Lessons learned
Use your disadvantages to get press
In the mid-90’s, when Albert started in business, being a young entrepreneur wasn’t considered an asset. Instead of hiding from it, Albert used it to get press. The media, he says, loves an underdog.
Little things can give you lots of credibility
When I asked him how he got credibility as a young entrepreneur without a track-record, Albert pointed out that little things, like business cards and basic marketing packages, went a long way towards communicating professionalism. Today, he advises the young entrepreneurs he mentors that a well-designed web site can keep potential clients from ever knowing that they’re still students.
You don’t have to start small
Starting out small and working your way towards the big clients can be a tough, long slog. Instead, Albert aimed for the big clients right away. He knew that if he won them, the association would help him win other clients.
Similarly, when Neil Patel was on Mixergy he said he targeted big-name bloggers because if he won them as clients, everyone else would want to work with him too.
Let hobbies turn into businesses
In high school, Albert worked on his class yearbook. Instead of the usual paper-based publication, he put his yearbook on CD-ROM. He thinks of it as a pre-Internet pressed onto a CD-ROM. It was impressive because it was probably the first its kind in the world, so it led to a business relationship with MuchMusic, Canada’s video music channel.
Lack of funding can be good for a business
Albert made an interesting admission in this interview. He said his under-funded companies, BubbleShare and MyDeskTop, did better than the ones that were well-backed. Financial constraints can help focus a business. If you listen to the interview, you’ll hear him explain how BubbleShare thrived when it started focusing on dead-simple photo-sharing via a simple interface that was inspired by Google and Craig’s List.
Full program includes
– You’ll hear details of how Albert built his businesses.
– You’ll learn how you can pair down a big, unmanageable idea into a simpler business when you see how Albert focused his vision for BubbleShare.
– You’ll learn how a failed business idea can lead to successful followup company.
