Small Businesses: the easiest and surest way to becoming really big

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They’re offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for “Likes” of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the “Like” button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

When I do a talk about entrepreneurship for students I regularly bring some money and hand it out. Not a lot, but more than enough to get them well on their way to launching their first business and becoming insanely rich. I also announce this at the beginning of my talk and usually they get pretty excited about the prospect of going some with some money. By the end of my talk I remind them of the money, I call it funding, I promised at the beginning of my talk. Then I hand out envelopes to the first 20 or 30 students that make it to the stage first. The envelope contains 1 euro or dollar, and my business card.

The proposition I make is simple; take my 1 euro or dollar and take 1 week to double it. Then use the two dollar and multiply that by two in the second week. After 21 weeks you’ve got your first million and after 28 weeks you are at 100 million. By week 31 you are a billionaire and after 7 week you are the richest person in the world. After 45 weeks you will own all the money in the world, and some change.

Part of the deal, and why my business card is in the envelope is that they have to agree to give me 1% of whatever they made after a year. I’m eagerly awaiting my first few billion from the first student to do well.

Of course I don’t expect any of those students to keep doubling their money week over week. What I do hope is that they will start thinking differently about making money. Most people dream big, and that is fine, unless those dreams stand in the way of actually making money. And making money can be very simple. So simple that you can get started on it right now. In fact, leave your email-address in the comment field and I will fund you your first euro, or dollar, to get started. All I ask in return is 1% of your newly gained wealth after a year.

If you can turn a dollar into 2 dollars you are successful in business. Now all you have to do is scale that.

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