Business

THAT ‘AHA!’ MOMENT: WAYS ENTREPRENEURS FIND INSPIRATION

Entrepreneurship starts with an idea. One of the challenges once the business gets off the ground, though, is coming up with more ideas that push the company forward.

An idea often stems from inspiration and lacking that, some business owners say, can result in stagnation or a failed enterprise.

“Without innovation and forward thinking, no business can succeed,” says Peter J. Strauss, author of The Business Owner’s Definitive Guide to Captive Insurance Companies. “But being a business owner is very demanding, and at some points, you’ll hit a wall where you can’t seem to come up with new ideas. To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to stay on the search for the next idea that will grow your business. And the truth is that most entrepreneurs are in need of some inspiration to ignite those ideas.”

Strauss says there are several solid ways to cultivate inspiration:

LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES

“Ask yourself, ‘How could they get better at what they do?’” Strauss says. “How could they be happier and make our business better as a result of their passion and growth?”

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

“The day-to-day grind shouldn’t prevent the entrepreneur from daring to dream,” Strauss says. “Have fun with it; see five to 10 years ahead and where you envision the business being. Further, use that inspiration to fuel sound ideas for expanding the business sooner than you thought, and even adding new ventures.”

MEET WITH PEERS

Strauss says an entrepreneur can re-energize and be inspired by being around like-minded leaders and speakers, perhaps at an industry trade show, where participants are pumped up. “It can get you more excited about your business and remind you of why you started it,” Strauss says.

READ FREQUENTLY

Strauss says leaders learn far more when they not only keep up with industry trends through reading, but by also reading about topics outside of their industry. “This can really inspire you,” he says, “because when you read outside your niche, you see creativity you’re not used to, and it inspires ideas.”

UNPLUG AND TAKE WALKS

In the often loud and chaotic world we live in, especially in the business sphere, entrepreneurs need quiet time to clear their minds and think freely. “We live with distractions,” Strauss says. “They get in the way if we let them – or if we don’t get away from them on occasion. Walking in nature is a great way to do it. Quiet time opens a door to inspiration and creativity.”

TAILOR AN EXISTING IDEA TO YOUR BUSINESS

“You don’t want to exactly copy people, but it’s foolish not to observe and learn from other businesses’ ideas,” Strauss says. “Then find innovative ways to apply them to your business.”

“Inspiration rarely just shows up out of nowhere, uninvited,” Strauss says. “An entrepreneur needs to make time for it and go look for it, and there are a variety of ways to make that search energizing for you and your business.”

5 TIPS FOR HIKING WITH YOUR PET

By Liz Illg, Puff &Fluff KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN:

As the weather warms up, it’s time Of course, we love spending time to put on your walking shoes, get outdoors with our four-legged friends, outdoors, and enjoy nature. If you but if we want to keep enjoying time have a pup, you will most likely want outside, we have to treat our planet to take him or her along to enjoy with love and care. This means some exercise as well! While it’s picking up after your pet during your great to spend quality time with your walks and hikes. You may think pet outdoors, it’s equally important leaving some dog droppings in the to learn some handy tips beforehand. middle of the woods won’t do much Hiking with your pet can be a fun, harm, but dog excrement actually exhilarating experience - but it can contains harmful levels of bacteria, also be dangerous if you don’t follow which can disrupt local wildlife, proper protocol. native habitats, and groundwater

BRING PLENTY OF WATER:

Most of a dog’s body is comprised of TAKE PLENTY OF BREAKS: water so it’s critical to bring enough Again, this goes along with the notion water for you and your pup during a of making sure your pup is in good hike. One or two bottles may not be health and to bring along plenty of enough, and your dog may require water staying hydrated. Don’t overwork even more water depending on his or your dog - even if you think ‘they can her size. Come prepared, because you handle it’, hiking can put quite a strain don’t want to worry mid-hike about on our furry friends. While exercise is running out of water. In addition to great for their health, don’t overdo it. water, make sure you have snacks and You don’t have to race to the peak - treats for your pet as well. Essentially, enjoy the journey and quality time with whatever you think YOU would need your dog at their own pace. for a hike, your pet will most likely need as well. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR PUP

ENSURE YOUR PET IS IN GOOD While you should be checking for HEALTH: signs of exhaustion during the hike, This one may seem obvious, but it’s keeping an eye on your pet postimportant to keep in mind. Both young hike is also a good idea. Make sure and old dogs cannot handle intense they’re drinking, eating, and acting trails - don’t push them to exhaustion. like their pawesome self. Also, a bath If you notice your pet is lying down, is a great idea post-hike. Make sure panting excessively, or foaming at the to check for ticks, scratches, or cuts mouth, it’s time to stop the hike and - especially around their paws. It’s a cool down. You can certainly train good idea to put together a little firstyour dog to build up their prowess, but aid kit to bring along on your hikes don’t expect them to keep up with the - just in case. level of activity that you can. If you supplies. Pick up after Fido!

POST-HIKE:

have any questions about your pet’s Lastly, if the ground is too hot for you, health, be sure to ask your vet. it’s too hot for your pup.

Book Online Today! www.pu andfl u spa.com NOW 5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

NORTH 32ND 4022 E Greenway Rd., Suite 9 • Phoenix 602-482-1938 UPTOWN LITCHFIELD 5835 N. 16th St, Suite D 221 N Litchfi eld Rd Phoenix • 602-266-5360 Goodyear • 85338

ARROWHEAD 6685 W Beardsley Rd #120 Glendale • 85308 ARCADIA 4730 E Indian School Rd #213 Phoenix • 85018

$15 OFF

any full bath and brush or grooming service for one pet

Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts. Good for all Pu & Flu locations. Expires 4/30/19.

FREE NAIL TRIM

$10-15 value. Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts. Good for all Pu & Flu locations. Expires 4/30/19.

$10 OFF

any retail item with $20 minimum purchase

Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts. Good for all Pu & Flu locations. Expires 4/30/19.