Jean Chen

The important thing is to always believe that you are capable of achieving your goals and the only thing you have to do is work towards them.

 

Jean Danhong Chen earned her graduate degree from the Law School of Xiamen University in China before moving to the United States to further study law. Jean earned her L.L.M. degree from the Boston University Law School in 1997 and has been a member of the State Bar of New York and the American Immigration Lawyers Association since 2003.

Jean Danhong Chen has published numerous articles on immigration issues in the World Journal, Sing Tao Daily and other major websites online as we have spoken in colleges and universities across America.

Working out of San Jose, California, Jean Danhong Chen runs her own law office “The Law Office of Jean D. Chen” where she works to help improve immigration law and help immigrants successfully apply for green cards and visas around the country.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

The name for my company “The Law Office of Jean D. Chen” came from my desire to keep the name simple and straightforward. My experience in immigration law is extensive and I want all my potential clients to know that they can rest assured that I am helping them.

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

My typical day starts early, I am at my office for most of the day working on the cases for my current clients. I speak with clients throughout the day following up with their cases to make sure they have all of the documentation required to make their immigration process a smooth one.

I strive to make each day productive by setting tasks that I then work to complete each day. I usually aim high on the amount I can complete but that means that if I work hard then I will feel successful, my days are very full. I am always driven to ensure my clients success and that helps to ensure that I remain productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life through hard work and dedication. Ideas do not become reality without those two things and when I am working with clients trying to achieve a green card or visa, I want them to know that they have someone who is giving their all every day.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is the increase in awareness regarding international issues. I believe that this understanding helps to create a stronger international community and it helps people around the world to see that we are all human.

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

One habit that makes me productive is that I set daily goals for myself. I believe that if you do not have goals to achieve each day, you will not be able to achieve your best work.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to always work hard and be responsible. Additionally, I would emphasize the importance of improving my communication skills. Most importantly, however, I would tell myself to maintain a positive outlook on life. Things can always get better if you have a good attitude.

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

If you feel that you are incapable of doing something, then you will not be able to do it regardless. The important thing is to always believe that you are capable of achieving your goals and the only thing you have to do is work towards them.

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

One thing that I recommend everyone do is make a priority list of the tasks you need to accomplish each day and how long they will take. If you have an important task that doesn’t take long, it is something that you should get done immediately. Try to stick to your list and not let other items override the list if possible. Sticking to and makinig daily goals keeps me very organized.

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

One strategy that has helped me to grow my business is that I am a good person and always open and honest to my clients. I believe that honesty is the best policy and that my clients are more likely to talk about their success if they feel like they understood what was happening at every step of the process. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow a business and the happier the clients are, the more likely they are to positively promote your business.

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

In my industry, there are always failures as inevitably some of my clients will not have their applications for visa and green cards approved. It is never an easy feeling but I have found that my failures can be used to drive me forward and become even better to avoid repeating any mistakes I might have made.

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

One business idea that I have had is to develop a service for people to attend and be a contributor to major business conferences online if they cannot afford to travel to the location of the conference. This could be something an employer could offer a team rather than just sending 1 or 2 people.

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

The best $100 I recently spent was treating a good friend to a nice dinner. Spending time catching up with old friends is important to me, even if it is for a short time over coffee or tea.

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

One piece of software that helps me be productive is Microsoft Excel. Excel is one of the most versatile products available and if you spend the time to learn how to use it, you will find that you can get rid of many other programs you thought you needed.

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

One book that I would recommend is Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman as it provides an insight into human behavior and how the human mind both can react instinctively and at times deliberate over decisions.

What is your favorite quote?

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started” ~Mark Twain

Key Learnings:

• Make a list of tasks to accomplish each day and the importance of them
• Do not be afraid of failure, that fear will only hold you back
• Be open and honest – both to yourself and others
• Do not forget to make time for your personal life