This is an excerpt from a column posted at BizOpinion.
At a recent workshop in DeForest, seven entrepreneurs did something many people would find intimidating, if not unnerving: They stood up in front of a crowd and condensed their business idea “pitch” to 90 seconds.
No one became too tongue-tied. No one took on that “deer-in the-headlights” look. Instead, all seven volunteers provided enough information to prompt follow-up questions from investors and other business experts who had offered pointers throughout the afternoon.
Such is the life of an entrepreneur. They’re people who must think on their feet, but have a reasonable and often-detailed plan on hand. They often serve as company founder, chief technology officer, head accountant and jack-of-all-trades – but must be willing to step aside if their idea takes off and different leadership is required.
And while some ‘treps are talented enough to go it entirely alone, most must be willing to listen to others who have been down the path before.
The challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs, who are increasingly a part of Wisconsin’s business landscape, are the focus of this week’s Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Middleton. They are also at the heart of a continuing series, “The Entrepreneurs’ Edge,” which began in Green Bay, Milwaukee and DeForest and which continues June 17 in Racine.
