My father always told me a kid, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and that statement has proven so true after all these years…. One of the most fruitful tools in building my business over the past eight years is in the power of networking and taking every advantage possible to meet new people; Efficiently communicating and never dismissing a single soul – you never know who you’re talking to, who they might know or how they’d be able to contribute. The real life connections I’ve made while growing my startup have been the major fuel for our business’s growth.
Lori Cheek is a NYC based architect turned entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Cheekd – a hyper speed Bluetooth mobile dating app that removes the “missed” from “missed connections.” After working in architecture, furniture and design for 15 years, Lori came up with an idea that led her into the NYC world of technology and dating. Shecompletely threw away her design career and is no longer building structures, she’s now building relationships. Lori, a Shark Tank Veteran, was recently listed as “The Digital Dating Disruptor” and “One of the Top 10 CEOs to Watch.”
The best thing my dad taught me was how to respect women. Fortunately for me, I didn’t grow up in an environment where toxic masculinity was going on. Instead, I learned to be more respectful towards women, their feelings, and sentiments. Through how he was with my mom, it also showed me how to understand women and how to act accordingly.
But he also taught me that a woman should be more of an inspiration, not desperation. That stuck with me, as well.
The best thing my dad taught me was planning for retirement. He’s been talking about it with me since my early 20’s, particularly about the value of having money saved up for when you hit your 60’s. It’s still the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given me, and I’ve taken it to heart.
Ben Walker is the CEO of Transcription Outsourcing, LLC a transcription service that works with government agencies, single practice attorneys and physicians, as well as entire university systems to provide fast, accurate, and reliable transcription services.
The best thing my dad taught me was that I should never give up on my dreams, no matter how hard it gets.
He used to say to me that life can be hard and unpredictable, and that to keep a cool head and optimism high, one must strive for something great and shining on the horizon.
He’d say to me “if you give up on your dreams, then you’ve given up on yourself. And then what’s left?”
Nikola Roza is the CEO and owner of Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. Nikola blogs about SEO and affiliate marketing, especially how to combine the two to find success online.
The best thing my dad taught me was to be someone. Every day we’re faced with situations where we say things like “someone should do something about x” or “I wish someone would…”. My dad taught me that I’m someone. I have the power to bring about change without waiting for “someone” else to do the work.
Angel Santiago is a veteran, husband, father, and entrepreneur who’s always looking for opportunities to make the world a better place and become “someone”. Learn more at www.angelsantiago.com
The best thing my dad taught me was that you will find success by doing what you love. It’s easier to push through setbacks while pursuing your passions, and if you maintain your momentum, others will be drawn to your work. You just have to commit to your vision and keep the faith.
Alison Roberts-Tse is the founder and editor of Dance Dispatches, a digital publication that celebrates dance around the world.
Like many birthdays and other special occasions this year, Father’s Day will probably also be a bit different for many, with various COVID restrictions on visiting people and catching up in large groups. If you are able to catch up with dad this year, here are some things you can do together – just the two of you, or in a small family group. And if restrictions don’t permit catching up, make a note of these activities and take a rain-check for another day. Here’s our top list of things to do with dad – in no particular order:
1. A spot of fishing Take dad for a trip out on the water (lake, river, or ocean) for a quiet fish and a chance to catch up and “chew the fat”. Pack some snacks and a couple of beers to make a day of it.
2. A Wine Tasting Evening If dad loves his wine, then a wine tasting evening with a variety of different wines will be right up his alley. Subtly work out his favourite producers or varieties beforehand to ensure there are some winning wines dad loves. Host with a selection of cheese, crackers and nibbles for the ultimate night in.
3. Treat Dad to a BBQ lunch Most Dads wouldn’t say no to a piece of char-grilled meat. Weather permitting, Father’s Day is a great opportunity to get outside in the socially-distanced company of family and friends at a local park or in your own backyard.
4. Share a glass of fine whisky with Dad If you bought dad a beautiful bottle of whisky for Father’s Day, or have one he enjoys, why not share it with him on Father’s Day? After a nice dinner – at his place or yours – it’s a great opportunity to catch up. And if you can’t catch up in person, enjoy a virtual one together while you catch up over the phone or online.
5. Share some memories Framed photos are one of the best gifts for people with everything. Select a photo of you and dad together, or a special family photo and present it in a unique frame.
7. Make a paper airplane with dad Remember when you used to make paper airplanes with your dad as a kid? Forget the basic paper airplanes everyone can make – challenge yourself (or dad) with something more elaborate. You could even have a “friendly” competition to see who can make theirs the fastest…
8. Help dad in the garden With spring just around the corner, chances are dad has plenty of gardening jobs in the pipeline. Pruning, mulching, weeding – whatever the job dad’s sure to appreciate an extra pair of hands…and your company:-)
9. Take dad on a picnic There’s nothing like a bush picnic to maintain social distancing. Make a day of it by taking dad for a nice drive and a picnic lunch of gourmet sandwiches, cheese, and other antipasti delights.
“When I was an impressionable young person, Dad said: ‘Don’t believe everything you see on TV.’ It really stuck with me and taught me to have a more critical eye from a young age.”
Lisa Cox is a multi-awarded writer, presenter and consultant based in Australia. She is also the author of two books, an advocate and ambassador. Lisa is on a mission to muse, educate and challenge. Her work has been published nationally and internally for publications like Huff Post and The Sydney Morning Herald. Connect on Instagram @lisacox.co, or learn more at www.lisacox.co.
My dad told me that you always want to “get paid for what you know, not what you do.” He was a civil engineer and, although he had tasks he had to complete, the size of his paycheck was related to his knowledge and educational background. It inspired me to get my degree and stay on top of developments in my chosen field. Of course, there are tasks to complete at every job, but the knowledge is what drives your compensation – and it’s also what affects your performance.
Carol Archebelle manages the digital marketing for Foundations Wellness Center, a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in central Florida.
“My old man was an interesting one… plagued by bad health (predominantly asthma), was always forced to use his wit over his physical body. Being the eldest, I often became his muscle for doing things around the house, and some of the things he taught me were:
1. Don’t be a “Gonna-man”, as in, “I’m gonna finish off this project soon”. Which eventually evolved into my personal slogan… “Getting shit done!” 2. If you commit to something, don’t pull out halfway. He taught me this whilst driving on the roads, however it’s EXTREMELY versatile, throughout all walks of life.”
After following my old man’s advice (with his own interpretations) Mick has gathered many different skills over the past 20 years to lead him to where he is. He became extremely practical with hands on experience and sought out a great deal of clever strategies to build business through various means. Putting the two skills together, he helped to create www.universaltradesman.com.au a down to earth group, focused on getting the job done with a great big smile!
