Ask for Help -- and Offer It

Some of the most important lessons I've learned as an entrepreneur are things they don't teach you in business school. I've learned to be fearless in approaching a celebrated figure, listen carefully to those who have paved the trails, and mentor others who seek to learn from my experiences.

In previous columns, I've written about my surprise that movie stars weren't as distant and aloof as they seem (see BW Online, 8/10/04, "My Entertaining Education in Movieland"). While I knew that successful technology executives were often eager to help and mentor, I never expected that film legends would be approachable or readily share their experiences. Networking, it seems, may be the best way to learn and grow in almost any industry.