Todd Bernhard

I’d recommend any book by Guy Kawasaki, but especially recommend “Selling the Dream”. I read that years ago and it still applies.”

 

Todd Bernhard is an award-winning App Developer with 100+ apps in the App Store earning more than six million downloads.

Where did the idea for NoTie.com come from?

I started out building apps that I wanted for myself. I was fortunate to discover that others wanted the same kind of app.

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

Every morning, I check my email and downloads and make adjustments as necessary. I used to get a lot of customer support emails, but that helped me to make the apps more self-sufficient so now they need less support.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I have more ideas that time, so I try to leverage a long weekend, and in some cases, Hackathons, to dedicate a good chunk of time to turn an idea into a product.

What’s one trend that really excites you?

I’m really excited about Augmented Reality. With Pokemon Go, people got a taste and it took off more than Virtual Reality because it’s social versus anti-social and you don’t have to be tethered to a chair or computer. You only need the smartphone you carry with you all the time.

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

I am always connected, by phone, Apple Watch, iPad or computer. Some people think that’s an intrusion, but I know that if I’m not getting a message, everything is fine.

What advice would you give your younger self?

My advice would be to spend more time on creating and less money on lawyers.

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

I don’t care what others say. Being connected 24×7 actually makes you relax.

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

I participate in Hackathons, both in person and online. It’s a great way to dedicate time to a project and meet people and force yourself to learn new technologies.

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

I have listened to my customers and that has had a direct impact on the next product I create.

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

I had a server fail in a web hosting business that really hurt the business. I learned to always have a backup plan.

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

Readers should build an Alexa skill. It’s surprisingly easy and a fun way to promote your business or start a new one.

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

I bought something that was half price on Black Friday for $75 and sold it the next week on eBay for twice that. I did that with seven of those items, in fact.

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

I use Google Alerts. It’s free and you can be notified when your product or name is in the news.

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

I’d recommend any book by Guy Kawasaki, but especially recommend “Selling the Dream”. I read that years ago and it still applies.

What is your favorite quote?

“Any fool cam criticize, condemn and complain. And most fools do.” – Dale Carnegie

 

Connect:

Todd Bernhard on Twitter: @ToddBernhard