Elevator Pitch is a regular feature on Lifehacker where we profile startups and new companies and pick their brains for entrepreneurial advice. This week, we’re talking with Peter Harris CEO at Digital Stack.
Current gig: CEO of Digital Stack, dedicated marketing software for franchises and multi-location businesses. It provides complete brand protection while enabling franchisees to create professional, localised marketing in minutes.
ᐧ
[clear]
Location: Melbourne (when not travelling the world!)
[clear]
Current mobile device: iPhone 7
[clear]
Current computer: MacBook Pro – 13”
[clear]
One word that best describes how you work: Patiently
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
Digital Stack! Honestly, whatever my team members tell me I have to use. Xero, Slack, GoToMeeting, Insightly to name a few.
What social network do you find the most useful?
Twitter for news and sport updates. Instagram for friends and interests.
What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?
- To never lose sight of your end goal and understand the journey to get there will pivot along the way.
- Learn to maintain honesty and integrity with both staff and clients.
- Do not focus on competition, it only slows you down, always look forward and believe in your own research
- Collaborate. Never be scared to share an idea or two.
- Recruit for culture first, skills second. The right person in the right field can always learn and upskill. They can’t change their personality or work ethic.
What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?
Two things have really stood out for me:
- Not everyone shares my ethics and values
- Powerful business people can be very insecure
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
Delivering high energy to everyone around me. I don’t have A.D.D but I’m certainly crazy drunk for happiness and positivity. I share this all those around me. If you need some, come take a bite.
What’s your sleep routine like?
Is that a serious question? We work with clients in over 12 countries around the world, most in different timezones. This actually works in my favour as I have never slept much my entire life and it allows me to make calls and chat to people whenever I want. My staff, family and friends in Australia get a break from my 4am text messages . . . sometimes.
What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?
Just go for it and do it your way. If you need to have fifty strategy sessions at the pub to get your idea in motion, do that. If you are anal and do everything by the book and need your admin setup right from day one, do that.
One you have got a framework set up, share your ideas and start to implement. It does not matter how much you research you do. Things change quickly, so be ready for it. If you are in tech, this is especially crucial.
Finally, find people you look up to and never be scared to reach out. This can be in any area of your life and should be someone who inspires you and allows you to share your experiences. It is always a two way street; the right person will share advice and listen.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.