When I began the process of writing ONO, I considered the critical differences between entrepreneurs who succeeded and the ones that didn’t.  The one thing I noticed, both for myself and the successful entrepreneurs I interviewed, is what continually showed up was our ability to know how to think about a particular venture as opposed to just “how to.”

The ability to wrap a thinking style around a new venture allows for adjustments to all things surrounding the venture—current trends, cash flow, experience level, timing, etc.  Almost no two businesses are the same and that’s where a successful thinking style can come in and make the critical adjustments that an A through Z plan, can not. 

The mentors in my life that taught me the most, taught me how to think.  ONO comes from that place.  As Family First Entrepreneurs, we should be reading and discussing the thinking styles that lead to success more than the A to Z, step by step process. 

Please don’t get me wrong, there is power in having the how to knowledge, but that alone will not give you everything you need.  Engage others around you who know more, and listen to them.  Ask good questions to find out why they did the things they did.  Pay extra care to listen for the “whys” as opposed to the “whats”—that’s where the gold is.  This applies to both business and life.  It’s worthy of thought.  Hope it made you think…..