Confessions of a Serial Entrepeneur by Stuart Skorman

A large ego is not just good for an entrepreneur, its necessary. 

The essence of an entrepreneur is the diehard belief that we are the only ones able to make things happen. 

In business you can't accept the status quo. When something doesn't add up you have to delve deeper in search of an answer.

The more ambitious you are the more help you'll require. (Mentors)

One mistake business owners make is thinking they know best...listen to the audience. Objective market research. 

If you want to earn a living you must be paid by someone who values your services. 

When creating a new business design it to attract publicity from the beginning. The name should elicit strong reactions. 

I knew I could vastly improve the video store status quo. 

A strong brand comes from one person's clear vision. 

Get to know your customers. 

I didn't want to call them, I wanted them to call me. I sought out and landed a cover story in...the nations biggest trade magazine. 

Three rules to business and poker: be aggressive, play tight, hone opportunism.

Amazon.com = buy a sales list from the world's biggest bookstore, put it online, and advertise as the world's biggest bookstore. 

Do's and Don'ts for choosing a business:

Base your decision on logic, not emotion

Stick with the familiar

Prioritize fun

Choose a business within your grasp. A stepping stone.

Enter an established field. 

Know your risk tolerance. 

Focus on short term goals. 

You better have a plan to make a profit. 

You need to foresee potential problems, not just the good things. 

"I'm not sure I have time to take any free classes, but I will shop in the store because of them."

When you start a business you need to focus on profit. Pick a model where helping people is profitable. 

Never ever underestimate technology. 

Seek out business owners with similar likes, dislikes, and lifestyles.