Entrepreneurial Networking with Lydia Sugarman
I met Bill Winkler about two years ago through the organization that was then called IBI Global, now CEOSpace. It attracts all kinds of entrepreneurs at all stages who are interested in learning how to take their companies to the next level, whatever that may be for them and in meeting and networking with other entrepreneurs. Frequently, we invest in each other’s companies or join their boards in different capacities.
Bill is one of those quiet people who’ve diligently applied themselves over the years to build a successful business that most of us don’t necessarily understand, but know we need, providing Information Technology solutions that help companies run smoothly and efficiently. He can also be a man of few words, but I think you’re going to enjoy his unique and unfiltered responses to our questions.
Enjoy! And, when you’re in New Jersey, look Bill up for a cup of coffee and some interesting conversation!
1. Please tell us about yourself, personally and professionally. Where did you start out? Where are you now? Where are you headed?
a. I am an only boy in a family of 6 women and grew up in Toms River NJ. The environment was stable with a loving parent that made sure that we always had something on the table to eat. School was a challenge and could not wait to leave into parts unknown. Personal discipline was never much of a problem except that I had none to share with others. Then one day while in Florida with no job, no money and no place to go a sign was on the side of the road. GO NAVY!! AHHHH problem solved. Discipline, college and an adventure all in one signature. The best-dumfounded thing I ever did.
b. Trenton State is a teachers’ college and I found that my bug for adventure has taken a strong hold on me that clearly said that conforming to the education system, as a wood shop teacher was never going to work. At least not at 11k per year at the time. So it was self-employment land for me. Cutting lawns and selling lemonade, as a kid was a common thing and the only honest way to make money. As an adult I learned who I was and starting building houses. For a good many years stability was ok but seasonal while I grew my second company. My first was a custom furniture biz that helped put me through college. The second was Wilwink Inc. which did very well. But I believe the 10-year business cycle is an eminent factor and so is the income level such as now.
c. In more recent years ESW Enterprises (http://www.eswtech.com) started up with a focus on technology and is still active today. While Managed Computer Service model is king for the mid-size company market to save 30% or more on IT budgets we are now into the Internet space to stay on the cutting edge for activity with Internet Distribution as a core focus. www.uecom4u.com is now in the making to address how products and services are moved on the Internet.
2. What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?
a. Great Question…??? Simple answer…. no is not an option but rather an objection to find a solution. Each solution that is solved provides revenue for jobs and to grow a company.
3. Many people I’ve met have told me they were influenced at a very early age to follow the entrepreneurial path. What set you on an entrepreneurial path? Do you think entrepreneurs are “born”? Can it be learned?
a. I am now 53 and only had 3 jobs in my life with my first one at 13. Never needed one per se and still don’t. No is not an option when it comes to paying your bills and I never had a problem providing a service of some sort for the community. The need for me to be an entrepreneur was always being sick of hearing “no, I can’t do that job” which is the same as saying “no, I can’t pay my bills or have a nice life either.” Well, nowadays, people take me quite a bit more seriously, especially my friends and colleagues that know me well. Today I look for pain in the biz community and find solutions to solve the issue.
b. I firmly believe that entrepreneurs are in two leagues. First is out of necessity. Go to jail or make something of yourself by stepping up to the plate and just get the job done. Or, two go the corporate route and somewhere build a passion and a dream so strong that the end results become a done deal. As always…….easier said than done.
c. Can it be learned? No…………either you do it or you don’t - very simple. What are you made of? It is a very lonely life to be out front in business and you get used to it or fail. But the real dreams are fulfilled by making your failures all base hits. Sooner or later, a home run will arrive.
4. What makes an entrepreneur? What makes entrepreneurs different? What do you think sets entrepreneurs apart?
a. The answer to all three of these questions can be summed up with a statement. There are two kinds of people in this world and only two. Those who say why? Those that say why not?
5. What have you found to work well when networking? What caveats can you offer?
a. Say hello to everyone……it is very refreshing
b. Ask everyone questions to find the biz / personal pain.
i. What is your challenge and what are your business goals?
ii. What do you need next?
iii. Provide the solution.
6. What networking lessons can we learn from the way entrepreneurs operate?
a. Follow them…….they go where others only dare to
7. How can thinking like an entrepreneur give one an advantage in the networking and in general?
a. Easier said than done but learn to always think outside of the box. You can always step back in at any time.
8. How do you network?
a. Currently I use social nets to do almost all of my networking. Chambers and net meetings are too expensive in any number of ways and I feel they’re unproductive, a poor use of my time. On the social nets I can do more in one week to the right target than almost a year of in-person handshaking.
b. Search out Networks that have common interests online and off and just get involved.
9. What’s one secret you can share for successfully leveraging networking to build success into our businesses?
Build the funnel of contacts and the rest will come. Make sure that you carefully consider becoming a CEO Space grad. It works and is a gift of life for life.
10. Finally, what’s coming up in the next few quarters for you and your ventures? How can we meet up with you?
a. If you are in the NJ area I’m agreeable to a meeting. For the near term my focus is getting through this challenging business environment.
b. After that I will be pressing on with my project. www.uecom4u.com
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