By Claire Rozeman | Guest Contributor | Smoak Public Relations
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Dan Sterling and Edwin McCain discuss setting goals, accepting failure and never slowing down
Despite working in different industries, Dan Sterling, president of Green Cloud Technologies, and Edwin McCain, a nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, have very similar views on how to approach business and be a successful entrepreneur. During this Successful Entrepreneurship Series event, both men shared their distinct perspectives on the business practices they live by and the keys to successful entrepreneurship.
Write Down Your Goals
Sterling and McCain agreed that setting goals should be an entrepreneur’s first priority. Sterling suggested that entrepreneurs write down goals, making them tangible reminders of what they want to accomplish.
If you have difficulty turning your thoughts into concrete goals, McCain suggested that “goals should be outrageous, but tempering your expectations is key.”
Both presenters encouraged entrepreneurs to share their goals with someone who can act as an accountability partner. It’s hugely beneficial to have someone who can push you to attain your goals. Sterling said, “I’m completely unreasonable and unrealistic. I set goals [for my sales people] that they do not believe they can accomplish, but they can – they’re doing it!”
Accept Failure and Move On
Sterling delivered a poignant piece of advice during his presentation: “Don’t strive to be successful, but significant.” As entrepreneurs, both Sterling and McCain understand that things don’t always go the way you hope or expect. But Sterling believes that “if you didn’t make a mistake today, you’re not working hard enough. Just never make the same mistake twice.”
McCain added that your ability to ask for help is in direct proportion to your success. The positive people you surround yourself with are always your biggest allies.
Understand Your Business and Your People
Both businessmen repeated the saying “I do business with people” throughout their presentation. Learning how to positively interact with peers, co-workers and employees is a hugely significant element in being a successful businessperson.
McCain said, “The only way to truly learn a business is to go and do the hardest job there.”
If you own a company and you really want to make progress, Sterling said to lead, not manage. “Get out there with the troops and make things happen.”
Keep Moving Forward
“If you don’t have a sense of urgency, you’re dead.” While this idea of Sterling’s may seem extreme, he explained that as a teenager he was introduced to the book “Rhinoceros Success,” written by Scott Alexander. The book explains how to approach life and business like a rhinoceros. Being a rhinoceros means always waking up in the morning ready to charge, and Sterling said this is how he lives his life every day. He credits his accomplishments and success to learning how to “start the day going fast and never slow down.”
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The Successful Entrepreneurship Series is a program developed by Serrus Capital Partners that encourages individuals to develop ventures that benefit the community. A group of industry experts shares experiences and insight, offering proven advice on how to foster business success. Topics include marketing, social media, financial and accounting basics, human resources, leadership and international business.
