Formulating ideas is not the hard part; actualizing them is. It’s all about execution.”
Tyler Patzel is the Founder and Director of Wishing U Well. His business started as a retailer of good-for-you products that enable customers to lead healthier lives, and has since evolved into a team of Amazon inventory managers that help other businesses thrive on Amazon. Tyler built Wishing U Well from zero to eight figures in annual revenue within 3 years.
Where did the idea for WishingUWell come from?
As I entertained various paths of entrepreneurship, I started to explore different ways to provide value and to help others. Being a big advocate of healthy living, I considered marrying that passion with my interest in entrepreneurship.
I talked with some of my family and friends about my idea. They gave me feedback and insights. And with that encouragement, WishingUWell was born.
We started as an e-commerce site that sold natural and organic supplements. We built a successful brand through Amazon and began collaborating with some of the biggest names in health and wellness. With that growth, we pivoted our business model and evolved into an organization that partners with brands to share our successful business model—helping them grow and become better through the Amazon platform.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts around 6 AM, with a shower, exercise and/or mind relaxation practices. As the day progresses, distractions are everywhere, so I try to knock out the day’s most important tasks first. That way, no matter what fires arise over the course of the day, I know the most important issues are already done and I can handle whatever is thrown at me.
How do you bring ideas to life?
They say that ideas are everywhere. I couldn’t agree more. Formulating ideas is not the hard part; actualizing them is. It’s all about execution.
I’m in a constant cycle of writing down ideas. I then ask for feedback from my team to see the ideas from a new perspective. Creating a team of like-minded individuals is crucial and incredibly powerful.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing number of people venturing into online business. It’s a train that can’t be stopped.
Every day, I meet people starting their own online business. I love how passionate they are about what they do. I know how it feels to be an internet entrepreneur. So seeing others starting their own businesses makes me feel excited for them.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Drive. I am driven every day to succeed. Drive also applies to the little things that happen daily as well as big picture, long-term vision.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Read books. There are many compelling stories and life lessons written by great thinkers.
Reading is a catalyst to improving yourself, your life. I couldn’t have started a business had I not read books about successful entrepreneurs. I couldn’t have started this mission of creating a positive impact had I not read books about people who did extraordinary things.
Reading stirs your mind. Reading gives you a new perspective. Reading provides insights you couldn’t learn on your own.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
“Properties are not always the best investment.” Many people disagree, I understand. Each one of us has their definition of “best investment.” Real estate is, indeed, a hot market right now and properties can be a great investment. But to say that it’s the best… that is limiting. For me, the best investment is investing in one’s self. Spend your money on things that can improve yourself.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Connect with the right people. When you connect or work with like-minded folks, you are more inspired and less stressed. Don’t get me wrong. As a business owner, stress is always there. That’s part of business. But if you surround yourself with a strong-minded team, and mentors, you are more capable to manage stress and to overcome adversities.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Diversifying products. It’s an excellent strategy for growth. This way you meet people’s needs and continuously expand as you offer something new and exciting. Make sure you know your target market so you can offer them the kind of products they need or want.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Setting expectations too high for my ideals. While at times, idealism can be effective, in business it’s not always the best route. Emotions can be a source of disappointments and frustrations. And I’m grateful that I have realized it earlier in my career. Not always, but sometimes we need to let go of our ideals and accept the present. You can’t think of the best idea or solution if you always place everything inside the box.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An entrepreneurs starter pack that offers bundled software and tools needed by entrepreneurs or freelancers. There are so many great solutions available for entrepreneurs that sometimes it is hard to know where to start. If someone took the time to bundle solutions by entrepreneur “type” or industry, these starter kits could help a lot of entrepreneurs get off on the right foot.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I’ll keep this one simple. Fruits and veggies. Eating nutritious food is paramount. It’s everyone’s responsibility to stay healthy.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Social media is everywhere. It’s unavoidable nowadays. Checking it out here and there seems innocent enough, but over the course of a day that time adds up. Apps like Cold Turkey have been a new, interesting experience. It limits your access to social media so that you can stay focused on the day’s work.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Choose Yourself “by James Altucher. I love Mr. Altucher’s dry humor and life advice. If you want to hear a different perspective on business, career, relationships, or how to live well, read the book. It’s about choosing one’s self despite external circumstances.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.”
― Seneca
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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.