Very Short Interview Part 2

My impressions of that first interview could be summed up in one word: naïve. I had no idea what entrepreneurship was about and asked purely basic questions instead, of looking at asking about how to be a better entrepreneur or how to actually get capital and spend it wisely.

For that reason, I met again with Dr. Roger Austen to ask him three questions. Unfortunately, he did not wish to be recorded. In lieu of that, I have the three questions I asked him and an almost exact transcript of how our conversation went.

MT: So Roger, how important is your network of clients? Do you do things with them outside of work to build rapport with them?

Roger: Ya, a lot of them are good friends of mine, drinking buddies even. A lot of them are in the local Republican Party but I know some democrats. In my line of work, the people are everything since in a lot of local elections no one gives two iotas about parties, they care about the people. The same applies in a lot of other types of work too since my network is how I get referrals and grow my business.

MT: How often do you have to deal with opposing firms?

Roger: Opposition, what is that?! No, but seriously they are almost always the ones’ behind other campaigns with the notable exception of those candidates who think they can run without a campaign adviser. Most of the other firms are small operations like my own and are generally run by people I get along with. Always have respect for the other firms because if you burn the bridges, you can’t get a job with them if things go south for you.

MT: What is the significance of branding?

Roger: It is everything because no one wants to deal with someone who has a poor quality service or good. But that being said, have your own twist on an industry is what makes you memorable. For example, on my business cards, I have it Dr. Roger Austen, Grand Papua, to show people that I stand apart from my competitors couple that with my reputation for the success and you have a well-established brand.

My comfort level with Roger during the interview was shown to be a lot better because I didn’t stutter at all. The conversation went well, which I can’t say for what happened during the first interview since I was not very confident speaking on business matters. Much of what I learned in this course taught me in business matters that you should not be scared to interact with people or otherwise, you will never make a cent.