10 Great Articles About Becoming an Entrepreneur

Our article Ten Reasons to Become an Entrepreneur has been the most read on our blog. We want to thank you for your support. The truth is that, at Utility Avenue, we want to help you become the best version of the business owner and entrepreneur you can be.

Today, we want to share ten great articles about becoming an entrepreneur. In this selection, you might find the motivation to push forward.

Take notes, and bookmark them for later. Come back to reread them when you need to.

The entrepreneurial path might be challenging, especially in times of Covid, but you got this.

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1- “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur.”

Entrepreneurs and business owners have a certain kind of spirit and drive that keeps pushing them forward. Use this business article to find out if you possess the qualities of an entrepreneur yourself. In “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur,” John Rampton shares the signs that make you the perfect small business owner deep down inside.

 

2- “Richard Branson to Young Entrepreneurs: ‘Just Do It’”

If you have been thinking about launching a small business, this article will help you take the plunge. Richard Branson is incredibly inspiring to entrepreneurs who are looking to start young. In Oscar Raymundo’s Inc. article, Richard Branson explains why young wannabe entrepreneurs need to get over the inherent risk factor of starting a business. You can have a great business idea for years, weighing the pros and cons of creating it. According to Branson, you have to just do it. If you fail, you fail—and hopefully, you learned something valuable for your next business venture along the way. Feel the fear, but do it anyway. Stop overthinking and start working.

 

3- “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.

The stress, worry, and fear that comes with being an entrepreneur can be very intense. Entrepreneur and investor Kumar Arora explains the psychological impact being an entrepreneur can have on a person from his first-hand experiences in his Forbes article “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.” Starting and running your own business can be an isolating and physically and mentally exhausting process. It is essential to keep your mental well-being in mind.

 

4-“CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates.”

This article shares some of the best advice CEOs had for college graduates. Nevertheless, most of it can also be applied to new entrepreneurs. Both recent grads and entrepreneurs are starting a new chapter in their careers, and the advice in “CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates” can be helpful to them both. The ability to listen, have patience, and be flexible were all traits CEOs highlighted in their advice to students.

 

5- “How to Hire the Right Person.”

Finding the right people can be challenging. Compiled from more than 500 interviews, the article “How to Hire the Right Person” by Adam Bryant of The New York Times brings together some of the best hiring advice from CEOs he’s interviewed. They advise walking candidates around, paying attention to what questions they ask, assigning them a take-home task, and more.

 

6- “A Study of 3,526 Companies Shows 1 Decision Makes Startups More Successful. Most Founders Do the Opposite”

The appeal of having a business partner is strong when you start a business. Some entrepreneurs feel more comfortable having someone share the work. Nevertheless, research shows that might not give the company the best chances of survival. Research has found that companies with a solo CEO were more likely to succeed. A story from Inc. breaks down the method used to derive the findings, but it turns out going it alone might be an advantage.

 

7- “7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO.”

This article is based on advice from CEO and founder of the woman-powered app Mogul, Tiffany Pham. It’s a compilation of advice from her book (You Are a Mogul: How to Do the Impossible, Do It Yourself, and Do It Now.) While her book offers far more insight 7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO gives a quick preview to help other female entrepreneurs.

8-“8 Mistakes First-Time Founders Make When Starting a Business.”

When you’re just starting, it can be easy to fall into the same pitfalls many entrepreneurs fall into. But maybe with this article, you won’t have to. Mitch Zuklie (CEO, business, and legal advisor), wrote about the top mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make. He detailed the mistakes that include growing too fast and ignoring sound advice for Entrepreneur Magazine.

 

9- “How Things Change.”

How Things Change” is a worthy 30-second read for any entrepreneur who feels discouraged. TechCrunch’s Greg Kumparak summarizes entrepreneurship’s crazy journey in just three tweets from Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp. Things do change.

 

10-“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business.”

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business” is written by entrepreneur John Rampton. He recounts mistakes he made when he launched his business and what he could have done to prevent them. This article might help you effectively build the business with fewer setbacks.

Final Words

If you liked these, feel free to share them.

Come back next week for part II of this selection of great articles about becoming an entrepreneur.

Spotlight: Utility Avenue’s Cofounders

Our Thursday Spotlight focuses on promoting businesses weekly.

Today, we wanted to introduce Utility Avenue’s cofounders, so you know more about the people that work behind the scenes to make Utility Avenue possible.

Utility Avenue Team

 

“The goal of life is not to have our lives mean something to ourselves.
The goal of life is to have our lives mean something to others.”
Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek also says that to succeed in life, we need people who believe what we believe.

I always add that, to succeed in life, we need people who believe in us when we fail to believe in ourselves. They are the ones that give you the strength to keep on keeping on.

I have been incredibly lucky to find a team that I can proudly call my “tribe.” They have inspired so much me since the beginning.

We believe in the power of hard work and determination, and we believe in teamwork because, as Helen Keller said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

We are dreamers, but we are also doers. Our project will provide the opportunity to change your life and the life of the ones close to you.

That is our goal as a team, and that is the vision of Utility avenue.

Meet Utility Avenue’s cofounders.

 

Norge Matos

“A man reaps what he sows. That is why I try to show love, hope, and opportunities. I dream that those who come later will receive a better world and do the same, but dreams are conquered with hard work: Utility Avenue is just part of that journey.”

Learn more about Norge Matos

Armando Milanes

“When I look at a child or a young person, I feel inclined to help. Every day, adults neglect essential aspects of their learning. We are too busy or, perhaps, we think we are educating them well. Because of this, it might take them years to master lessons they could learn today. The reality is that few things are as important as our responsibility for the proper guidance of our children.”

Learn more about Armando Milanes

 

Ana Madalys Cedeño Reyes
Ana Madalys

“It’s never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. Being an entrepreneur is not about age. In each stage of life, we can rediscover different opportunities to do new things to love. That’s when the idea of ​​being part of Utility Avenue came to my life. It is such an inspiring project, led by young people: full of values and willing to improve the lives of many.

Learn more about Ana Madalys

 

Odette Fernandez

“My grampa used to say that knowledge takes no space, and that’s my mantra. I believe in the power of self-education. I like to learn something new every single day and inspire people to be their best selves. That’s my biggest drive in life: to inspire and be inspired. I can unequivocally say that I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be. All it takes is dedication, consistency, and long nights. I genuinely believe Utility Avenue is the beginning of an era. It will change the lives of many, as it has changed mine.”

Learn more about Odette Fernandez

 

Alexander Sanchez Silva

“I’ve been working hard to make all my dreams come true. Some of them have unfolded, some have mutated, and some are still in the making. It has been quite an exciting ride filled with surprises, lessons, setbacks, emotions, experiences, gratitude, anger, empathy, and love. For me, helping others has been of great importance. When you help people get ahead, you’re fueling your best YOU. The influence is permanent. That’s why this down-to-earth project, Utility Avenue, has me so hooked up.”

Learn more about Alexander Silva

 

Dreyker Friman
cofounder of Utility Avenue and his son

“I feel the need to change things, making them better, easier to use and make them affordable for everyone. I started sketching things I thought needed improvement, and eventually, I became what I am today: a designer.”

Learn more about Dreyker

 

Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Weekly Spotlight.

The Remote Newbie Guide to Work-From-Home

Utility Avenue website on a workplace

 

Work from home is the new normal. With the coronavirus pandemic going on, we have gotten caught in what seems like a scene of Outbreak. It looks way too sci-fi, but it’s real. We are all in an unexpected situation where working remotely has become an everyday thing.

Truth is: adjusting to working from home can be challenging. Good thing? You don’t have to spend two hours a day stuck in traffic (who likes that?), and you are in the comfort of your own house. But that can also be a little too distracting, mainly if you do not live alone. 

Last week, we posted ten work-from-home job ideas for you to make money. This week, we will give you ten hacks for adjusting to the new normal and being more productive. If you are a remote newbie, this is for you.

The Newbie Guide to Work-From-Home Hack

Design a weekly schedule:

not only a to-do list but also a timetable so you can organize your time and optimize it. Focus on three main tasks a day: the ones that you NEED to do. Set goals and stick to them, but don’t be too harsh on yourself when there is a detour. Life happens.

Change clothes:

Dress like you are going to work or, at least, wear a casual outfit, because you may have to video chat potential clients or coworkers. Also, there is something psychological about changing your pj’s that makes you feel “ready”. Even better if you wear shoes!

Create a dedicated workspace:

It should be comfortable, but also work-centered. Also, set boundaries with your family/roommates. They need to understand that, while you are at your “office”, you should not be interrupted. 

Stay connected:

Make sure that your internet is working correctly and stay in touch with your team so everyone is on the same page in getting the tasks done. You can also use organizational and productivity tools

Take breaks:

Some people set their alarms, so they take their breaks. We suggest doing it. Try the Pomodoro method to be more productive. Short breaks can help you catch your breath to start over again. Don’t forget to take coffee/cigarette breaks when you need them.  Also, make sure that you have lunch at the appropriate time.

Play music:

Some people who have been working from home for years even suggest that you turn on the TV and put the volume down so you hear something since working from home can become rather silent.

Stay active:

Sitting on the computer all day can be detrimental to your health. So, try to get some physical activity: either by having a workout regime or by walking around the house. If you like yoga, we recommend Yoga with Adriene. Simply, the best.

Separate work from home and vice versa:

A right work/life balance is essential. Even if it’s hard, try to do your chores beforehand, so you are not thinking about them when you work. At the same time, when your workday is over, the “office” has to be shut down.

Socialize:

Even if it is via cell phone or video chat, socialize with your friends. That helps you disconnect from work and bring some joy and entertainment to your life. You can also host a virtual happy with your colleagues!

Spend quality time with your family:

Once work is over, remember that your family has been all day eager to spend some time with you. Have dinner together, talk, watch a movie. It will help your mental state to get ready for the next day. For self-love and self-care routines, check this article.

More than anything, keep in mind that you have control of things in your house, so whatever you can do will always depend on yourself and how you get things organized.

Utility Avenue: Dreyker Friman

 

Dreyker, cofounder of Utility Avenue and his son

 

This week, we present Dreyker, another member of the founding team of Utility Avenue.

My name is Dreyker.

Nobody but my father knew where my name came from. He wrote it down on the top of a match pack the day I was born. I love it, though. I’m from a brave Cuban city called Bayamo. I grew up surrounded by family love. My parents taught me how sharing what I’ve got could make me a good human being. I really learned that from them at a young age.

When I was a little boy, I was always eager to know how things work or function (I still am). I was always in trouble because my toys’ lifetime was very short. As I was getting older, I felt the need to change things, make them better, easier to use, and make them affordable for everyone.

I started sketching things I thought needed improvement, and eventually, I became what I am today: a designer.

Utility Avenue: Alexander Sanchez

Alexander Sanchez

My name is Alexander Sanchez Silva (tongue-in-cheek names when it comes to signing my initials).

I was born and raised in Cuba. I lived there until I was old and wise enough to understand that fulfilling dreams there was next to impossible. One day, I looked 90 miles up north, where pursuing happiness was licit, inspiring, and possible. Like many professionals of my generation, I realized that all my hard work, university titles, and commitments weren’t enough to excel in life, let alone to use my full potential.

Then, as life was at full speed, the energy steaming up and my mind about to burst, I made the timely decision to plow the ocean and sail to my future.

My friends and I, literally in the same boat, set sail one night over 12 years ago en-route to the US. All I had with me was a backpack full of dreams (and some Cuban cigars & rum) and the courage to either make it and start over or die trying. Thankfully, after six nerve-racking days and five stormy nights, we ran ashore, right here in Miami.

In my biography More than 90 Miles, I tell it all about our adventure.

Since then, I’ve been working hard to make all my dreams come true. Some of them have unfolded, some have mutated, and some are still in the making. It has been quite an exciting ride filled with surprises, lessons, setbacks, emotions, experiences, gratitude, anger, empathy, and love.

For me, helping others has been of great importance. When you help people get ahead, you’re fueling your best YOU. The influence is permanent. That’s why this down-to-earth project, Utility Avenue, has me so hooked up.

 

Alex Family

 

I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care
Lou Holtz

Utility Avenue: Odette Fernandez Lopez

Odette Fernandez Lopez

Odette Photo+Art

 

I am Odette Fernandez Lopez. Me in a nutshell? I am a portrait photographer, translator, dreamer, doer. All those paths led me here.

I was born in Russia, from Cuban parents. I lived most of my life in Cuba and moved to the States after a too-brief, but too happy, stay in Canada. Never thought I would end up living here, but here I am.

My family and my friends are my biggest treasures. Today, I’m strong because my mom raised me. I’m resilient because my sister looks up to me, and I must deserve it. They are the family Life gave me, but we’re also best friends. That is such an incredible gift! And my friends make me be a better person.

My grampa used to say that knowledge takes no space, and that’s my mantra.

I believe in the power of self-education. I like to learn something new every single day and inspire people to be their best selves. That’s my biggest drive in life: to inspire and be inspired.

Oh, and I have a severe case of wanderlust!

I can unequivocally say that I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be. All it takes is dedication, consistency, and long nights. After all, sleeping is overrated.

I am just kidding.

Not.

I just want to live passionately, focusing on what makes me sing inside. Photography and Utility Avenue are my passions. Photography feeds my artistic soul because I like documenting life as it unfolds, and UA has shaped me into a more committed, consistent, and disciplined person.

I genuinely believe Utility Avenue is the beginning of an era. It will change the lives of many, as it has changed mine.

I can’t wait to see where life takes me.

In the end, what matters is the lives we touch.

www.odettephotoart.com

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Utility Avenue: Ana Madalys Cedeño

Ana Madalys Cedeño

Last week, we presented Armando Milanés, one of our co-founders. This week, it’s Ana Madalys Cedeño’s turn.

Ana Madalys

My name is Ana Madalys Cedeño Reyes.

I was born in Cuba.

Ana means “beneficent, compassionate, full of grace.” Kindness and sweetness always made me very popular. I can not complain because I made the best friends I could ever have.

My parents had me baptized at age 12 because they thought I would decide what to believe once I was ready. I come from a humble family where everyone has a passion for health and for healing the sick. I used to play doctor since I was a little girl. When I grew up, I decided to become a doctor and graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 2006.

But it’s never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. Being an entrepreneur is not about age. In each stage of life, we can rediscover different opportunities to do new things to love. That’s when the idea of ​​being part of Utility Avenue came to my life. It is such an inspiring project, led by young people: full of values and willing to improve the lives of many.

Today’s Valentine’s Day and, do you know what is most important to me? LOVE! Without it, we are nobody. I love life, and above all, Family!

Thanks for allowing me to share a little bit about me with you.

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Utility Avenue’s team: Armando

Utility Avenue’s team members are remarkable. We are lucky to have some of the most incredible minds. This week, we are presenting Armando Milanés.

These are his words.

 

My name is Armando Milanés, but everyone calls me Mandy.

I love natural spaces: coasts, mountains, and fields. I am also attracted to human kindness, friendship, affection, and respect for life.

The truth is, I have always been enthusiastic about learning. When I was 12 years old, I learned how to work hard and consistently to achieve a dream, although I didn’t learn my best life lessons until later.

Time passes by. However, for me, something failed in those early years.

That’s why, when I look at a child or a young person, I feel inclined to help. I don’t want them to go through these mistakes. Every day, adults neglect essential aspects of their learning. We are too busy or, perhaps, we have the perception that we are educating them well. Because of this, it might take them years to master lessons they could learn today. The reality is that few things are as important as our responsibility for the proper guidance of our children.

At Utility Avenue, one of the most important principles is that what is important always remains important. This principle aligns with the project’s vision of positively and significantly impacting others. At Utility Avenue, we want to foster better management of people’s time, as well as an increase in their quality of life.

I hope that thousands of people from all over the world will find in Utility Avenue a genuine opportunity for development.

Utility avenue's team: Armando Milanés

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