If you are starting a business, you need to tune in to this episode. Today we have Bob Stein, Executive Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh. He has over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, nationally recognized technology expertise, and visionary leadership serving business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Bob is known for creating a specialized information technology consultancy within the IEE and leading the department in helping dozens of member companies achieve multi-million dollar growth.

Let’s dive in together and learn how to open the doors to success with Bob’s keys to entrepreneurial communication.

In this Episode:

[00:01 - 06:12] Opening Segment

I introduce and welcome Bob Stein
Activities and career
Inclusion and diversity
Bob gives us some background to his entrepreneurial journey
Started business at a young age
Online publication of Microsoft products at 14
Bob talks about building his network
Authentic and genuine relationships
Grow overtime
Bring value
Examples
Walking up to people

[06:13 - 09:23] Increasing the 5 Key Metrics

Bob talks about his work with U Pitt
Education, consulting, and networking
Economic development; 5 key metrics
Working to help build businesses
Bob gives an example of success through his work
Helping owners get PPP loans
Working through the pandemic
SPDC and IEE
Part of a national network
Resource
Loans, marketing, hiring

[09:24 - 13:18] Keys to Starting a Successful Business

Bob gives his insights into what makes an entrepreneur
High energy
Risk takers
Refuse to give up
Typical pitfalls
Thinking you know everything
Unwilling to accept help
The importance of networking
Connecting with super networkers
How to communicate with so many different stakeholders
Finding the common theme
Communicate your impact
Follow up on your word

[13:19 - 19:07] Entrepreneurial Communication

Bob shares his leadership style
Collaborative style
Takes longer but bigger payoff
Finding a good fit for your organization
Finding people who are skilled and fit the culture
How to conduct your interviews
Find the ones who are teachable
A willingness to grow and change
Making sure people connect with the topic and gain value
Finding people who are interesting, affordable, and available
Speakers with real experience
Bob talks about the importance of communication within innovation
Diversity as a competitive advantage

[19:08 - 24:55] Closing Segment

The most impactful conversation of your life?
With the senior leader in the university
Insights on leadership
People outside of your bubble
One communication skill that you could have had?
Public Speaking
The best communicator that you know?
Bob talks about his colleagues
Each has a different style of communication
How to find Bob
Links below
Final Words

Tweetable Quotes:

"I think the key is to have authentic and genuine relationships, don’t be a fake, be sincere in building your relationships. They grow overtime, it’s a natural progression.” - Bob Stein

“One thing I’ve always noticed with these business owners is that they’re high energy… if you’re not a high energy person, I question your ability to keep up with other entrepreneurs.” - Bob Stein

“Nothing really bad happens when you have conversations, so I try to have them more often than not.” - Bob Stein

Resources Mentioned:

Americas SPDC

You can connect with Bob on LinkedIn or email rstein@innovation.pitt.edu. Be sure to check out https://entrepreneur.pitt.edu to learn more about his space.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Join The Communication Nation and learn from others in the community. Feel free to email me at gregrice79@yahoo.com, I’d love to hear from you!

Want more help with your digital marketing? Go to my website https://gregjrice.com/inflection/ and let’s have a conversation.

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