Last year I attended a conference in Seattle where 4 local business celebs had an open forum to discuss small business and the lessons they have learned over the years.  They were Mike O’Brien of O’Brien Auto Group, radio personality Bob Rivers, Flip This House creator Richard Davis, and Schick Shadel’s Pat O’Day.

Here are my notes from the conference:

• From the book Good to Great ask yourself: What one thing do we do best?
• Richard Davis: Do it my way. Don’t change your brand. Pick it and stick to it. Consistency of your message!
• From the book Blink: Indecision vs intuition. Aggressive mistakes are fine.
• Find a great mentor
• Focus on a need. Be the best at solving it.
• Tell a simple human truth that people can relate to.
• Mike O’Brien’s advice:
  • If you are not failing you need to buckle up and try harder.
  • A good manager: motivate and facilitate.
• Bob River’s advice: One word: EMPATHY.