I was part of a business panel last week talking about "Risk, Reward, Opportunity: Navigating a Changing Marketplace." This event was sponsored by the Northwestern Club of Colorado. My fellow panelists, Chris Onan, Madie Gustafson, and Brian Baldwin, are well-known in Denver business circles.

Some nuggets of wisdom from the panel:

1. Don't burn bridges.
2. Clean up your messes.
3. When networking, don't expect that you are entitled to anyone else's time. Get to know the whole person, not just someone in their professional role. Think of it as relationship-building, not a transaction. Give first before asking for anything.
4. Where there's opportunity:  Solve problems with fresh water and  energy. Food sector. Industries that fill Baby Boomer needs–co-housing, alternatives to retirement, creating meaning. Photo by jeremyfoo
5. You don't have to have your whole life figured out. Just worry about the next step.
6. Be adaptable, flexible. Be willing to try something new.
7. Money for start-ups is still available. It's just more expensive.
8. Be intellectually honest. Accept and work with the reality of your situation, even if it's not what others want to hear.
9. Cut your expenses.
10. There's never been a better time to start a company. 
11. Be willing to take risks, to push the envelope. 
12. Be willing to move into action, even if you don't have it all figured out. Perfection is the enemy of the entrepreneur.

For those of you who attended the event, please add what you learned from the panel.