Melanie, CEO of Defining Moments Publishing, a top leadership expert, speaker, and author, has helped millions to monetize their purpose. In the entrepreneurial world, resourcefulness often trumps resources. This quality is crucial in business, where ingenuity can make the difference between failure and success. Just like gold, ideas are usually buried beneath the surface and can be extracted with force or discovered by accident. Ideas often make a significant impact on a company’s success, and examples of this are evident in some inventive strategies utilized by entrepreneurs.
One such example is restaurateur Dave Fansler, who, in 1995, saw an opportunity to expand his popular steakhouse, Tahoe Joe’s, into a second location in Fresno, California. Fansler secured the restaurant during a chaotic moment when the previous occupants had fled mid-shift. By using unconventional and cost-effective tactics, such as buying old cars to create a makeshift security measure, he was able to negotiate a steal for the entire restaurant’s contents. His foresight paid off, and Tahoe Joe’s thrived, eventually being sold to Buffets Holdings. Another example is J.G. Boswell, who, in the 1930s, used a creative solution involving old cars to prevent flooding in Kings County, California, preserving farmland and averting an economic disaster.
During a personal crisis in 2008, Melanie reflected on the strategies employed by these entrepreneurs and applied them to her own situation. She realized the importance of focusing on facts rather than emotions during a crisis, avoiding the belief that life is over, not asking “why,” and instead asking more productive questions. These strategies led her to create a new business providing resources for those seeking transformation in their lives or businesses. Melanie’s bounce-back story has inspired millions around the world and serves as a reminder that thinking outside the conventional box can enhance and safeguard a business’s assets.
The stories of Dave Fansler and J.G. Boswell exemplify how thinking creatively and outside the box can safeguard and enhance a business’s assets. These narratives serve as reminders for entrepreneurs and CEOs that sometimes, the best resources are forged from scraps and audacity rather than high financial investments. By applying unconventional and inventive strategies, businesses can thrive and succeed even in challenging circumstances. The Forbes Business Council, a leading organization for business owners and leaders, recognizes the value of innovative thinking and resourcefulness in achieving business growth and success.
