Welcome to notes to an entrepreneur!

Hey, it's me, your old pal Steve Strauss.

I haven't checked-in in a while because I have been working on something super exciting; something I hope and think you will love (and that you will get for free!)

A bit of background: 

Many of us met via my webinars with SCORE. Others joined this list because of my Inc. columns, or my old small business advice column at USA TODAY.

If there is one thing that I love, it is entrepreneurs and small business (obviously!) I have had the good fortune to meet, interview, and/or chat with many over the years. Some famous, most not, but all with the same passion and drive that is so fascinating.

Which brings me to the new endeavor. 

One thing I noticed is that often in the entrepreneurial journey, there is a breakthrough moment, a time when the entrepreneur figures out their secret sauce that ends up making all the difference. 

Those stories are the most interesting.

For example, do you know the unbelievable story of how designer Tommy Hilfiger became the brand TOMMY HILFIGER? 

As an unknown, frustrated designer in his mid-30s, Tommy knew he needed to do something to break out. He hired a PR guy who suggested an audacious plan:

He suggested Hilfiger buy a billboard in Times Square and compare himself to the other great designers of the day - Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein. 

Hilfiger knew it was a crazy idea, but he also knew he had to do something bold or he would forever be stuck. He spoke with his investors, they agreed, and here it is:

The next week, Hilfiger was a guest on the Tonight show, and he never looked back.

These sorts of stories are both inspirational and valuable.

So much so, that I have decided to launch this new newsletter (which I have mentioned before) called notes to an entrepreneur.

A couple of evenings a week, I am going to sending you one of these stories, along with ways you can "steal this strategy!" My hope is to send you to bed inspired . . . and then armed the next day with a potentially great new idea for you.

I really think you will like these fun stories, and the strategies you can steal that are behind them (for example, in Hilfiger's case, how to use PR to get your small business noticed.). 

Although I will be using this new email service for this newsletter (Beehiiv) they will still be coming from my regular address ([email protected]).

Look for issue #1 Tuesday night. I would love to know what you think, whether they can be improved on in any way, and any other feedback you may have. I would so appreciate it if wanted to let me know at [email protected].

To your entrepreneurial success!

Thanks,

- Steve