By Molly Gunson | Guest Contributor | Smoak Public Relations
Richard Davis of TV’s “Flip This House” on finding your entrepreneurial style
Event: Successful Entrepreneurship Series @ Greenville Tech
Who was there: 2014 Spring Successful Entrepreneurship series members
Speaker: Richard Davis, “Flip This House”
Topic: Defining your entrepreneurial style
Next speakers: March 4: Jane Robelot, WYFF-TV; Dave Wyman, College of Charleston
TV personality Richard Davis, founder, president and CEO of Trademark Properties, has a distinct view on entrepreneurship, shaped by his experience in the real estate and television worlds. Throughout his address at this spring Successful Entrepreneurship Series event, Davis posed probing questions to the group in order to illuminate what he believes to be the key elements of a successful entrepreneurial career.
What Are You Passionate About?
Davis stressed to entrepreneurs the importance of finding a passion and using that passion to give back to the community. Davis’ passion is basketball. His love for the game led him to create a program for teams of the most talented high school players in South Carolina to not only develop their technical skills, but also transition into college basketball careers. Davis explained that, for him, it is all about paying it forward, without expecting pay back.
How Committed Are You?
“You’re passionate about something,” stated Davis, “but how committed are you?” After reading Tom Wolfe’s “A Man in Full,” Davis was struck by the idea that the book should be made into a film. He has pursued this idea since 2006, and run into roadblocks, barriers and flat-out rejection. Nearly eight years later, his idea has begun to take shape and a movie based on “A Man in Full” is now in its beginning phases.
Davis recognized the commitment the Successful Entrepreneurship members show by attending presentations each week, but challenges them by asking how long they’ll stay committed. He explained, “Persistence pays off. You don’t always get what you want, but you can get somewhere.”
Are You a Serial Entrepreneur or a Strategic Entrepreneur?
Davis pointed out that many people “slide under the entrepreneur umbrella,” but clarified that there are two very distinct types of entrepreneurs. “Serial entrepreneurs” are inventors. They constantly come up with new ideas, see these ideas through to fruition and then move on to their next inspiring idea. In contrast, “strategic entrepreneurs” tend to seize on one idea, taking it from conceptualization to completion. They also aim to make a difference in the world by using their idea as a tool for change. Davis emphasized that neither type of entrepreneur is the “right” one to be. It’s possible to be a successful serial or strategic entrepreneur, but identifying your working style will benefit you and all the people you work with.
What Do You Consider Success?
Finally, Davis asked the group to define success, explaining “It’s all relative. It’s different for everyone.” He explained his belief in human capital, and that a group of good people pushing in the right direction towards a common goal can achieve great successes. Davis realizes that entrepreneurs have tasks to accomplish, but always want results first. He cautioned that the best way to achieve your intended results is to first determine how to get there. Using a “roadmap” to help guide your entrepreneurial journey will help you see those results and ultimately achieve success.
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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 share 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.
