Looking back on my original interview with Brian Behan (BB Graphics), the information that I gained was immensely helpful in determining what I would need to know to succeed on my path to becoming an entrepreneur. I think that some of the information that I gained, initially, from the interview was helpful but wasn't something that I was necessarily taught. Things like management, whether it be time or people, really depend on the field you are in and aren't blanket skills that you can cover all types of businesses with. Also, learning to say "no" isn't a skill that is taught but more a skill that you learn with time. Going into this next interview, I wanted to find some more information that couldn't be taught.
The interview was done over the phone and as a result I wasn't able to record the conversation.
1. Did you ever experience any failures in becoming the entrepreneur you are today?
Yes, to a certain extent. When I over promised or under delivered. You want the business so bad that you promise certain results. You promise a customer that it is going to look or be a certain way, and it just ends up being different from what you described or envisioned. Promising someone a certain price and then finding out that the job takes more material
2. When did you realize that you had made it and that your business was successful?
When I didn't have to advertise and people still came in. I didn't have to take out money for a TV or radio ad and I still had customers, new customers, calling me and buying from me. The majority of the new clients that I obtained told me it was because it was they were referred from existing clients. When you see that your business is running on word of mouth, you know it is successful.
3. Do you think it was worth it?
Of course. There is nothing better than being your own boss. The freedom, and the fact that you appreciate yourself is what makes it worth it. There is nothing more rewarding than building something from the ground up.
After finishing this interview, I definitely felt more relaxed talking to Brian. I could tell that he noticed I was more relaxed too. It was almost like talking with a friend rather than just a business owner who agreed to some random interview. I think that if I can keep up with this level of comfort, gaining knowledge and succeeding in the entrepreneurial world will be much easier for me.
I thought you asked some very engaging questions. It was interesting to read his perspectives on the importance of word of mouth. As an entrepreneur or someone in business, it can be easy to lose sight of the impact of WOM. I also felt more relaxed and had a similar experience to you. Overall, I enjoyed reading your interview. Check out mine http://ent3003sw.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html
ReplyDeleteHello Cody, the questions that you asked Brian were very well thought. In my first post with Interviewing an Entrepreneur I feel that I could have asked better questions and I'm sure that you did too. When trying to think of good questions, being personal about it would really help. Especially because at one point in time, the person that you were interviewing was asking the same ones to someone before them. I would say that you should go and check out my post on my Very Short Interview with an Entrepreneur No. 2 but, I forgot to do it... Oops!
ReplyDeleteHi Cody,
ReplyDeleteI found this interview to be full of useful information regarding the perception of entrepreneurs. He said he believes he is successful now that his business is running on word of mouth, which is great for him. This may be a valid goal for any entrepreneurial venture. I also felt more relaxed by the second interview; because I had spoken with the business owner earlier this year, and also because we didn’t record the conversation. I enjoyed your post. Good luck on the last few assignments.
You can view my “Very Short Interview, Part 2” here.