Places every entrepreneur must visit
It doesn’t matter whether you are an entrepreneur or aspire to be one. There are places you must visit for inspiration and motivation. Much of it can be drawn from others who have built businesses and empires from nothing. To see pictures and video of these locations is one thing; but to be there, seeing and smelling the humble beginnings and the hard work it took to become successful; is a whole other experience.
Palo Alto & Silicon Valley
Some of the greatest business stories have come out of the Silicon Valley. From Hewlett Packard to Google; many of these companies got their start in the humblest of beginnings: garages. Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe that you have to start big with lots of money; when in fact it’s better to start with little capital. It forces you to become resourceful and creative to go against bigger competition.
Though you might not be able to go inside; drive by the offices of various companies. You’ll soon realize that these “offices” are more like college campuses.
The Lincoln Memorial
Abraham Lincoln may not have been an entrepreneur but he accomplished many things and has dispensed some of the greatest advice.
“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”
President Lincoln is not the only reason to visit the memorial. The second is symbolic. Every large fortune starts with a penny and on every penny is the Lincoln Memorial. As an entrepreneur, you need to realize that you aren’t going to strike it rich right away. No matter how many “overnight” success stories you’ve heard or read about; these stories aren’t totally truthful.
Hollywood & Beverly Hills
Nothing epitomizes taking a big risk like Hollywood and nothing epitomizes success like Beverly Hills. The film industry was originally started in New Jersey but many film makers decided to take the risk and move westward to California.
Beverly Hills is a testament to what hard work and determination can get you. Though it may seem like an exclusive town, it really isn’t. Anyone can live there if they have a strong enough will and desire to.
Philadelphia
What’s more inspirational than the city where the United States of America got its official start? Entrepreneurs have flourished because of America; the first country that truly let them pursue their dreams.
Las Vegas
If you can take a moment and step out of the hustle and bustle of Vegas, then you can really learn about the history of the city and soak in some of its success. Years before any casino; Las Vegas was just a dusty, boring town. It’s hard to believe the destination it has become. But those first entrepreneurs who built hotels and casinos envisioned it.
Despite Las Vegas’ success in the past, Steve Wynn knew it could be even bigger and better. He took a big risk when building The Mirage. Many didn’t believe a themed casino would succeed. Steve proved them wrong, and with his risk, he revolutionized the Las Vegas landscape and the gambling business.
Bureau of Engraving & Printing tour
There’s more to life and entrepreneurialism than money. A tour at a Bureau of Engraving and Printing location will show you that money is nothing more than paper and ink. As an entrepreneur you don’t want to be pursuing just paper. You need to have another purpose and you need to assist as many people as you can by helping them achieve their dreams.
There are two locations that the Bureau of Engraving & Printing lets you tour; one in Washington, DC and one in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information please visit this link: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/locations/index.cfm/3
A car dealership
This may seem strange to include in this article but almost everyone has a dream car. And what better way to increase motivation than to be next to your dream car but knowing you can’t afford it? You’ll get the feeling of being so close, yet so far away. To the truly motivated; this is all they need to start taking action towards their goals.
Photo by alexanderljung
3 Responses to “Places every entrepreneur must visit”
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I love the last one! Mainly because I’m a car guy — and standing next to one of my dream cars always pushes me to further myself to ward my goals!
I’m a car guy as well Dan. Whenever I see one of my dream cars I always picture myself driving it.
-Andrew
Silicon Valley is one of the places I would love to visit as a geek.