WEB.COM GROUP INC There are some "rules" of business success most entrepreneurs abide by. But many also have their own "secrets"-things they do or believe that helped them achieve success. In "Secrets of Success," a weekly interview series here at Web.com's Small Business Forum, I ask some of today's smartest, most innovative, most successful business owners to share their insights and success secrets with you.
Meet: Dave Kashen, the cofounder & CEO of WorkLife, an online tool that improves the efficiency and productivity of business meetings. Before starting WorkLife, Dave founded Quantum Leading, a premier leadership and culture development firm for startups. He's coached CEOs and trained leaders at many of Silicon Valley's fastest-growing technology companies, including Facebook, Google, Twitter, Indiegogo, Kiva and many others. Before that, Dave cofounded an online health company called Wellsphere, which grew from zero to 7 million monthly visitors.
Rieva Lesonsky: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Dave Kashen: I wanted to build a toy company. I loved toys, so I thought it would be fun to make the toys I wanted, and get to play with them all day long. I guess I had an entrepreneurial spirit even back then.
Lesonsky: Why did you start your own business?
Kashen: I have spent the last 10 years working for businesses I started. I love the idea of building something from nothing and in each case I saw a problem that I thought needed solving. In the case of WorkLife, I realized that almost everyone who works in corporate America suffers through frustrating, wasteful meetings, and was inspired to build software to transform meetings into a productive, even enjoyable use of time.
Lesonsky: Did you experience a pivotal moment on your way to success?
Kashen: My most pivotal moment was when I decided to leave the world of finance in favor of entrepreneurship. I realized that my passion was around creating something from nothing, and left an extremely high-status, high-paying job to start from zero. It was scary, but ultimately I think you have to follow your heart.
Lesonsky: What's the best small business advice you ever gave and/or received?
Kashen: Make more [money] than you spend. Other than that, solve a real problem that matters to you. It takes so much energy and persistence to build a business that if you're not passionate about the problem you're solving, it will be way harder to keep going when times get tough.
Lesonsky: What's one "best practice" more entrepreneurs should be embracing?
Kashen: Define your values early. Most entrepreneurs don't appreciate the importance of getting the culture right from day one-and hiring for values, as much as skills and talent.
Lesonsky: Do you have a 2015 small business prediction?
Kashen: I think here will be an increase in the number of people who work in flexible arrangements rather than full-time jobs. This will be both an opportunity and a challenge.
Lesonsky: What's your favorite book?
Kashen: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.
Lesonsky: Is there a quote you find particularly inspiring?
Kashen: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." -Henry David Thoreau
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