Michael Picard is an entrepreneur, with a passion for business and technology. From an early age, Michael was always experimenting with things, from taking apart and rebuilding computers to learning more about how they function. In his high school years, Michael and a friend, Brian, started a business, B&MTek, an IT company with an array of services ranging from fixing computers, building custom computers, web design, video editing, all the way to setting up sound systems, lighting boards, and more. That was when he decided he truly wanted to start and run businesses. When Michael and Brian graduated from high school, they decided to end the company, due to the college and the course load. He is now working on an internet startup company that will soon be released in alpha. Michael enjoys working on startups that are in an established industry, but take a different approach to solving a clear problem. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, playing soccer, traveling, and helping people discover and pursue their dreams.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on the same business venture I have been working on for the past year, which will be ready to launch soon. Right now, I am getting ready for a meeting next week with investors, so it’s an exciting and busy time for me. I am also in the beginning stages of writing a book.
Where did the idea for come from?
Back when I was in college, I was on Facebook, viewing who was online. I noticed a lot of the same people were always online, no matter what time I was on. Here are friends staying on Facebook all day, basically doing nothing…maybe commenting on people’s statuses, or playing games on Facebook, or checking out different apps. So I thought if people are going to stay online all day, why not create something where people could be productive and have fun at the same time? That’s when my dream was born. Don’t get me wrong, Facebook is great, but it’s not known for being productive.
What does your typical day look like?
I wish there was a typical schedule for my day, but there isn’t. Variety keeps life interesting. Here are some constants: I’m up early every morning and going to sleep late at night. Some days I’m on my laptop working on my business, other days I’m meeting with potential employees or investors, and trying to nail down a time where everyone on my team can meet.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring my businesses/ideas to life in a few ways. First, I try to make sure that everyone I’m working with is where they want to be, because that’s where they will excel. If they have a passion for what they are doing, it brings the idea or business to life for them. Secondly, I like to keep people informed, whether they are a potential employee, investor, or customer. By keeping them informed every step of the way, excitement begins to build as they see all the parts coming together to create a product. I also like to give people a glimpse of the future – just enough to get people excited and coming back for more.
3 trends that excite you?
The first trend I am excited about is the trend in starting internet startups; there are some brilliant people and ideas out there. So if it’s something the enables me to better do my job in less time, or creates some type of solution that helps me, I am in. The second is politics. I’ve always had a passion for politics and have paid close attention to it. I believe politics is a platform to do great things, to change the world. The third would have to be technology; I like to stay tuned in to the latest technological innovations.
What is the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
One person I look up to gave me the task of doing some maintenance work, which wasn’t my forte, but lesson learned: No job or task is too little, even a maintenance worker at one of my future companies. You can’t run anything effectively when you’re on your high horse. Making your business a great experience isn’t just for your customers/users, but strive to make it a great experience to work there as well, from your marketing officer to the maintenance worker.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
If I were to start over again, I’d probably start sooner and learn as much as I can about business.
What is the one thing you did/do as an entrepreneur that you would do over and over again and recommend everybody else do?
Start a business. It is so amazing when you first come up with that idea; you do a little research to make sure the idea is viable, and then comes the fun part: meeting potential employees and building your product, getting other people passionate about your idea, and finally –hopefully– watching your idea come to life. I would definitely recommend starting your own business at least once in your life.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Being an entrepreneur, I do want to start multiple companies. One of which is a technology/scientific innovation company.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read, and why?
I would definitely recommend that everyone get their hands on Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki. He is a brilliant man and someone I am glad to know and look up to.
If you weren’t working on your idea, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t in business, I’d probably be in Psychology. Psychology is the most interesting branch of science and I love it.
Three people we should follow on Twitter, and why?
Me – @Mpicardd
Guy Kawasaki – @GuyKawasaki
Richard Branson – @richardbranson
When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it.
The other day when I was watching bud Abbott and Lou Costello, they were a brilliant comedy team!
Who would you love to see interviewed on IdeaMensch?
I would love to see Richard Branson, founder and CEO of Virgin, interviewed on here.
Are there any ideas/ventures you haven’t started that you’ve wanted to start, or still plan on starting?
There are plenty of ideas/ventures I want to start, but I am only 22, so I have plenty of time to start them.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to work out, travel, play soccer, and hang out with friends and family. I enjoy doing something new too.
Connect:
Michael Picard on Twitter: @Mpicardd
Michael Picard on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/mpicardd
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.