Experienced Chief Executive Officer. Strong business development professional skilled in sales, management, market development, social media, and marketing.
"I am on a mission to reduce the failure rate of entrepreneurs."
Business is simply a game with rules.
What the majority of entrepreneurs don't understand is every entrepreneur plays by the same rules.
The key to success is how you design and execute a strategy to play the game using the rules.
Rivers
Great question and the first focus is not to hire a person that has the same talents as you. That's a killer in business partnerships...a recipe for failure. Next...they need to share your vision of where you want the company to go. And thirdly..why do they have to be a geek with some business knowledge. One of the most successful guys in the tech world is NB's Gerry Pond...his educational background? DEgree in psychology. Remember you are building a team...each one of you needs to compliment the other including leadership.
Ditto for what Dan said.
I have to say Ms Portis overview seems to reflect really what you need to know right away. It really reflects the "getting started" stage. The only thing I would add is the keys for continuing success are innovation and marketing ...and it's usually marketing where startups get it wrong wrong wrong. You can see what a mean through www.theRockStarStartup.com. I love what your group is doing!
Thanks for the question on the best criteria to use when searching for a business coach. The answer covers a few issues but first of all the coach must understand strategically what you are trying to accomplish. I recently formed a coach/client relationship with a woman who wanted to build a business following the principles of Michael Gerber. I am a huge fan of his work so the fit was established from a strategic perspective.
Next...rapport with the coach. Not that you have to be buddies but this is a relationship and you have to feel comfortable you can both work through the good, the bad and the ugly together
Next...experience...not necessarily as a coach but as a coach that understands your journey as an entrepreneur. I have been an entrepreneur for over 21 years in multiple industries, including coaching as an example. It's the one career that the more experienced you are..the more wanted you are...:)
Next..flexibility in approach I learn from my clients as much as they learn from me but its the willingness to challenge and learn and adapt what's best for the company that ultimately creates the best coach/client relationship.
The last piece of advice...interview at least 5 options! this is an investment and you want to make sure you have done your homework before you make that investment.
Hope this helps R
I met Rivers a couple of years ago now. Our friendship is a clear asset on every level of life. Rivers is committed to squeezing as much as possible out of life and to making a difference in the lives of others. At times his contribution is as a professional, at others it is at a personal and inspirational level. He sees the best in others and somehow manages to call that forth. Everyone should be so blessed to be influenced by someone like this.
Rivers brings excitement and direction to whomever he works with. His skills in motivation, speaking, and funelling energy and direction to the right place at the right time are quite exceptional, and something that every company would find an asset.
Rivers is an amazing business partner to work with. Why? His energy and enthusiasm is through the roof, and idea crunching with him always leads to more ideas than we have time to implement. Rivers never stops there, he implements the ideas through pilot phase to growth phase, maintaining focus and discipline all the way. All while he balances a full family life. If you want to model success, model what Rivers does every day.
Rivers Corbett has excelled as an entrepreneur, business leader, speaker and trainer. He is totally focused on successful outcomes and completely dedicated to his partners' success in the process.
Rivers' is an extremely charismatic entrepreneur with lots of positive energy. He keeps his team motivated and brings a lot of experience and personal skills to any of his ventures.
Rivers knows how to move past "Just wondering about doing something" right into "Getting it done". His enthusiasm and vision is extremely contagious, and he is an absolute pleasure to communicate with. If you're not taking advantage of his abilities, you're missing out.
Rivers is not only a successful entrepreneur, enriching communities across Atlantic Canada with Relish Gourmet Burgers, but he himself is a committed and passionate entrepreneurial evangelist who leads by example by giving back. From speaking in local schools to inspire young Canadians about the importance of pursuing entrepreneurial careers to organizing regional entrepreneurship conferences, Rivers is a role model for all generations of Canadians looking to pursue their passions.
It has been an honour and privilege to work with Rivers in his capacity as the Atlantic Founding Board Member of Startup Canada. He has energized a region and helped to lay the early foundations of a national grassroots movement of entrepreneurship through Startup Canada. Rivers has also represented Startup Canada on the global stage, leading the way in the Startup Nations at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Liverpool earlier this year.
Rivers is a great entrepreneur, mentor, evangelist and friend. I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from him as we continue to start up Canada.
Rivers Corbett has always been a supporter of the everyday citizen of Fredericton and other communities in the area. His passion and love for this part of Canada is one to be admired and appreciated.
While Rivers and I have connected more on voluntary terms, and during mutual functions, we continue to remain connected and try to help each other out when we can. Lately we've come together on an idea and while it is yet to develop, it is hoped that his passion will help to bring that into being. Thanks for being a great supporter of mine Rivers. Your friendship and keen interest in this part of the world is much appreciated.
Rivers is a true inspiration! He's a highly-motivated, energetic entrepreneurial guru who's helped many business people in NB. I've been impressed with the growth of Relish Gourmet Burgers in such a short time, and I'm sure that success will continue. I was fortunate enough to be invited by Rivers into a business group that he runs, and I've found that to be a huge help as I grow my business. Thanks Rivers!
We are lucky to have Rivers Corbett an award winning "serial entrepreneur" in the province of New Brunswick. Rivers is am amazing example for all aspiring entrepreneurs who leads by example. Rivers is not afraid to step outside his comfort zone to make things happen!
River's is a 21st Century entrepeneur, he is the one to watch.
