Name: Rob Basso
Title: President
Company Name: Advantage Payroll Services
What was the key step that really got your career underway? Was there a watershed moment that you remember as being particularly important to starting your career?
I was selling “business to business” services. I developed an immediate connection with one client, so when I needed the funds to start my business, he was the first person I went to for funding. Needless to say, he said yes. The key step was not being afraid to enter the unknown.
What do you credit as the secret to your success?
Understanding that I don’t have all the answers, I seek out sound advice from those with more experience in a given subject matter. Also, I have a healthy fear of failure.
How do you define success?
For me it is being independent not only financially but also creatively and emotionally.
Was there a particular moment in which you realized that you are exactly where you ought to be professionally or doing exactly what you were meant to do?
For me it was when my first book The Everyday Entrepreneur was published. We had a huge launch party and hundreds of people came to support me. It was quite humbling.
How do you attract and keep good employees?
Good benefits are no longer the answer. I make employees feel part of something special and create reasons for them to come in everyday and work hard for themselves and our clients.
What is the best way to get new business?
Build trusting relationships and this will lead to personal referrals. When trusted advisors to business owners say to use my company, I win the business because I focus on trust.
What is the most important thing you do or tactic you use in making a sale?
We provide valuable resources and information that the potential clients cannot get elsewhere. We focus on being more than a service provider; we are truly an interested partner.
How do you respond to adversity?
The key for me has been surrounding myself with the right people. With a determined right team and the right ideas we can face any challenge and succeed.
How do you make yourself stand out?
I have a high profile in news media, online and in the business world. I am driven to grow my businesses but committed to assist others to achieve the American dream.
What makes you different from your peers?
The strong belief in my ability to make the tough decisions that moves my business forward.
What was the most important thing you learned from other bosses you’ve had?
As a teenager I worked as a dishwasher at a pizza place. I badgered the owner for months to let me run the pizza oven. Eventually he caved in. I learned to succeed you need persistence and to provide people with opportunities.
What attracts you to the people you include in your social circle?
Diversity creates interest. I have friends from all walks of life. Police officers, business owners, sales people and restaurant managers. I enjoy being around a varied set of people.
What qualities do you most respond to in others?
Dedication is a significant part of being successful in anything you do. I love it when people are dedicated to their family, work, hobbies or whatever it is they love.
What qualities do you most negatively respond to in other people?
Sloth. Enough said.
What makes you want to count someone as a close associate or a trusted ally?
I read a book The Speed of Trust by Steven Covey Jr. It’s all about how everything starts with trust which is built on a foundation of honesty and respect.
What is the moment when you knew that you made it?
I haven’t arrived yet. If I did, why would I keep striving to complete more goals?
What is something you do not do enough of?
I don’t spend enough time simply relaxing. This is not one of my strongpoints.