Dad, Baba, Otousan, Padre… all of these are different words that mean one thing: the man whose love, support and guidance has helped you through different stages in life. He’s probably the person you aspire to become one day or the man you want your significant other to be modeled after. However, if your father is a businessman, expect to learn more about the ways of life than your friends and peers.
By meeting different people from all walks of life, he’s heard hundreds of stories and experienced thousands of things personally as well. These make him an authority on more than just business. So, if you truly wish to succeed in life and your career, don’t miss your chance to learn as much as you can from him.
In fact, in addition to giving him a creative gift for Father’s Day, commit the following 20 business lessons from dadpreneurs to memory and use them in every aspect of your life.
Related: 12 Inspiring Entrepreneurs on Father’s Day 2015
1. Not All Losses Are Bad
James Oliver (@jamesoliverjr) is the father of twins and founder of WeMontage, an online service that allows users to upload photos to create a custom collage and then print it on removable wallpaper. In his blog, ‘trepLifedad, he advises,
“While “losing,” but actually ‘winning’ doesn’t happen all the time, it does happen often enough that you should remember when things don’t go your way, don’t worry, because the ‘loss’ could completely swing around in your favor and be something more awesome than you might have imagined.”
2. Always Think Long-Term
Geoff Stenrick (@stenrix) is the former CEO of SImpleRay and Midwest Solar Expo. Currently in between business ventures, he offered sound advice through a 2014 interview on Solar Power World, which can be useful for future generations regardless of the fields they pursue.
“When looking for products to offer, we look at long-term stability first and foremost. This will ensure any warranties will be honored over the long-term. But we also look for innovation in a product to make sure we can offer [options] that create the most value for our customers.”
3. Putting Clients First Is The Key To Success
Winner of Inc’s “Enrich Your Pitch”, Gene Sausse (@genesauce) is the founder of BooKoo Bounce, a 16,5000 square foot entertainment venue for children. Despite his lack of experience, he managed to make his small business into a venture that generated $700,000 annually and grew at an average of 4%. And he did that through making his clients’ needs his top priority. In addition to providing comfortable places for parents, he communicates with them personally.
“We follow up, we send handwritten thank you cards, and I sign them. And to be honest, New Orleans is just one of those towns where people talk. Having my network of friends has really helped.”
4. Every Problem Is An Opportunity
James Wheeler (@SucceedOnlineUs) is the founder of SucceedOnline.us, an online platform for marketers to hone their prospecting and closing skills as well as learn about internet marketing, social network marketing, and much more. In one of his latest motivational tweets, he provides a valuable tip that could do wonders for his toddler if follows it when he grows up.
“I learn, repeatedly, [that] 100% of what I [perceive] as a problem… is really [an] opportunity for a solution. ;)”
5. Ignore The Forces Aiming To Drag You Down
The funder of #Clareifi Media, Euri Giles (@clareifi) offers his expertise in sales, customer satisfaction and engagement, social media management, and content creation. The leader, entrepreneur, and father. Euri’s take on trolls in his blog is quite inspirational and useful for both the real and virtual worlds.
“Trolling preys on the creative, and artistic curators of content. The contributors and would be contributors that can make a difference in our world. I say… Live your life, let your voice be heard! Don’t give too much attention to those who try to tear you down. There is an audience of genuinely engaged, and reasonable people out there for everyone who wants to ‘Change The World’.”
6. There’s No Paved Way To The Top
Andrew G. Warby (@andrewsimports) is a stay-at-home dad by day and an international businessman by night. An avid interior designer, he constantly blogs about different experiences in life. One bit of advice that deserves mentioning is based on her own personal experience after he was fired from his job.
“Success, let alone happiness, is not a smoothly paved road. And the path from where I am to where I want to be is not a freeway. Sometimes there is no road at all. And I cannot do everything by myself. There is a process to everything, and that process must be respected. And there is much more to go, and much more to learn.”
7. Don’t Hesitate To Ask Questions For The Sake Of Both Sides
Carl Dodge (@BCDodge_me) offers his expertise in social media management through Rose and Angel Productions. He’s also the host of Recovery Podcast and co-hosts the ‘What A Relief!’ podcast as well. While he has many inspirational podcasts, the following call to action is a lesson children and adults alike should learn.
“Don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions, heck, you might even stump us and we could learn something together.”
8. Never Travel To The Top Alone If You Aim To Succeed
Copywriting since 1995, Matt Villano (@mattvillano) set up Walehead.com to offer his writing and editing expertise to website owners, budding writers, and everyone in need of high quality content. He later expanded his skillset to include multimedia. As an avid writer, Matt has written for different business publications. In his Entrepreneur piece, ‘‘The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get’, he adds a little advice to complement those provided by the businesspeople he interviewed.
“Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to [do] it alone. Most successful business owners will tell you they could not have accomplished their goals without help – from a mentor, colleague, even mom and dad. For many, their ability to evaluate, internalize and act on the counsel they received was instrumental in getting their companies off the ground.”
9. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Sean Holladay (@seanholladay) is the father of two sets of twins and the co-founder of Crowd Mics, an app that turns iOS and Android devices into effective wireless microphones for live events, meetings, conferences, and even training sessions. Through LinkedIn Pulses titled Startup Dad, he provides bits of advice to his followers, including the following.
“Somewhere down the road we lose this ability to grow with our years doing something. We don’t realize how much we can do. I take the example of [my son] and apply it to myself. I am now “older” in both years and experience and ready to take on more and grow. Be willing to take on more responsibility as you continue on your journey!”
10. You Can Be Both Joyful And Productive At The Same Time
Named as a Rising Star in the promotional products industry, Kirby Hasseman (@kirbyhasseman) is the CEO and founder of Hasseman Marketing. Whenever he isn’t dedicating him time to his marketing agency, he’s busy penning new materials for his blog, books, podcasts, and speaking events. A big believer in “providing Joy in business”, he once wrote,
“Make the customer journey through your process painless. From the beginning of the experience (prospecting) to delivery of the product, make sure you don’t get in the way. Make it joyful. If you do, [your] customer might even be joyful about paying!
Remember: Friction-less business = joyful business.”
11. You Need To Be Able To Express Yourself On Your Business And Vice Versa
Though he always wanted to be a professional comedian, Chase Reeves (@chase_reeves) has made a name for himself as the co-founder and creative director of Fizzle.co. Through his venture, he provides courses from experts and business builders to train freelancers and entrepreneurs alike. In a personal development post on his personal page Ice to the Brim, he points out the need for business to be both the canvas and the anvil.
“We gotta become ourselves, get comfortable in our own skin, get to a place where we’re confident about who we are, proud and grateful about the accomplishments and experiences that make up our DNA… we can’t love or serve or make sustainably without stepping into some kind of coherent sense of self.”
12. It’s Okay To Not Be A Superman
The CEO and Co-Founder of Picky Bars, Jesse Thomas (@jessemthomas) is a pro triathlete who enjoys providing independent consultation, marketing, and product development services to small businesses and startups. With so many things on his plate, he has mastered the art of being balanced and provides sound advice in this regard.
“Every day, there are at least ten things I feel like I should do. Realistically, I only have time for four or five of them. It really forces me to prioritize. Although it’s taken a while, I’ve learned to be OK with not doing everything, with letting some stuff slip. I’ve also become really good at asking for forgiveness.”
13. Be Ready To Make Tough Decisions And Stand By Them
Josh King (@kingylingy) is the founder of Tinderbox Consulting, an agency that specializes in marketing, social media, sales, and small business organization consulting. When he isn’t training or speaking, he can be found with his family or volunteering for SCORESpokane. As a father and a businessman, he understands the need for tough love for the survival of a business and to protect employees from the consequences of false hopes.
“As a biz owner, you have to (or should) make tough choices. Like not assigning work to team members who have no business doing that work. Which doesn’t mean they aren’t a good fit for your team, or that they should be fired. It means you recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and you work accordingly.”
14. Always Have A Set Of Goals In Hand
The father of four, Priest Willis Sr. (@priestwillis) is the president of the award-winning affiliate management company Affiliate Mission and an active podcaster. From his years of experience in the hectic affiliate marketing industry, he has learned the value of goals and emphasizes on the need to establish them.
“How many people do you know that can actually zoom out 30,000 ft., view the progress of their life, and identify where they set goals and accomplished them? Not many. Most live like the wind – moving to and from one day to the next. I find myself living like this as well at times. I believe in the idea that our lives are more than just happenstance, and that we all have a role in designing and cultivating the life we live. Setting goals is not just about accomplishing a list of 2-do’s. It’s a starting point toward designing the life we live.”
15. Don’t Let Your Business Suffocate You
Alan Moore (@R_Alan_Moore) is an enthusiastic crossfitter, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and financial planner. As boring as some of these roles may seem, he has made sure to maintain a fun element in his entrepreneurship. He even explains through his site that having a business shouldn’t make you miserable or else it’ll never thrive,
“When I started my firm, I took a very traditional approach; I had an office, met with clients in person, and tried to do things the way I had been taught to do them. Six months in, my firm was growing, but I wasn’t happy. I realized that while I encouraged my clients to live the life of their dreams, I wasn’t living my great life. I decided that since I always vacationed in Bozeman, Montana I should just move there. I transitioned my business to 100% virtual and start living the life of my dreams.”
16. Hard Work Is The Biggest Investment You Can Make In Your Business
Advisor, consultant, veteran and speaker – these are just some of the roles which Ryan Crownholm (@RyanCrownholm) plays in addition to ‘daddy’. The founder and president of Dig & Demo, Hauling Pros Inc. and Dump My TV has learned a lot. While not a man of many words, he can get his messages across effectively. And here’s a great bit of advice on the realities of stepping into the business world.
“You can’t teach someone to be a hard worker, everything else can be taught.”
17. Keep Your Emotions Under Control
Aaron Walker (@VFTCoach) isn’t only a dadpreneur. He’s a grandfather, life and business coach, and mentor. Through View from the Top, he offers 19 years of experience to businesspeople in order to ensure their ventures make millions annually. One of the excellent bits of advice he offers is to avoid being washed away by emotions.
“A man that has mastered the discipline of restraint and emotional control over his behavior will reap benefits too numerous to list. This self-control allows you to respond rather than react. When you react, you are allowing the outside circumstances to control you. When you choose to respond, it demonstrates that you are in control of yourself.”
18. If You Believe In Something, Be Ready To Put Your Money On It
Nick Bowden (@njbowden) is on a mission to change to change the world through his app mySidewalk. By combining his technical expertise with his passion for geography, he’s been able to help those in charge of planning, managing and shaping communities through providing vital public data through a single app. To the younger generation, he offers a bit of decision-making advice.
“The truest sense of conviction for an entrepreneur: will [you] put your [money] where your mouth is?”
19. Let Your Passion Fuel Your Business
Koy McDermott (@leadersinspire) is a father, motivational speaker, and the founder of Leaders Inspire Leaders. His leadership company allows him to empower millennials with tools that can help them achieve more fulfilling lives and overcome various challenges. From the bits of advice he provides through keynotes, his weekly podcast, and workshops, here is a great business lesson.
“Finding your passion and turning it into a business can, at first, feel like a daunting task. It can even make you burst into a cold sweat… Once you’ve identified your passion, or passions, it’s time to turn that passion into something that builds value, is desirable to others, and creates cash to deposit in your bank account.”
20. Entrepreneurship Isn’t For The Weak-Hearted
Jeremy Bodenhamer (@MrBodenhamer) is a dad, husband, surfer, and the CEO of ShipHawk, one of the top shipping platforms that help retailers of all sizes to reduce costs and control their margins. He’s been featured in an Entrepreneur article for successfully juggling both his children and business. From that very post, here’s a great lesson you should learn and teach your little ones.
“But as a CEO who is expected to always be ‘on’, I rarely get the opportunity to let my guard down and step away from the duties of protecting and providing for my flocks. I’m rarely afforded the opportunity to be viewed as human, to take time for myself, to call in sick, or to not answer a late night ‘Call me ASAP’ text message.”
Related: 10 Inspirational Quotes From SMB Owners Here
These are just some of the many lessons you can learn from the people making it big in the business world. So, learn these and teach them as often as you can to ensure your success and others’.
Oh, and before I forget, Happy Father’s Day, Dad and to all the fathers out there.
