You may feel like change is a bad thing. That you have learned how to succeed and that if anything changed significantly it would be a bad or even terrible thing.

However, one of the most defining characteristics of the human being, and in particular the entrepreneur, is the ability to accept change.

Many studies have been done putting people in various situations, under varying degrees of pressure and stress. We tend to get used to our new situations or realities very quickly. A few days at most and then that is our new reality. That is the same reason that morale is such a vital component of success. Too many days of feeling the grind and that will be your new reality until you break out of it.

Your strength of character and the genius of the human condition is that we are able to adapt to change easily and survive accordingly.

To be an artist at any time must be a difficult life choice, but during one of the toughest times in economic history they have found a niche market.

The owners of the wineries in Yountville, a wine-soaked town in the heart of the Napa Valley, California began by selling local artists works off their walls. Today they are re-enforcing bridges to facilitate the transport of giant sculptures to add to the largest collection of contemporary art by Northern California artists.

The adaptability of man is what has helped us stay at the top of the food chain. How to succeed through adversity is the immediate by product of adapting to change. It is what has inspired great men to build giant cities and generations to expand their reach ever wider.

Change occurs frequently when you own your own business, the entrepreneur thrives on changes and their businesses grow.

Change should inspire you and spur you on to greater heights.

Shane – Polaris Media Group

Sir Richard Branson is known as an inveterate showman.  But he also has a heart as big as his over-the-top publicity stunts and a passionate desire to make the world a better place—just look to his Virgin Unite foundation.  Among his foundation’s many endeavors, he is taking a unique and entrepreneurial approach designed to make a huge difference in South African communities.

Why?  Because a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor in 2007 shows that South Africa’s economic growth is under threat because of a shortage of new entrepreneurs.

Branson recognized the valuable work going on in Africa of social entrepreneur Taddy Bletcher, who created the Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) Foundation .  It supports non-profit educational organizations and programs throughout the world that develop greatness and leadership within individuals and communities.

Together, Branson and Bletcher created The Branson School of Entrepreneurship , an intensive 18-month training program for CIDA graduates that aims, with specialized training, support and micro-loans, to launch 30 small businesses each year.
The School creates opportunities that help student entrepreneurs follow their dreams of owning and managing successful businesses, by working to:

• Identify and nurture individuals with entrepreneurial potential
• Develop potential entrepreneurs in a practical, relevant and holistic way
• Provide students with real-world business skills and mentorship
• Promote entrepreneurship as a desirable career option and
• Support start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, services, networks and finance arrangements
Students receive coaching and mentoring as they prepare their business plans and are given exposure to successful local and international entrepreneurs.  The CIDA Seed Fund provides students with promising business plans with much needed capital to start their micro-enterprises. The application process is a strict and disciplined one, where a loan is only granted to students whose plans show clear evidence of financial viability and sustainability.
Sir Richard Branson has inspired us with his brilliant mind for business, as well as his compassion and dedication to improve the world.  Thank you, kind sir.