Podcast: Download
A So Totally Business Savvy first, I got to interview an amazing entrepreneur and good friend that I met via Twitter, Paul Tran, on how to own your own business. Paul is a serial entrepreneur that has made quite a name for himself in Southern California, as well as nationally. Starting off in retail, moving to the banking industry at Well’s Fargo, he finally decided to take the plunge and start his own business in an industry that he had no experience in (other than he was a consumer and knew what he liked) and totally crushed it.
In the interview I ask him about some of the pleasant surprises and the not-so-nice surprises that he faced, what he would do differently if he had the chance, and also how he managed to move from owning one business to several. He also shares some of his most influential books, and how passion is a key factor in starting and running your own business.
One thing that was very surprising was his mention that if he had to do it all over again he would have gone with a franchise. It is very hard to know how to own your own business when you first start out, and it’s great to have a model that is already proven to work. In essence, he says that the cost of the franchise can be much cheaper than the cost involved with proving a new concept.
If you want some great insights into how you can move from full-time corporate life to owning your own business, you won’t want to miss this interview. As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please leave me a voicemail message at 714-643-5301, I’d love to hear from you. Oh, and don’t forget to follow @DeanSoto and @PaulTTran on Twitter!
j steele
July 8, 2010 at 3:25 amThanks Dean for this great interview!
I also met Paul on twitter and have enjoyed his energy and expertise. There is no substitute for passion which Paul exudes in all that he does. He is truly a giver – a pleasure to know!
Gina Parris
July 8, 2010 at 3:26 amYou guys are TERRIFIC! I didn't even know about the Five Guys' Burgers too. That's so cool how everyone in OC knows Paul Tran. I think you're kind of a Rock Star too, Dean. Thanks for the tips and insight both of you.
Dean Soto
July 8, 2010 at 4:38 amThanks guys!! Your comments mean a lot! Paul is pretty amazing, and as I said, I had no idea just how much he's done in the past few years! Pretty crazy! He's so humble about it, too, which is amazing!
J, Gina, which of you are next? =)
Danielle
July 9, 2010 at 12:16 amHi Dean!
Well you certainly picked an awesome person for your first special guest interview! While Paul and I have never met (yet) personally, I know firsthand how simply amazing he is:-)
He is a true role model for perseverance, hard work, passion and having fun while doing it!
Great interview!
Dean Soto
July 9, 2010 at 4:09 pmThanks so much for visiting Marie. Yeah, even I had no idea how much he had done. I've spoken to him here and there, but never got to talk about all of his accomplishments! Thanks for listening! =)
Debbie Marie
July 9, 2010 at 6:39 amI'm looking forward to the interview. Keep me posted!
Dean Soto
July 9, 2010 at 4:11 pmThanks for coming, Debbie =). Do you mean the Paul Tran interview? It's in the post, or in iTunes. Or do you mean a future Gina Parris interview, hmm?
John Lusher
July 10, 2010 at 10:39 amThis was great Dean and Paul! Of course everyone knows Paul…we are six degrees of separation from him! I loved listening to this and as Gina mentioned, the tips and tricks were great! Very good choice for your first interview! Paul rocks and I am glad to get to know you too Dean!
John
Rochelle Veturis
July 12, 2010 at 6:22 amReally, really, really great interview Dean. I’m a huge Paul Tran fan, and now everyone can understand why. He is bright, gracious, strategic, encouraging and wears humility well. I haven’t met a person who’s worked with Paul who hasn’t raved about him. For more, check out his feature in The Gazette: <a href="http://theocgazette.blogspot.com/search?q=paul+tran" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://;http://theocgazette.blogspot.com/search?q=paul+tr…” target=”_blank”>;http://theocgazette.blogspot.com/search?q=paul+tr….
Thank you again Dean. Keep up the great work.
Dean Soto
July 12, 2010 at 1:43 pm@John Thanks so much John! Really means a lot! It's great to connect with you via Twitter through Gina! She is awesome!
@Rochelle THAT ARTICLE IS AWESOME! (Thanks for the intro to the OC Gazette, too. I had never read it before. Yes, I live in a cave). Paul is seriously the man lol. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. It was great meeting you (finally) at #SMdayOC! You are great!