Focus-- Solution?

More and more is being written about focus.

Is focus the solution, or is it the problem?

Startup Show

Dec 30 Socrates Cafe Cancelled.

Merry Christmas!

Announcement on this first day of the Christmas season: https://t.co/YQLkWiTC2D @Pontifex @POTUS @GovHick #COPolitics pic.twitter.com/i0LZmSIItm

— John Wren +++ Start! (@JohnSWren) December 25, 2017

State by State, interest in money, power, sex, compared to politics and football.

Roll cursor over states. Oklahoma, Alabama, several other states more interested in football than anything else, by far.  No state is very interested in politics.

Startup Show, Friday, December 22

Call John Wren (720)495-4949

SBCC Startup Method: Recover, Imagine, Think, Learn; to Start, Grow, Flourish. For more see www.SmallBizChamber.org 

"Inside every bully is a coward trying to get out." George Tomlinson

Eric Hoffer, author of The True Believer. 

SBCC Meetups Cancelled

Because of personal matters I'm cancelling all SBCC Meetups until January 17. I'll post more about why I'm doing this. I expect you'll see my post here by tomorrow (Sat, 12-16) but call me if you need my help. Thanks.  John Wren (720)495-4949

Announcement about this and it's source on Linked In this a.m.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6347463214778892288

World peace? With HP nothing is impossible. +++

Thanks, yes! We are called to hear and do this today, from @Pontifex to @POTUS, from me to you, Fr. Steve, we are forgiven and loved so we can love well and do Good Work. @GiveUsThisDayLP @prayasugo @IDEACafe @JamesMartinSJ @ArchbishopDen PRAY FOR A WORLD SPIRITUAL SUMMIT https://t.co/cFH0OVZFVl

— John Wren +++ Start! (@JohnSWren) December 14, 2017

New! Neighborhood Newsletter...

...Nextdoor.org recognized for being great way for neighborhoods to communicate. And it's free! Check it out:
https://nextdoor.com/invite/hsyqzayqzqfhcmchwfag

John Wren

Nextdoor

Director of Homeland Security Dennis Storemski says “@Nextdoor was instrumental in effectively communicating directly with our neighborhoods throughout #Harvey. Neighbors follow what their other neighbors do in emergencies.” pic.twitter.com/qLmmUFOKXU

— Mel Ragsdale Darragh (@MelissaLovesHOU) December 12, 2017

SBCC Method

SBCC Method-- Practices of: Recover, Imagine, Think, Learn; to Start, Grow, Flourish. This life is short, start now!

I'm in the process of writing down what I've learned working with clients since 1979, doing startup workshops since the early 1990s. This is an overview of what will be in the book:

Start Now! SBCC Startup Method.: Startup Show today (Fri, 12-08-17) at noon. Topic:...

Start Now! SBCC Startup Method.: Startup Show today (Fri, 12-08-17) at noon. Topic:...: Startup Show today (Fri, 12-08-17) at noon. Topic: new startup Job-Aid see it on our Startup Show Facebook Page, see www.Facebook.com/SBCCSt... What do you think?

George S May

More about the scope and methods of May's consulting firm based on my experience as an employee of the company. (Search here for George S May.)

Lou Holtz shares 78 years of experience.

3 rules Lou wishes he'd known sooner.

Start a Socrates Cafe in Your Neighborhood.

"Lilly" Allie Wren 2017

Starting a new group is like learning a new medical procedure, just more fun.

A nurse attended an IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop. We usually talk about the value of getting a job in the direction of your dream, to learn from people who are already doing something similar to what you want to do.

"That reminds me of what they taught us in nursing school," she said. "When a new procedure came out we were told to watch one, do one, and then teach one."

To start a new Socrates Cafe, I suggest you attend one, lead one, start one. Or just read Chris Phillips book "Socrates Cafe." That's what I did.

There is a great need here in Denver and across Colorado for new Socrates Cafes. Right now there is one on Friday evening, Saturday evening, and Tuesday evening. Attend one soon, you are very welcome to lead one whenever you want, then start one at a time and place that will word for you. See www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society.

Call me if you have any questions, or post your question here as a comment. If you post, please call to let me know to look for it if I don't answer by the end of the day.

John Wren
(720)495-4949

Startup Show

Each Friday watch the Startup Show, noon MDT on www.SmallBizChamber.org

To be a guest on the show call (720)495-4949.

New! Action Class in Practical Politics-- Online TED-Ed

Want to make a real difference in the next election?

This lesson will take you less than a half hour, could
change your life. Check it out (click here.)

Easily customized for your state, county, precinct. If you need
help, call me. John Wren (720)495-4949

Why Socrates Cafe?

This very short video explains three concepts that are just common sense. I certainly agree that the use of the 3 words that symbolize the concepts is not encouraged, but the three concepts are behind most of the dialogues we have at Socrates Cafe, it seems to me.


If you'd like to be way ahead of most of us, watch this very short video. We rarely use these three words, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, but you'll see questions raised by the concepts that are very much in our dialogues during our better Socrates Cafe sessions. See

Startup Show

For more see www.SmallBizChamber.org 

JohnWren.com +++ SBCC Method: Let's talk! Soon!

JohnWren.com +++ SBCC Method: Let's talk! Soon!: I'm trying something new. Come to this page rather than telephoning me. You set the time, I'll call you back. This way you will ne...

Our next Governor in Craig?

Want a fun way to sharpen your critical thinking?.

This is why dialogue is so important:




Join us for Socrates Cafe. We pretend we are 4-year-olds, very casual.

Join us this evening or any Saturday at the University of Denver, Tuesdays at Trinity in downtown Denver, or Fridays at Panera in LoDo, 16th and Market. Free and open to everyone, if you want to start a new group at a place and time that will work better for you I'll help you. Best is to attend one first when you are in Denver. Check it out: www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society

Let's talk! Soon!

I'm trying something new.

Come to this page rather than telephoning me. You set the time, I'll call you back. This way you will never have to deal with waiting or voice mail. Try it, you'll like it! (If you don't please let me know that with your comment below. This is a 14-day trial.) Thanks!

Next week I'd very much like to talk with you about being a participant in a test panel of our new SBCC Method: Recover, Imagine, Think, and Learn; to Start, Grow, and Flourish. For more about the method see www.SmallBizChamber.org

Please schedule a 15 minute appointment for next week, ok? Or attend one of our free meetings next week, rsvp at www.Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber or www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society Either way I look forward to talking with you.

Schedule your appointment for next week now, while it is on your mind. We will email you a reminder, you can always change it later, and I will call you at the time you have scheduled.

Thanks!

John

John S. Wren, MBA+
Business Consultant and Founder,
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
www.SmallBizChamber.org
1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210
(720)495-4949 John@SmallBizChamber.org

Schedule a time for us to talk now:

Startup Show 1st Online Dialogue: Shark Tank

We are trying something new on www.SmallBizChamber.org

Check it out by clicking above.

See you this afternoon here in Denver? IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop, Socrates Cafe

The SBA's dramatic effect on startups.

What effect has the start of the SBA in 1953 had on the rate of business startups? The more talk about startups the fewer startups!

What is education?

K-3 World Citizens?

Denver School Board

I just announced on Twitter that I intend to run for the Denver School Board after the current elections. This is the Tweet which was also posted on Facebook (where I'm now J Scott Wren, the name I'll use in the school board race when I file the required paperwork). Why J Scott? More later...

How to find a good job fast.

JohnWren.com +++ SBCC Method: How to find a good job fast.: Watch the video below, or better yet just do it. Right now! See steps listed below video. When you find job, call me, ok? John 720-495-4... What do you think?

What we call educational events:

Concerned? Don't miss new Netflix "Mind Hunter."

Netflix new release "Mind Hunter" is one of the best ways to get in touch with the real worldwide problem we have today, and the only solutions are to lock more people up or to reach out to our neighbors and to be of real help to them.

How to find a good job fast.

The Startup Show with John Wren," is on each day Monday thru Saturday at 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Topic in last 10 minutes of this show was "How to find a good job fast," check it out:

John
303-861-1447

                                    SKIP TO 20:00


How to find a good job fast:

1. Open your address book, hand written and/or computer.

2.  Make a list of those who know you well enough they know what you do.

3.  Write a script, call me if you want help, that says "I've decided to go in a new direction.

4.  Get your friends, you'll know who they are after you do this, to open their address book.

5.  Get one name and number at a time, asking for spelling, how do you know them, etc.

6.  Get as many names as possible, you'll be surprised how many some are willing to give.

7.  Once you have the first referal, write a script. Again, call me if you want help.

8.  Call, don't talk with screeners, only person on the list. Don't leave messages.

9.  When your next boss comes on the phone say, "(your friend) suggested I call you."

10. Immediately close "(Your friend) thought I could be helpful to you." GET APPOINTMENT.

THIS WORKS EVERY TIME IT HAS EVER BEEN TRIED. JUST DO IT! PLENTY OF JOBS! Make the list, make the first call, get the appointment. When? Now! Or call me for help on writing the scripts, doing a practice call or two, AFTER YOU MAKE THE LIST. (303)861-1447

Are you a member of a cult?

Why are some groups called 'cults' while other groups are not? https://t.co/lcdkn9JtaP (or see below) @SocratesCafes @IDEACafeChat @UofDenver RT

— John Wren +++ Start! (@JohnSWren) October 4, 2017

Full Question

Why are religious groups such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses called "cults," while other groups, such as Fundamentalists and Calvinists, are not? Don't all of these groups teach cultic doctrines?

Answer

The word "cult" has fallen on hard times. Used authentically, it refers to a grouping of people for some religious purpose; it can also refer to specific ceremonial, liturgical,

Talk about startup.

The more we talk about startup, the fewer new business starts.

#DENStartUpWeek Question: why is it the more events like this the fewer startups? Answer in "best startup book" https://t.co/B6ZW4ZQdZh RT https://t.co/gjqgfYUg92

— SmallBizChamber.org (@IDEACafe) September 29, 2017

Start Now! SBCC Startup Method.: Amazon review: "Best book on startup."

Start Now! SBCC Startup Method.: Amazon review: "Best book on startup.": Daring Mighty Things-- The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business. What do you think?

What is your foundation? Rock or sand?

I try to end and start the day listening to Pray as You Go (click here to hear it.)

This morning's meditation particularly powerful: "Can you share your deepest desire with God?"

I'm going to suggest the topic of "Foundations" at Socrates Cafe tonight at DU, next Tuesday at Trinity Church, and Friday at LoDo Panera. Join us? More info on our meetup site about all 3, or let us help you start a new one at a time and place that would work better for you. More info and optional rsvp on our Meetup site, check it out: www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society 

For more about the Small Business Chamber and the Startup Show click here.

PLEASE RE-TWEET AND SHARE you never know who wants to start in a new direction with their work and would really appreciate knowing about the free help we offer.

Also, please share it in a personal email to the board members of your local chamber of commerce and the publisher of your local community newspaper, we would be delighted to talk with you or them about how the Small Business Chamber of Commerce can help them start a new Socrates Cafe.

Call first for an appointment. A volunteer will return you call asap, usually by the start of the next business day, Monday- Friday except holidays. FOR MORE NOW SEE "Daring Might Things-- The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business." click here

John Wren
Founder, President, and CEO,
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc
Ask us how to start doing more Good Work.
1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210
www.SmallBizChamber.org 

Mass Flourishing

We have had an experiment in self-government in the United States since before the American Revolution, we've had free citizens rather than subjects of the monarch.

Free citizens have been responsible for building the most prosperous country the world has ever know and for sharing that wealth around the world.

Now we are under attack from powerful forces who are snuffing out the grassroots, the voice of the common person, in business, politics, and most institutions.

Socrates Cafe at University of Denver

Huricanne Colorado.

Hurricane Harvey was bad, wait until you see Hurricane Colorado, it will hit us in the 2018 elections, gain power and circle back in a 2020 disaster.

Unfortunately, Propositions 107 and 108 (They were 140 and 98-) both passed.

This morning Facebook reminded me that I'd posted this video a year ago after Propositions 107 and 108 (They were Propositions 140 and 98 until they got enough signatures to get on the ballot, then powerful elitists change numbers when they go on ballot, just one more way they dupe the grassroots, make it harder to stop their Hurricane Colorado) both got enough signatures to make the 2016 ballot.

I couldn't get anyone substantial (meaning rich enough to underwrite a real campaign against 107/108's task force of elitist backers, CEOs, silver spoon trust fund babies who were born on third base and think they hit a triple, tenured poly-Sci professors who hate the grassroots, and the worn-out, cynical party workers who can't stand passing the torch to the younger generation, creatives without a conscious) to oppose the misleading ad blitz, saturation TV ads and direct mail that appealed to young adults with sophisticated, subliminal triggering of memories of red and blue t-shirts and being bullied on the school play ground.

No snitching— Part 1.

“Mind your own business, work with your own hands.” 1Thessalonians 4:11 KJV

Part 1. Tuesday (9-5), Part 2 COMING SOON. I’ll tell you more about this critical turning point in my life, and how I believe it had such a powerful effect me and Randy and my entire family.

Amazon groceries just delivered.

Denver—Next month it will be 52 years since I started violating this rule from Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonians. It is one of the earliest teachings of the Christian church, 

“Mind your own business, work with your own hands.” 

I believe my violation of this rule and Randy’s resulted in his early death a few weeks ago, and it contributed to our father’s very early death in 1979, he was only 54. 

Today the Internet and the glorification of celebrity in our western culture has resulted in a nearly universal violation of the principle that threatens to literally destroy the world.How? Let me tell you a story about this:

There were 10 wise and 10 foolish entrepreneurs gathered at their local chamber of commerce waiting for a noon meeting with a venture capitalist. His plane was late.

The foolish entrepreneurs were forced by emergencies to return to their various garage businesses startups they were trying to scale. The wise entrepreneurs had plenty of time to wait because they worked with their own hands and minded their own business.

“Tell the venture capitalist about our business,” pleaded the foolish entrepreneurs. But the wise entrepreneurs refused.

52 years ago I learned a behavior, and I believe Randy did too, that has led us to where we are now, Randy in his grave and me caught in a garage business I’m trying to scale.

I remember that morning, the first Monday after the end of our football season.

It was early. The bright blue cloudless Colorado sky was behind the massive silhouette of Denver Thomas Jefferson High School. I found a parking space and walked up from student parking seeing the bright sky and dark school, a vivid iconic image that I’ve revisited over and over and over since then because of what happened that afternoon. 

What I’ve only recently remembered, with help from a good psychodynamic therapist, is there are no other students in the, for me, iconic picture. I was late again. Classes had started. 

Amazon just delivered, time to eat breakfast before a jam packed day. Tuesday (9-5), I’ll tell you more about this critical turning point in my life, and how I believe it had such a powerful effect me and Randy and my entire family. (3-2-18 note: the part 2 never happened until today. I'm telling the rest of the story each day, starting today, on Good News Grassroots, see it on https://www.Facebook.com/John.S.Wren

I’ll answer questions posted here or on https://Twitter.com/IDEACafe Tweet there with #IDEACafe now or anytime to be part of the conversation. 

John Wren

Well started is half finished.

Invitation: Post 24/7, Live at 10 a.m MDT

Join us at 10 a.m. each morning for "Live"
IDEA Cafe Twitter Chat. More at:

Follow @IDEACafeChat

Click above and check it out!

All hat, no cattle...

The more we talk about business startup, the fewer new startups.

According to the Kaufman Foundation, who's talk about startup is a big part of the problem, the rate of startup is about half of what it was in 1980.

Why? Here's what I wrote in my little book about startup, click Daring Mighty Things:

The world needs your new business!

   

Dying words.

From

http://goodbyewarden.com/#word-cloud

Most frequently used words in final statements from inmates in Texas just before execution:

love know family thank sorry want god life hope forgive lord going tell take people one see peace y’all Jesus give death keep done out strong warden pain ask ready heart years find many ‘all father friends through right being home please care stay time back never always christ pray forgiveness way caused everything over good mom loved innocent nothing first today make day heaven world apologize wish bless happened hate support kill sister allah still continue something son feel appreciate think truly help wrong tonight brother again thanks truth down must murder mother thy brothers look spirit doing justice closure remember texas believe last mean against wanted better place die soul

Teach for us!

Wren College

of the American Dream for Independent Social Learners.

Our Students: Practice, Teach, Start a group, Write a book.

A Project of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

1881 Buchtel Blvd., #501, Denver, CO 80210 (720)495-4949

IDEA Cafe Startup Workshops*Socrates Cafes*Franklin Circles

Teach for us! For more see www.WrenCollege.org

Wren College Wants a Learning Campus in Every Neighborhood.
“Experience since 9/11 has helped us discover that adults learn best by being the teacher.”

Wren College is a project of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. It is dedicated to the memory of Randy Wren. For more information call Wren College at (720)495-4949 or see www.WrenCollege.org (link above.)

Randy Wren, John Wren’s younger brother, died from a sudden heart attack July 10, 2017 in the lobby of his apartment building. His full obituary may be seen on the website of the Villager Newspaper or via one of the links to it on www.Facebook.com/RememberingRandyWren 



At the reception after his brother’s funeral at Denver’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church John Wren said, “Wren College is the culmination of my work of the last 20 years dedicated to the strengthening of the grassroots in business and politics with the support and encouragement of Randy. He and our after-Easter Jesus will be my companions in its over-due launch.

“I will enlist the help and support of each and everyone of the 35 Colorado State Senators in this effort. The first step will be a tour of the state to speak to the grassroots in each of the 35 Senatorial districts, and I hope each of the Senators will join me. Any who are not against Wren College and preserving the memory of Randy will be considered to be with us."

                                                                                ###

John Wren is the founder and President of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. which works to cooperate with local community newspapers to strengthen the grassroots in business and politics. The group has formed and facilitated free, independent self-directed learning groups since the Friday after 9/11, and it has formed Wren College with the intention of helping other towns and cities to do the same. For more contact Wren www.SmallBizChamber.org or (720)495-4949.

Peer Led Learning Groups

As the price of higher education skyrockets and the benefits dramatically drop, more and more of us are looking to social learning groups with peer leadership.

Does anyone know if the cost of such groups are tax-deductable? Would they qualify for state 529 savings plan funds?

An article in the Wall Street Journal this morning caught my interest, you can see my comment on it if you click here:

Political disaster looms.

(Sent to AP, Colorado Statesman, etc.
a few minutes ago. Please share, attend
next Tuesday if you can, ok? John)

John S. Wren

1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501

Denver, CO 80210

(720)495-4949

July 6, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL EDITORS AND REPORTERS, 

TO ALL CITIZENS WHO GIVE A DAMN ABOUT GOOD GOVERNMENT.

Political disaster looms in Colorado and 

concerned citizens urged to take action!

Denver--I urge all concerned citizens of Colorado to attend next Tuesday, July 11, from10:00 AM - 12:00 PM the Colorado Secretary of State Election Rule Making Hearing, Aspen Conference Room, 3rd Floor, 1700 Broadway, Denver http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/rule_making/hearings/2017/ElectionsRulesHearing20170711.html (may change, check the website again on the 11th.)

Upon adjournment of the hearing, I invite concerned citizens to gather in the front of Aspen Conference Room to explore the possibility of forming an independent political committee. Why consider such a committee?

If you were disappointed with the pathetic, leaderless 2016 Colorado Caucus, derailed by party big-shots who wanted to get rid of the system that was interested in them, wait until you see what’s going to happen 2018 and 2020 if we don’t take action now.

Misguided  Propositions 107 and 108, pushed through with a multi-million dollar ad campaign with no organized opposition, created this mess, some of it already signed into law 1, gives the means for the two major political parties to be transformed back into the Tammany Hall like the political machine we had in Colorado before1912.

Back then machine political was finally cleaned up and replaced by grassroots control of party leadership by the heroic efforts of the then Governor of Colorado, popular John (“Honest John”) Shafroth. How? With our once wonderful neighborhood Colorado Caucus and other progressive reforms.

If the Colorado Caucus killing Propositions 107 and 108 aren’t reversed by the Legislature or stopped with legal action the expensive Presidential Primary and the open voting in primaries that are created can be expected to kill our Colorado Caucus, the best chance the common person has ever had of having a real voice, will disappear and the Republicans and Democrats bosses will say they were forced to re-hire Boss Tweed.”

Wake up Colorado! Meet me in the Aspen Room at noon Tuesday, right after the election rules hearing.If you have any questions before then call me at (720)495-4949.

###

Footnote 1: “(1) notwithstanding any other provision of law, a political party may choose to change from the nomination of candidates by primary election to the nomination of candidates by assembly or convention for all offices…” Colorado Revised Statutes Title 1 Elections § 1-4-702

How old is the earth? 65 million years? Or 6,000 years?

We will discuss this Saturday at Socrates Cafe at University of Denver, more information and optional rsvp at https://Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society  Free and open to everyone. Join us!

New! Science focus of Socrates Cafe at University of Denver

Our new focus on science started last week. Join us! No rsvp is required, but your rsvp, yes or no, will help others who are trying to decide whether to join us.

Please, take just a minute and rsvp. You can easily change it later if your plans change. Thanks!

John Wren
Https://Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society 
(720)495-4949

Blogger not mobile?

I just discovered this is not readable on smartphones, other mobile devices.  No wonder there are so few comments.

Spam using my name?

I just got phone call about email message from me that was spam. If that has happened to you, I'm very sorry. I've changed passwords, shouldn't still be a problem. If it is, please let me know right away, ok? Best email, most dependable, is JohnSWren@aol.com

Thanks.

John

(And yes, I know, sometimes I send too many emails, could be said what I send is spam. I'm going to try posting here each day, limiting myself to one email a day that will link to it.)

Tonight (Saturday, 6/30) Socrates Cafe @ DU with a Focus on Science. 6:30 p.m. Anderson Academic Commons, University of Denver. For more info about this and other Socrates Cafes in metro-Denver see https://Meeting.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society 

Join me this weekend:

LoDo IDEA Cafe, Fridays, 2 p.m. LoDo Panera Bread, 16th & Market.
More at www.Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber

LoDo Socrates Cafe, Fridays, 6 p.m., LoDo Panera Bread, 16th & Market
More info and optional rsvp on www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society

Socrates Cafe @ University of Denver, Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. Anderson Commons.
More at www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society

Questions? Call me (720)495-4949

Columbia Journalism Professor Evaluation of Political Media Coverage

What happened over the last two years?

It changed journalism and created the current political situation.

Great insights from a solid journalist who has been a reporter for the New York times and who has taught journalism at Columbia. Check it out: Imprimus (click here.)

Want to start in a new direction?

Adults learn best by being the teacher. "See one. Do one. Teach one."

Socratic Startup Groups: 

Weekly 90-minute peer-led sessions. People with similar backgrounds starting in a new direction with their career.

Week 1:

You are OK now: Start where you are.

Week 2:

Heros: Lessons in living.

Week 3:

Higher Power: Spiritual living.

Week 4:

Proceeding: What’s next?

Agenda for each meeting:

Introductions/Where are you now? 

Reading from book group has selected. 

Discussion. 

Final words/What has changed?

Ask us for an invitation to a free information session, usually held on a Friday afternoon near you, or apply online now to be group facilitator or new student:

Wren College for 

Social Learning.

New groups forming now. 

www.WrenCollege.org 

(720)495-4949

A project of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.  Denver, CO 80210 

Media Release: Magna Carta Day in Denver

Denver Magna Carta Park: Media Release: Magna Carta Day in Denver: Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 1881 Buchtel Blvd. #510 Denver, CO 80210  www.SmallBizChamber.org Twitter: @IDEACafe Facebo...

Denver Magna Carta Park: Invitation for Celebrity Speakers. PLEASE SHARE!

Denver Magna Carta Park: Invitation for Celebrity Speakers. PLEASE SHARE!: OPEN MICROPHONE. We will invite whoever wants to speak at an open microphone. Signup list will open at 11:30 a.m., celebrity speakers will ...

Which is it, go or look?

Which is it, go or look?

When an idea for doing something new crops up are we best off if we “Just do it?” or should we “Look before you leap.”

Which has worked or not worked for you?

Topic right now online, to be part of it Tweet with #IDEACafeChat #StartFinish

The video posted this morning from Entrepreneur Magazine on https://Twitter.com/Small.Business.Chamber suggests the best way to start is to just do something, whatever it is that will get you moving.

“Just Start,” as described in this video and in more depth in the Harvard Business Review Press book published with this as it’s central theme, can be powerful. 

Amar Bhide’s findings from research with Inc 500 founders and then published by Oxford Press (“The Origin and Evolution of New Businesses) strongly make the case for not writing a business plan, not doing market research, not raising money, but rather to do what you can with what you have to get underway quickly with a new business idea.

Cynics point out, Bhide’s research is biased because it only takes into account the survivors of the “leap before you look” approach.

Today’s Wall Street Journal has a book review headlined “Cold, Doomed, Hungry;” it reviews the new book “The Best Land Under Heaven,” the tragic story of the Donner family migration to California from Illinois. I suggest you read it, I'm about to post a link to it on our https://Twitter.com/IDEACafeChat 

The Donner brothers George and Jacob had read the then popular new book, “Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California” and they took their families on a new route described as much faster and safer. and they stuck with it despite the warning of mountain man James Clyman.

Let’s discuss the philosophy of start and finish. 

Right now you can Tweet your comment with #IDEACafe #StartFinish to be part of today’s online conversation. If you are in metro-Denver today or later this week join us this evening (Tue, 6/6) at Trinity Church, Friday at LoDo Panera, or Saturday at the University of Denver where I’ll be suggesting this as the topic. More info about these Socrates Cafe meetings and optional rsvp at https://Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society 

No video session of our IDEA Cafe Chat again today. Hopefully it will get underway soon. First we want to finish a conversation with a mountain man…

John Wren

www.JohnWren.com

(720)495-4949

Who do you trust?

JohnWren.com SBCC Method-Practices of: Imagine, Think, Learn to; Start, Grow, and Flourish. +++: Claire Martin writesin the Denver Post this mornin...: Claire Martin writes in the Denver Post this morning about the passing of Bonnie Brae Tavern’s Hank Dire (click here) and the restaurant ...

Happy birthday, Mike! Hope you'll be with us live here soon at 1881. Just take a minute and click on  https://Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber  , then rsvp on the IDEA Cafe Chat date that would work best for you, ok?

Are you happy? #2

Why I fight for the grassroots.

Or maybe a better headline would be "DO YOU want to be happy? #2"

It occurs to me that to understand what happened next with me and George (see yesterday's post) you need a little bit of background about me. Even if you are in my family there are things you probably don’t know.

First, I believe this little book about startup was divinely inspired. It’s been selling online ever since it first came out and I’ve never had a negative review. Check it out: click or copy and paste into your browser: 

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=John+Wren+Daring+Mighty+Things

Did you have a chance to read yesterday's post? I’m not sure why there were no comments, according to Google it was downloaded over 100 times. Did you see it? I hope you'll share it and this post with any of your friends who are starting in a new direction with their work or who want to make a career change.

I’ll talk more about my background, how my little book came into being, and what all this has to do with happiness on today’s Startup Show. Link to it here at Noon MST (2 p.m. Eastern) or you can watch live or by recording via the same link.

Your positive comments, including constructive criticism, are welcome below:

If you are in Denver now or if you will be soon, join me at one of our Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc's free, live meetings (click here.) No rsvp is ever required, but if you do we will save a seat for you until the start of the meeting. If you have a question about them or anything I post here, call me ok? John Wren (720)495-4949

See you back here tomorrow?

Are you happy?

I was at a very, very low spot in my life 20 years ago. Suicide and/or homocide were definite possibilities. George saved my life and maybe your's too if you knew me back then. This is what he did, the best I can remember. 

A friend I'd known for decades introduced me to George, an old guy who was over weight, smoked constantly while he was on oxygen, and who I'd noticed before at a club my friend and I both belonged to and where George was sort of the towel boy.

I'd noticed George because despite his only working part-time at minimum wage, some big health problems, he was always telling stories and laughing at his own jokes. On my own, I would have never asked him for help. But my friend told me George had helped him, and George could maybe help me. I was desperate enough to do almost anything.

My friend left us alone. After telling George my bedevilments he said something that made me mad until I suddenly could see it was true, "Your life is exactly like you want it and you've worked damn hard to get it that way." In other words, George was telling me in so many words, you don't want to be happy.

When I try to say this to people who want my help, they almost always get angry and storm off. But George had a very unique way of saying it with a sparkle in his eye that made me want to laugh. It was also clear that George wanted to help me. So I kept listening.

"You are selfish, dishonest and afraid. You are restless, irritable and discontented. We can talk about the homosexual tendencies later." With this I did laugh out loud, looking at his big grin.

"I was just like that," George said. "I was deliberately manufacturing my own misery. I'm not now. I'm happy, joyous, and free. Yes, I still have problems from time to time. Some days are better than others, but compared to then I'm happy. Do you want to be happy, joyous and free?"

I just stood like the fool that I was, staring at him. It was a hard question. He got firm, the smile went away. "Well do you? If you don't want to be happy, don't let the door hit you on the but on the way out." I told him yes. We made an appointment to meet the next morning.

I'm asking you that same question right now.

Do you want to be happy, joyous, and free? If so, mark your calendar for 10 a.m. tomorrow morning Mountain Daylight Time (noon Eastern) and let's meet back here on www.JohnWren.com This tread will continue, and I'll share more with you about what George shared with me that saved my life.

Please, no online debate. If this makes you angry, if you disagree, make a short comment and link to your URL if you want, but don't fight it out here, ok? If you have similar experience and have positive comments, still keep it on the short side, and limit yourself to no more that two posts here per day, ok?

Finally, if you are desperate and think you are in danger of harming yourself or someone else call 911 and get help immediately.

I hope to see you back here tomorrow.

What's on your mind? On the mind of USA?

USA more concerned with football than with Donald Trump:

Prayer request.

 I'm currently registered Unaffiliated, I didn't vote for President Trump, but I do wish him well in the trip these next few days to visit world leaders concluding with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome.

Seems to me we should pull together as a country and pray for his success.

He will never be removed from office based on what we know now, and if there was more it would have come out by now. He will be our President for the next 3+ years, let's support him, but be very specific about any action that is objectionable while he is in that office.

Donald Trump elected @POTUS A Jesuit elected @Pontifex God works in mysterious ways! They are meeting soon. @prayasugo for them both. +++ pic.twitter.com/8HFwyBomHp

— John Wren +++ Start! (@JohnSWren) May 16, 2017

Ramy Youssef on Stephen Colbert.

Word usage trends.

Ngram topic on IDEA Cafe Chat, check it out
on Twitter #IDEACafeChat

Startup Show on Facebook Live Today

Sorry for confusion, I can't make YouTube do what I want today.

Watch momentarily (noon or so) on Facebook.com/JohnSWren 

Coffee?

(Click on "View larger map" below.) Call me, let's meet and talk about how I can help you start, grow, flourish with the SBCC Startup Method.  Call me at (720)495-4949. We can talk here, by appointment only:

JohnWren.com Practices of Imagine, Think, Learn to; Start, Grow, and Flourish. +AMDG+: Stories! Stories!

JohnWren.com Practices of Imagine, Think, Learn to; Start, Grow, and Flourish. +AMDG+: Stories! Stories!: Ed Wells opens the show for the 46th time with his story, "How to use spelunking." This is what I read this eveni...

What do you think?

Tomorrow (Tue, 5/2)  I'm going to post a review here of the new book "The Miracle of a Definite Chief Aim." 

Would you do me a favor? Click on the above link, go to your favorite bookstore or library,  or in some other way get your hands on the book, then call me or send me your thoughts about it, ok?

I read Mitch Horowitz' One Simple Idea and had great respect for the quality of the research, he writing style, and most of all his debunking of the Law of Attraction.

This new book is much different.

Please let me know what you think here, on Facebook, with a telephone call, I'll let you know what I think in part today on our SBCC IDEA Cafe Twitter Chat at 10 a.m. MDT, 11 a.m. Central (where I am now, visiting family in Houston.) Join there in a few minutes for the live chat or post any time, see http://Twitter.com/IDEACafeChat 

John
Houston, Texas

2-12-14 "How to start a new group." SBCC Meetup

About SBA and SCORE

Why the SBA and It’s SCORE Program Should Be Renamed.
by John S. Wren, MBA+

I’ve been interested in how businesses really start, especially the role of the Small Business Administration and it’s many offshoots, for decades.

I studied in the graduate business school at the University of Denver on-campus 1974-5. My research methods paper was a survey of the literature and an index to the advice available for people starting a small business. This was before Inc Magazine and before DU or, as far as I know any college, offered a class about startup or entrepreneurship.

 Where I learned the most about how small businesses start, aside from the 20+ years working with my father and his small business owner friends, was in my first job after graduate school. 

I had the very good fortune to be hired as Assistant-to-the-President of Outdoor Sports Industries by OSI’s founder and President Richard Olson. It was a chance to be the bosses son again.

One of the very best parts of  working with Mr. Olson (we met every week for breakfast to review the projects I was working on such as creating a newsletter for board members, the annual report and board meeting, creating a management training program for our top managers, etc.)  was the opportunity to meet and have conversations with people I’d probably never have had a chance to talk with otherwise and to learn some lessons from their direct experience.

Some of the people I got to learn from, aside from our own managers, especially the former owners of the small sporting goods companies OSI had purchased, included: former Governor of Colorado John Love, then President of Ideal Basic Industries, one of the top firms in the country at the time; Supreme Court Justice Byron White who played squash frequently with Mr. Olson;  Joe Coors;  Astronaut Wally Shira; and on and on.

It was a long list, and at the top of the list was Aksel Nielsen. He was a friend of Mr. Olson and Chancellor Maurice Mitchell who was on the OSI board with him.  Aksel Nielsen had been a close friend and financial adviser to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.^[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aksel_Nielsen

Since working for OSI I’ve worked with hundreds of business founders as a consultant or as an employee, and that experience led me to start a workshop for people who wanted to start a new business in the early 90’s. Back then we called it The IDEA Association and it’s meetings were announced each week in the Denver Post, the Rocky Mountain News, Westword, the Colorado Statesman, and the Denver Business Journal. 

 After meeting with a spiritual director at Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House in Sedalia, Colorado for years, I wrote a little booklet about startup. This is to me the key section:

The world needs your new business!

            To understand my system for starting your new business, it is necessary to first appreciate the nature of business in a capitalistic, free market economy.

            The world will always have government, big-business, and big-labor.

 Government for those things individuals cannot do for themselves. Big-business and big-labor because of certain efficiencies of scale. Unfortunately, the large scale of these three forms of bureaucratic operations leads to problems:

            1) Efficiency comes at the expense of intelligence and creativity. The large organization has a tendency to get better and better at doing what eventually is the wrong thing.

            2) Power corrupts. Governmental corruption is kept in check by our process of representative democracy. Big-business corruption is kept in check to the extent that the free market is allowed to operate. That is why big business hates competition.

            The worldview of the bureaucrat is necessarily different from that of the entrepreneur. The steps recommended here for starting a new business will not make sense to most bureaucrats.

            If you decide to work with a business mentor, it is important that you work with someone who subscribes to the following philosophy of business. This person almost always will be an independent business owner.

            Beware of seminars about how to start a new business; the most deadly advice for entrepreneurs comes from bureaucrats, public or private, active or retired.

From my little booklet on startup, “Daring Mighty Things— The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business” available on Amazon (click.) 

Tomorrow: Part II, Why the SBA and SCORE Should Be Renamed.