How To Ensure Long-Term Success: Putting Value First In Business with Michael Crowder

How can prioritizing value over profit reshape an entrepreneur's journey? In this conversation, Michael Crowder shares the importance of not solely focusing on money but adding value to clients. He discloses the power of being genuine and the importance of picking partners wisely. Tune in as we discuss leadership, entrepreneurism, risk-taking, treating people well in business, taking time for yourself, and guarding yourself from people who may not have your best interest at heart. Join us for an inspiring episode with Michael Crowder, a successful and versatile entrepreneur who has been in business for many years. Starting out at just eight years old, running errands at a senior center, Michael managed to take his career to new heights, growing a technology company by 1800%. [00:00 - 08:00] Michael Crowder's Incredible Entrepreneurial Journey • How Michael started his first business at eight years old • Starting a small company and became president of it, growing it by 1800% • Success story began with running a cable across town from a truck • Focus on adding value to clients, not just making money [08:01 - 14:49] Writing Your Story Is Key • Guard yourself against being taken advantage of • Be careful when picking partners and planting your flag • Writing your story is important and can open up opportunities • Michael shares an example of a successful sale [14:50 - 22:12] How to Add Value and Win Friends in Business • Treat people with respect and kindness • Balance between doing the right thing and knowing why you are doing it • Add value to the marketplace and put customers first. • Discern phony people from genuine ones [22:12 - 29:11] Guard Yourself and Take Time for Yourself • Define the end before you begin • How motivations change over time • Take time for yourself and cut off your phone • Guard yourself against people who claim to have your best interest at heart [29:12 - 32:33] Wrapping Up! • It's crucial to build something that surpasses one generation • Take time for yourself; enjoy yourself Connect with Michael on LinkedIn! Resources Mentioned: • How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie • You're The Greatest - Frank Maguire Key Quotes: “Be intentional about writing your story. Write it down, don't forget it.” - Michael Crowder “At the end of the day, there's nothing wrong with failure unless you stay there.” - Michael Crowder “Don't just begin with the end in mind. Define the end before you begin.” - Michael Crowder WANT TO LEARN MORE? Connect with us through LinkedIn. Visit our website, www.oakiq.com, to build more secure futures! Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!