In this Mentor Spotlight get to know our Endeavor Mentor Ari Lisjak, Founder & CEO at iSource Marketing.
Why did you decide to join the Endeavor Network?
I have been an entrepreneur all my life, even when working for somebody else. After 25+ years, I thought it was time to give back to the community and pay it forward. I wish I had known back then what I know and have now. Endeavor embodies that to me.
Tell us about your background and why you decided to become a mentor.
I have been working in the Tech industry for over three decades. I worked for some of the largest Tech companies in the world until I started iSource Marketing 15 years ago — a Marketing Agency specializing in the Tech industry. Since then, I have created several other companies such as Social Nitro (a social media services company), Virtualika (a home and business automation company), ITWARE LATAM (a tech media community and media for Latin America), Virtual Bird (immersive VR/AR/XR production company), and recently Nuwinds (a digital marketing agency focused on startups).
What are the most important qualities and characteristics that mentors should have?
In no particular order:
- Expertise and knowledge in the field
- Passionate about sharing knowledge and paying it forward
- Motivates others
- Communicates with clarity
- Never stops learning
- Good listener
- Provides candid feedback
- Role Model
- Generous
Any general advice for entrepreneurs?
- It’s not about having the best idea. It’s about perseverance. Never giving up, believing in your heart that failure is not an option.
- It’s ok to fail, and you will fail a lot! Try to fail fast, and fail until you get it right. Learn the lesson and re-start. The best lessons are learned when we fail.
- Embrace change – Pivot as many times as needed. The world is dynamic and your business should be too.
- If you’re not truly passionate about what you do. You will fail.
- You are only as good as your team.
- Being an entrepreneur is a Marathon not a sprint, so learn to pace yourself.
- Become great at presenting. It will be one of your most valuable assets.
- Build a solid network.
- Know your audience better than you know yourself.
- You can have the best product or service in the world, but if you fail to communicate, nobody will buy it.
- Build a solid business plan, but know it will change constantly.
What are you reading?
– The Culture Code – by Daniel Coyle
– The Power of Habit – By Charles Duhigg
These responses have been edited for grammar.
