November 2001 Newsletter
Simon Foster - November 13th
be the kind of service-
oriented culture we are able
to create within
SimonDelivers.com—
ordinary people feeling
empowered to do
extraordinary things and
having fun in the process.”
Foster will share what it
takes, not just to succeed
or stay in business, but also
to thrive in an industry
facing tremendous odds.
team of highly experienced
people all committed to
building a successful
business that truly makes a difference in their customers (as well as
their own) lives. Join us as Simon delivers the following key
messages:
competitors have failed
competitors.
$150 million and failed, and Webvan.com spent over $1.5 billion
before declaring bankruptcy.
highly productive team.
Known as the “Head Delivery Boy” by his co-workers, Simon Foster
brings a wealth of food marketing experience to SimonDelivers.com.
His background in logistics and technology has prepared him for the
challenges and responsibilities of starting and growing this grocery
delivery business.
of retail and logistics. He spent a few years in the UK with a start-up
software company and most recently was with The Pillsbury
Company, Minneapolis, where he provided marketing leadership for a
number of brands and new product introductions.
first-class honors degree in geology from the University of Bristol
(UK).
visit MBA at http://www.mnbusinessacademy.org
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Pre-Meeting Seminar
“Branding on A Budget—The Crazy Carrot Story”
take that plan and create the magic with marketing without going
further into debt? How do you become recognized as a unique entity
in this ever-changing environment? If these are your concerns, let Eric
Strauss show you the way!
maze to reveal the following:
2. Experiences branding the Crazy Carrot Juice Bar, Inc. on a budget
3. How entrepreneurs and emerging businesses can brand themselves
and their products or services (without breaking the bank).
consultant. He assists companies in launching and growing their
businesses. Eric writes business plans, develops business and
marketing strategies, creates media kits, writes press releases, and
promotes companies to their investors, partners, and the media.
Prior to his latest adventure, he founded the Crazy Carrot Juice Bar,
Inc. – a company he grew to five locations, 65 employees, and
annual sales approaching $1,000,000. Eric generated more than 175
media placements for the Crazy Carrot in fifteen months, including
feature articles in Entrepreneur, Business Start-Ups, Nation’s
Restaurant News, Future Magazine, Young Entrepreneur, Ventures,
and others. Having been through the process himself, he is well
suited to assist other emerging businesses in formulating their
business plans, developing their brands and marketing plans, and
implementing effective public relations and media relations strategies.
eric@entrepreneursforhire.com or through his website at
http://www.EntrepreneursForHire.com, or by mail at 2108 Penn
Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Three easy ways to pre-register for our upcoming events:
2. Phone: Kathy at 651-687-0840
3. E-mail: info@mn-entrepreneurs.org
for the pre-meeting seminar. MEI Members attend the monthly
meeting session at 7 PM at no charge.
have heard great wisdom imparted by remarkable speakers. The following
examples are but a small sample, beginning in 1987. – Mary Martin Mason
succeeding.” - Max Fallek, President of the American Institute of Small
Business - January, 1987.
which lead to success in any business.” - Donald O’Connor, President and
General Manager of KTMA-TV - February, 1987.
“Take risks; don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just go for it!” - Daryl
Erdman, Professor and Chair of Small Business & Entrepreneurship at the
College of St. Thomas - March, 1987.
myself, to enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and
say: this, with God’s help, I have done. All this is what it means to be an
entrepreneur.” - Steve Schussler, formerly the owner of Jukebox Saturday
Night. (Today the CEO for Rainforest Café Inc.) - December, 1987.
with Eric Strauss, founder of EntrepreneursForHire, LLC
with Simon Foster, president, SimonDelivers.com.
– Patrick McGovern’s Pub &
Restaurant at 225 W. 7th Street in St. Paul
Louis Park. Call Bill Lehnertz at 952-948-1105.
of the unknown on a regular basis. I have now heard this fear spoken
of and discussed often during the last thirty days in the wake of the
9/11 tragedy. Society is now confronted en-masse with the fear of
the unknown. Even to the point of wondering what might lurk inside
our daily mail. Should we wash our hands every time we open the
mail? That was the recommendation from the Postmaster General
recently. All of the current fears of the nation naturally bring up the
two issues of faith and hope.
she may respond to this fear in any number of ways. We saw
character re-emerge in the heroes of the 9/11 tragedy. And, it seems
that character once again matters in our society. Many changes are
occurring in our culture as we seek a new sense of community as a
nation.
plain fact that: “Entrepreneurs tend to be hopeful people.”It was a
comment on the optimism and faith that is part of the entrepreneurial
community. It is one of the key reasons I enjoy The Minnesota
Entrepreneurs (Club). I enjoy being around people with big dreams
and a lot of hope.
a strong faith. The Bible offers the clearest definition of faith in
for, the evidence of things not seen.”For the entrepreneur this faith
(hope) translates into a simple confidence “knowing” that he or she
cannot fail in the dreams they hold dear. And, of course, the faith can
be in the venture or dream, in God or even in both.
entrepreneur to proceed with his or her dream in the face of fear and
incredible odds. It doesn’t mean the entrepreneur doesn’t get scared.
It only means that he or she can muster the courage to go forward in
life in spite of fear and difficulty. The hope that is a natural part of the
entrepreneurial community is the primary weapon used in dealing
with the fear of the unknown. We might take this for granted.
However, many in our nation are now relearning to live life in
uncertain times. To live life with hope and faith that the future will
work out well despite all that we are confronted with.
the energy to build a new sense of our entrepreneurial community.
The amount of business resources available in the minds of our
members, at any one of our meetings, is literally staggering to me.
As we move forward with building The Minnesota Entrepreneurs, you
can expect increased networking and educational opportunities.
These are great. But do not lose sight of the great fellowship
opportunities that exist from simply rubbing shoulders and
schmoozing with people who are not afraid to dream big dreams.
People of hope, faith and character. For these attributes are at the
foundation of all big entrepreneurial dreams.
the next level of growth. If you are interested in serving on our board,
step forward and be counted. Our board meets in St. Louis Park on
the third Tuesday of each month from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. You will
need to attend the board meetings to serve on our board. Beyond
that we are looking for members who can contribute to the growth of
the organization.
liked and related to. It came from James Earl Jones playing a
grandfather in a holiday movie. The subject of faith arose and his
The grandfather replied:
“It is the stuff inside of you that allows you to hold on until help
arrives!”
The Minnesota Entrepreneurs, Inc.
greeting. Perhaps it’s both new and returning faces that come early
to meetings and then mosey over to Patrick McGovern’s Pub &
Restaurant to continue conversations. Whatever the case,
networking is back with a vengeance at MEI. If you’re looking to build
your business, get answers to tough entrepreneurial questions, need
advice on seeking a patent … MEI is the place to talk one on one with
those who are sharing in your journey. All you need are a stack of
business card and a hunger to mix with others who have been bitten
by the entrepreneurial bug. Join us for more informal networking
following the MEI meeting at Patrick McGovern’s Pub & Restaurant
on 225 W. 7th Street. McGovern’s is located on the corner of West
7th Street and Chestnut, one block west of the new RiverCentre.
McGovern’s offers a full menu until midnight.
destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the
force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human
spirit."-Ansel Adams
covers all monthly programs beginning at 7 PM. Non-Members pay
$15 at the door.
PM pay $15 per program at the door.
no charge— a savings of $100! You then pay only $15 for any Pre-
Meeting Seminars you attend.
Entrepreneurs, Inc. meetings with no fees for programs beginning at
7 PM. That’s four for the price of one!
session per person.
New _______Date___________________
the door for primary monthly program for members.)
up to 4 employees to attend:Please list persons:
________________________
________________________
5755 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 818 - St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Questions? Call: Kathy at 651-687-0840
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation with a mission to educate, to
inspire and to act as a resource for entrepreneurs and aspiring
entrepreneurs.
Minnesota Business Academy
505 Wabasha Street North, Box MEI
St Paul MN 55102
952-897-5072
http://www.mn-entrepreneurs.org
info@mn-entrepreneurs.org