On some level, we all struggle with the urge to procrastinate. It is just an unfortunate reality of being human; you have things to do but cannot bring yourself to do them for one reason or another. That said, while it is normal, there’s absolutely no reason you should not strive to increase your productivity in pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself.
We have all been there. You’re sitting down to start working, looking forward to getting things done, when suddenly you notice you have a notification on your phone. Your attention is diverted, and you have to check to see if it is important and in need of a response. It should just take a moment to check, but soon, you’re scrolling through your emails or Instagram, and 30 minutes have passed. This is why many people choose to remove distractions from their workspace when getting started on a task. If the temptation is not there, it cannot tempt you.
Prioritize Your Work
Taking a look at your work as a whole can be overwhelming, especially if you have numerous pending deadlines or projects. This can lead to you feeling anxious and putting off getting the work done, making the problem worse in the long term. Breaking things down into smaller pieces and prioritizing things that need to be done first can help to negate negative emotions surrounding your workload and keep you on track while working.
Set S.M.A.R.T Goals
S.M.A.R.T. stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. Many productive people use this convenient guide acronym to help them prioritize work and make a plan to get things done. Using these terms, you can set goals that are planned, trackable, and easy to complete, allowing you to confidently check off steps and work progressively. This reduces stress, makes it easier to give project status updates, and gives you a straightforward course of action to keep you on track.
Find a Way to Hold Yourself Accountable
When you have a supervisor or manager, you are more prone to being on task and getting things done because if you aren’t, you have someone to answer to. Having someone check in on you and request status updates or finding another way to hold yourself accountable can help ensure you get the work done.
Reclaim Your Time
Sometimes life gets in the way. People ask for favors, the dog needs walking, and you have to go to a meeting. This all eats away at the time you could be working. If possible, set aside a few hours each day to tackle your work and stay ahead of the game, even if it means unplugging from social media and the outside world just to sit down and get the job done.
Everyone has days where their productivity is a little thrown off. What matters is getting back on the ball and getting things done!
About Adam Ferrari
Adam Ferrari originally trained to become a chemical engineer, eventually completing his degree Magna Cum Laude. After gaining experience in both energy and finance, he decided to launch Ferrari Energy from the ground up. Ferrari was intent on helping educate mineral owners on how to manage their assets. With close ties to the community, Adam made it a priority to support various organizations, including Denver Rescue Mission and Next Steps of Chicago.
Complex business issues typically require the brainpower of more than one individual. Thus, it is common for organizations to assign challenges to teams in the hopes that they will be able to deliver a more creative and effective solution that a single manager could. This approach not only provides better approaches to common issues in business but also encourages teamwork and collaboration.
When an issue arises, it is best to take a step back and break down each facet of the problem. Taking the time to define the problem helps not only to remove any emotional entanglements but also serves to attack it from multiple angles. In addition to this, analyzing what went wrong is necessary to prevent it from happening again. If a team can do this effectively, they will also be able to learn from their past mistakes and become more productive employees in the long term.
Map Out All Possible Solutions
Once a team has analyzed the issue, they should brainstorm strategies to solve it. Each plan presented needs to be concise, and all team members should feel comfortable enough to critique it regardless of who introduced the idea initially. Bear in mind that while short-term solutions are fine for the interim, long-term solutions are more desirable.
Utilize Critical Problem-Solving Skills
When brainstorming solutions, teams should be sure to fully invest in the idea before discarding it. This means that they should think of the benefits and drawbacks to each concept, and determine if there are elements they like that could be built upon.
Avoid Micromanaging
Micromanaging is not only ineffective, but it could also prevent a team from finding the best solution to a problem. Managers who do not allow their team to work together and utilize their unique skill set freely and without judgment limit their team’s potential. These managers must recognize the advantages of allowing their team to express themselves, especially during problem-solving exercises. Team members should be encouraged to hold managers accountable, and either address the micromanaging within their own department or reach out to HR for help with mediation.
Review and Analyze Process and Outcome
Sometimes teams can’t get it right the first time. Because of this, teams should always follow up and make adjustments to their plan as they put it into practice. They should ask for feedback from employees, and critically analyze the plan as it unfolds.
About Adam Ferrari
Engineer and entrepreneur Adam Ferrari graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemical engineering. With an educational background as a chemical engineer, Adam Ferrari was encouraged to learn more about minerals and the inner workings of petroleum engineering. After gaining work experience in both engineering and finance, he decided to start his own private mineral rights business, Ferrari Energy. Ferrari Energy serves to help educate and guide clients on issues surrounding mineral rights. His company also makes donations to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
Every prosperous entrepreneur or professional encounters this critical question: What is the method to your business success? Often, the answer credits integrated sustainable business practices.
Adam Ferrari is the founder of the mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. Mr. Ferrari was initially trained as a chemical engineer and graduated magna cum laude. After graduation, Ferrari entered the business sector, where he gained experience in finance and investments. As he went from chemical engineer graduate to thriving entrepreneur, Ferrari found many triumphs in instilling sustainable business practices.
Ferrari stands behind the importance of these implementations; here, he provides a step-by-step guide to creating and integrating sustainability in the workplace.
What are sustainable business practices?
Sustainable business practices are characterized by a long-term outlook that explores opportunities outside of sole profitability. Many leaders in the business industry attest to their fortune through this business practice because such a method allows them to accomplish something much more significant in life than profitability. A sustainable business model is economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly. Businesses with a sustainable mindset strive to have a more positive impact on society and the environment.
Examples of sustainable business practices would include paperless billing or electric company vehicles. Starbucks chooses to invest in sustainable farming and ethically sources its coffee supply from partners operating in their local communities.
For business owners looking for ways to begin a more sustainable path, consider this guide:
Step 1: Start with water and power
Sustainable business practices involve a more than just action- it is about mindset, too. An excellent place to kick off you and your company on your journey to sustainability is from the office. Merge a more environmentally cautious mentality into your employees’ work culture by focusing on water and electricity conservation. Cut down on wasting these primary resources or replace kitchen and bathroom appliances with energy-efficient options. You will be glad you did once you see your decreased water and power bills.
Step 2: Go green
Recycling is another excellent and easy sustainable initiative. Invest in recycling bins for paper, plastic, and aluminum to put in the office. Expand your impact by offering free bins for employees to take home. Pay attention to where you are ordering your office supplies and try within your capabilities and budget to order eco-friendly products.
Step 3: Explore product changes
For product-based businesses, there is plenty of room for maximum impact. Companies can make a massive impact on the future of our planet’s ecosystem by exploring and choosing more environmentally friendly materials to replace the current elements that make up the product. Plus, sustainable companies are the preferred choice for today’s average consumer.
About Adam Ferrari
Ferrari Energy took its name from its founder, chemical engineer Adam Ferrari. Adam is a native of Chicago and was formally trained as a chemical engineer. He completed his degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and finished at the top of his class, graduating magna cum laude. As a young professional, Adam worked in the operations and business sides of the energy industry. After gaining ten years of direct industry experience, he decided to launch his own company, Ferrari Energy.
Los Angeles, CA, July 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The coronavirus has impacted multiple areas of society, including the energy sector. Due to the global outbreak, demand for oil has diminished, resulting in plummeting oil prices and production declines, especially in the wake of the Russia-OPEC price war.
“As 2020 continues, there are two big bumps ahead that the energy industry expects to hit,” noted Adam Ferrari, an accomplished chemical engineer, and the founder of mineral acquisition company, Ferrari Energy. “Managing the current public safety issue that has taken a hit on the market, and simultaneously surviving the low-price scenario, decreased demand, and the need to generate revenue while controlling debt responsibilities.”
The Russia-OPEC Price War
The Russia-OPEC price war started after Russia decided against being a team player in March when the global market was under pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia, along with Saudi Arabia, is considered a top producer of global oil. When the coronavirus outbreak caused Asia to decrease oil consumption drastically, oil-producing nations needed a survival plan. A month before the major oil production meeting, China had dropped its foreign oil imports by twenty percent.
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is made up of fifteen nations that lead in producing worldwide oil. When the group decided to meet at their headquarters in Vienna to discuss a solution to the diminished oil demand, Russian officials received an invite to join. However, Russia is not a country included in OPEC. The invitation extended to Russia was due to a deal Russia agreed to three years ago. The agreement was a pact called OPEC+ that requires Russia to harmonize its production levels with the OPEC group.
During the OPEC meeting that incorporated Russia, a suggestion made by OPEC’s leader, Saudi Arabia, did not sit well with Russia. Saudi Arabian officials offered a plan to maintain oil’s high prices to generate more revenue for oil-dependent economies during the pandemic. This proposition would entail all participating countries to slash their oil manufacturing by around one million barrels a day. The idea gave Russia the short end of the stick as it would require the highest production cut of about five hundred thousand barrels a day.
Russian officials were vocal against the plan. Their motivation might be to ready up for higher demands in Asia again for profit gains or keep oil prices low to demolish the American shale oil industry.
Unhappy oil leaders in Saudi Arabia did not hold back in their frustration. Their response to Russia embraced a tremendous reduction in export prices, which led to the most significant single-day drop in oil prices since 1991, with barrel costs lowering around eleven dollars to equal thirty-five dollars a barrel. Thus, such reaction sparked the flame of the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
About Adam Ferrari
Adam Ferrari is the founder of Denver-based mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. He is a chemical engineer by degree and is an accomplished petroleum engineer by profession. He also has experience in the financial sector through his work at an investment banking firm. Under his leadership, his company supported organizations including; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
The coronavirus quarantine and lockdown has affected every American in different ways. Almost everyone has found that their extended free time at home has led to boredom in most situations and feelings of isolation and depression in some cases. Below, Ferrari Energy founder and CEOAdam Ferrari suggests some productive activities that can help the homebound deal with their extra time inexpensively or for free.1. Create a New and Efficient Working and Living Space
Especially for those who have not worked from home before, creating a thoughtful and clean workspace can do wonders for your attitude. A separate space free of clutter and distractions promotes a healthy work environment. Time spent in quarantine is also great for cleaning up the kitchen and bedroom clutter that you have not gotten around to for years.2. Reduce Social Media and News Watching Time
We learned early on in the COVID-19 pandemic that social and news media is an unending wellspring of discussion. While it is crucial to keep up with relevant crisis news, overloading on news and social commentary can become challenging to manage and depressing.3. Eat Healthy and Enjoy Food Preparation
Eating wholesome and healthy food is a sure way to maintain emotional and physical health. Stay clear of processed and snack foods and make trips to the grocery count by choosing whole and natural foods. Try out new recipes and experiment with the extra time you have in the kitchen.4. Focus on Exercise
Lockdown situations eliminate many regular exercise routines. As we usually take trips to the gym and yoga classes for granted, it can become tough to find a ready replacement for exercise opportunities when homebound. Many gyms and studios are offering online classes, and at-home simple exercises are virtually unlimited. Keep your body in motion to promote good sleep and overall emotional health.5. Regenerate Communication with Family and Friends
Use modern technology to combat social isolation while stuck at home. Use the additional time you have to schedule phone calls, online games, and other social interactions with those you have not been able to stay as close with as you would like.6. Give Meditation a Try
During normal times, most people who would otherwise try meditation cite their overwhelming work, family, and travel schedules for not taking the necessary time to deal with everyday stress and strain. While spending extra time at home, meditation can provide powerful benefits by eliminating negative thoughts and assisting with relaxation and healthy sleep.7. Build Your Human Capital
Extra time can be put to use in self-guided continuing education and career development. Quiet time at home is also a great time to consider more carefully your long-term work and personal growth goals.8. Relax and Focus on Quality Sleep
Healthy sleep typically requires both adequate time and a regular schedule. For many of us, it has been years since we had a consistent and adequate sleep routine. One of the genuinely beneficial and lifelong benefits that will survive a quarantine or lockdown crisis is working on developing a quality sleep schedule.About Adam Ferrari
Adam Ferrari is the founder of the Denver-based mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. He is a chemical engineer by degree and is an accomplished petroleum engineer by profession. He also has experience in the financial sector through his work at an investment banking firm. Under his leadership, his company has supported numerous charitable organizations including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
At an early age, we are exposed to the demands and expectations of our parents, friends, school, and even our personal ambitions. Hopefully, with appropriate education and support systems, the majority of us rise to the occasion. But as we mature, even though achieving objectives are part of everyday life, an effective process that helps ensures success may be somewhat opaque.
Adam Ferrari, an accomplished petroleum engineer and the founder of Ferrari Energy, understands the importance of goal setting, especially as an entrepreneur. However, it simply isn’t enough to vocalize an idea as a goal. To increase your chances of success, it’s necessary to establish a detailed process that tracks your progress throughout the endeavor. In this article, Mr. Ferrari reviews critical steps you should implement in your goal tracking and execution.
1. The Big Picture
All goals, regardless of scope, require a sturdy foundation. While excitement is encouraged, don’t let it rush you into rash actions. Instead, take a step back and contemplate the big picture. Reflect on the purpose of the new goal, your desire to achieve it, and how accomplishing it will affect you long-term. Once you establish these elemental guidelines, move forward with the planning and execution phases.
2. Actionable Steps
It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed by the new tasks ahead, proving active goal setting all the more crucial. According to a study overseen by Benjamin Harkin, Ph.D., of the University of Sheffield, and published by the American Psychological Association, monitoring progress towards a goal significantly increases the chances of success.
Goals are easier to measure and act on if they’re broken down into smaller tasks. Depending on the target completion date, plan well ahead, and create subtasks for each month, week and day. It’s more realistic to hike a mile than it is to scale a mountain in a single day.
3. Schedule Regular Check-ins
Use a journal, calendar, or, better yet, a dedicated app to monitor your progress. While it’s important to track your daily incremental achievements, don’t forget to focus on your weekly growth as well. Regular check-ins help with task accountability, while weekly and monthly updates provide a bird’s eye view of your progress. The latter can help you adjust action plans and final goals as necessary.
4. Pivot
Realistic goal setting involves analysis and the ability to revise goals when it makes sense. The data, whether analog or digital, may expose particular bottlenecks or pain points that are hindering your overall progress. As a result, you may need to update subtasks or refine the goal altogether. In some instances, a goal may longer be applicable and should be dropped so that your valuable time and resources can be dedicated elsewhere.
5. Reward System
The journey towards a goal is already full of obstacles and valleys of labor and, therefore, should not be without enjoyment. Celebrating small wins improves motivation and reaffirms your commitment to achieving new heights. Though obtaining your goal will be a reward in itself, a reward system incorporates an element of fun and elevates the process with positivity.
Goal setting is a worthy endeavor and should be commended. Some goals will be easier to achieve than others, but with proper prep, execution, and tracking, you’ll become more focused and efficient at completing any task that lies ahead.
About Adam Ferrari:
Adam Ferrari is an accomplished petroleum engineer and is the founder of a private oil and gas company, Ferrari Energy. Throughout various roles in the oil and gas industry, Adam was inspired to learn more about property rights and the inner workings of petroleum exploration and extraction. After gaining expertise in the energy sector Adam obtained knowledge of the financial industry through his time at an investment banking firm. He then pivoted to bootstrapping his own business, Ferrari Energy, from the ground up as he blended his knowledge of energy and finance together.
The negative impact of stress is difficult to understate. It can cause sickness, lead to burnout, and turn amazing businessmen and women into mediocre ones. In this article, successful entrepreneur Adam Ferrari, founder of Ferrari Energy, details seven ways to manage stress as a business owner.
Exercise
Exercise has been proven time and again to be a universal way to combat stress. Your physical and mental health is absolutely dependent on adequate exercise. Stress is a decided risk factor for dangerous conditions including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many mental and emotional conditions. Exercise helps burn away stress while helping you stay fit, sleep better, and concentrate. Now with various digital platforms we are redefining what it means to go to the gym. Fitness influencers offer mobile and diverse solutions on streaming platforms such as YouTube. There are also opportunities to change the traditional lunch meetings and opt for a workout class followed by a healthy lunch to change up the rigid formality of meetings while still getting business done and maintaining self-care. Consult with your physician in order to develop a high-quality exercise program that will destroy the stress that can drag you down.
Prioritize Healthy Eating
In addition to getting exercise, a solid diet is vital to overall health and stress reduction. In addition to fighting off chronic conditions, healthy eating directly promotes brain health and hormonal health while fighting against stress. Poor and irregular eating affects every system of your body and exacerbates the dangers of work-related stress. A solution that is working for me is doing a massive food prep on Sunday night. I know this is a concept most people are familiar with but I challenge you to think beyond the standard meals and prep for snacks including apples with peanut butter, homemade beef bone broth, chia seed coconut milk pudding for fast and nutrient rich grab and go’s to defer unhealthy snacking. This is another area where you should consult with your nutritionist in order to be sure that you are eating the right foods at the right time.
Protect Your Work-Life Balance
The first response of many business owners to stress from work is to decide to simply work longer and harder. Hard work is important, but it is important to understand the concept of diminishing returns. At some point, the stress that comes from extra hours at the office overtakes any positive results. Neglecting your personal life at the expense of non-productive work time is a sure recipe for burnout. I carve out time for myself during the day by blocking off my calendar. It doesn’t have to be an hour investment or extremely cardio intensive as you can alternate based on your mood but make an effort to do SOMETHING. Whether it’s a walk outside or a 15 min burnout it will train your body and mind to create these healthy habits. Creating the habit is never easy but once you have it down it’ll be surprisingly seamless to follow. I’ve found it takes about 2-weeks of daily effort to make a strong lifestyle habit stick. Be sure to keep sufficient time set aside for your personal life to keep your energy level strong.
Maintain and Rely on Strong Personal Relationships
A strong social support system is a fantastic way to fight stress, and the absence of social support can lead directly to higher stress levels. Friends and family can help you offload the stress from work My dad and partner are strong supports in my life. I can’t emphasize how important it is to have an outside perspective from people you trust that have your best interest in mind. While it’s tempting as a business driver to try and maintain that drive at all times it’s ok it give others control and let yourself sit passenger. Additionally, joining volunteer groups, participating in sports, and discovering new group hobbies are great ways to spend time with other people outside of your daily work environment.
Find New Hobbies
In addition to reducing stress, exploring new hobbies and interests will increase your mental happiness and help you discover your creativity. Any hobby that appeals to your personality and attracts your attention will promote healthy stress reduction. Outside interests and hobbies also help you to “unplug” from work and make your time while at work more productive and enjoyable.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation at Work
Spending a few hours at work does a number on your brain that you may not realize. When your mind has been running at top speed it loses efficiency and becomes susceptible to stress. Look for opportunities to give your mind a chance to quiet down occasionally by slowing everything down and focusing on breathing and stillness. It only takes a few minutes every now and then, and simple meditative practices will help your mind stay limber and ready for action.
Talk with a Professional When Needed
When personal maintenance and management practices are not enough, don’t hesitate to talk with a therapist. You can do this privately while working with someone professionally trained to help you identify the things that are causing you the most stress and the best ways to deal with them. The things that bother us the most are often completely unseen until we talk things out with someone with the skill and desire to help.
About Adam Ferrari
Adam Ferrari is the founder of the Denver-based mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. He is a chemical engineer by degree and is an accomplished petroleum engineer by profession. He also has experience in the financial sector through his work at an investment banking firm. Under his leadership, his company supported organizations including; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
Entrepreneurs with the foresight for long-term success understand that attracting top-shelf talent is only half the battle. Retaining the best possible people and nurturing their individual growth and success is a perpetual endeavor. While dedicating a company’s valuable resources on behalf of its employees may seem fruitless to some, nothing could be further from the truth.
As the founder of Ferrari Energy, Adam Ferrari embraces a leadership style that emphasizes meaningful connections and a work ethic fueled by personal engagement to better understand the stories and needs of his customers as well as his employees. Consequently, he advocates for business owners to invest in the good people that keep the ship afloat.
Below, Mr. Ferrari shares seven ways entrepreneurs can elevate their organization to help employees become better workers.1. Environment
While open office plans are all the craze, they may not make sense for all companies, especially if you evaluate it from each employee’s unique work style. Certain people thrive in social office settings, while others feel distracted and annoyed. What’s more important than a trendy layout or free sparkling water, is an environment where employees feel safe and relaxed. Stress can be a motivator and yield results but is overall unhealthy and shortsighted. After all, you hired an individual not only for their talent but their personality as well, so why not cater to both?2. Autonomy
Employees aren’t robots and, therefore, should be given the opportunity to showcase their creative problem-solving skills and knack for extra responsibility. A little autonomy goes a long way in creating genuine trust between the boss and the worker—the end result: improved morale and a more motivated workforce.3. Education
You typically hire an individual for a particular set of skills to fill a void in your company. However, it’s critical to learn about the interests and underdeveloped talents of your employees as well. Either through in-house training or an external education program, you can nurture the proficiency of your personnel. As a result, the organization’s portfolio is bolstered in tandem with the workforce’s academic advancement.4. Appreciation
In reality, leadership positions and promotions are limited depending on the size of the company and, as such, are rewarded to a mere few. That being said, this does not mean that management should disregard the hard work of everyone else. Employees are human beings with emotions and want to feel that they’re adding value to the success of the business. To boost performance, provide positive feedback often.5. Transparency
Employees can recognize when they’re being misled or kept in the dark. Instead, be clear and concise about your expectations and vision for the company. People react to honesty, coupled with vigor and passion.6. Feedback
Encourage employees to provide constructive feedback without fear of retaliation from upper management. Naturally, not all suggestions will make sense, but make it a habit to implement feedback and changes where applicable.7. Support
Put people first. Employees who know that their boss respects and supports them will value loyalty and take pride in their work. The relationship between employer and employee is unique and complex. Still, if handled with care and cultivated appropriately, it can serve as a strong bedrock for the venture as a whole.
Entrepreneurs with the foresight for long-term success understand that attracting top-shelf talent is only half the battle. Retaining the best possible people and nurturing their individual growth and success is a perpetual endeavor. While dedicating a company’s valuable resources on behalf of its employees may seem fruitless to some, nothing could be further from the truth.
As the founder of Ferrari Energy, Adam Ferrari embraces a leadership style that emphasizes meaningful connections and a work ethic fueled by personal engagement to better understand the stories and needs of his customers as well as his employees. Consequently, he advocates for business owners to invest in the good people that keep the ship afloat.
Below, Mr. Ferrari shares seven ways entrepreneurs can elevate their organization to help employees become better workers.1. Environment
While open office plans are all the craze, they may not make sense for all companies, especially if you evaluate it from each employee’s unique work style. Certain people thrive in social office settings, while others feel distracted and annoyed. What’s more important than a trendy layout or free sparkling water, is an environment where employees feel safe and relaxed. Stress can be a motivator and yield results but is overall unhealthy and shortsighted. After all, you hired an individual not only for their talent but their personality as well, so why not cater to both?About Adam Ferrari: Adam Ferrari is an accomplished petroleum engineer and is the founder of a private oil and gas company, Ferrari Energy. Throughout various roles in the oil and gas industry, Adam was inspired to learn more about property rights and the inner workings of petroleum exploration and extraction. After gaining expertise in the energy sector Adam obtained knowledge of the financial industry through his time at an investment banking firm. He then pivoted to bootstrapping his own business, Ferrari Energy, from the ground up as he blended his knowledge of energy and finance together.
Giving back to the world after running a profitable startup is not mandatory to business success, but is a common move for entrepreneurs who find themselves wanting to share their earnings with those in need. A common roadblock to giving is understanding how to accomplish real-world and effective giving. In this article, energy industry entrepreneur Adam Ferrari details ten ways entrepreneurs can use their success and power to help the world that allowed their startup to flourish. 1. Sponsor Local Non-Profits
No matter where you live or where your company does business, there is no shortage of hard-working non-profit organizations that can benefit from corporate sponsorship. Many very beneficial non-profits host numerous events and they are almost always in need of sponsors to help defray costs. Non-profits almost always are very pleased to give their sponsors outstanding publicity as well.2. Donate to Charities
Charitable giving is the most common way that businesses give back to those in their community who need help the most. In addition to direct cash gifts, your business can also find other ways to donate that are not costly or overly time-consuming. Donating blood and giving clothes, luggage, and furniture to charities all help meet immediate needs.3. Participate in Local Schools’ Career Days
Almost all high schools have career days for their students to learn about the different jobs people do in the community. Contact your local board of education and find out when you might be able to participate in a career day and take the opportunity to share a learning experience with some students. Usually, the students choose what speakers they want to hear from, so you are likely to have an eager audience.4. Mentor Other Entrepreneurs
Your success in the business world is based on the information you have gathered, what you have learned, and the skills you have developed. The most effective way to help new entrepreneurs in your community is to share your successes and your failures with them and explain how you were able to go through the learning process.5. Join a Local Civic Organization
There is always strength in numbers, and many civic organizations use teamwork and combined effort to provide substantial benefits to the local community. Many clubs meet weekly for lunch or breakfast meetings, and the meetings are a fantastic way to learn more about the local community and to network with other business professionals.6. Write and Share with Professional Associations
Most industries have a variety of choices of professional organizations that present outstanding giving opportunities. You can usually find trade journals or newsletters that need on-topic writing and there are also many possible speaking opportunities available. Improving your industry through education is an often overlooked but vital way of giving to your community.7. Sponsor Youth Sports
Whether it is your own family or someone in your company, the chances are high that you or they have children involved in youth sports. With a small-time investment, you can directly benefit local kids with team sponsorship and receive great publicity at the same time.8. Get Your Company Involved with Habitat for Humanity
This form of giving requires significant time investment rather than monetary donations, and it can be a great team-building exercise for your organization. Most of this type of volunteer work is done on weekends, and you can also schedule retreat days during the week for your team members to work on a home. Afterward, you can treat them to a meal and some more together time as a solid reward for them as well.9. Set Up a Collection Jar
Especially if your business has a retail space, a collection jar for a worthy charity is a simple and effective way to give back to the community. Whether the collections go into a large display that attracts children or into a simple jar, the charities of your choice will receive a direct cash benefit through your efforts.10. Hire Local Employees from Underserved Communities
There is nothing more personal and beneficial than a job opportunity. When you have a position open, consider recruiting from an underserved part of your area for someone who will really appreciate the opportunity and will have a chance to get on their feet and find independence through your organization.
Giving back to the world after running a profitable startup is not mandatory to business success, but is a common move for entrepreneurs who find themselves wanting to share their earnings with those in need. A common roadblock to giving is understanding how to accomplish real-world and effective giving. In this article, energy industry entrepreneur Adam Ferrari details ten ways entrepreneurs can use their success and power to help the world that allowed their startup to flourish. 1. Sponsor Local Non-Profits
No matter where you live or where your company does business, there is no shortage of hard-working non-profit organizations that can benefit from corporate sponsorship. Many very beneficial non-profits host numerous events and they are almost always in need of sponsors to help defray costs. Non-profits almost always are very pleased to give their sponsors outstanding publicity as well.2. Donate to Charities
Charitable giving is the most common way that businesses give back to those in their community who need help the most. In addition to direct cash gifts, your business can also find other ways to donate that are not costly or overly time-consuming. Donating blood and giving clothes, luggage, and furniture to charities all help meet immediate needs.3. Participate in Local Schools’ Career Days
Almost all high schools have career days for their students to learn about the different jobs people do in the community. Contact your local board of education and find out when you might be able to participate in a career day and take the opportunity to share a learning experience with some students. Usually, the students choose what speakers they want to hear from, so you are likely to have an eager audience.4. Mentor Other Entrepreneurs
Your success in the business world is based on the information you have gathered, what you have learned, and the skills you have developed. The most effective way to help new entrepreneurs in your community is to share your successes and your failures with them and explain how you were able to go through the learning process.5. Join a Local Civic Organization
There is always strength in numbers, and many civic organizations use teamwork and combined effort to provide substantial benefits to the local community. Many clubs meet weekly for lunch or breakfast meetings, and the meetings are a fantastic way to learn more about the local community and to network with other business professionals.6. Write and Share with Professional Associations
Most industries have a variety of choices of professional organizations that present outstanding giving opportunities. You can usually find trade journals or newsletters that need on-topic writing and there are also many possible speaking opportunities available. Improving your industry through education is an often overlooked but vital way of giving to your community.7. Sponsor Youth Sports
Whether it is your own family or someone in your company, the chances are high that you or they have children involved in youth sports. With a small-time investment, you can directly benefit local kids with team sponsorship and receive great publicity at the same time.8. Get Your Company Involved with Habitat for Humanity
This form of giving requires significant time investment rather than monetary donations, and it can be a great team-building exercise for your organization. Most of this type of volunteer work is done on weekends, and you can also schedule retreat days during the week for your team members to work on a home. Afterward, you can treat them to a meal and some more together time as a solid reward for them as well.9. Set Up a Collection Jar
Especially if your business has a retail space, a collection jar for a worthy charity is a simple and effective way to give back to the community. Whether the collections go into a large display that attracts children or into a simple jar, the charities of your choice will receive a direct cash benefit through your efforts.10. Hire Local Employees from Underserved Communities
There is nothing more personal and beneficial than a job opportunity. When you have a position open, consider recruiting from an underserved part of your area for someone who will really appreciate the opportunity and will have a chance to get on their feet and find independence through your organization.
There are many solid reasons for entering into a new entrepreneurial venture with the right business partner. Finding that right partner can be a challenge because you want someone who fills in needed skills and knowledge gaps but who can also think independently. The best co-entrepreneurs are able to look at problems from different angles and offer input from their own perspectives. In this article, founder and chief executive officer of Ferrari Energy, Adam Ferrari looks at the best ways of finding a complementary business partner.
Look for a Partner You Truly Like Spending Time with and Shares Your Values
When you work with someone who you genuinely enjoy spending time with, you are on the path to a trusting relationship. Trust is also much easier to develop with someone who shares your fundamental values. Developing trust with others is always a building process, so look to work with someone you believe you will be able to build strong trust with over time. Your personal values direct your interests and decision and sharing those interests with your partner will make it more likely that you will see eye to eye on important decisions in your business. Attitudes towards ambition, work ethic, politics, and family values all have a direct impact on how company decisions are approached.
Emphasize the Search for a Complementary Skill Set
You should have a strong feeling about your self-assessment of your own skills and abilities. When you understand your personal strengths and weaknesses, you will be better suited to find a business partner that will not only support your strength but who will also fill in the gaps in areas where you are not as strong. If you are a wizard with the technical skills required by your industry but know very little about marketing and entrepreneurship, it should be fairly obvious what type of person you should be looking for. Consider three major areas that you and your partner should be able to effectively attack through teamwork: technical skills, entrepreneurship, and day to day management.
Find a Partner with a Similar Exit Plan for Your Project As Yours
You and your partner should be on the same page with regard to the overall plans and goals for your business venture. If your plan is to build a company that you can leave to your children, but your partner envisions building a business that can be sold for a nice profit in five years, your fundamental difference in exit strategies is sure to lead to conflict. You can never predict the future with any certainty, of course, but you should try to find a partner with an exit strategy vision similar to your own.
Vet Your Partner’s Financial Stability and Expect to Do the Same
A partnership is commonly referred to as a “business marriage.” In order to be successful, both parties must have a full and honest impression of the other’s financial condition and ability to commit to the business in the event that plans and conditions regarding finances change over time. Do not be shy about sharing credit reports with each other and having a frank discussion about personal financial commitments to the success of the business.
About Adam Ferrari
Adam Ferrari is the founder of the Denver-based mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. He is a chemical engineer by degree and is an accomplished petroleum engineer by profession. He also has experience in the financial sector through his work at an investment banking firm. Under his leadership, his company has supported numerous charitable organizations including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
Adam Ferrari 