Mr. Pollack, Class of '65, is from Rye, New York, where he owns his own real-estate business. He began his entrepreneurial career while a student at the UVM College of Arts and Sciences. He designed ink blotters, on which he sold advertisement space, for the desks around campus, and this business made him wealthy before he left school. He has since always worked for himself and has built a successful career in entrepreneurship.
Mr. Pollack's lecture was on "Keys to Success: The Art and Science of Negotations." A dynamic speaker, he stressed the issue of education being paramount to success as well as the importance of having someone you can turn to for advice. He also indicated four key personality traits that contribute to success in business:
- Work hard (discipline)
- Have the fortitude to say "No" (follow your instincts)
- Don't be afraid
- Learn to communicate clearly
In addressing entrepreneurship, he stated that anyone who has the above qualities can start her own business. In taking these key points even further, he stressed that it is especially important to "be able to ask for the order." In other words, you can't get what you want if you don't ask. In addition, it is important to make the effort to "connect in-person." If there is something that you need or want of someone, you need to meet him face-to-face rather than asking via e-mail or over the phone. The chances of success and of establishing a solid relationship become much greater this way.
Mr. Pollack's lecture was well-attended and well-received. He was the first in a series of guest-lecturers who Dean Rocki DeWitt will be bringing in this year. For further information on this particular presentation, please call Rebecca Stone at (802) 656-4711.
Video Clips from the presentation: