The brilliant idea of ‘Child’s Own Studio’

Often, while looking drawings by small children, we are impressed by their imagination. They create these unique characters, which themselves are not able, to reproduce two times, you can call it "the one shot" drawing. A clever mother, had the brilliant idea to give life to these characters. Her name is Wendy Tsao and she created Child’s Own Studio in 2007, after making a softie based on a sketch designed by her 4 year old son. When she saw the reaction of her son, and his excitement that she realized "this is it". She began a business making softies based on children’s drawings. Her business is in fact SO successful, that she’s currently not taking any new orders at this time.

Best Countries to Do Business in 2012

The infographic presents a detailed analysis of the best countries to do business in 2012, highlighting various aspects such as ease of starting a business, ease of doing business, business regulation improvements, and key economic statistics for leading countries.

Starting a Business

The top three countries for starting a business in 2012 were:

* Australia
* New Zealand
* Canada

These countries were identified as having the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurs looking to start new ventures, characterized by efficient regulatory frameworks and supportive business environments.

Ease of Doing Business

Globally, the countries that stood out for their ease of doing business were:

* Singapore
* Hong Kong SAR, China
* New Zealand
* United States
* Denmark

These countries ranked highest due to their streamlined processes, low administrative burdens, and favorable regulatory climates that facilitate both domestic and international business operations.

Morocco: A Success Story in Business Regulation

Morocco was recognized as the most improved nation in terms of business regulation, climbing 21 spots to 94th place globally. The Kingdom of Morocco made significant strides by simplifying processes such as:

* Construction permits
* Property registration
* Taxation
* Cross-border trade

These reforms were part of a broader national strategy to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.

Business Reforms Worldwide

The infographic highlights that in 2012, business reform implementations were 13% higher than in 2010. A total of 125 out of 183 economies implemented regulatory reforms to create a more business-friendly environment, with China, India, and the Russian Federation leading the way in reform implementation.

Spotlight on Singapore and Japan

Singapore consistently ranked at the top across multiple categories, including the ease of doing business, investor protection, and trading across borders. It also stood out for having top-tier infrastructure and business services.

Japan was recognized for its well-developed infrastructure, high technology adoption, and strong legal frameworks, making it a favorable environment for both domestic and foreign businesses.

The infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the global business landscape in 2012, illustrating the countries that excelled in creating favorable conditions for business operations. From regulatory reforms to the ease of doing business, these rankings offer valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers aiming to understand the dynamics of global commerce.

What if Money Was No Object - Alan Watts

"....So I always ask the question: What would you like to do if money were no object? How would you really enjoy spending your life? Well it's so amazing as the result of our kind of educational system, crowds of students say 'Well, we'd like to be painters, we'd like to be poets, we'd like to be writers' But as everybody knows you can't earn any money that way! Another person says 'Well I'd like to live an out-of-door's life and ride horses.' I said 'You wanna teach in a riding school?'

Let's go through with it. What do you want to do? When we finally got down to something which the individual says he really wants to do I will say to him 'You do that! And forget the money!' Because if you say that getting the money is the most important thing you will spend your life completely wasting your time! You'll be doing things you don't like doing in order to go on living - that is to go on doing things you don't like doing! Which is stupid! Better to have a short life that is full of which you like doing then a long life spent in a miserable way. And after all, if you do really like what you are doing - it doesn't really matter what it is - you can eventually become a master of it. It's the only way of becoming the master of something, to be really with it. And then you will be able to get a good fee for whatever it is. So don't worry too much, somebody is interested in everything. Anything you can be interested in, you'll find others who are.

But it's absolutely stupid to spend your time doing things you don't like in order to go on spending things you don't like, doing things you don't like and to teach our children to follow the same track. See, what we are doing is we are bringing up children and educating to live the same sort of lifes we are living. In order they may justify themselves and find satisfaction in life by bringing up their children to bring up their children to do the same thing. So it's all retch and no vomit - it never gets there! And so therefore it's so important to consider this question:

What do I desire?"

- Alan Watts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOaAHK7efc&t=56s

"Long live freedom long live entrepreneurship"

Who remembers this wonderful speech of Mil Gibson in Braveheart?
This speech may well apply to people who work in big companies. Working in a big company is a bit like accepting to remain slave all your life, every day you wake up and you know that your work will be something similar to what you did yesterday, and then at the end of the month you are paid a salary equivalent to what your company earned thanks to only one day of your work. "This is modern slavery." The question that remains is, what do you think is better in this life . Stay like that until the end of your life ? or try your luck and create your own business ?
In the second case you may either have a passionante life and lot of success, or fail but at least as a free man. Long live freedom long live entrepreneurship.

A good comparison between the boss and the leader

In the dynamic world of business, the distinction between a boss and a leader is crucial. A boss holds a title, while a leader earns respect. The differences between the two can make or break a team’s success, and understanding these differences is key to fostering an environment of growth and achievement.

1. The Power of influence over authority

A boss relies on their position to drive employees, often depending on authority to get things done. In contrast, a leader influences through goodwill, coaching, and guiding their team. This shift from command to mentorship builds trust, encouraging employees to take initiative and ownership of their tasks. Leadership isn’t about telling others what to do but inspiring them to do their best.

2. Generating enthusiasm instead of fear

While a boss may inspire fear to ensure compliance, a leader generates enthusiasm. They create a vision that the team can rally around, sparking excitement and motivation. When employees are enthusiastic, they are more likely to go the extra mile, not because they have to, but because they want to. The energy in a team led by a true leader is palpable and contagious.

3. Collaborative efforts: the power of ‘We’

The language of leadership is inclusive. A boss might say, “I,” taking personal credit for success, but a leader says, “We,” recognizing that achievements are a collective effort. This simple change in language fosters a sense of community and belonging, where every team member feels valued and integral to the group’s success.

4. Responsibility and accountability

When challenges arise, a boss might place blame, distancing themselves from any breakdowns. A leader, however, steps up to fix problems, demonstrating accountability. This behavior sets a powerful example for the team, showing that taking responsibility is a strength, not a weakness. Leaders build resilience within their teams by modeling how to handle setbacks with grace and determination.

5. Developing people, not just using Them

A boss may use people to achieve their goals, viewing them as means to an end. In contrast, a leader develops people, investing time in their growth and career development. This investment not only improves individual skills but also strengthens the team as a whole. Leaders understand that when their team members grow, so does the entire organization.

6. Recognition and credit

Credit is another area where leaders stand apart. A boss might take credit for the work of the team, but a leader gives credit where it’s due. They shine the spotlight on their team members, recognizing and celebrating their contributions. This acknowledgment boosts morale and encourages continued effort and innovation.

7. Encouraging participation and collaboration

Lastly, a boss commands, saying “Go,” while a leader asks, “Let’s go.” This subtle yet profound difference encourages participation and collaboration. Leaders invite their team to join them on the journey, fostering a culture where ideas are shared, and everyone is working towards a common goal.