Bob Schlegel is the author of the brand new book, just released, titled: Angels and Entrepreneurs: A Lifestyle Formula for Starting Your Own Business and Riding the Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship.
Meet The Author: 7 Quick Questions
Recently, Bob was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions we posed related to his entrepreneurial journey and his new book.
Bob’s story of the epic struggle he and his wife, Myrna faced as well as the triumph they achieved in business and life is simply inspiring to say the least. If you don’t already know Bob, we think it’s time you get to know him, his entrepreneurial spirit, and philosophy.
1. If you could only keep one chapter of your book which chapter, would it be, and why?
Chapter 8 “Business with a Purpose.” This chapter outlines how entrepreneurs can use their passions to meet great needs and build a better world for tomorrow. It discusses the benefits of doing business and doing good and building a legacy to be proud of.
2. What’s the number one trait successful entrepreneurs embody?
PEP! Persistence (Education, Entrepreneurship, and Passion.) You don’t have to be smarter than your competition, just more persistent. You have to try it, fix it, try again, and never give up! Education is also one of the greatest assets you can acquire because no one can ever take it away from you. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, it isn’t a job, you must be passionate about what you do, so if you love what you’re doing you will never work a day in your life.
3. What’s your go-to process for creating good and lasting habits?
Put in your 10,000 hours like Malcolm Gladwell suggests in his book Outliers. It is important to be consistent to develop lasting habits. Effort never dies, and the best way to develop good habits is to build them from something you are passionate about, and then put in the time and the work steadily every day to achieve your goals.
4. What’s the number one tip you can share about writing a book?
Take your time writing, and just get all the content out on the page that you can. You will have to go through many edits several times over, and that is where the story really comes together, but you have to have something on the page to edit first!
5. Besides the Bible, what are the top three books you recommend to those chasing their entrepreneurial dreams?
- The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- Looking out for #1 by Robert Ringer
6. Looking back, what was the best part of your entrepreneurial journey?
The partnerships I have shared in my entrepreneurial journey have meant the most to me over the course of my life. My wife and business partner and entrepreneurial children are the biggest inspiration in my life.
7. How has philanthropy and giving back impacted your life?
To whom much is given, much is expected, and our focused philanthropy planning has enabled us to give back consistently and intelligently so that we are contributing to causes and organizations that build a better world for generations to come.
Our Favorite Excerpt: Enjoy!
Most of all, my message to all entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs is that you should always build your businesses for your family, with your family, and around your family. The greatest reward, at the end of each day and at the end of your career, is hav- ing someone to support you in the hard times and share the joy with you in the good times.
Believe me, I have known both, and I never would have sur- vived—or wanted to survive—without my family and friends, the angels in my entrepreneurial life.