838. Encore: Kick Fear to the Curb and Assume Your Power

“I began seeing other people were getting further ahead, making more money. I observed how critical it was to build a strategic network. So I started doing that. Then I read an article on five ways to become financially independent: Become a doctor, a lawyer, inherit or marry. Number 5 was start a business, and I said ‘How hard could it be?’ I got a $1.3 million S.B.A. loan and opened a franchise restaurant.”

“I was asked to vet the early investors into Skullcandy. They went public two years later, so this launched me into my perfect situation. I sit on venture capital boards. I’m an advisor to Springboard. We’ve raised over $6 billion, have had 11 IPO’s, 145 strategic sells. People can do a whole lot more in life with money. And the number one way you create value and wealth is in the startup world.”

“My basic formula is quality relationships, plus strategy to a specific goal. And you start with that specific goal. Also use my Three Golden Questions: 1. How can I help? 2. What other ideas do you have for me? 3. Who else do you know I should talk to? A young woman called me recently and used those questions to get her first round of funding for her company. Those questions are profound. You change your mindset, and kick fear to the curb.”