The energy trading and risk management market is one that has historically spawned a lot of new start-up businesses. The current market is no different. Right now, there are many small firms that have started from one-man consulting engagement developing a cool piece of code at an energy trading company. Unfortunately, these small start-ups are facing daunting odds against their success. Few of these consultants turned businessmen have the entrepreneurial experience necessary to evolve their companies past an engagement to engagement model. In order to succeed in the long term, these new business owners need to develop skills that go beyond their ability to write innovative code - skills such as organizational leadership, marketing, sales, finance/funding, and strategy.

Fortunately, there is an upcoming opportunity for these entrepreneurs to learn from some of the most experienced folks in the business. Texas A&M University's Center for New Ventures & Entrepreneurship is hosting an event called Envision 08 to be held in San Antonio in April. The event will host speakers such as Guy Kawasaki, the godfather of entrepreneurs, and Stephen Covey, the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

If you’re leading a start-up or a small company (or even a medium sized company and are looking to take it to the next level), I can highly recommend this event. For more information, check out the Envision08 website here.

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