Kevin Lust-Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois
What inspired you to join the Illinois SBDC?
I came to the Small Business Development Center a bit by accident. After the tenures of two of our longest-serving directors, our host struggled to find a suitable replacement. After reading about the open position a couple of times, I was talking with a friend who was involved with the search. The general direction of my comments was simialr to, “Here is what you should do to energize that place.” After a few of those visits, he finally said, “Why don’t you do it?” And eventually I did.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
Among the things that I enjoy about my work - both at the Illinois SBDC and in my own business - is watching people use the tips and suggestions we share with them. If someone benefits from something that I have learned and then been able to share, I know I’m doing my job. Seeing someone put something I’ve said to work for them probably is the most gratifying part of what I do.
How do you start your day?
I have a minute or two for breakfast with my wife, to feed the dog his share of my meal, and then to head off to the office. We usually have our local AM Springfield radio show on, which gives us a chance to hear and talk about some of the "issues of the day." When I am making the most progress, I also add time to read in there somewhere. Usually, that is right after I wake up. Sometimes it is at the office prior to opening the computer. Depending on what I am reading, if I can invest 20 or 30 minutes in ingesting the 'right' info, my day always goes better.
Favorite local businesses?
Not surprisingly, our favorite local businesses are ones we have worked with at the Illinois Small Business Development Center. We always try to shop our clients. Our favorite times to do that are right when they open and then when they have been in business for years. The good news is that in the almost 18 years I have been part of the SBDC, we have helped to open around 300 businesses. So, we have a lot of fantastic places at which to shop, eat, and play.
What do you deem as success in business?
Since we help people from all walks of life to start and grow their businesses, we have heard a lot of different definitions of success in business. For some, replacing an income working for others is their goal. Others have that passion for their product or service that you asked about earlier. Their main aim to see their product available to others. Beyond that, for some, the drive is profit and the earnings potential of their investment. Still more just like what they do and are looking for a way to do that profitably. Some are motivated by their personal interests, and some look to create long-term success for their entire family. How our clients define their success becomes our definition of success. We relish helping them enjoy those successes.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners?
Don’t try to go it alone. The Illinois Small Business Development Center exists to provide guidance for business growth. It is our job to be available to business owners and prospective owners, and to be there for them at no charge. Beyond that are all the professional service providers, accountants, attorneys, insurance experts, bankers, and marketeers who stand ready to help. Vendors often offer their clients learning opportunities, prepared materials, and financial assistance to help businesses market themselves. Sometimes other business owners - even those in the same industry - are willing to help by sharing their “war stories.” The key to it all is to have the will to ask. It is super easy to ask us for help. Just go to; www.cisbdc.com/appointments to pick the date and time that works for you to come and visit. We will make sure you do not have to be alone.