A Conversation With Eric Greenspan

Friday I attended A Conversation with Eric Greenspan. This event brought a notable alum to the school, the cofounder of Make it Work. I really enjoyed the event!  Eric Greenspan was interviewed by Bonnie Chavez, who is the Business Administration Chair of SBCC and a well liked business professor. The event was sponsored by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Here are some things that I learned:

• When asked what Eric Greenspan would study if he could go back in time, he answered that it was more important that he learned to deal with the challenges and responsibilities of getting through college and managing himself financially than the specifics of one major. He was planning on being a doctor originally, but did not want to feel boxed in by a set salary.
• One major piece of advice is to trust your gut. Also, always set checks and balances against people, such as accountants.
• His two biggest mistakes were not asking for enough money at a negotiation (even though he asked for more than they originally offered), and paying $125,000 for a single URL.
• I was impressed by the fact that he has "massive OCD and ADD" and has managed many companies. It is very inspirational that he has overcome these challenges and made them work for him.
• He really emphasized the fact that you need to pursue your passion, not money. 
• Don't worry about falling to the norms. If you're gonna do soemthing, go for it. 
• He believes you should strive to be the best at whatever you do. When he was a waiter, he was the best waiter, because he assumed if he had to spend x amount of time there, he might as well as be the best at it. 
• He explained that an entrepreneur starts a company, and a CEO runs a company. These are not always (or often) the same people. He has always been an entrepreneur, and it is his first time being a CEO.
• When asked how to create a positive attitude in employees, he said it needs to come from the top down. 
• It doesn't matter if the economy is falling, because he said if there will just be one company like his left standing, let it be his.
• Another really valuable piece of advice is that it is easy to get in a rut when things are going smoothly, so you  have to stay aware and on your game.
• What excites him most at work is when his employees amaze him. He believes in listening to his employees to get ideas and improve the company.

If I had to tie it all together, I would say that he believes that passion and trying your best are what can make you successful. If you have an idea, just go for it.