One problem people have is that they lie to themselves. Rarely is talent enough. You have to find ways to make yourself standout. You do so by playing to your strengths and making people aware of those strengths.

One thing I learned in the NBA is that the No. 1 job of a general manager is to keep his job. They are only 30 positions where you make millions and hang around with basketball players all day.

Do the work. Out-work. Out-think. Out-sell your expectations. There are no shortcuts.

Everyone tells you how they are going to be "special", but few do the work to get there. Do the work.

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? It takes willingness to learn, to be able to focus, to absorb information, and to always realize that business is a 24/7 job where someone is always out there to kick your ass.

I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't fail ... a lot. The good, the bad, it's all part of the success equation.

Sometimes you buy the horse, sometimes you invest in the jockey. It really comes down to the actual business and the upside.