Ask the Expert

1. What internal characteristics are needed to succeed in business?

 

You have to be willing to work hard, long hours and not quit. Quitters never get there; losers quit when their tired and winners quit when they’ve won.

 

2. What areas must be in place for continual growth?

 

A product that people want
Capital
Financial control
Dedicated people

 

3. How much of business is your gut instinct vs. what you learned in business school?

 

The older you get, the more you think it’s your gut instinct; but it’s an accumulation of what you’ve learned and your gut instinct. Don’t shoot from your hip, take time to learn and spend more time studying.

 

4. What is the one gadget or technological advance that you absolutely must have to operate effectively?

 

My computer or blackberry. To make better use of my gadgets, I ordered a voice recognition system for my computer. I’m horrible at typing.

 

5. How important is mentorship to new business owners or those entering the workforce?

 

It’s more important to some vs. others. It was important for me. The people I came in contact with taught me a ton.

 

One of my mentors taught me to “never ride coach on an airplane.” He said the people I would meet in first class would be invaluable (to my career). I’ve always remembered that; being associated with the right people is very important.