Many think of becoming an entrepreneur but not many catch hold to becoming CEO. Have I confused you? If so, don’t worry because that is definitely not my goal. Just know that there is definitely a difference in the two as evidenced by the entrepreneurs who bring in CEOs to help them run their business. What’s the difference between the entrepreneur and the CEO? How does the entrepreneur become the CEO? What are the challenges and opportunities they face?

In this series, I’ll talk about what it takes to go from Entrepreneur to CEO as well as the challenges and opportunities of making the shift. The first thing that is important to consider is what it means to be an Entrepreneur verses what is means to be a CEO.

So just what is an Entrepreneur? You can actually define the term two ways.

One definition states that an entrepreneur is a person of very high aptitude who pioneers change. This feat requires that the entrepreneur possess characteristics found in only a very small fraction of the population. Interesting, right? The other definition says that an entrepreneur is anyone who wants to work for him or herself.

The CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is often but not always also the President of a company, and is responsible for a firm’s overall operations and performance. He or she is the leader of the firm, serves as the main link between the board of directors and the firm’s various parts or levels, and is held solely responsible for the firm’s success or failure. One of the major duties of a CEO is to maintain and implement corporate policy, as established by the board.

Have you figured out the difference yet? If you are an entrepreneur, who has not transitioned yet, I sure hope that you see the picture I’m painting.

The Entrepreneur is the one who gets things going. He or she is the one with the vision and the passion and skill to launch the business. However, it is the CEO who makes it all tick and work, like a well oiled machine. Perhaps this is why 95% of entrepreneur efforts fail in the first 5 years. They fail to grab hold of the CEO hat and never take the time to learn how to effectively implement the vision for success.

The truth is I’m transitioning from entrepreneur to CEO. Even though, I’m well into the transition, the journey is quite challenging! Through this series, I will share information that I’ve found helpful for the transitioning entrepreneur as well as my personal insights. A few of the topics will be:

• Why managing your health is important to your shift from Entrepreneur to CEO

• How to create a plan of action that incorporates your vision and high level steps you’ll take to realize the vision.

• Why you should partner with people who share an equal level of respect for you, your programs and services.

• Surround yourself with people who have skills that you don’t have so you are able to create a win-win relationship for sharing in the work.

Who knows where this series will lead! Grab pen and paper to take notes as this will be a great series to learn from. And by all means comment and share your thoughts on this concept. I look forward to growing and learning with you.

People are always asking me what’s new in my business.  I often chuckle because I have SO many projects and programs in the works at any given point in time.  It feels like I’m spinning lots of different plates.  The truth is my focus is definitely on keeping all of the plates spinning and they’re all miraculously connected. 

If you’re like me, you know that having many plates spinning at one time doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of focus.  It just depends on the vision, goals and activities that support your business.  Checkout my spinning plates and you’ll see what I mean.

My Spinning Plates are Targets in Focus

1. WendyY.com relaunch.  It’s all about branding “WendyY.”
2. A site relaunch for Brilliance In Action, the name of my company - moving and shifting from entrepeneur to CEO.  I’m building the site on a kewl new platform with lots of goodies just for you. 
3. Radio shows and targeted guest appearances with mastermind groups.  I’m having lots of fun with this one.  From past and present interviews, I’ve created a new podcast with all of those interviews — stay tuned for more details.
4. My next Group Mastery - Mastery and Mentoring Program for coaches, speakers, consultants and trainers.  My team is working on ensuring these group coaching tools are content-rich and easily accessible.  It’s always juicy!
5. The next DIY Tech Talk - Walk the DIY Walk with Ease about Twitter.  I absolutely love Twitter.  It’s a key part of my social networking strategy that works.  Follow me
6. A regular column for Woman 2 Woman Business magazine.  In 2009, the publishing schedule shifts to monthly.  I’m honored and thrilled to be of service.
7. A new group coaching program with Ron Hudson. He’s the Master of Influence and I’m tickled to be working with him.  We’ve got something very kewl in store for you!
8. A new group coaching intensive specifically for coaches coming up in February, 2009.  Sorry I can’t share more than that right now.
9. Lots of new activities for my mastermind group of coaches.  I heard cheers when I announced this one to my business, executive and career coaches.  Circle of Brilliance

Here are a couple of the ongoing, weekly plates I keep spinning:

1. Group Mastery Everyday - group coaching resource posted via audio every week.
2. New 90 Minute Mastery webinars teaching specific group coaching skills.  Upcoming Webinars
3. New blog posts for the Group Mastery blog at Group Coaching Mastery.  I’m moving it to a new platform so new posting will resume within the next several days.
4. Exceptional Experts weekly radio show.  Getting to know really KEWL folks willing to share details about what makes them exceptional.  It’s a different spin on success…the journey is the key!

Tips to help you keep the spinning plates in focus:

• Focus on activities that incorporate your business vision, mission and goals.  These are more than pretty words that you put on paper and place on binder.  Your vision, mission and goals serve as a rudder keeping your eyes on the prize.
• Tailor your ”spinning” to suit your values and lifestyle.  I love my freedom for example.  As my vision expands and priorities shift, my sense of freedom and what’s important in my life supports my choices about how, when and where to keep my targets in focus.  Knowing your values is crucial.
• Focus on activities that have a bottom line impact.  I’m often distracted by new ideas and possibilities.  What can I say?  It’s just part of who I am.  I’ve learned to ask myself targeted questions that ultimately confirm whether the ideas are spin-worthy. 
• Partner with people who share an equal level of respect for you, your programs and services.  It doesn’t mean you have the same perspectives.  It does mean the respect you share for one another ensures the best possible communication around problems that may arise.  This is especially critical as you shift from entrepreneur to CEO.

Why I wrote this post?

I wrote this post to encourage business owners like me who are transitioning from entrepreneur to CEO.  I hope you’ll find peace knowing that your spinning plates ARE in focus.  I believe that you can keep the plates spinning successfully — without dropping and potentially breaking any.  I know it’s all possible and true when each plate truly represents a target in focus. 

What plates are you spinning?  How do your plates speak to your focus?