Wisdom From the CEO: Jerry Delgado

WISDOM FROM THE CEO

Jerry Delgado - Applied Business Software, Inc.

Q: Looking back to when you started your first business - how did you know when you had the right idea?

A: I don't think I ever felt like I had the "right idea." Mostly, I listened to my clients, and in turn they provided the "right ideas." Customer feedback is probably the most important ingredient when trying to develop a successful product. Moreover, I think that in the technology business there are no lasting "right ideas." The right idea of today may not necessarily work tomorrow. It is also important to grasp a good understanding of where the industry is heading in both the near term and the distant future, and this will provide you with a path to your next 'right idea."

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

A: I love the challenge of staying at the forefront of an ever-changing industry. As an innovator (all entrepreneurs are innovators) I enjoy the process of bringing new ideas to life. Also, the boss has no dress code.

Jerry Delgado, Applied Business Software, Inc.

Q: What advice would you offer someone who is starting their first business?

A: Starting your first business can be overwhelming. There are so many daunting issues to face: product development, marketing, intellectual property and obviously financing just to mention a few. As a software developer I think one advice I can provide is: Do not take too long to launch a product. Yes, focus on developing a great product, but take version 1.0 to market ASAP. Then listen to your customers’ feedback and follow up with endless incremental enhancements.

Q: How did you go about building a customer base for your early ventures?

A: My co-founder and I placed a small ad in a local newspaper showcasing our products. This ad generated a few leads which we followed. We then traveled to each customer site and demonstrated our products. We sold them all. After that we did a lot of cold-calling and attended industry trade shows and conferences. This was 40 years ago and I’m not sure if this approach would work today.

Q: What habits and/or mindsets have helped you succeed as a business owner?

A: Positive attitude, self-motivation and vision. There are so many challenges facing an entrepreneur that having a positive attitude is a crucial ingredient for success. Self-motivation is also key to running a successful company. Finally, the ability to stay focused on the “big picture” – Is the company headed in the right direction? Where do we need to be tomorrow, in 5 years?

Jerry Delgado

CEO & Co-Founder

Applied Business Software, Inc.

jerrydelgado@absnetwork.com