5 Things You Need To Know This Week

1) Declare Your Independence and Start Your Own Business

2) Flags of Valor

3) Was the Declaration of Independence the Best Entrepreneurial Document in History?

4) Podcast Wisdom

5) Words to Live By

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Hello Friends and Fellow Business Owners,

?On July 4, 1776, 56 delegates representing 13 colonies gathered in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. The room was a large, handsome chamber filled with oak furniture and ample natural light pouring in through the windows. Some delegates became iconic legends, such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson—the primary author of the document that was about to change history.?

The delegates met to discuss the merits of the Declaration of Independence, knowing that endorsing it meant committing an act of treason against the British Crown. They also knew that a positive outcome could be the beginning of a free and independent nation built on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

At some point in the day, the room grew quiet as the delegates verbally cast their votes. In the end, the result was unanimous. The voters in the room understood that their actions wouldn’t end the conflict—it was just the beginning. On July 4, 1776, 56 delegates, speaking on behalf of the 13 colonies, pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their honor for what would soon become the United States of America.

Since that fateful day 247 years ago, millions of women and men, old and young, of all races and ethnicities, have pledged their lives, fortunes, and honor to keep our country strong, free, and independent. It has not always been easy, and we share the scars of those mistakes and misfortunes, but it is still the place we proudly call home.

Today, I wish all of you happiness and prosperity in pursuing your dreams.

Happy?Independence?Day,

Brian

1. Declare Your Independence and Start Your Own Business

A new study shows that self-employed people lead a more balanced and less stressful life. This—despite earning less, on average, than America’s employees.

The survey shows that while 40% of self-employed people are “happy with their current employment status, and 17% wouldn’t change their employment status for anything, 95% of employed workers would change to self-employed for several reasons, including income, increased job security, hours worked, or better work/life balance.

Read more?about how?going out on your own ?can make you happier and less stressed.

2. Flags of Valor

Brian Steorts's military service began in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He briefly left active duty to attend the University of Alabama. After 9/11 he returned to service and became an Air Force special operations pilot.?

After eight?combat deployments,?Brian found himself rehabbing from a service-related injury. He began woodworking, devoted to building handcrafted custom pieces of pure Americana. After donating several handmade wooden American flags to the families of fallen soldiers, he realized there was more work to do.

Launched in 201, Flags of Valor handcrafts American flags and goods. . Their business operates on three fundamental truths: 1) Made in America matters. 2) Veterans deserve opportunities, and (3) Never stop giving back.

The company partners with veteran-owned and operated nonprofits “to support veterans and their families during times of hardship, crisis, and need.” To date, Flags of Valor has donated more than $1.7 million.

Learn more?about?Flags of Valor .

3. Was the?Declaration of Independence the Best Entrepreneurial Document in History?

Writing on?Inc.com?several years back, Joshua Spodek argued that the Declaration of Independence “can claim to be the best entrepreneurial document in history, perhaps combined with the full business plan a few years later, also known as the Constitution.”

How? Spodek says, like a business plan, it addresses:

• Market need
• A plan
• Attracting investment
• Attract a team
• Look good
• Flexibility
• Competition
• Results
• Room for improvement

Read more?about how the Declaration of Independence was the start of a?great entrepreneurial venture .

4. Podcast Quote of the Week

I believe that my experience can help people. I tell my story, and if it helps or inspires someone, then it was worth going through.–?Robert Moran,?I Still Didn’t Ask For This: Robert Moran’s Amazing Mental Health Journey

5. Words to Live By: