Building a Business
Why ‘Follow Your Passion’ Is Awful, Flawed Advice
It's sad that so many people think that you need to earn a living from what you love to do the most.
Carol Roth is the creator of the Future File™ legacy planning system, a "recovering" investment banker, business advisor, entrepreneur and best-selling author. She is also a reality TV show judge, media contributor and host of Microsoft's Office Small Business Academy. A small business expert, Roth has worked with companies of all sizes on everything from strategy to content creation and marketing to raising capital. She's been a public company director and invests in mid-stage companies, as well.
More From Carol Roth
Marketing
The Rocky and Bullwinkle Effect: Why You Should Consider Marketing to Multiple Audiences
Choosing the right message often requires you to target two or more audiences with very different interests.
Building a Business
How 3 Entrepreneurs Went from Welfare to Multi-Million Business in Five Years
The CEO of Zaycon Fresh shares the entrepreneurial lessons he learned from taking his circumstances and turning them into a major business opportunity.
Marketing
The Simple Customer-Service Mistake That Cost $800
Why being proactive, rather than reactive, in customer service creates loyalty and makes 'cents'.
Thought Leaders
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Pro Hockey
A look at the many parallels between great hockey teams and great businesses.
Thought Leaders
5 Myths — and One Really Big Truth — About Being an Entrepreneur
Think you're ready to own a business? Are you sure?
Building a Business
3 Must-Have Memberships for the Small-Business Traveler
If you spend time on the road, keep these in your wallet -- for less than $100 per month each.
Building a Business
Challenges Women Face When Raising Venture Capital
If you're a woman who wants to start a business, don't let these obstacles stand between you and major sources of funding.
Building a Business
Not Every Creation or Passion Project Should Be a Business
Sometimes, the act of creation is enough.
Online Presence
Why Businesses Should Think Twice About Getting Involved in Political Issues
Especially over social media.
Marketing
Email Subject Lines Can Really Suck. Here’s How to Make Yours Better.
Here are some crappy email headline techniques -- or lack thereof -- that you will definitely want to avoid.
Tech
How One Boutique Uses Technology to Help More Brides Say Yes to the Dress
Take this Texas-based small business as an example of how smart tech can help you grow and streamline operations.
Building a Business
Some People Have a Therapist. I Have a Business Coach.
Here's why I think having a business coach is invaluable for any entrepreneur.
Building a Business
Beware of Pursuing ROE — Return on Ego
Until there is a currency tied to the size of your ego, doing activities that support your goals is a better business investment.
Building a Business
How Finder’s Fees Can Be a Catalyst for Business Growth
One of best ways to find new customers and clients is through your own network. Here's what you need to know about charging and paying finder's fees for referrals.
Tech
Is Bitcoin Speculative Foolery or a Financial Services Breakthrough?
The author of 'The Bitcoin Big Bang' on what entrepreneurs need to know about the budding digital currency.
Building a Business
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Playing Pinball
Video games? Pfffft. Playing old-fashioned pinball can make you a better business owner.
Thought Leaders
Why Shark Tank’s ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Thinks Women Make Better CEOs
'I've made more money with women executives. It's that simple.'
Entrepreneurs
How Entrepreneurs Can Design Their Lives and Businesses for Success
Top tips from the author of 'Design Your Life.'
Brick & Mortar
Business Lessons From a Refugee Turned Youngest African-American IHOP Franchisee
At 27, Adenah Bayoh purchased a franchise. Today, her portfolio also includes $200 million in urban redevelopment projects. Here are some of her insights.
Entrepreneurs
Why Smart People Make Bad Entrepreneurs
Are you too smart for your own good? Sometimes the slackers reign supreme.
Online Presence
A Quick Guide to Mastering Twitter for Business
Critical tips to help you maximize your 140-character interactions.
Building a Business
7 Entrepreneurial Lessons a ‘Happy Days’ Star Learned From an Unlikely Mentor
Turns out Potsie grew up to be an entrepreneur. Now he has some lessons to share.
Thought Leaders
From Oprah to the Kardashians: 6 Celebrity-Inspired Business Lessons
Today's celebrities aren't just entertainers, they are brands and businesses. And entrepreneurs can learn from their mistakes and successes.
Building a Business
Never Hire a Honey Badger
The last thing you want to do is hire someone and wind up regretting it later. Like, really regret it. Here are some tips for steering clear of trouble employees.
Business Accounting
How Entrepreneurs Can Put Away More Than $200,000 a Year for Retirement — Tax-Free
Consider this advice now in order to save as much as possible for later in life.
Building a Business
When You Should Work for Free (Yes, Seriously)
A look at when should you use free as a strategy and how can you best leverage it.
Building a Business
Why Traditional Branding Is Useless for Service Providers
If you are not likely to generate a client through an Internet search or advertisement, but do so through a connection, take a guess as to where you should be spending your time.
Building a Business
How Your Friends Influence Your Success
Choosing your friends wisely can make -- instead of break -- your business.
