The reading level for this article is Novice
WilliamGuerrero
Purchase College Association##comma## Inc | bill.guerrero@purchase.edu | Executive Director | 10/22/2002 | Executive
William Guerrero is the Executive Director of a non for profit company in the business of higher education auxiliary services.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
A young executive
What services or products does your organization offer?
Company provides business services that support a colleges academic mission and is located in Westchester County##comma## New York 30 minutes outside of New York City.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
Not for profit to meet the the corporate mission.
How many employees do you currently have?
8
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
Still evolving every day.
How did you originally fund your organization?
No
Are you the founder of your organization?
No
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
Not yet. Need employee stability to create a culture.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
Nobody likes change or adversity##comma## but you need to perseverse in what you beleive in. You need capital at times to and you need to be very creative to get access.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Tremendous##comma## but you need to seek them. They will not seek you. Get out there. read local buisness journals.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
Industry and community specific organizations.
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
Visons. Fortitude.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
Always looking at things critically knowing that it could be better. Listneing to the customers.
What types of marketing do you employ?
People to People. Direct contact with potential customers.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
Absolutely. Electronic marketing techniques have been established##comma## plus website development. Electronic payments is a large component as well.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
Absolutely. Supporting Board of Director decisions knowing that the mechnasisms to make project successful not in place##comma## with the fall back of confidence that I would figure it out later.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
Absolutely. Risk taking##comma## making changes##comma## having long range vision is part of my nature.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
Art of War
Book of Five Rings
The Goal
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
Social responsibility. It is not all about how much money you make.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
Very important. Relationships are truly how you get business##comma## because there isn##aps##t many unique products out there without competition. Plus support groups for educational and mental health purposes.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
You can##aps##t please everybody.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Important for fundamental understanding and to prevent basic mistakes. Basic skills…writing##comma## presentations##comma## financial.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Find something your passionate about. Believe in yourself. It will be hard##comma## but just when you think everything is about to fail##comma## this is your moment of truth. Push again##comma## and the awards will be great.
