Business Lessons From Dad

I did not grow up in an entrepreneurial family. My dad was a hard working retail sales guy who showered me and my mom with his unconditional love. He worked hard and was always there, supporting me in all my activities, from soccer to softball, drama club to Key Club.

While he didn't own a business, not a day passes on my 20 year entrepreneurial journey that the wisdom I received in my childhood from my pop doesn’t echo in my ears. Here are the top 3 life lessons pop gave me that I use daily in business:

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression

I am pretty sure pop told me that when I was heading to middle school and the 6th grade, and it’s stayed with me all these years. From our email signatures and websites to our social profiles and in person encounters. Whether we like it or not, we are being judged and are judging people in nanoseconds. So, let’s always make the best first impression!

Smile...it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to

There’s nothing else that needs to be said

Go for it

As entrepreneurs we can get caught in the “getting ready to get ready” trap. Sometimes the best thing to do is just, “Go For It” as daddio would say. What could you stop getting ready to do and just do this week?

Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads - you make a difference, you really do!