Today's entrepreneur: Ethan Anderson

Meliza Solan Surdi · February 10, 2011 · Short URL: https://vator.tv/n/16da

No.1 mistake: Believing there's a formula for success that can be learned from copying others

 

Entrepreneurs embrace being at the forefront of change. And, just by being there, they make a difference.

They often live unstable lives. But as they courageously take risks, they'll make several mistakes which become valuable lessons for the rest of us.

They have their ups and downs. But at the end of the day, these creative daredevils are the ones who are changing the world.

We've recently created new profiles, specifically for innovators, to express themselves by sharing their interests, lessons learned, as well as bits and pieces of their unique journey.

 

Today's entrepreneur is Ethan Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Redbeacon.

According to his VEQ (Vator entrepreneur assessment test), he is a thought leader, and good at team motivation and networking.

I Am: An Entrepreneur

Name companies you've founded or co-founded:

Redbeacon

Name startups you worked for:

Google, Buy.com

If you are an entrepreneur, why?

I want to change the world.

List your favorite startups:

Redbeacon, Kayak, Dropbox, Pivotal Tracker, OpenTable

What's most frustrating and rewarding about entrepreneurship/innovation?

Nothing is so rewarding as launching something you believe in. Nothing is more frustrating than low usage of that new thing by your users.

What's the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs make?

Believing there is a single formula for success that can be learned from copying others. Each entrepreneur and each startup must find their own path that works for them.

What are the top three lessons you've learned as an entrepreneur?

1. Try to spend your time on the things that are most meaningful to the company rather than the dozens of little distractions that come up throughout the day.

2. Time is your biggest enemy. Spend money, outsource, or create processes that will allow you to move faster and spend more time on #1.

3. Clearly communicate roles and responsibilities. Make sure people know who can ultimately make the decision in times of disagreement.

Related Companies, Investors, and Entrepreneurs

Redbeacon

Startup/Business

Joined Vator on

Redbeacon will find the right business or person to handle any local service need. 

Request a service (e.g., gardener, carpet cleaner, dance instructor) and interested local providers will receive your request and respond with their price to do your job at the time and place you need it done. 

You can see information about each service provider, how much they'll charge for your job and book your appointment online with the one you like best. Best of all, it's completely free to use! 

Redbeacon launched in September 2009 and won the top prize at the 2009 TechCrunch50 Conference. 

Whatever you need. Done. 
http://www.redbeacon.com

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Ethan Anderson

Joined Vator on

Former Founder and CEO of MyTime and Redbeacon (TC50 winner acquired by Home Depot), Product Mgr on Google Video and Google Image Search, Strategy Director at Buy.com and McKinsey & Co consultant.