An opportunity entrepreneurs rarely see, Dan Bliss has made the real deal with the Perfect Pitch 2009.  Dan Bliss, the co-founder of PerfectBusiness.com, has given thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to submit their ideas to a panel of investors.  Helping entrepreneurs seek their destiny is not new to Bliss though.  At PerfectBusiness.com, Bliss has seen many entrepreneurs grow.

The Perfect Pitch 2009 is featuring one of the most acclaimed entrepreneurs in the world, Sir Richard Branson.  It is hard to believe that such a tremendous figure in the business world will be making an appearance at the conference.  Behold and prepare to learn all about Dan Bliss, PerfectBusiness.com, the Perfect Pitch and how he got Sir Richard Branson to speak at one of the most exciting conferences of the year.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself (background)?

I’m a lifelong entrepreneur.  I’ve owned many businesses, including restaurants, bars, concert clubs, music festivals, publications, film production companies, memorabilia businesses and web sites.  Along the way, I’ve helped many people write business plans and start their own businesses.  That’s what inspired me to launch PerfectBusiness.com.  People simply need a place to go for help in starting a business.

The Perfect Pitch 2009, an entrepreneur’s dream come true.  How were you able to make this conference the real deal?

At PerfectBusiness, we talked about organizing an annual entrepreneur competition that culminated in a big event.  This would be our marquee event each year.  We decided that we wanted to begin our first year with a bang!  When Richard Branson agreed to be a part of it, we knew that it would be a huge success.  USA TODAY signed on and we have just built from there.

What inspired you to form The Perfect Pitch? What are your goals for The Perfect Pitch?

The Perfect Pitch is an extension of what we do at PerfectBusiness.  By organizing a large event, it allows us to see our customers face-to-face and help them in a very real way.

Sir Richard Branson, number 261 on Forbes World’s Billionaires list, is going to be in attendance at the Perfect Pitch Conference.  How were you able to contact Mr. Branson?  More importantly, how were you able to get him to speak at this event?

I met Richard a few years ago.  At the time, I owned the world-famous Hollywood Sign, and I tried to sell it to him.  I figured that he would enjoy the publicity of owning the Hollywood Sign.  He thought about it for several weeks, then he decided that he didn’t know what to do with it and politely declined.  We have stayed in touch.  When I approached him about speaking at our event, he asked his people to explore the idea, and he decided to accept.  So, here we are!

How does your business, PerfectBusiness.com work?

Our website provides lots of free resources and videos for startup entrepreneurs.  That’s our core audience.  We generate income from premium services, such as entrepreneur training courses, business plan software and funding services.

PerfectBusiness.com helps people.  How does it feel knowing you helped an individual succeed?

It means a great deal to me.  There’s something unique about the energy of an entrepreneur who is excited or inspired.  It’s hard to sleep.  I call it startup adrenaline.  I know the feeling well.  When I can help another entrepreneur get to that point, I know we’re doing something right!

Where did you get your motivation to start your own business?

It’s just part of who I am.  Starting a business is similar to an artist getting the inspiration to start a new painting.  Creating a business is fun.  It’s exciting.  It is also very rewarding to see hard work turn into tangible results.  Customers paying for what you created is the ultimate compliment.  Of course, a business also creates jobs and takes on life of its own.  It’s like building a model airplane, and then getting to watch it fly!

What do you feel are the most important traits and/or qualities to being a successful entrepreneur?

There are several.  I’d begin with belief in an idea.  Almost every entrepreneur has that in the beginning, but to make it work, you have to be relentless, yet flexible.  If you aren’t willing to learn and adapt, learn and adapt, learn and adapt, then you won’t make it in the long term.

How were you able to promote yourself and your company?

Creatively.  Every business needs to come up with innovative ways to find customers.  Whether that means you are an exceptional advertiser or you are good at generating publicity, you have to find a way to reach your customers.  We’ve found success by working with strategic partners.  The media have been supportive as well.

What are your plans for the future? Perfect Pitch 2010 is already in the works.  What are your plans for that conference and future ones?

That’s to be determined.  We’ll certainly add some new elements next year, but we aren’t ready to make any announcements.

What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Do what you love.  Monday is my favorite day of the week, because I love what I do.  Often times, weekends slow me down.  Don’t get me wrong, I like weekends too.  The point is that everyone has the choice to make.  I’m not saying that everyone should be an entrepreneur.  If you love your job, that’s great!  However, if you are miserable at work, and have always wanted to start a business, just do it!  Life is too short to be miserable.

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

Always be learning.  Whether you are reading books, taking classes or just talking with other entrepreneurs, listen and learn from people who’ve done it.  It will dramatically shorten your learning curve.

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Check out more at PerfectBusiness.com
Learn more about the Perfect Pitch 2009
Follow Dan Bliss on Twitter

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