Build Your Own Business with Andrew Ford - Episode 8 with John Perry
In this episode, I sit down with John Perry, a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind multiple successful ventures. John shares his wealth of experience, diving deep into the challenges and rewards of building businesses from the ground up. With over 40 years in various industries, John offers invaluable insights into the nuances of entrepreneurship, capital raising, and the importance of resilience.
John begins by discussing his current role with Being Investable, where he focuses on helping entrepreneurs become more attractive to investors by overcoming internal barriers and refining their business models. He emphasizes that while having a great idea is important, investors ultimately invest in people. John’s approach is deeply rooted in systems thinking, a perspective he honed during his early career in advertising and later at Rank Xerox, where he learned the critical importance of structured processes in achieving business success.
Throughout our conversation, John reflects on his journey, from his first job selling sweets to running a successful educational software company, and later ventures in aquaculture and the automotive industry. He candidly discusses the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including the steep learning curves and the hard-earned lessons from each venture.
One key takeaway from John’s journey is the significance of timing and environment in the success of a business. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully assess the external factors that can impact their ventures, from political climates to market demand, and stresses that success often depends on these broader systems aligning in your favor.
"Entrepreneurship is a hundred times harder than the hardest thing you’ve ever done," John advises. "But if you can do it for yourself, because you love to see the outcome happen, even if it doesn’t, you’ll have learned something invaluable about yourself."
Join me as we explore John Perry's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to overcoming challenges, and his passion for helping others navigate the complex world of business. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspirational stories that will resonate with both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals.
