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2 entrepreneurs illustrate business creativity at NCET in Reno

Page Last Updated: Friday March 12, 2010 1:36pm PST

Shelley Kudelka-News 4

They're entrepreneurs known for delivering motivational speeches, and for their colorful shoes.

Husband and wife, Bob Belknap and Norma Havens, are the founders of the company, University of Street Smarts. The company introduces businesses to fresh sales ideas and communication skills, to help them thrive in the current recession. Both hit the ground running in purple and red Converse shoes - a creative way to illustrate the power of always being ready for new business opportunities.

"I think the people who got stuck in believing that things are going to come back to the way they were and say we'll just wait until things turn around, those are the people who aren't going to succeed," explained Havens. "They won't be here a year from now. Those who feel that they're stuck and they can't do anything different. Those who say I'm going to change the way I'm doing things, I'm going to innovate them, I'm going to look for a new idea - I think those people will be successful in a year."

Every Monday, University of Street Smarts sends an electronic "Shoe Gram." The ‘Gram" is a weekly remind for employees to bring more efficient, responsive and innovative ideas to their companies. Belknap says now is also an ideal time for the unemployed to explore new ventures. Many of the country's most successful companies and products stemmed from recessions, including: Campbell's Soup, Microsoft Licensing and Sports Illustrated.

"Most people say I'm scared to death. I'm scared to spend another dime for this or that. I'm afraid to expand into this because I just don't know what will happen," explained Belknap. "That's why we tell them to be bold. We tell them this is the year to be bold enough to innovate and create. We tell people be bold enough so that Monday morning it's like your first day on a brand new job. What would you do different from what you did on Friday? Use that as your springboard."

The couple will present at the Nevada's Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) Expo on Friday, March 12th at 1 p.m. The free expo is at the Atlantis Casino and Resort, and runs throughout the day.

To learn more on University of Street Smarts and how to receive a weekly "Shoe Gram", click here: http://www.universityofstreetsmarts.com/

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