The W. P. Carey School’s annual annual Spirit of Enterprise Awards “are designed to recognize real entrepreneurs -- those capable of starting something, growing it and sustaining it through thick and thin with constant innovation and customer focus,” according to Dean Robert Mittelstaedt.

I have had all manner of tenants in the past, good and bad. With experience, I have developed a successful application process that helps me to find the best possible tenants. After the successful first phone call, now it is time to schedule the showing.

Some entrepreneurs dream about starting an enterprise their whole lives long, while others chase new inspiration. Yet regardless of their path, the vision for the entrepreneurs behind Kitchell, Ersland Touch Landscape, IO, I-ology and Melrose Pharmacy, was to touch the lives of people.

Some entrepreneurs simply started doing something, made some money and then a business was born. If you find yourself in this position, then you should focus on some core concepts to be more strategic and purposeful with your business, enabling it to grow.

Sidnee Peck, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the W. P. Carey School, talks with Ken Morgan of KFNN MoneyRadio 1510, about the companies that are finalists for the 18th annual Spirit of Enterprise Awards, to be presented November 21.

When do you get an opportunity to peer behind the curtain and learn other businesses' best secrets for getting ahead and making a difference?

It's tough to research and refresh your strategy when you have a business to run, but talking to your current and potential customers is a good start. Sidnee Peck, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the W. P. Carey School of Business, writes weekly on topics of interest to entrepreneurs.

Culture is incredibly important. For major career choices, many top candidates may take a lower-paying position for one at a company whose culture fits his or her lifestyle and values.

Hiring a "free" intern can seem to be an easy fix to a resource constraint at your new business. However, interns need to be hired, trained and mentored properly for both your company and the intern to benefit.

Sidnee Peck, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, takes the stance that employers should hire employees who bring a new viewpoint and set of experiences to the table. Peck explains how employers should go about it.