A seasoned digital media entrepreneur, Andrew Fischer most recently co-founded and helms Choozle, a pioneer in programmatic digital marketing based in Denver, Colorado. Prior to Choozle, Andrew co-founded and built the RGM Alliance, a premium focused online advertising network that reaches over 120 million consumers in the U.S. Andrew holds a BA in Economics from Vanderbilt, and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business. Follow him @AndrewFischer_1.
Who is your hero? (In business, life, or both.)
My heroes are each of the Choozle team members. Their individual growth is inspiring and their specific contributions power the ongoing collective evolution of the organization. We’ve created a beautiful monster together.
What’s the single best piece of business advice that helped shape who you are as an entrepreneur today, and why?
I think of this quote from Thomas Edison on a daily basis: “Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration.” Ideas and vision are important, but it’s only the start of a very long journey. Execution, energy and perseverance are much more important to the overall success of any venture. The idea is the spark, but the other 99 percent of your time and effort is simply about getting things done.
What’s the biggest mistake you ever made in your business, and what did you learn from it that others can learn from too?
Whenever I prioritize product and/or profits before our people, it is a mistake. Our product and revenue flow from our people. Take care of your people, and the rest will follow.
What do you do during the first hour of your business day and why?
Since I’m a morning person, I tackle the most creative and mentally challenging tasks early when I have the most energy. This can include strategic planning, marketing materials, and/or writing. When possible, I like to get a jump-start well ahead of the normal business hours so I’m not distracted by the day-to-day business management including calls, emails and meetings. If I can tackle a few creative assignments, then follow it up with a quick run, that is my ideal start to the day.
What’s your best financial/cash-flow related tip for entrepreneurs just getting started?
Manage your business as if you will not be able to raise capital. If the unit economics of your business are sound and you can run a profitable business, then adding additional capital will only make it better.
Quick: What’s ONE thing you recommend ALL aspiring or current entrepreneurs do right now to take their biz to the next level?
Identify and focus on the three core aspects most important to the survival/success of your business. Don’t let the other 1,000 distractions prevent from executing against these three items.
