Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

This week I spent a special hour listening to Fahad Hassan, VA Tech senior, addressing business people and entrepreneurs from Roanoke and New River Valley at the Roanoke Entrepreneur Express Workshop. Fahad, the founder of Daylert.com shared his experiences of building his business acumen since he was 14 years old. Coming from the poor country of Bangladesh, he shared his gratitude and for the opportunities that he has received. He shared his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the ability to listen and observe. He comes from a tradition that respects their elders. He focused much of his talk on these elders, mentors in his life and that they serve as a foundation and support base in his personal and business life.  He termed his "network" as his competitive advantage and encouraged entrepreneurs to take every opportunity to build and develop their personal network.  

Working for 30 years with the business community I could not agree more! But, Fahad did not share his "secrets" to building the network. It was the special qualities that his mentors were attracted to - His enthusiasm, faith and humility. These qualities will help to guide any aspiring entrepreneur onto to the road to success. Of course it takes time and perseverance but at the core the entrepreneur needs to be rooted in these strong values. Fahad was a refreshing testimonial to a new generation of business people.  He is a valuable addition to the Roanoke and New River Valley Business communities and I encourage him to plant his roots in the region.

Please refer to the event summary Workshop all about takin' care of business on Roanoke.com.  I would like to thank Stuart Mease, Roanoke Connect, and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance for a great workshop.