This may be the best time in history to become an entrepreneur. We are in a fundamentally new economy, the Innovation Age, where technology transforms, opening new fields of small business opportunity. Information technology enables small business to compete more effectively and customers are becoming much more knowledgeable and demanding. Meeting the needs of individuals is a small business strength, So, why is it so scary to take the plunge? To make your plan as bulletproof as possible, these five essentials must be assessed and managed to make a business successful.

We’ve entered a new economy where technology transforms the strategies for future success like never before. We sat down with Jim Bottomley, keynote speaker at the 2018 Conference for the Oil and Gas Industry, to ask some questions about his work as a futurist and his thoughts on how to develop improved strategy and leadership. We also asked Jim for his insights on the future of energy, another theme he will explore with attendees at this year’s conference.