Today's Entrepreneur: AJ Forsythe

No. 1 mistake: Failing to see your idea how consumers see it

Vator’s community is the home to entrepreneurs who embrace their passion and follow their dreams.

Our newly-designed profiles allow members to express themselves by sharing their interests, lessons learned, as well as bits and pieces of their roller-coaster journey.

These profiles give entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase themselves and tell their story.

So if you are an entrepreneur, a serial entrepreneur, or even an aspiring entrepreneur, we'd like to hear from you.

Today's Entrepreneur is  AJ Forsythe, President and CEO of  iCracked Inc. one of the semi-finalists in the Vator Splash LA competition

According to his VEQ, AJ is a thought leader and is good at  product management and networking.

I am a(n): Entrepreneur

Name companies you've founded or co-founded:
iCracked inc.

Name companies you've invested in:
Talk to Chuck about that one.

Name startups you worked for:
iCracked inc., Cal Poly Beekeeping Company (Funny story about that)

If you are an entrepreneur, why?
I want to change the world.

List your favorite startups:
LinkedIn, SquareUp, iCracked, SLO Down Wines,

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

It's rewarding to create your own future and know that the outcome of whatever project is defined by hard work... and being in the right place at the right time.

What's frustrating is the time it takes to develop the right team, I'm learning to listen to what my mind consciously says is the right choice, but to trust gut instincts over logical reasoning.

What's the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs make?
Failing to see your idea how consumers see it.

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

"Failing is inevitable, If you don't fail, you are not taking risks worthy of a startup. If you fear failure, you won't take the risks." - Neil Young, ngmoco

Always keep moving forward and never miss an opportunity to network with like minded people.
A lot of entrepreneurs with new ideas are afraid to share them with people, investors, and companies because they are afraid their great idea will get stolen. It takes a great person to make a great company, rarely does the idea itself have to be great. Bet on the Jockey, not on the horse.

What do people misunderstand about being an entrepreneur?

That you're unemployed. You may not be getting payed well, if anything. But you're certainly employed by your idea. Eat, sleep, and breathe your startup.