BizzFlip

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I was all set to write up another interview for this month’s installment when I spotted an email from Adam in my inbox. He was doing what he does and making an email introduction to Will Radcliffe, a principal of a new online venture, BizzFlip. Within an hour, Will and I were chatting on the phone like old friends. Note: I think that’s something that happens very quickly when entrepreneurs recognize each other.

As Will talked about BizzFlip and his two partners, Forrest Kolb and Joe Paone, I knew you all needed to hear from them yourselves. These are young, but very seasoned entrepreneurial businessmen who really have a strong grasp on what it takes to be an entrepreneur, to be good business people, to be good business partners, and to effectively network. Hey! They found each other!

As I read their separate responses to my questions, I was also impressed with the similarity in their answers even though this was done by email and they didn’t hear or see each others responses until now. The similar mindset is exactly what it takes to have a successful partnership. The common generosity of spirit is a main component in successful networking.

I thought it is important to share their unfiltered and unedited responses to illustrate and illuminate how three entrepreneurs who are partners think.

The guys describe their business as follows...

BizzFlip nurtures direct trust-based relationships within a niche community. BizzFlip has altered the way businesses are sold, venture capital is dealt, ideas are shared, and much more!

At the tipping point of an economy in which only the connected will survive, we have created a platform for people to utilize as the painful hierarchy of Nine to Five becomes a thing of the past.

Let me know if you agree! Drop me an email with your thoughts.

The Interview

Question #1:  Please tell us a little about yourself and your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Forrest:  During my junior year at UCSD, and after my first trip to NYC, my instincts told me to begin my entrepreneurial path by creating my own t-shirt brand. After trying out a few concepts, I co-created a brand called Johnnie California. I wanted my designer products to be enjoyed by everyone, so I made sure to not only sell merchandise in the highest-end boutiques up and down the state, but also at local farmers’ markets and even at the California Museum gift store in Sacramento (at the request of Governor Schwarzenegger himself.)

Just over a year ago, while driving through Silicon Valley, I wondered where I could sell my business without having to pay any listing fees. Because I couldn’t think of anything offhand, I knew there was a need. I called and woke up Joe and Will that early Sunday morning and BizzFlip was born. I pulled off the highway and registered the domain at the Kinko’s in San Louis Obispo.

(Also, if you need to, check out our about us page for more details on us: http://blog.bizzflip.com/about.html)

Joe:  I Graduated from UCSD in 2005 with a BA in Economics. I've always had an affinity towards entrepreneurship/working for myself.  After working at an investment firm for 2 years, started my first business (BizzFlip) with 2 partners.

Question #2:   What do you think is the single biggest reason you have followed an entrepreneurial path?

Was there a signature event? I stuck with Bioengineering as my major at UCSD because it seemed, in a sense, prestigious and it was a challenge. And although I will always be a science-enthusiast I was never quite the scientist/engineer myself. I remember one quarter the weather was exceptionally beautiful and the coursework was equally difficult. Due to the fact that I was at the beach more often than not, I was forced to sharpen my networking and negotiation skills. A huge programming project was due by midnight Friday as was a major Physiology lab. It was Thursday evening and nobody had started either assignment. I decided to lurk around the computer lab, as programming was my weakest skill. Aware of the fact that I took pride in making sure to acquaint myself with everyone, the programming gurus approached me asking if I had a heads up on the physiology lab. I said, "Oh yeah, sure!" I mentioned that I would be willing to help them out and asked if they could help out the physiologists with the programming assignment. It was a done deal. I squarely negotiated for both sides, and in the meantime, covered myself on both fronts during the transaction...This is when I learned how much I loved business and how beautiful good business could be for every party involved. I also learned that I was learning more than what the textbooks were able to teach us.

Will:  My family, which is comprised mostly of self-made individuals…

Joe:  The idea of working for someone else was never very appealing to me.  My father is an entrepreneur and started several businesses.

Question #3:  Was there a signature event as you were growing up that set you on this path?

Joe:  After about 2 years in the corporate workplace any doubts that I had about starting my own business were gone.

Question #4:  Are entrepreneurs born or can it be learned?

Will:  I think it can go either way, but mostly I would say entrepreneurs are molded and created throughout certain events having an impact in their lives, but then again I have never really been a fan of the “norm”, so maybe I have been one since I was little, I just didn’t realize it at the time.

Joe:  I personally think that everyone is born with entrepreneur tendencies. I think that is part of human nature. I feel that parents/society/fear are some things that cause a person to stick to more familiar paths (i.e. getting that safe job).

Question #5:  What do you think are the qualities/characteristics that make entrepreneurs different?

Will:  That’s a broad one… First off we’re all dreamers & opportunist, second, we’re doers and third we’re dreamers… Because once the dream dies and the passion goes out, so goes the whole reason you started you business in the first place… It’s the ability to shrug off the naysayers, but not common sense (to some extent), while still moving forward and I guess a forth would be, that all of us are a bit crazy to go out and do this…

Question #6:  What makes entrepreneurs different?

Will:  More or less, that would be summed up in the prior question, but we’re not afraid to try a new endeavor, knowing that there is a good chance that only failure awaits us, but it’s the reward that keeps us going, like a gambler on a hot streak; we try not to think about the downside.

Joe:  Entrepreneurs are able to go right when everyone else is going left. They can see themselves being successful even when people doubt them. Essentially they are able to go against the grain.

Question #7:  Do you think entrepreneurs network differently? What do they do differently? What lessons can others learn from entrepreneurs' networking techniques?

Will:  Hmmm, well I think we may approach it with a mindset of “Don’t be judgmental and try to meet everyone you possibly can” as you never know who you’ll befriend. An open mind is a key to success in many aspects in life and it no different when it comes to networking.

Joe:  In my experience, it seems as if entrepreneurs are able to meet other people easier than most. Perhaps that stems from their reduced sense of fear. I also think that the surrounding environment has an effect on how an entrepreneur networks. They put themselves in places/situations where they are more likely to meet the right kind of people to network with.

Question #8:  How have you seen the entrepreneurs networking at various events? What have you found to work well, as an entrepreneur when networking?

Will:  I wouldn’t say we’re really any different from most business savvy individuals, as for me, I go in there as me, Will Radcliffe, just be you, but try not to be a total ass because no one likes an ass…

Joe:  At different events it is pretty obvious who owns a business and who is there because they are an employee of a business. The business owner will most likely not have an alcoholic beverage in their hand, while the employee will. When networking the only thing that will work is being yourself. If you try to be something you are not then you will come across as being phony. An entrepreneur, when networking, is not thinking about how the other person can help them, but rather how they can help the other person.

Question #9:  What caveats can you offer?

Question #10:  What's unique about networking from an entrepreneur's perspective?

Question #11:  What's the "successful" model?

Will:  I’d say it’s a culmination of the above, so basically, have a good time, try to come out of the event with some added knowledge & new contacts and maybe even have a few drinks; which I guess all depends on the event.

Question #12:  Can you speak to the cross-pollination resulting from entrepreneurs in different fields networking together?

Will:  Yes, good times and even better ideas! It’s always insightful to see what other industry professionals bring to the table and personally for me, it’s always enjoyable bouncing idea’s off of others from a different field, as they usually bring up a perspective that you’ve never thought of or completely overlooked.

Question #13:  What would you consider to be the primary goals for many entrepreneur networkers?

Will:  We meet people with the intention to build on our future; some are for social, some political, technical and so on and so forth. Every time I meet someone that I have genuinely hit it off with it, I think to myself what can I offer him or her and vice versa... In a sense it’s like a giant market were most deals are done with some money, but mostly bartered for trade skills, camaraderie and knowledge (SEO, Programming, etc).

Question #14:  How do you help other entrepreneurs find and network with each other in your business?

Will:  Well, that one is quite simple. Just go to BizzFlip.com and check out our Seminar/Events, BizzPersonals and Idea Bank sections or even hit up the Forum. They are all immense ways to meet new entrepreneurs and business minded people online, basically the whole site can be used for networking. Now, eventually we’re going to start hosting a BizzFlip get together, something like once a month where people can come and hang out, meet the founders, relax and of course network in the real world! It really helps a lot when you can put a face & a voice to a digital persona.

Email Lydia or Post a Comment via TNNW Blog.
 

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