What I Wish I Knew When I was 20 - by Tina Seelig

February 12, 2011
A friend recently suggested Tina Seelig's - What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 - and I found it to be a terrific collections of the messages I try to frequently share with young-adults and fellow entrepreneurs.   The stories that illustrate the importance of mindset to problem solving, the practical tips about how to build a career and reputation are not just good reminders but the book also contains practical advice about how to do it in life.

My 12 year old son, asked me - why are you reading this book if you aren't 20.     I said some messages are timeless and it is good to remind myself of them.    Then he asked to read it and I think it has had a positive impact on his mindset and view of entrepreneurs. 

If you don't want to be seen walking around with the book for 20 year-olds or to have it on your iPad, then just watch the video below.   Even still, I recommend having the real book and seeing how it can start conversations.



 

Any Big Problem is a Big Opportunity

January 10, 2011
Vinod Khosla states that any big problem is a big opportunity. If there is no problem, there is no solution, and no reason for a company to exist. No one will pay you to solve a a problem that doesn't exist, he explains.


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MBA and Entrepreneurs - Meet at Harvard Business School

January 6, 2011
If you are curious about the value of an MBA to becoming an entrepreneur you should first consider the experience of those who participate in the Harvard Business School Business Plan Contest.  

It is an event I co-chaired as a student in 1999 and is an experience I continue to encourage others to support and be involved in.   Listen to this brief overview of the value of the HBS entrepreneurship efforts.
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Invest Southwest / Importance of Advisory Boards

December 13, 2010
I was pleased to participate in a panel at the annual Invest Southwest conference last week in Scottsdale.   The conference was outstanding and included some outstanding companies that are seeking capital.  

Although the Arizona Republic covered the conference, it did not capture the enthusiasm or economic potential of the companies that presented.   See -  http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2010/12/10/20101210financing-remains-tight-ariz-firms-say.html

There are many o...
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Facebook - Accidental Billionaires

November 13, 2010
It is strange to watch Social Network, the movie of Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich.  The movie was entertaining if not also filled with some mistaken narratives.  

One element that stands to be corrected is Mark Zuckerberg's opposition to advertising on the Facebook network.   I don't recall such hesitation, in fact our company at the time Y2M - Youth Media and Marketing Network - executed an exclusive sales organization representation agreement with Facebook.   I recently found the o...
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About Me


John Fees John Fees is an entrepreneur, strategic marketing executive and business leader in the fields of affinity, collegiate and partnership marketing. During the course of his career, John has founded and led successful companies specializing in strategic marketing and media, affinity, partnership marketing and financial services. Currently, he serves as the co-founder and CEO of NGI Group that also operates Sallie Mae Insurance Services.