrepreneurs, this region has all the ingredients for success. In this blog, we will examine the factors that contribute to the success of West Virginian female-owned businesses and why it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in business.   In this blog, you’ll learn: The significance of Women’s History Month and its celebration[...]

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What’s in a Headline? The Importance of Effective Communication

July 7, 2022 6:00 am

National Emoji Day is this month, on July 17th. Emojis have an interesting history, dating back to 1990s chat rooms. By 1999, the characters put together to express emotions in a chat room were given a name. “Emoji” comes from the Japanese words for “picture” and “letter” – only coincidentally sounding like the word “emotion.”  More than 20 years later, emojis have only taken a firmer hold. There are approximately 3400 emojis in use today and it’s hard to imagine a society without them. At 3 Steps to Start Up, one of our “three steps” for supporting innovators in West[...]

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An Ode to Small Business Fatherly Advice

June 7, 2022 10:00 am

“What’s long, brown, and sticky?” If your dad is particularly inclined to tell dad jokes, you have probably heard this one before. The answer, of course? “A stick.” [Slow clap]   Dads can lend a special light to our lives, not least of which is bad humor. On the other hand, they are also sources of immense wisdom if we can tap into that wisdom. They’ve experienced so much more than we have! We can observe the same phenomenon when it comes to older, wiser mentors in the business. Some entrepreneurs are lucky enough to count their father as their mentor[...]

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