I'm convinced that everyone's really just looking for a shortcut. Over the last 9 years of working with clients privately and in groups, the more I offer my products and services, the clearer I am that we all just want an easier way out. Well, not because we're lazy; it's more that we're completely overwhelmed.

Half the time, I feel like I'm drinking from an information fire hose. If you're anything like me, you're bombarded, and I literally mean bombarded by information, all day long. There's unwanted information (ads and pop-ups) and also WANTED information, stuff you asked for or paid for, and actually do want to get (like something you're trying to learn to improve yourself or your business). I didn't even mention the hundreds of emails I get per day that I can't always respond to, even though my intention is there.

Problem is, we're turning into an "attention deficit" society. Blame it on whatever you want (the media, the Internet, too many TV stations, spam, satellite radio channels, TiVO, etc.), we all don't have enough attention to spread out to do everything we want, including the stuff we don't. So we sometimes go into inaction mode and don't do ANYTHING

My motto has always been, "A strong focus now creates a different future later." However, it's getting harder to keep focused, harder to make decisions, and mental concentration on just ONE thing seems to be getting more and more rare (multitasking USED to be a good word in my book, but now I'm wondering if it's actually detrimental to success).

But not just for me. For my prospects and clients too. I'm noticing the people I work with also have WAY TOO MUCH to pay attention to. In addition to their own clients, they've got families, responsibilities, email, bills, and personal and professional development they need to focus on. And we haven't even talked about marketing yet. No wonder it's the last thing they focus on!

Being an entrepreneur requires that you are intelligent, focused, and passionate.  As such, most business fail in the first year because the entrepreneur either doesn't have those qualities, or makes one of the following mistakes.

No Business Plan:
How can you expect to accomplish anything if you haven't actually sat down and made a map of your goals.  A detailed, well-written business plan that maps out the comapanies missions, goals, and financials is a must if you intend to succeed. The biggest reason behind this is that it requires you to do some research into your industry, better understand your market, and have a cohesive grasp of what you intend to do.  Even more importantly.. if you want investment, your going to need something other than an elevator pitch.

Not being Passionate:
If you are not passionate about what you are doing.. just quit.  You have to have that fire deep inside of you that you forces you into battle when you try to sleep at night.  An unbridled attraction towards the business and concept that it promotes.  If the business doesn't excite you up front, you won't have the extra push that it takes to break through to success.

Being a quitter:
Some of the most successful businesses have started out as failures. If something isn't working... be adept to change, rethink, remold, and redeploy.. if that doesn't work, rinse and repeat.  re, re, re.. just keep going. The moment you stop trying.. You've failed, and so has your business.