The Bens
On Wednesday, I attended a presentation by Ben Casnocha. He’s a 19-year-old serial entrepreneur who’s best described by a blurb on Amazon.com promoting his upcoming book (yes, book):
Ben started his first company at age 12. By the time he was 16, he was nominated for Inc. Magazine’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” and was chairman of his second company, Comcate.
During Ben’s visit, he discussed his philosophy toward entrepreneurship. Ben identified three commonalities among effective entrepreneurs and offered recommendations on how to pursue them. The qualities are as follows:
1. Consider entrepreneurship a “life idea” and a commitment
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Several traits:
- Screwing around (experimentation with ideas); exploration.
- Juggling several projects and pursuing the ones that show promise.
- A good listener.
- Short, medium and long-term goals.
- Expertise (well, at least emitting the “expert” effect)
2. Seek self-improvement and personal growth
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A few areas:
- Mental
- Physical
- Spiritual
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Tactics to improve oneself
- Travel somewhere
- Handwritten gratitude notes: Let someone know how much they mean to you and what you appreciate about them
- Form an advisory board: Individuals that you can seek out for advice
- Read books
- Exercise & sleep: Ben challenges the popular misconception that success must come at the price of one’s own health
3. Start now, act always
- Curb the paranoia and share your ideas: Few truly “original” ideas exist. The execution of an idea that typically dictates its success, not the idea in and of itself. The probability of failure is very high with a venture. You should share your ideas and consider their comments/suggestions. It may reduce your probability of failure.
- Laugh at yourself
- Have a bias toward action: Act now or forward hold your peace
Ben’s presentation was truly insightful. He articulated ideas and qualities that I’ve always embraced but couldn’t put into words. I can hardly believe he’s only 19 years old.
When you have a free moment, check out his blog.