Skip business school. Educate yourself. - Josh Kaufman

Market research is the business equivalent of “Look before you leap.” Books like The New Business Road Test by John Mullins can help you identify promising markets from the outset, increasing the probability that your new venture will be a success.

All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action. — JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, NINETEENTH-CENTURY POET

STATE model to communicate without provoking anger or defensiveness: 1. Share your facts — Facts are less controversial, more persuasive, and less insulting than conclusions, so lead with them first. 2. Tell your story — Explain the situation from your point of view, taking care to avoid insulting or judging, which makes the other person feel less safe. 3. Ask for others’ paths — Ask for the other person’s side of the situation, what they intended, and what they want. 4. Talk tentatively — Avoid conclusions, judgments, and ultimatums. 5. Encourage testing — Make suggestions, ask for input, and discuss until you reach a productive and mutually satisfactory course of action.