FT. MEYERS, Fla. — According to new research recently published by Nicos Nicolaou of the Tanaka Business School, Imperial College in London, there may be genetic links to multi-generational entrepreneurship. Prof. Nicolaou proposes that genetic factors influence the tendency of people to engage in entrepreneurial activity in six complementary ways.

• First, genes may have direct effects on chemical mechanisms in the brain to predispose some people to engage in entrepreneurial activity.
• Second, genes may make some people more sensitive than others to environmental stimuli that increase the likelihood of engaging in entrepreneurial activity.
• Third, genes may affect the tendency of people to select into environments that are more favorable to entrepreneurship.
• Fourth, genes may influence individual differences, such as extraversion and internal locus of control, that predispose people to engage in entrepreneurial activity.
• Fifth, the genes that predispose people to engage in entrepreneurial activity may also influence the tendency to engage in other social behaviors.
• Sixth, two or more genes may need to interact to influence the propensity for people to engage in entrepreneurial activity.

Born entrepreneurs? There may be genetic foundations of entrepreneurship, but there are also many practical considerations to consider in multi-generational planning. These will be the focus of a special seminar to be held Oct. 12 in conjunction with the 2011 Service Specialists Association (SSA) Annual Convention this year at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Fla.

The event is sponsored by the American Council of Frame and Alignment Specialists (ACOFAS) and SSA.

"Succession Planning for Family Businesses in the Aftermarket" is a one-day seminar that will cover various aspects of succession planning, with guest speakers experienced in assisting family businesses. A proper business succession seeks a smooth transition between the current business owner and the future owners of the business. Putting off business succession planning is a mistake. A complete succession plan can help ensure that your retirement needs are met and that the business you worked so hard to build will continue to flourish for years.

For more information or to register for the seminar, go to http://www.truckservice.org/succession/index.html.