Cyrus Baseghi

Starting an online, app-based business where service providers are matched with buyers is a great idea in today’s economy.

 

Cyrus Baseghi is the President of OSSI and an Oakland-based businessman. As the leader of a forward-thinking brand, he has done everything from basic application and internet development to complex database design and system programming. Currently, he is seeking new markets to slowly expand his portfolio. Some of the examples of the opportunities that he is interested in include contract management, small business, and parking-related ventures. Before commencing his 17-year-long career with OSSI, Cyrus Baseghi worked for companies like Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., Six Flags, Malibu Networks, and Fujant.

Where did the idea for OSSI come from?

The idea for OSSI came from the ever-growing need for a high-powered software that would act as a flawless point of sale solution for hospitality institutions. During the initial stages, the goal was to make something that will increase revenues while also improving efficiency and customer service.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

There is no such thing as a typical day since my schedule changes every 24 hours. There are days when I spend most of my time attending meetings and planning sessions, but there are also days when I do not even go into the office and spend most of my day visiting our big clients. I try to make it productive by making small milestones and constantly adding things to my agenda. That way, I always have something to work on and look forward to completing the task so that I can reach that next milestone.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I communicate them to those around me and analyze their responses. If they seem to like it, we get to work and begin planning more. If not, we try to make changes or look for other ideas.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am very excited that more and more companies are slowly shifting toward one-stop solutions for their enterprises. For instance, instead of having half-dozen software variations, programs like the ones we have at OSSI can help them meet all of their goals.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Regardless of the day of the week, I wake up very early. Most of my days start around 5 A.M., and I have learned that turning this into a habit helps me get the necessary rest while also getting a chance to tackle important tasks early in the day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would probably advise myself to start learning about automation and entrepreneurship as soon as possible.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I do not believe that technology will replace humans anytime soon. Due to the technical experts that I surround myself with, I seem to be the only one who believes this. Nonetheless, I think that the need to have somebody who knows how to manage outstanding tools will always exist.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I make sure to take the necessary breaks, whether it be a few minutes or an entire vacation. Doing so allows me to minimize the risk of a potential burnout that could be detrimental to my career.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

OSSI focuses on outstanding customer care by continuously requesting feedback from those that it serves. This has allowed us to make a lot of great changes that our clients were excited about.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

We worked with a few clients where we were not able to implement our software efficiently at first. After some overtime planning and a few different strategies, we eventually figured it out and have turned those businesses into repeat buyers.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

If you ever wanted to start your own business, today’s economy is perfect for building an app-based, online venture that connects providers and those who need their services. For instance, if you have experience with software programming, you could create an app where people can submit requests to get their codes written while eligible programmers bid for those jobs. As the platform creator, you could earn money by subtracting a small fee paid at the end of the job.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I upgraded my Kindle device as the last one that I owned had some issues due to many years of usage. Since I love reading to finish my day off, having a state-of-the-art tool that allows me to do so effortlessly helps a lot.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use a wide variety of mobile apps that let me track various events, daily tasks, and even expenses that the company will face. Some of the most common ones include Google Tasks, Habit Tracker, and Microsoft To-Do.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Equity Research for the Technology Investor: Value Investing in Technology Stocks” by Sundeep Bajikar. It is an outstanding guide on how to go about purchasing your first securities from the area of technology.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary” by Jim Rohn.

Key Learnings:

• Building a habit can perpetuate increased productivity.
• More and more companies are making a shift to single enterprise solutions.
• Focusing on customer care can allow companies to grow fast.
• Starting an online, app-based business where service providers are matched with buyers is a great idea in today’s economy.