Recently, I was made aware of a new program that has been created in North Central Iowa.  Now... I hesitate making too many comments without knowing the nitty gritty of the details, but I can say that I'm excited.

I'm excited because it appears to be a collaborative effort focused on subsidizing entrepreneurs with resources they need to grow.  If you've followed my blog and sat in meetings with Transition Capital Management; you would know that it's access to key resources/relationships that business need to grow.  We shouldn't chase capital... we should find resources that we need to cause capital to chase us.  As for now, I love the steps being taken.  This is one piece to the connectivity puzzle.

The program is a first in the nation entrepreneur health insurance program.  Contact Lori Blackburn of the North Central Iowa Alliance at 319-268-9151 for more details.. OR check out Doug Mitchell's blog who found out about this before me. Touche Doug.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/OPINION01/706080341/1035/OPINION

I stumbled across this article on Friday and just had to give my thoughts via my blog.  I would have posted on the comments section of the Register, but as many of my readers know, I don't think anonymous comments add value to a conversation.  Before you read my comments, make sure to read this article carefully... because I agree with almost everything Paul Soucy has to say.

My first thought after reading this, was my last post... in which I talk about my passion for helping Iowans leave that don't want to stay here.  I don't get mad, I don't fret, I look for pathways to help them succeed.

My second thought was a post I wrote on the Generation Iowa Commission... in which I talk about the fact that I'm excited for what seems to be progress being made.  You'll note too... that I'm not relying on the Commission to solve any problems.  That's not a knock or a complaint.  It's just a marketplace observation.

My third thought was this... I think that every person living in Iowa should view themselves as an employee of the State.  Figure out how you can improve Iowa and then improvement will come to you.  Much like my strategy of creating success for others... create success for your State.  And if you move to FL, NY and MN like I did... then figure out how to create success for that State too.

My fourth thought was this... The Indianola school system allowed me to learn enough to get into college.  Granted it was in MN and I didn't get an academic scholarship... where would I be today if someone forced me to stay in Iowa?

My fifth thought was this... I golfed in beautiful weather this weekend, I met up with good friends and somebody held the door open for me with a smile on their face.  I live in a great State and I'm happy to be back in Iowa.

For a couple years now, I've been trying to explain to others why I decided to start blogging.  Recently, Mike Sansone suggested that I join in Liz Strauss's conversation on describing a metaphor on why I blog.  After a quick Google Search to remember what a metaphor is... Here's mine...

Bare with me and understand that I consider myself, most of the time, a business nerd.  I'm a business nerd because I think blogging is like 'dreaming about networking and collaboration.'

If you think about it, you can write a blog post... take a nap... and allow your posting to do your networking for you.  That's a powerful tool because a powerful tool is one that can be effective without anyone operating it.  Or maybe that's my metaphor... blogging is like a narcoleptic operating heavy machinery...

My high school English teacher would be proud.

The members of IowaBiz just recently got the current page results of our blogging for PSIS.  I still don't know that I really understand them, but apparently they're very good for a young blogsite.  Once again, I'm humbled, honored, privileged and flat out excited.  Plus, one of my posts made the list of the most read.  With a group of experts like that, it's very flattering.  Here the post... but make sure you check out the other bloggers.  There is some good stuff for business owners in there.

This was the first time I've attended a Speed Networking that wasn't organized with my good buddy Mitch Matthews and my lil buddy Hannah (now with brand new eyes).

I thought it was awesome.  There were a little over 20 people?  I think... but either way, Java G's was buzzing with excitement.  Great people, great thoughts and I'd be very surprised if several people don't experience some type of success from attending.

I've said it before and I'll say it yet again... there are amazing things happening in Des Moines and it's just a matter of time before Iowa becomes 'the place to grow.'  Keep up the good work everyone... we're onto something.

If anyone would like further info on upcoming Speed Networking events... check out ExtremeNetworking.org

Souffles should only take 10 minutes to make.  The only cooking utensils you'll need are: a small pan, a Swiffer and a set of ball bearings.  Don't forget to let the ball bearings age for at least five days.  Once you've got these utensils; you're ready to add the ingredients.  Once again, it's an easy mix.  Just add: egg, starch and a dash of bs.  Pop it in the oven at 407 degrees and WHAM!  You're eating great tonight.

Okay, I'm done being sarcastic.  For those of you that know me, you'd know that I'm the last person in the world that should give souffle advice.  For those of you that don't know me and don't know how to make a souffle; you may think that I'm the expert and you should listen to me.  (hopefully not though)

In a business sense...

A business owner/business that represents themselves as having expertise in a certain area; you're not only going to be exposed, but you're going to hurt your clients in the process.  It doesn't have to be as blatant as the first paragraph either.  It can be something written in passing, not talked about, but seen nonetheless.  Surround yourself with the knowledge and expertise that can help the client.  It will benefit your client, economic development and you in the long run.

Hi, I'm Adam Steen.

I joined Transition Capital Management with my father Tom Steen in 2004.  My specific practice, as I am mentored into the capital formation industry, involves assisting small to medium sized companies develop their businesses and achieve maximum profit potential.  These duties include but are not limited to:  marketing plan development, building/creating functional networks, market/industry analysis and re-organizing/re-enforcing current strategic positions within respective markets.

I recently took the position of Vice President of Professional Development of the YPC of Des Moines; a group designed to put tools in place to grow young professionals both personally and professionally.

Prior to Transition Capital Management, I spent a brief period in Minneapolis, MN where I was an insurance agent and coordinated several small business related networking groups.  Before that, I enjoyed a brief career in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system as a pitcher.

My educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  And I am currently enrolled in and pursuing several continuing education programs.

The purpose of my blog is to create relationships both for myself and my firm.  In my opinion, getting connected is key to the success of TCM and our marketplace.

The Best is Yet to Come...