It's important to build a personal brand because it's the only thing you're going to have. Your reputation online, and in the new business world is pretty much the game, so you've got to be a good person. You can't hide anything, and more importantly, you've got to be out there at some level.

If you know exactly what you want to be, you need to spend as much time as possible with people who are actually that already.

Pour your heart and soul into your business. People will notice.

Social media requires that business leaders start thinking like small-town shop owners. This means taking the long view and avoiding short-term benchmarks to gauge progress. It means allowing the personality, heart and soul of the people who run all levels of the business to show.

Stop crying... keep hustling.

I am aware of the talent I was gifted and had to execute against it. It is just being very self aware and betting on your best strength.

We're living in what I like to call the 'Thank You Economy,' because only the companies that can figure out how to mind their manners in a very old-fashioned way - and do it authentically - are going to have a prayer of competing.