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In today’s interconnected world, the challenge before entrepreneurs, marketers, and writers is how to engage with people at a time and place that’s convenient for the consumer.

More than ever, mobile content marketing tools should be on the marketing pros to-do list. Here’s why�

Readers + Viewers = Content Consumers

Content consumers, once known fondly as readers or television viewers, now consume content more frequently on the go, as well as on multiple devices. This behavior dawned on me a couple of years ago, when I unloaded my laptop, tablet, and smartphone onto the conveyor belt at the airline security checkpoint, and saw other passengers doing the same. It wasn’t just me, a business traveler, but the young teens and grandparents flanking me, too.

I couldn’t help but wonder what this new behavior meant for those who have to execute publishing strategies and adjust to this brave new world that demands new mobile content marketing tools.

A New Google Study

In a recent Google white paper entitled , it’s clear that we have moved to multi-screen consumption of content, whether that means creating a presentation on our laptop, texting our kids (but not while they’re driving, natch), downloading the movie we’re watching on TV, and deciding we want to purchase a related ebook on our tablet.

These days, the modern living room looks more like Best Buy than Little House on the Prairie.

Even the toddler is watching the Disney channel while learning to count on Mom’s tablet, or swiping through photos on Grandma’s smartphone. We have met the Jetsons and they are us. (Never mind if you don’t know who that old-school space family is�)

It’s All About Convenience

Where we are and what we’re doing dictates which device we grab. Not surprisingly, our smartphone is our most frequent go-to grab, and searching is the most common function—rendering Trivial Pursuit a device-free zone and making family gamers check their phone at the bathroom door.

The Google report reveals two types of usage, simultaneous and simultaneous. One of the most shocking statistics revealed is that 90% of our daily media time is spent between four screens:

Smartphone
Tablet
Laptop or PC
Television

Where’s the other 10% of time spent? Well, remember these devices?

Radio
Newspaper
Magazine

How We Read

What’s even more enlightening is how we use devices sequentially. For example, how many of you have looked up something on a tablet or phone after seeing something that piqued your interest? One stat that blew me away was that 67% move from one device to another while shopping online. You might compare the latest Louboutins on your smartphone while you’re at lunch, but purchase them later at home after the kids are in bed.

What does all this mean? Compatibility between devices is more important than ever. If I’m traveling light—like a long road trip in my husband’s racy convertible where nothing seems to fit in the trunk—then I might squeeze in a tablet and my smartphone, but leave the laptop at home. In that case, curses to the sites that don’t work well on mobile devices. If I’m shopping en route, the losers are the sites that don’t offer elegant mobile purchase experiences. And I certainly expect my reading material to cross platforms.

On average, a whopping 45% of our media consumption occurs on mobile devices today (38% smart phone, 9% tablet). And that number is growing.

New Publishing Strategy from Readz

If you’re a B2B or B2C marketer, you probably pay close attention to content marketing tools that offer solutions to the problems inherent in moving from one device to another. One company with an elegant mobile content marketing tool is , a new platform that aims for consistency across device platforms.

Instead formatting articles for one device, then another, and another…it’s activated with a simple link. PDFs are so old school now. Readz is great for creating mobile content for endless material, such as:

Magazines
Brochures
Training Manuals
White Papers
Annual Reports

Readz also rocks with SEO and Google Analytics, and handshakes with MailChimp, Wufoo and plenty of other platforms. The ease-of-use with regard to design, branding, publication, and support is key, and again, Readz scores high on this scale for the less-than-techie types who just want the darn things to work. No IT involvement required, which certainly garners my vote.

Check out the , too, where one of my favorite posts is , a great marketing tool for any entrepreneur, author, or marketing pro.

Love to hear your comments on how you’re approaching solutions to multi-screen marketing, too. Hey, we’re all in this together�

Ìý

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Are you an entrepreneur? An author who’s kicked off a successful career? Perhaps you’ve come to a point in your life where you’d like to share some of your success stories or your knowledge with other entrepreneurs. Or, give a little friendly advice on how to start a business.

As a life-long serial entrepreneur and author, I’ve been there, too. Now, I’m gathering successful friends and reaching out to others who want to share their start-up success stories for a new book called Rich Ideas.

My team and I will glean the best-of-the-best stories for the richest ideas around. From that, we’ll serve up thoughts on action plans for other entrepreneurs.

It’s not only about wealth, but also about wealthy relationships. Not only about riches, but also about the richness of ideas. What’s your idea of success?

What’s a Rich Idea?

Rich Ideas are simple, actionable ideas for entrepreneurs and others who think outside of the box. Unless you’re standing on the corner of Lucky, success takes more than luck.

Rich Ideas is a new book, community, and plan to illuminate successful ideas for entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone who wants to claim their life. Inspiring, fun, successful.

Stories about the richness of life—and your contributions.

Your Success Stories

We’re looking for a few successful entrepreneurs to share their success stories. Having been in the trenches ourselves, we know that as a fellow entrepreneur, you have advice or war stories you enjoy sharing.

We’re big fans of Chicken Soup for the Soul,ÌýThe 4-Hour Work Week,ÌýThe $100 Start-up, and EntrepreneurÌýand Inc.Ìýmagazines, so think of this as a practical, inspiring mash-up for creative thinkers.

Why Participate?

Besides bragging rights, sharing your success stories is good PR for you and your business. More than that, it’s an opportunity to give back to the world, and to other budding entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance. There’s no swimming with the sharks here.

Plus, we’ll have gatherings online and Rich Idea Founder dinners in cities that we visit. You’ll have a chance to connect with other interesting Rich Idea contributors. And, it’s just good karma.

What We’re Looking For

Short pieces, from three to five pages. (We know some of you love to write, while others run screaming from it.) Share your most important heartfelt advice, or success story. Or, it might be a story about someone or something that inspired you.

Make us laugh, make us cry, but most of all, make us believe. Infuse it with love, humor, learnings; tug those heartstrings.

But I Hate Writing!

We get it. We’re here to help craft and/or edit your story. That’s what we do. We’ll organize the material so it’s first-class all the way.

Rather make a video or audio for us? Or have one to submit? Okay, that’s cool, as long as you have the rights to use it. We’ll have space on the website for that, too.

So, Who Else Is In?

How about wine makers from Napa, techies with world-changing inventions, a top attorney who started her with own firm, a cosmetics company founder, authors who have built empires, and others who have just published their first book.

Along with regular folks who simply have inspiring success stories of their own entrepreneurial journey to share.

So open the door, we’d love to hear from you! This call is for the first round of public submissions,and we expect it will fill up fast. Publication is in 2014.

Have a friend who has a story to share? Pass this along to them,or share this with your social media crowd.

How to Enter the Call for Submissions

SimplyÌý, and add one or two short paragraphs to whet our interest, along with your blog or website address. (Don’t add your entire story in the comment box, okay?) If you sold us, we’ll get back to you with a short list of questions.

Be a Rich Ideas Founder

Don’t want to submit your success stories, but do want to be on the launch list for the book and other activities? ÌýIt’s simple: . We’ll be highlighting things like new business ideas, easy start-ups, helpful tools, and creative thinking.

What are you waiting for? Come on, join us!ÌýAnd after you sign up, be sure to come back and leave a comment below for your fellow Founders!

Ìý

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Authors and entrepreneurs often ask me what tools I use to run my business. Today I thought I’d shareÌýsome of the easiest, most effective online tools I’ve found. These valuable resources for entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses are among my personal favorites to grow your business.

These economical solutions hail from some of the smartest entrepreneurs around, and have been vetted and used by my technical team.

Bookmark this page and check back. We’re adding to this list often as we discover and test new resources for you.*

Valuable Resources for Entrepreneurs
Tools to Build & Manage Sites
Hosting

Ìý- Fast set up, cost-effective, and excellent customer service. One-stop shopping for domain name, hosting, and WordPress or Weebly. Set up a site in minutes. (So easy even a right-brained author can do it!) This site is hosted there, and I’ve moved other sites over, too.
Ìý- Ease of use, frequent discounts, and great customer service makes this a favorite for many folks.

WordPress Blogs & Websites

Ìý- The most versatile way to set up a blog or site.ÌýÌýhas a direct WordPress set up. This is what I use.Ìý(Note: WordPress.org allows ads, WordPress.com is limited.)
Ìý- Easy to use WordPress themes. The home of the popular Thesis theme.
Ìý- Just like it says, all you add is content. Simple to use, good support.

Mailing Lists

Ìý- A simple, yet powerful, tool to manage your email lists. What the pros use; it grows with you. Easy to use!
Ìý- Easily embed opt-in forms on your website or blog with style.
Ìý- Easy to use, with a free option.

Social Media

Ìý- This is the tweet scheduler I use that saves me hours a week, and builds my Twitter following. And I love their new redesign. Social mediaÌýtasks were killing me until I discovered this gem. Also schedules blog posts.
Ìý- An incredibly easy way to follow and unfollow, find out who is inactive, and gain statistical insights. Founder Kevin Garber dropped in for lunch one day (all the way from Sydney), and I have to say, what a super guy! Great customer service. A tool I can’t live without. The Pro plan is great for individuals, for business, go Business. You’ll shave hours a week off of your social media guru’s time. (Mobile still needs a little work–sorry Kevin!)
Ìý- A good scheduler, one that I’ve used in the past, too. Many people swear by this one. Good for teams to use. Can use with Facebook (Groups and Pages), Twitter, Google , Foursquare, and LinkedIn. Works with mobile (iPad/iPhone, Android).

Handy Tools

Ìý- Can’t live without this! Access documents anywhere. Great for writers! One of the most valuable resources for entrepreneurs around.
Ìý- Need a logo, banner, or ad designed? Crowdsource designs in as little at 24 hours.ÌýA design you love, or 100% of your money back. Love this site.

Self Publishing
Publishing

Ìý- Set up your book here, and publish on Amazon U.S. as well as international Amazon sites when the client places the order. Can also order print-on-demand copies at wholesale prices as you need them. Decent royalty structure. This is what I used to publish Scent of Triumph, and they did a beautiful job. No more books in the garage!

Learning Center
Training

ÌýGet organized! The original daily planner I began using years ago. Created by Stephen Covey,Ìýbestselling author and forward thinker.
Ìý- List of valuable resources for entrepreneursÌýfrom my alma mater.

Books

Some of my favorite books and resources for entrepreneurs and authors:

Ìýby Stephen R. Covey â€� Excellent business classic that every entrepreneur should read. Covers self-mastery, proactive behavior, and beginning with the end in mind.
Ìýby Tim Ferris â€� Chock full of resources and ideas. The section on idea (muse) testing is worth the cost alone. I gave one to each of our kids.
The $100 Startup:ÌýReinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New FutureÌýbyÌýChris Guillebeau â€� Stumped? Dozens of easy startup ideas.
Ìýby Eric Ries -ÌýHow to test your ideas before committing funds, and so many more valuabe resourses for entrepreneurs.

Have some favorite tools or books you’d like to share? Add them to the Comments section, thanks!

About this author: Jan Moran is a serial author and entrepreneur. She founded Scentsa, a touch-screen technology sold to Sephora in a venture capital deal. Her self-published novel was bought by St. Martin’s Press (2014). Sign up forÌý,Ìýher new program for entrepreneurs. She’s a Harvard MBA, native Texan, and lives in San Diego, California.

(*In the spirit of full disclosure, some have affiliate links embedded, which is how we pay the people who help us run this site and share the knowledge. There is no additional fee to you. Thank you for helping to support the team!)

Ìý

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Love to travel? FancyÌýyourselfÌýan entrepreneur? Travel is full of entrepreneurial lessons, as well as analogies for business and living.ÌýOne of my first experiences was when I was a student at the University of Texas in Austin. Texas is a large state, and one has to be quite determined to journey beyond its borders.Ìý

One rainy morning on campus I noticed a brochure with an ocean liner on the cover. I grabbed it, and in a moment of sleep-deprived yearning, I dashed off an application for a scholarship and work-study program. The voyage was called . Within weeks I learned that my application had been accepted.

It seemed too good to be true. I was on my around the world.

Traveling Beyond Borders

As a young girl, my wanderlust spiritÌýhad been satisfied with reading; I loved to read about foreign countries, different cultures, and exotic food. Books had also taught me that people have the same desires the world over. It was time to put the theories to the test.

What a trip it was! For four months, I worked my way around the globe as an assistant to the dean. The ten-port itinerary was incredible: Spain, Greece, Turkey, Israel, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan. (Every semester the voyage changes its route.)

Passengers included students, of course, but also instructors and staff members from around the globe, and other adventurous adults. Sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke went on the voyage several times. When the ship pulled into port, all sorts of folks � writers, diplomats, expats � would turn up to welcome the ship and its passengers. It was pretty heady stuff for a young person.

Most of us returned home changed. Our eyes were opened. We traveled as students seeking knowledge and understanding, visiting ports for several days at a time, not as tourists on an eight-hour tour. We were often more akin to the Gilligan’s Island crew, relying on our ingenuity.

A Thirst for Learning

Fast forward a few years. What did I learn on that voyage that I still draw upon today?

Independence � Once in port, we were free to come and go, but the ship waited for no one. Even freedom has constraints. Independence means making choices and living with the consequences.

Self-sufficiency � New country, don’t know the language? Lost or sick? You’ve got to figure out solutions on your own, or with fellow travelers. Much the same with an entrepreneurial venture, isn’t it? Like a jazz musician, you’ve got to.

Curiosity � If you stayed in your cabin, you missed what the world had to offer. The take-away? Push fear aside and get out there, every day. Develop a thirst for learning new ideas. Curiosity is the lifeblood of the entrepreneur, the writer, the traveler. Create opportunities to .

Gratefulness � What we take for granted every day is a luxury to many people in the world. Gratefulness keeps your priorities straight. Begin or end each day with a thankful heart. It could always be worse, but it’s your job to make it better.

No matter what your life journey might be � going on a trip, writing a book, starting a new venture � you will be forever changed. Enlightened. And this is a good thing. Always stay thirsty for living.

Rich Ideas

Want to share highlights from your entrepreneurial lessons, or discover inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs? Sign up now for the newÌýÌýproject. We’ll share ideas and entrepreneurial lessonsÌýfrom other successful founders. Getting in the entrepreneurial groove? Here’s another article you might like: .

Final note: As I was researching Semester at Sea for this blog post, I noticed that TEDx is having a program aboard the current Semester at Sea ship in port in San Diego, where I live. Small world! Here’s more info on the program in January.

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Hi Friends! Just a note to let you know that we’re going to be working on improving the site this week, so if it looks a little odd, please have patience! It’s a work-in-progress�

Prescription Form for Medicinal Liquor during Prohibition

Fancy a glass of wine with dinner? In 1920, you’d have to have a doctor’s prescription for that elegant indulgence. In the US, the National Prohibition Act was in force from 1920 to 1933.

During a recent visit to Napa Valley, I heard some amazing stories about how winery owners survived Prohibition.Ìý

Some entrepreneurial vintners secured contracts to supply sacramental wine to religious orders, while others produced wine for medicinal purposes.

Still others produced grapes and sold those to families to make wine at home in small quantities, which was legal.

Doctor’s Orders

Not surprisingly, it’s said that quite a few people either found religion or became ill during this time. Wine was often prescribed forÌýheart disease,Ìýanemia, high blood pressure,Ìýtuberculosis,Ìýpneumonia, and even old age.

Some physicians believed wine aided digestion and increased energy levels. The usual dose was one-ounce every two to three hours for adults; for children, the dose was halved.

Hess Collection Wine Barrels

All in the Name of Research

In order to capture the flavor of Napa and the wine-making industry for my next book from , my husband and I cruised up the coast of California and made the rounds in Napa. We stopped in the Stags Leap district, then wound up to Mount Veeder, Mount Howell, and St. Helena.

First we visited with friends MaryAnn and Larry Tsai, co-founders of the highly collectedÌýÌýwines, which are blended by from France. A true artist, he is ranked in the top ten winemakers world-wine.

We attended a beautiful winemaker’s dinner at the with Ìýco-founder, Mike Grgich, who was celebrating his ninetieth birthday. In 1976, he was awarded top honors for his Chateau Montelena Chardonnay at the , which was quite an extraordinary feat for a California wine. (Pour a glass of wine and watch the movie, .)

Next, we had incredible visits at theÌý,Ìý,Ìý, andÌý, among others, and heard quite a few fascinating stories at each stop.

The Roaring Twenties

One vintner recalled a Prohibition-era story about a milk truck that made regular stops at vineyards, then delivered it’s “milk� to clients in San Francisco.

Indeed, the Roaring Twenties kept on roaring. In fact, when I lived in Beverly Hills, it was common to find homes in the area with basements that had once been private speak-easies.

Cheers!

So tonight, when you pour that glass of wine, raise your glass to those vintners and entrepreneurs who carried on the industry. And if you like wine, stay tuned–I’ll write more about the wineries I visited soon. All in the name of research for my next book, of course.

What are your favorite wines, or wine regions? Next on my list are the vineyards of Argentina�.

Come visit my blog to read an author interview post on Caroline Fardig:

Today I’m pleased to welcome fellow writerÌý, author of the new book,Ìý.ÌýWe had a good talk about writing, so I thought I’d share her inspiring story. Caroline had a dream; she took the plunge and started writing. In addition, she’s an indie publisher, which in my book means she’s a true entrepreneur. However, I’ll bet traditional publishing pros are checking out her talented work.

Let’s welcome Caroline to the Entrepreneur Interview Series here, where entrepreneurs share their successes, setbacks, and inspirational attitudes.

Here’s the set-up for Caroline’s engaging chic-lit story of romantic suspense: “The sleepy town of Liberty hasn’t seen murder in…well…ever. Residents are stunned when the body of a young woman is found strangled, and reporters at the Liberty Chronicle are thrilled, rather disturbingly, over the biggest news story to hit town this century.�

Author Interview

JM: Hello Caroline, great to have joining me today. To kick this off, can you share with readers what inspired you to write this book?

CF: Sure, when I was a kid, I would daydream and make up all kinds of stories in my head. I was always the heroine, and I was always having great adventures with my friends. That stopped when I got older, either because I didn’t have the time to daydream anymore, or because I was old enough to have cool adventures in real life.

A few years ago, I started reading quite a bit more, but I got to the point where I didn’t like how many of the novels I read turned out. I found myself daydreaming about what the characters could have done instead to make their stories more interesting. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I should just write my own story, and make all of the characters do exactly what I wanted, just like I did when I was a kid.

JM: What’s your book about?

CF: is a mystery set in the small, peaceful town of Liberty. WhenÌýyoung woman is found strangled, it’s the biggest news story in Liberty’s history. When another young woman turns up dead from an apparent accident, Lizzie Hart smells trouble and takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. Hindered only by her general ineptitude at sleuthing and a raging crush on the town’s most eligible bachelor, Lizzie spies, accuses, eavesdrops, and gossips her way through a parade of suspects.

JM: Are there places or settings in your book that hold special meaning for you?

CF: I modeled Liberty after my own hometown. I love small towns. I have lived in one all my life, and I can’t imagine living in a big city and not recognizing people I pass by on the street. That’s why choosing a small town as a setting was so perfect for my book—I could have a limitless supply of characters who know each other and are interconnected.

JM: That’s really interesting. I’m originally from Austin, Texas, and there’s a small town nearby named � you guessed it � Liberty, Texas. I realize that’s not your actual town, but it immediately sprang to mind!

So, when did you begin writing? And, is this your first book?

CF:Ìýis my first novel, and I started writing it three years ago, but I didn’t tell a soul about it. After about six months, I worked up the courage to give my first draft to one of my best friends. She read it and encouraged me to keep working on it and to try to get it published.

JM:ÌýWhere and when do you write the best?

CF:ÌýI primarily write in my home office, but sometimes I like to sneak away and take my laptop to Starbucks. I write either while my kids are at school or after everyone else in the house had gone to bed. (With a husband, two kids, two dogs, and a cat, sometimes the only quiet time is bedtime!)

JM: Same here, Caroline! Now, I love to ask people this: What do you consider your greatest moment of success?

CF:ÌýIt had to be the moment I clicked the “Save and Publishâ€� button on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing site. After years of writing, adding, rewriting, proofreading, and formatting, my book was finally completed and ready for the whole world to see. Without that moment, I wouldn’t be on the wild ride that I’m on today!

JM: And what has been your greatest setback?

CF:ÌýI haven’t had a situation that has knocked me for a loop, but something I fight with constantly is letting life get in the way of my writing career. Being a writer is not a â€�9 to 5â€� job, and if I’m not careful, it can get pushed to the side. There have been times that I have gone months without writing, not because I didn’t feel like writing, but because I didn’t have the time and the emotional serenity to get the job done.

JM: We’re glad you found the time to share your story! Keep writing, and thanks for your visit, Caroline.

Reviews

SEMIFINALIST, The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards

“This could be the next Tommy and Tuppence, Partners in Crime, duo with the flavor of The Thin Man series. 5 stars.� -Sweet Mystery Books

“This book truly is LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY! You will love the real, in-depth characters! Lizzie is a fantastic heroine! Rocks are thrown through windows, people are dying, bombs are going off, and in between it all you have this fantastic, witty dialogue! This book was also a dream to read.� -Joe Cool Review, 5 Stars

“A hilarious mystery caper.� -The Masquerade Crew

Bestseller Rankings

Ìýhas ranked on Barnes & Noble as a #1 Bestseller in the genres of Women Detectives and Humorous Fiction. Its Bestseller ranking held in the Top 10 for a week and claimed the #17 spot on Barnes & Noble’s overall Bestseller List. On Amazon, it ranked #2 on three different Amazon Bestseller Lists—Women’s Sleuths, Humorous Fiction, and Comic Fiction.

Where to Buy

Once a year, from Paris to San Francisco, Sydney to Singapore, a crowd of strangers in garb of head-to-toe white gathers at mystery locations to . . . dine outdoors. A strange cult? A flash mob? It’s certainly more the latter than the former.ÌýThe granddaddy of the flash mob, (Dinner in White) has been attracting sophisticated party-goers bent on etiquette and elegance for more than twenty-five years.

This isn’t your red-checked-tablecloth-and-ants kind of picnic. Elaborate white outfits run the gamut � all the way to evening wear � crystal and china sparkle beneath flickering candles, and fresh white flowers bloom in ornate table arrangements. Diners tote their own dinner, as well as tables and chairs.

The original gathering was a brainstorm ofÌýFrançois Pasquier. In 1988, after having returned to Paris after a long absence, he asked his friends to meet atÌýBois de Boulogne in Paris. ‘And dress in white,â€� he added, ‘so that we can find one another.â€�

The party was such a success they made it an annual affair. Upping the ante in 1991, they descended upon theÌýPont des Arts in the heart of Paris, keeping the location a secret until the last moment from government officials who wouldn’t approve the posh event.

It just goes to show what one great idea can spawn.

Today,ÌýFrançois Pasquier’s son,ÌýAymeric Pasquier, along with Sandy Safi, continue this tradition of elegance in more than forty cities around the world.

Strictly by invitation, people assemble at predetermined locations, ready to descend upon and dine outdoors at a public location. From theÌýChâteau de Versailles toÌýthe Champs-Élysées andÌýthe Louvre Pyramid, Ìýfashionable crowds dine at the world’s most revered spaces.

Ìý

An accidental social entrepreneur? Perhaps.ÌýBut the joyful tradition continuesâ€�

And one thing is true: People the world over love to have fun. Do you have a fun idea you could expand upon?

By artist Debra Hurd

Recently I saw perform in an informal jazz session with other musicians, and I began to think about the similarities between a jazz musician and an entrepreneur.

Jazz is visionary and demands cutting edge performances; a successful session requires leadership, collaboration, and nimble thinking. Musicians must often shift course on a moment’s notice.

And so it is for the entrepreneur; you’re the the CEO of your vision, the leader of your company. Market shift? You have to respond � and fast.

In these shifting economic times, what gives a team its rhythm? Success starts at the top. A good leader knows how to set the tone, on the bandstand or in the boardroom.

So, borrowing from our jazz masters, here are five keys to making making beautiful music in business:

Creativity � The successful set begins with every team player bringing the best of their creativity to the effort. A good leader allows creativity to flow, encourages ideas, and rewards creative thinking. (Need help on getting the creative flow going? Find ideas at )


Collaboration â€� Why can’t we all just get along? That’s right, it starts with team work. Creative synergy is the goal, to produce through collaboration an experience or product that’s finer that what could have produced alone. Whether you’re a solo performer or lead a team, few musicians or business people really go it alone. For example, successful solo authors build a team that includes an editor, agent, financial counselor, and attorney, as well as marketing and publicity pros. ÌýAnd don’t forget the consuming public â€� the reviewers and readers. (If you’re an author, here are five .)

Eric Marienthal

ImprovisationÌý- Jazz musicians are known for improvisation; it’s a hallmark of their craft. The successful CEO or founder must often improvise. Resourceful thinking is key. The entrepreneur doesn’t hear “no,â€� they hear “how?â€� How can we raise the money, find right people, create the right product, achieve success? Those questions are music to the ears.


Interaction � Entrepreneurs often dance to a different tune. Having trouble with your fellow players? Instead of “my way or the highway� thinking, find a common ground for interaction. The musician who’s off key destroys the synergy. During a jazz set, talented backup musicians often get a chance to strut their stuff. Try this in the real world � you may discover a gem of an idea when you yield the spotlight and listen to the riffs.


Transformation Ìý- When musicians are in the groove together, transformation occurs, the music takes flight, and the players and audience alike are emotionally transformed in the presence of true artistry. This requires mastery, a high point where each person is contributing their excellence. If you hit a sour note, keep going, but take time to learn. How can we improve? Is there a new instrument, or skill, that needs to be learned? True mastery takes commitment. (Read more on how to .)

By artist Debra Hurd

All that Jazz

Making beautiful music is a process. ÌýWhereas an orchestra requires more regimented corporate thinking, jazz demands resourceful creative thinking and teamwork. That’s when transformation occurs.

And that’s the beauty of achievement.

Rich Ideas

Want to share highlights from your entrepreneurial journey, or discover inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs? Check out the newÌýÌýproject.

Special Thanks

To Austin for lending her beautiful artwork to this post, and to jazz musician for a fabulous performance at brunch and for inspiration for this post.

Love to hear your comments. How have you improvised on a project? Any tips for improving collaboration?