We ask the tough questions
You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?
Catch up on the blogs/articles I subscribe to through RSS. I like to keep up to date on internet marketing, SEO, new technologies, financial markets etc. I have been recently unsubscribing from a whole raft of enewsletters I hardly ever read but clogged up my Inbox. Using RSS allows me to have a clean inbox and choose when I want to read these articles and blogs. A great time saver!
Would you describe yourself as a technophobe or technophile?
If you asked me this question two or three years ago I would have said technophobe but I have definitely swung that right around! There are so many great technologies out there, particularly in the Web 2.0 space, that are making businesses more efficient and at a reduced cost.
Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired by the free thinkers, those that aren't just passionate about something but act on their passions. Those that accept they don't have a mortgage on knowledge and have their minds open to new ideas and philosophies. Some famous individuals who inspire me include Nikola Tesla, Sir Isaac Newton, George Bernard Shaw, Steve Jobs, Seth Godin, Albert Einstein, Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and many others.
What do you love most about running your own business?
At the risk of sounding like a beauty pageant contestant here I get the most satisfaction out of helping people by demystifying the process of starting a business, showing them a way to follow their passion. I absolutely love what I do!
When meeting someone, would you rather they thought you were charming or mysterious? Why?
Both! I care very much about relating to others on their level and I am also driven by a pursuit for knowledge and learn a lot from the different perspectives people have. The mysterious side comes out as I like to probe how far I can push a discussion to see what new knowledge I can garner.
What's the best bit of feedback you've ever had?
In order to make sense of the world around you, you must first understand yourself. This advice forms the foundation of how I approach all aspects of my life.
What’s your proudest moment?
So far, the first ultrasound when I heard my baby's heartbeat! In Feb 2012 I am sure my new proudest moment will be the day of her birth.
What’s your number one stress relief tactic (keep it clean!)?
Going for walks at night alone. Great for stress relief, ideas generation and exercise.
What’s your favourite film, book and album?
Favourite film - The Matrix and most recently two that come to mind are The Adjustment Bureau and Inception.
Favourite book - Atlas Shrugged.
Favourite albums - This may make some people cringe! From the 2000s - 50 Cent Get Rich or DIe Trying, 1990s - Tupac All Eyes on Me, 1980s - the less said about that decade the better, and 1970s - Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon.
What’s the one resource you’d never be without?
Common sense!
What’s the biggest challenge you face at work?
Focusing on the task at hand, and not trying to do too much at once.
What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?
Passion will get you part of the way, persistence will get you further. Take advice where you can but remain focused on your targets. Learn from those who have gone before you. Treat people with respect and be honest in your dealings. Make mistakes, make as many as you can, but learn something from each mistake that you can apply to improving your business and self.
I will finish with one of my favourite quotes (and I am sure George means both men and women here): "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." George Bernard Shaw.
What website do you visit every day?
Google Analytics, I'm obsessed with data!
How did your school report describe you?
Lacks focus, and an attention seeker.
And now comes the plug!
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
We give small business owners the tools and resources they need to start and grow their business. We have just launched a Business Plan Writing Service. All customers of our service not only get a professional and timely business plan to keep, they also get free exposure on our website and social media channels.
And where can we find out more?
- Flying Solo Directory: www.flyingsolo.com.au/directory/28741/Small-Business-Wizardry
- My website: www.smallbusinesswizardry.com/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/smallbusinesswizardry
- Twitter: twitter.com/#!/DanePymble1
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