If you are starting a business, you need to tune in to this episode. Today we have Bob Stein, Executive Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh. He has over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, nationally recognized technology expertise, and visionary leadership serving business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Bob is known for creating a specialized information technology consultancy within the IEE and leading the department in helping dozens of member companies achieve multi-million dollar growth.
Let’s dive in together and learn how to open the doors to success with Bob’s keys to entrepreneurial communication.
In this Episode:
[00:01 - 06:12] Opening Segment
- I introduce and welcome Bob Stein
- Activities and career
- Inclusion and diversity
- Bob gives us some background to his entrepreneurial journey
- Started business at a young age
- Online publication of Microsoft products at 14
- Bob talks about building his network
- Authentic and genuine relationships
- Grow overtime
- Bring value
- Examples
- Walking up to people
[06:13 - 09:23] Increasing the 5 Key Metrics
- Bob talks about his work with U Pitt
- Education, consulting, and networking
- Economic development; 5 key metrics
- Working to help build businesses
- Bob gives an example of success through his work
- Helping owners get PPP loans
- Working through the pandemic
- SPDC and IEE
- Part of a national network
- Resource
- Loans, marketing, hiring
[09:24 - 13:18] Keys to Starting a Successful Business
- Bob gives his insights into what makes an entrepreneur
- High energy
- Risk takers
- Refuse to give up
- Typical pitfalls
- Thinking you know everything
- Unwilling to accept help
- The importance of networking
- Connecting with super networkers
- How to communicate with so many different stakeholders
- Finding the common theme
- Communicate your impact
- Follow up on your word
[13:19 - 19:07] Entrepreneurial Communication
- Bob shares his leadership style
- Collaborative style
- Takes longer but bigger payoff
- Finding a good fit for your organization
- Finding people who are skilled and fit the culture
- How to conduct your interviews
- Find the ones who are teachable
- A willingness to grow and change
- Making sure people connect with the topic and gain value
- Finding people who are interesting, affordable, and available
- Speakers with real experience
- Bob talks about the importance of communication within innovation
- Diversity as a competitive...
