A book in progress...

GOT GUTS? WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Are entrepreneurs a breed apart? Are they born with adventurous genes, or borne by unquenchable desire? Is the entrepreneurial mind inherited, or trained? Can anyone with a dream and a dollar become an entrepreneur?

These are just a few of the questions that burn in our busy minds late at night - questions whose answers are, in many ways, organic and thus not conducive to the linear processes described in textbooks, academic studies, or business guidebooks.

As we look at our businesses and those of the people around us, we see such amazing creativity and variety. Intentional Entrepreneurs. Visionary Entrepreneurs. Managing Entrepreneurs. And those who call themselves "Accidental" Entrepreneurs. Our ranks are diverse, our stories often surprising. We can learn from the tales of the rich and famous, to be sure, but the surprising tales of everyday people who have transformed their lives by a single decision - or a series of circumstances - are generally far more enlightening and entertaining. And that is precisely the "Question" of this book project - the inspirational tales of "everyday" entrepreneurs, and an unscientific view into the hearts and minds of those who take the journey.

We want to remind people that Microsoft, IBM, even Ford Motor Company began with one person tinkering with an idea. We want to encourage the young, and those adults in transition (by choice or otherwise), to explore and develop new ideas, new technologies, new lives, and new businesses. We want to instill the understanding that success has many measures, and the financial "bottom line" is only one of them.

YOUR PART IN THE PLAN

We seek the inspirational tales of "everyday" entrepreneurs:

• We want the stories of how the idea that became your business came to you - whether it was a lifelong dream, or a business you inherited
• We're curious about the vision that keeps you going and the fears that hold you back
• We want to know the characteristics and attitudes that drive you and make you "different" from your nine-to-five friends
• We're interested in the surprises you've had along the way, and other "lessons learned"

Have you noticed we've said nothing about financial success? That's because we don't care what your numbers are or have been. There are hundreds of books on how to build wealth, if that's what you want to know. For some of us, "success" IS a financial statement with lots of zeros and commas. For others, "success" may mean being home when the kids get off the school bus, having the ability to work from remote locations, or never having to punch a clock. We're not interested in your financials. What we want is a view into your heart, your mind, your guts - a look at what's made you brave enough to take the entrepreneurial journey.

BELLY UP TO THE KEYBOARD

Tell us your story, in 300 words or less by Wednesday, December 31, 2008. It's that simple Share your story here. Don't be concerned with grammar or spelling or your eloquence - we're the writers!  We'll cull the pearls from your story. Just tell us about yourself and the guts it took to get where you are today. If you have questions, contact Faris via email.
For updates on book development progress, visit our blog.