The Blade

My kids, ages 7 and 10, have become lemonade stand entrepreneurs on beautiful spring days. They paint creative signs, scream at passing cars, and learn what it takes to earn 25-cents a cup. But I’m amazed at how many cars wiz right by—hardly turning their necks to look, much less stop. These busy drivers are missing out—there’s a positive vibe when you stop at lemonade stands. The process only takes a second, yet you gotta adore seeing the sparkle in a young child’s eyes when their customers tell them, “Your lemonade is AMAZING!”

The same positive energy is created when meeting with a new, aspiring entrepreneur. Never ignore a would-be entrepreneur’s request for a meeting. Give them a shot. Hear them out. Help them discover the positives in what they’re trying to do. Give their free trial a whirl. Offer them advice. Spread the word. Encourage them.

Goodness knows, we all need the help when starting out. I certainly did when I started First Research, a provider of industry profiles for call preparation. I’ll never, ever, ever forget where I was standing on Front Street in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1999 when CPA Steve Johnson became First Research’s very first customer. “Sounds like a great idea,” he said. “Do you have one on food distributors? Send it to me; I’ll give it a shot.” And he did. The rest is history. Steve’s encouragement got me through some dark weeks. Steve, thanks for your support.

We should all strive to be more like Steve Johnson and agree to hear out new entrepreneurs, and also go out of our way to help them. Doing so is not only good for them—it could be good for you as well. When that entrepreneur’s idea makes it big, wouldn’t it be a great feeling to say, “I was the first person to try out this product!” or, “I was an early adopter.”

Don’t drive by the lemonade stand. You never know what might happen. Plus, who couldn’t use some liquid refreshment (and good karma) on a warm day?