Money Matters – Making Cents
Bill Rancic comes to Northeast Wisconsin to talk dollars and common business sense.
Bill Rancic comes to Northeast Wisconsin to talk dollars and common business sense. Bill Rancic knows how to make cents – dollars and cents, that is. A proven leader in business with his own internet-based company, Cigars Around the World, Rancic gained notoriety when he joined the cast of the first season of NBC’s “The Apprentice.” Though he had already turned his own business from a modest start-up into a multi-million dollar national operation, Rancic was selected from over 250,000 applicants and used that business sense and his proven skills to win the spot as Donald Trump’s right-hand man.
In addition to his success in business, Rancic is the best-selling author of two books on business. His first book, titled You’re Hired, shares his own experiences in business and in life, showing readers some of the basic ideals that can lead you to the top. His follow-up book, titled Beyond the Lemonade Stand, offers a build-your-own-business plan that includes playing fair, helping others, and achieving success without having to knock people down along the way.
On June 18th, Fox Communities Credit Union (along with MarketWise Consulting Group, WHBY 1150, 104.3 The Breeze, AM 1570 The Score, and 95.9 KISS FM) are bringing Bill Rancic to Lambeau Field Atrium to hear his motivational advice on both business and life. He’ll share his experiences as an entrepreneur, as Trump’s right-hand man, and will answer questions from the audience to give you a chance to find out for yourself what the key to personal success really is. Rancic was nice enough to take time out from an airport layover to give us a call and fill us in on what he’s learned so far, and what we can expect from a visit from the original apprentice.
Deluxe 920: So you’re coming to Green Bay to share some pearls of wisdom with us. What can we expect to hear from you?
Bill Rancic: My goal is to kind of take them on my journey to becoming Trump’s righthand man, as they say, and as a smallbusiness owner and an entrepreneur. Share some of the bumps along the way, and share some of the things I learned from Trump along the way. I think it will be a lot of fun!
D920: What was your expectation going into “The Apprentice?”
BR: I didn’t know who the competition was, or what the experience would be about. The first season of the show was very unique because everything was very secretive. We knew we would be starting a new business each week, but that was pretty much all they told us. My goal was just to be myself and use the management style that I had used in my businesses along the way. I hoped it would work, and sure enough – it did!
D920: But the show isn’t your first taste of success…
BR: Well ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had my own business. In college I had a boat wash-and-wax business that I started with a buddy of mine, and then right out of college I started Cigars Around the World from my 400 square foot apartment. We merged with another company about five years ago, and I’m still a member of the board to this day.
D920: What are some of the key pieces of advice that you learned – not just from Trump, but from other people you met along the way that you like to share?
BR: For one, you have to have a good strategy. I think that’s very important no matter what you’re doing. There are three key points that people need to keep in mind. One is practical application – no matter what you do, it’s all about results. So many people talk a big game but very few actually deliver. Secondly, you have to have agility – change your game as the world changes. Thirdly, it’s about taking risk. It’s about taking risks and ultimately succeeding.
D920: What kind of questions do you get when you do these speaking engagements?
BR: It depends on the group. I love it because you don’t know what they’re going to ask you. You certainly have to be open to having them ask anything. There’s no rules. I’ve gotten questions like “Is Donald Trump’s hair real?” to serious business questions (laughs).
D920: So what else do you have on your agenda besides these speaking engagements?
BR: Well I’m going to start working on another TV project which begins May 19th, so I won’t be doing speaking engagements for awhile outside of the one there because we’ll be filming.
D920: What made you decide to come up to Green Bay and hang out with us?
BR: I’m lucky – I get to pick and choose where I want to speak. Coming up there is sure to be a lot of fun. Even though I’m from Chicago, I’m a big Green Bay fan and I just love the people up there. They’re good people with good values.
D920: Are you sure it’s got nothing to do with the fact it’s at Lambeau Field?
BR: (laughs) Uh, no (laughs again). No I’m really looking forward to it though!
D920: Well we’re looking forward to having you. Enjoy your flight and we’ll see you in a couple of weeks!
BR: Sounds good. I’m looking forward to meeting you and seeing everyone there! You can see Bill Rancic speak about “How to Win in Business and in Life” on Wednesday, June 18th from 10am – 11:30am at Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay.
Go to www.foxcu.org for more information.
