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Entrepreneur’s Guide: Time & Money Saving Strategies for Startup Success

I’m going to share 11 entrepreneur strategies for startup success that I’ve developed from growing my company, CuriosityBased. These tips are focused on saving money, time management, and business efficiency. 

  1. Get one-on-one business consulting and mentorship.  Many free programs offer personalized guidance, which saves time. For instance, SCORE is a great resource, and in Seattle, there’s Business Impact NW.
  2. Utilize your public library. Make an appointment with your reference librarian who can introduce you to a wealth of free resources and databases essential for growing your business.
  3. Learn your tax saving strategies. Understanding these will help you save money in the long run. 
  4. Join membership associations that will help you save money or make money.These associations often provide discounts that can be very beneficial. Sometimes, membership in one association can lead to free or discounted memberships in others.
  5. As for discounts. You’d be amazed by what you can get just by asking. CuriosityBased subscribes to a software and every year we ask “hey, can we get a discount?” and they give us that discount because we ask. 
  6. Choose a business credit card that rewards you with points useful for your specific business needs. For instance, if flying isn’t essential for your business, points for air travel might not be beneficial.
  7. Borrow money only if you really need to. If you do borrow, have an idea of how you’re going to pay back money. Otherwise, you can get into a trap. 
  8. Value your time when considering software subscriptions. While free versions may seem appealing, they often require more time and effort. Sometimes, subscribing to the paid version for a short period can be more efficient, allowing you to accomplish more and then canceling the subscription.
  9. Network strategically. Look for free or low-cost networking opportunities that can help you grow your business and make valuable connections. If you’re considering expensive events, ensure you understand the potential return on investment, whether in savings or earnings.
  10. Host your own networking events. Invite people in and that way you can control the cost. 
  11. Instead of meeting someone for happy hour, lunch or coffee, suggest a phone call or walking call to get to know one another. 

I hope that these startup strategies prove useful to you. 

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Choosing Your Path: Key Questions for Degrees vs. Self Learning 

Many people ask me, “Should I go back to school?” My response often revolves around whether you need the degree or just the knowledge. Here are eight crucial questions to help guide your educational decisions for your career path.  

  1. Will a degree lead to a promotion or pay raise? This varies by field and organization. Some may offer automatic advancements with a degree; others might not. It’s essential to verify this with your employer.
  2. Will a degree secure a better job? Depending on your industry, a degree might enhance job prospects. However, I’ve seen many friends invest heavily in education without seeing career advancement—so it’s worth researching.
  3. Will a degree help you expand your network? Universities provide a built-in community, but maintaining these connections post-graduation is crucial. Alternatively, networking can be achieved outside academia.
  4. Is a degree required for credibility in your field? Certain professions, like university teaching, definitely require advanced degrees. In contrast, some business sectors value experience over formal education.
  5. Do you seek specific knowledge or a broad education? If you’re focused on a specific area like marketing, self-study might suffice. However, for a well-rounded business education, an MBA covering finance, strategic leadership, and more could be beneficial.
  6. Do you need structured learning? Some thrive under formal educational structures with set deadlines, while others prefer self-guided learning without the pressure of exams and term papers.
  7. How will you finance your education? Degrees can be costly. Consider if this investment is worthwhile or if scholarships, loans, or personal savings are feasible options.
  8. What are alternative learning methods? Learning on the job, internships, or lateral moves within a company can offer practical experience. Additionally, numerous free or low-cost resources can substitute formal education, though without a degree credential.

I hope that these eight questions will help you clarify if you should get a degree or if self-learning will be sufficient. 

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Effective Strategies for Making Friends as an Adult

How to Make Friends as an Adult: Practical Strategies for Expanding Your Social Circle

Making friends in adulthood can be challenging. Unlike school or hometown communities, adulthood doesn’t naturally offer opportunities to meet new people. But don’t worry! In this post, I’ll share six practical strategies for meeting potential friends and nurturing those connections.

1. Reconnect with People You Already Know

Start by reaching out to acquaintances you’d like to deepen your connection with. Reconnect with old colleagues, classmates, or neighbors. Sometimes, rekindling old relationships can lead to meaningful friendships that were just waiting for the right moment to blossom.

2. Leverage Your Current Network

Your existing network can be a powerful resource for meeting new people. Request introductions from friends, family, or colleagues. This is especially helpful if you’re relocating to a new area or starting a new job. You’d be amazed at how many new connections your current circle can introduce you to.

3. Engage in Online Communities

Online forums, social media groups, and virtual communities provide a unique space for forming friendships without needing in-person interaction. Whether it’s a hobby, interest, or professional group, online platforms offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people who share your values and passions. Whether it’s community service, environmental work, or helping at a local shelter, volunteering allows you to bond with others who are committed to similar causes. For me, some of my most meaningful friendships have come from volunteering.

5. Participate in Meetup Groups

Meetup groups are perfect for exploring new interests and meeting others who share your passions. Whether you’re into hiking, reading, or trying new activities, these clubs offer a fun and low-pressure way to socialize. Engaging in these groups can lead to lasting friendships based on common interests.

6. Attend Networking Events

While networking events might feel intimidating, they are specifically designed for connection. Whether you’re looking to grow your professional network or simply meet new people, networking events provide structured opportunities to interact. To reduce nervousness, check out our tips on networking skills. Your local chamber of commerce or professional groups can help you find these events.

The Key to Making Friends: Follow Up

Building a lasting friendship requires initiative. After meeting someone new, take the step to follow up. Invite them for a one-on-one chat, either in person or online, or suggest a group event to make the process more comfortable. You could say something like, “I really enjoyed our conversation and would love to hear more. Would you like to meet up again?”

Friendship in Adulthood: The Importance of Openness and Effort

Making friends as an adult requires a blend of openness and effort. Stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people can be challenging, but with these strategies, you can expand your social circle and build meaningful connections. Remember, friendship takes time, so be patient and persistent.

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Understanding Food Choices: 5 Key Factors Influencing Our Eating Habits 

What we choose to eat, our food habits, and our eating behaviors are deeply personal. We often believe our food choices are superior, viewing others’ preferences as less ideal. This perspective aims to foster understanding and self-awareness about our food priorities and encourages curiosity about others’ preferences.

Here are the 5 key factors influencing our eating habits:

  • Convenience
  • Cost
  • Flavor
  • Nutrition
  • Variety

Convenience refers to how easily we can obtain our food, whether it’s heating up leftovers or opting for takeout.

Cost involves prioritizing affordability. The less we spend on food, the more we value it.

Flavor is about how much we care about the taste of our food. For some, a bland meal is acceptable, while others prioritize deliciousness.

Nutrition focuses on the nutritional value of our food. This might mean choosing oatmeal over pancakes for its higher nutritional content, despite a preference for the latter’s taste.

Variety considers how often we change what we eat. Some people need diversity in their meals, while others are content with eating the same things repeatedly.

Now, consider ranking these factors based on your preferences. For me, my ranking is:

  1. Convenience
  2. Cost
  3. Nutrition
  4. Flavor
  5. Variety

I tend to eat the same things frequently, prioritizing ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional value over taste and variety. Others might rank these factors differently, perhaps valuing convenience first, then variety, flavor, nutrition, and cost last. This could mean preferring takeout for its deliciousness and variety, despite its higher cost.

Reflect on your priorities: “What matters most to you?” Then, engage someone else in this conversation. Get curious about their food choices and priorities.

This exercise isn’t just about understanding our own food choices; it’s an invitation to explore and appreciate the diverse factors that influence what and how we eat.

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