Technology Advice with Rob Bellenfant

Rob BellenfantIn this episode, Starve the Doubts host Jared Easley is joined by fellow podcaster Clark Buckner, as they interview Rob Bellenfant, founder and CEO of TechnologyAdvice. He is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and public speaker specializing in IT, sales, marketing, and talent development. He seeks to break down barriers in both life and business through personal and professional growth. Having started 6 successful businesses in the past 14 years, Rob pushes his advocacy of thinking less and acting more. Can you actually buy a business on eBay? That’s what Rob has done with TechnologyAdvice, which has now grown to become a successful startup. TechnologyAdvice connects buyers and sellers of business technology as they seek to become the world’s leading resource for educating and connecting buyers and sellers in order to simplify the entire buying process.In this episode, you’ll learn about:How Rob acquired TechnologyAdvice Buying a business on eBayThe benefits of wearing different hats in running a businessGrowing the business from a single employee to a group of over 50How Rob defines successHow to combat fear and doubtThe importance of investing in employees, not just engagementWhat a 90%+ millennial workplace is likeBreaking down the typical millennial stereotypesRob’s advice to fellow entrepreneursBalancing proactiveness vs. prudenceItems mentioned:The original story of how Rob got TechnologyAdviceOne of the investments he made after selling his previous business at 18 years oldBuying this business on eBayThe evolution of TechnologyAdviceStarted at his dorm room serving customers advertising servicesHired his first employee after 4 months in businessWearing several hats thereby gaining valuable skills as an entrepreneurMoving into an officeGrowing the businessRob’s definition of success and how it changed over the yearsHow he defined it back to the time he was still starting his businessHow he defines success today Starving your doubts and fears when you’re running your business:Focusing more on opportunities than obstaclesInvesting in employees, not just engagement“Investing is the means to the engagement.”Investing in an employee retreat Seeing positive ROI through constantly investing with different things in the businessThe 90%+ millennial workplace Having more than 90% of millennial on their teamIdentifying the strengths and weaknessesHaving the “work hard, play hard” mentalityFocusing on breaking down the typical millennial stereotypesRob’s advice to entrepreneurs:“Act more and think less.”Just get out there and do things.Always be moving and always improving yourself and those around you.Treat every mistake or failure as a lesson learned.Balancing being proactive vs. being prudentWho is doing something that interests Rob: Gary Vaynerchuck (@garyvee)Connect with Rob on Twitter @robbellenfant and @Technology_Advand LinkedIn!Rob’s final thoughts for the listeners:“ If you have any doubts in your life, your business, the best way to starve those doubts is to take action towards your goals right now!”“Stop thinking, stop doubting yourself, and just take the first step immediately towards working towards your goal.”“Sitting there and considering all of your options and how all of of those options might end up playing out is probably the worst thing you can do. Take action immediately.”