Award-Winning CEO Shares Tips for Developing Them

A first-quarter survey of start-up entrepreneurs' confidence levels found a whopping 91 percent were "confident" or "very confident" that their companies would become more profitable in the coming 12 months.

Nearly half anticipate hiring more employees in that time, according to the April poll of nearly 2,000 CEOs by LegalZoom.

That doesn't surprise Corrine Sandler, CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp., a global business intelligence companyranked on Profit Magazine's list of top 50 fastest-growing companies and featured two years in a row on the W100 (top woman entrepreneurs in Canada) list.

"Any natural entrepreneur is bursting with confidence, both in him- or herself and in the conditions they control," says Sandler, author of "Wake Up or Die" (www.wakeupordie.us), a comprehensive guide to the use of intelligence in the contemporary business environment.

In fact, she says, confidence is one of the five key traits shared by successful entrepreneurs.

"Entrepreneurs need risk to thrive, so believing in themselves and the people they've put in positions of responsibility is essential," she says. "There's no room for doubt and second-guessing yourself."

Use your strengths to shine and hire people to handle the jobs that don't play to your strengths, she advises. You'll reinforce your own positive self-image and you'll give those around you even greater confidence in you, which will help feed your belief in yourself.

Sandler, who has worked with Fortune 500 companies for more than 20 years and is a member of the global Entrepreneurs' Organization, says true entrepreneurs (economic change agents, as she calls them) also share the following personality traits.

•  Passion: It can't be developed through leadership training, but everyone has the capacity for it, Sandler says.

"It's the source of incredible energy that feeds on one of our most powerful emotions and compels entrepreneurs forward with excitement and enthusiasm."

•  A fighter's instinct: The best fighters have studied their competition, identified their strengths and weaknesses, and used that knowledge to develop a strategy to beat them. They're determined to give it their all whether they're winning or losing.

"When things are going well, the entrepreneur who thinks the fight is over and he has won will quickly find himself knocked to the mat - just look at the Gola brand," Sandler says. "Equally important is having the mental fortitude to keep fighting when you're at the bottom, bruised and bloodied."

Of course, "the fight" doesn't involve punches or artillery. In business, it involves constantly assessing the competitive market and taking proactive measures to ensure your business holds the advantage.

•  Vision: Successful entrepreneurs are always thinking ahead - planning the future with imagination and wisdom. Having a vision means being able to manifest original ideas.

Strategic coaches can help you define your vision, if that's not your strength. Sandler relies on worksheets to crystalize and drive the vision home, such as the BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) from "Mastering the Rockefeller Habits" by Verne Harnish.

"What you visualize will materialize," she says.

•  Rebel: Entrepreneurs are agents of change; they predict the future by creating it.

"You can't be content with maintaining the status quo, you must push the limits," Sandler says. "Use intelligence to quickly and accurately identify - and act on - market trends. Dare to be different!"

She cites WattPad and specifically Allen Lau, founder and CEO of Wattpad. A compelling, thought-provoking entrepreneur, Lau has built the world's largest community for reading and sharing stories.

The "big 6" publishing giants missed the idea, which Lau capitalized on, creating a social media platform that allows amateur authors to connect directly with readers. It hosts more than 5 million user-generated stories in 25 languages, with half a million new stories every month.

"Now, that's a rebel with a cause," Sandler says.

Not everyone was born to be an entrepreneur, she says.

"But if that's what you believe you want, do an honest self-assessment. If you're lacking in one of these traits, address it!"

About Corrine Sandler

Corrine Sandler is the founder and CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp, a global market research agency; international professional speaker and author of  "Wake Up or Die," (www.wakeupordie.us) a new book that applies lessons from Sun Tzu's ancient classic, "The Art of War," to contemporary businesses. Corrine has been on Profit's top 100 Female Entrepreneurs list two years in a row. With more than 20 years' experience, she has established a reputation for unparalleled consumer understanding and insight development working with Fortune 500 companies.

Governor Honors Two Fallen Firefighters and 44 Others for Life-Saving Acts of Bravery

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis and firefighters from across the state to honor Illinois' fallen firefighters and those who performed life-saving acts of bravery this year. The recognitions were part of the 21st Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony at the Illinois State Capitol. The ceremony paid tribute to two firefighters who died in the line of duty and recognized 44 firefighters or departments for acts of bravery within their communities.

"The bravery demonstrated by the firefighters being recognized here today proves that it takes an extraordinary person to be in this profession," Governor Quinn said. "It's important that we thank and recognize these men and women who put their lives on the line - day in and day out - to protect us. Let us reflect on and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

Two firefighters who died in, or as a result of, the performance of duty were honored during the ceremonies as their families were presented with the Duty Death Gold Badge. Those recognized include the late Chris Brown, a firefighter with the Hudson Community Fire Protection District and Bloomington Fire Department, along with the late Lawrence "Lance" Stone, a firefighter with the West Union Community Fire Protection District.

"Today we're also reminded of the dangers of this noble profession, as we solemnly honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty," Fire Marshal Matkaitis said. "I am proud to thank each firefighter for their dedication to public safety."

The Medal of Honor Award, the highest award given to firefighters by the state of Illinois, was presented to seven firefighters who were selected for their acts of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which they demonstrated selflessness and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk. Recipients include :

• Chicago Fire Department: Lieutenant/EMT John Majka, Firefighter Michael Kappel, Captain/EMT Mauricio Rodriguez, Firefighter/EMT James Wagner
• Firefighter/PM Travis Hasselbacher, Copperas Creek Fire Department
• Captain Derek Perry, Galesburg Fire Department
• Battalion Chief Dan Schiradelly, Oswego Fire Department

Twelve firefighters were recognized for acts of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger. Medal of Valor Award recipients include :

• Lieutenant Frank DiGiovanni, Bolingbrook Fire Department
• Chicago Fire Department: Firefighter/EMT Joseph Atkins, Firefighter/EMT Cedric Collins, Firefighter/EMT Michael Diete, Lieutenant/EMT Ronald Ellingsen, Captain/EMT Alfred Kiefer, Firefighter/EMT Kevin Martin, Firefighter John McClorey, Firefighter John Veller
• Captain Jeffrey Hott, Decatur Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Gottschalk, Highland Park Fire Department
• Fire Chief Michael Vaughn, Washington Fire Department

Seventeen firefighters and departments received the Firefighter Excellence Award for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to the citizens of the state of Illinois. Recipients include :

• Alton Fire Department
• Argenta-Oreana Fire Protection District
• Director Julie Barclay, Cass-Putnam Rescue Services of Cuba, Illinois
• Chicago Fire Department: Firefighter/EMT Sean Butler, Firefighter/EMT Jason Flores, Fire Paramedic Edward Gilbride, Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Licato, Engineer/EMT John Meade, Firefighter Robert Murphy
• Cisco Fire Protection District
• Firefighter Matt Lewis, Galesburg Fire Department
• Gardner Fire Protection District: Firefighter Kaylee Bain, Lieutenant Joe Yates
• Hinsdale Fire Department: Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Majewski, Firefighter/Paramedic Donald Newberry
• Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District
• West Frankfort Fire Department

A Certificate of Recognition Award was presented to the following for dedication to the principles and traditions of the fire service:

• Chicago Fire Department: Firefighter/EMT Edtismond Johnson, Firefighter Joseph White III
• Firefighter Brock Dieu, Danville Fire Department
• Hinsdale Fire Department: Lieutenant William Claybrook, Captain David DeWolf, Firefighter-Paramedic Nicholas McDonough, Firefighter/Paramedic James Nichols, Firefighter-Paramedic Steven Tullis

Nominations were reviewed and winners selected by the Illinois Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee.

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DECORAH, IA (05/06/2014)(readMedia)-- Chloe Gumpert, a Luther College senior from Eldridge, Iowa, was a member of the Luther Dance Marathon executive board that raised a total of $38,612.01 to send to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 150 schools across the country. Gumpert, the daughter of Tami Gumpert and Tami Gumpert of Eldridge, Iowa, is a 2010 graduate of North Scott High School. She is majoring in biology at Luther.

"My sophomore year at Luther, a service organization I was a part of was contacted by a neighboring IIAC college asking if Luther would like to start Dance Marathon on our campus. Myself and 3 other friends decided to spearhead establishing the organization after learning more about the scope of Dance Marathon and its influence at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City. For the next 2 years, we worked to construct a constitution, establish an executive board, organize fundraising events, and ultimately recruit 31 Morale Captains and over 400 Luther students to pledge to dance at the Big Event. On April 12th, these students along with Decorah community members united from noon to midnight to dance for those who can't, including local Children's Miracle Network families. The $38,612.01 raised is indeed a testament to the generosity and unity of the Luther community and this organization will continue to do good in the years to come, all for the kids," Gumpert said.

After a year-long commitment from more than 500 people, the year culminated in a 12-hour long event where students stayed on their feet through dancing, games and entertainment in celebration of the total amount raised.

After two years of careful planning Luther students Paul Esker, Chloe Gumpert, Jordan Jensen and Libby Logsden convened an executive board and coordinated the event.

The public campus fundraising goal was $15,000, but Gumpert said the executive board wanted to raise one more cent than the 2013 Wartburg College Dance Marathon goal of $32,000.

The two largest sponsorships came from the community businesses of Mabe's Pizza and the Magpie Coffeehouse. Other sponsors included Pizza Hut, Happy Joe's, Pizza Ranch, Mr. Groovy's, Kepharts, Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty, Fridley Theaters, Oneota Co-op, Decorah Veterinary Clinic and Love Your Melon.

"Old Man" by Brianna Paup to be displayed in U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that a pencil drawing by Brianna Paup, a junior at North Cedar High School in Stanwood, was selected to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District in the 2014 Congressional Art Contest. For the first time, the People's Choice Award winner was selected in an online competition in which nearly 2,500 votes were cast. Paup's winning drawing, "Old Man," was one of a record 167 entries from 13 different high schools in 10 counties. It will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and Paup will receive a free trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the unveiling as well as a reception held to honor all of this year's winners.

"Each year I am more and more impressed by the creativity, ingenuity, and talent of our local high school students. I send my congratulations to all of the young artists whose record number of submissions made it a very close contest this year. I especially want to congratulate Brianna and look forward to welcoming her and her family to Washington and seeing her artwork hang in the U.S. Capitol," said Loebsack.

The artwork of the first and second runners-up will be displayed in Loebsack's district offices in Davenport and Iowa City. The first runner-up was a photograph by Pimpaporn Teerathammongkol, a senior at Davenport West High School, entitled "Sunset in Iowa." The second runner-up was a painting by Alli Herr, a freshman at Keokuk High School, entitled "Silhouette Tree."

Winner:  Brianna Paup, North Cedar High School

"Old Man"

First Runner-up:  Pimpaporn Teerathammongkol, Davenport West High School

"Sunset in Iowa"

Second Runner-up:  Alli Herr, Keokuk High School

"Silhouette Tree"

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