Beyond Success Online

Bruce A Hurwitz’s BIO

IN THE SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. What prompted you to start your business?

Bruce: I was concerned about the financial stability of my former employer.  As I had savings, I decided it might be the right time to take the risk and go out on my own.  Common wisdom had it that when the recession ended, the job market would improve, so I took the gamble.  Moreover, I wanted to work for a company with a mission. Mine is to promote the hiring of veterans.

2. Scenario: you meet a business exec who is looking to fund a cause that already has had enormous positive implications for the community locally and abroad. He wishes to offer $25,000 to a cause that is innovative in its thinking. He has 10 minutes available to speak with you.  What do you share with him about your work?

Bruce: Absolutely nothing.  I assume that your assumption is that I have a non-profit for which I am looking to get support. I would focus on that and not even mention my work, except to give the exec my business card.  If it was a non-profit that was my client, I would mention that, but only to give my statements credibility, i.e., to show that I actually knew something about the organization.

3. For most successful entrepreneurs, there is no typical day so give us a sample of your schedule from start to finish.

Bruce: I get up at about 5:00 and go to the gym.  I am back home and waiting for the bus no later than 7:45 – unless I have an early appointment.  I’ll work until 5, 6 or 7, whatever the day demands, and head back home.  I try not to bring any work home with me on the weekends and usually have a book or magazine to read on the bus (during my commute).

4. What are your “can’t live without” apps on your desktop/cell phone?

Bruce: None. I don’t have any.

5. What are your tricks for time management?

Bruce: I prioritize according to the potential payment I’ll get from the client.  However, I neglect no client, thus the long hours.   Moreover, I may have a few “small” searches for one client, which will add up to more than the “large” search for a single client.  So in the end, everyone gets the same attention.  And they all get the same service and quality of work.

6. Best advice received when you started your career?

Bruce: Make certain you have a good attorney and a good accountant.

7. Given the current economic climate, how has your strategy for building awareness of your work changed for the short-term and long-term?

Bruce: Since I started my company in August 2009, I have only been working in the “current” climate.  My PR strategy, which costs me nothing but time, is to be a source on HARO, www.helpareporter.com.  Through that site I have been quoted, since May 2010, in over 180 articles in more than 145 publications, on-line and in print, including The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, USA Today, The Ladders, CareerBuilder, AOL and Yahoo!

8. What’s been your proudest achievement as such an immensely accomplished Entrepreneur?

Bruce: Helping veterans with their careers.

9. What are some of the ways that you achieve balance in your life?

Bruce: I don’t believe in this “life balance” business.  Everyone has work and play.  If you enjoy your work, there is nothing wrong with spending more time in the office than at home, depending on your priorities.  If I have something I must do for a client, I do it.  If it means I can’t do something I would otherwise do in my personal life, so be it.  The priority has to be closing the deal and getting paid, otherwise there is no personal life.  Nothing in life is free.  You need money for recreation, just as much as for food.  Whatever you enjoy, you can’t do it without money.  Work has to come first – but there is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving early for a child’s event, unless there will be a real financial cost.  It’s not only important to show a child you care, but also teach them about an individual’s responsibilities.

10. Your top 3 book recommendations for our readers (and why?)

Bruce:

• Differentiate or Die: Survival in Our Era of Killer Competition by Jack Trout:  You have to find a way to set yourself apart from the competition.
• Results: Keep What’s Good, Fix What’s Wrong and Unlock Great Performance by Gary Neilson & Bruce Pasternack.  They show the importance of holding all staff accountable.  Accountability is the key to success in business.
• Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering The Secrets to Creating Lasting Value by Bill George. He explains the importance of being mission-centric so as to have a successful company.

11. If you had an exceptional month and earned double of your average month, what (if anything) would you spend it on?

Bruce: Absolutely nothing.  It’s a foolish thing to do.  You need to keep the money for the months when revenue will be down.  If you don’t, you’ll wind up in debt.

12. What are some of your most rewarding charitable involvements and why?

Bruce: I donate my time to help veterans with their careers.  It’s the most tangible way to pay them back for their service.

13. Who has been the most influential person to you as you’ve advanced in your career?

Bruce: My first boss.  He taught me the basic rules of being a good professional:  Never lie; always take responsibility for your errors; and never refuse to accept additional responsibilities – as long as those responsibilities will not harm your ability to perform your present duties.

14. What’s your advice to someone interested in entrepreneurship?

Bruce: Make certain you have at least one years’ cash on hand to cover all your personal and business expenses because you may not see any revenue for some time.

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