Right Brain - Left Brain

Much has been written about the Right Brain (controls left - creativity) and Left Brain (controls right - logic). My point is not about whether or not this theory is true, but rather how to use both "sides" of the brain - logic and creativity. But I can state with confidence that to be a highly successful Entrepreneur, you need to use both sides of your brain.

I've been told by others that I have the unique ability to not only use BOTH my Right and Left brain, but to use them simultaneously. I didn't realize this, until people pointed it out -- indeed they were (pardon the pun) right! But the question is -- can you Train your Brain? The answer is a resounding YES!!!

Most people think they are either creative or logical, but not both. In my experience, it's true that people are born with a "tendency" toward either Right or Left brain, and the educational system reinforces that tendency. Naturally, for example, kids who are told they're not good at math, shy away from math, science, etc.

Personally, until about age 25, I was mostly a Left-Brainer. But I deliberately trained the Right side of my brain. How? Easy -- I exercised it. Huh? I took classes in painting, sculpture, dance, writing, acting, drawing, photography, literature, etc. In addition, as a marketing guy in my early career, I became equally interested in the products as well as the advertising, colors, design, etc. Was it easy? No. It took about 5-7 years, but it was well worth it.

Successful Entrepreneur Traits

One of the most-asked questions is "what are the traits of a successful entrepreneur?" This question has been asked many times. Below is my list, compiled from both other lists and my own personal experience. Of course, it's a Top-Ten List...

1. Leadership, especially the ability to inspire

2. Fast, good decision-making with limited information (but also willing to change wrong decisions)

3. Positive attitude (but still realistic)

4. Sales skills

5. Good communicator

6. Ability to handle defeat, and the word "no"

7. Creative thinking and out-of-the-box thinking (my #1)

8. Drive, fortitude and the will to succeed

9. Being intuitive and trusting your gut (my #2)

10. Jack-of-all-trades (or the ability to understand all aspects of business somewhat -- from sales, marketing, finance, operations, engineering, negotiating, legal, etc. etc.). Yes, you can hire these skills, but you still need to understand each discipline somewhat (this is the hardest skill set to acquire)

The Nutra Foundation

In 2008, I created The Nutra Foundation

This is a non-profit whose goal is simple:

To provide free nutritional supplements and food to those who can't afford it.

In addition, the Foundation will provide unbiased nutritional information, as well as fund medical research and do advocacy.

www.nutrafoundation.com

The website has good, basic information for now, and will be fully operational by May 2011.

AND -- this non-profit will be profitable !!! In other words, it will be run like a for-profit with two differences: 1) all profits will stay within the Foundation, and 2) a non-profit pays very little taxes, if any.