Communication and Credibility with Scott Spiro and Tony Lillios

September 8, 2015

Communication and Credibility with Scott Spiro and Tony Lillios

Show Summary

Scott Spiro and Tony Lillios join us for Episode 44 of the Profit First Podcast. Scott sheds some light on how he found his niche and the importance of credibility. Tony shares his success story with Speck products and how his company skyrocketed to profitability.

Our Guests

Scott Spiro

Scott Spiro is founder and President of Computer Solutions Group, Inc (CSG), and author of the book “Hassle Free Computer Support”. In 2013, CSG was named one of the top 100 I.T. firms in the nation by trade site MSPmentor.com. CSG offers its clients both an outsourced Chief Technology Officer and an entire I.T. department for a fraction of the price of hiring these resources in-house.

In addition to solving the typical I.T. challenges most businesses face, Scott has focused his own efforts in helping his clients and their families battle Cybercrime, Cyberbullying, and other harmful technologies. A member of the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, Scott is dedicated to protecting both businesses and consumers from the potential dangers of being “connected” 24/7 to their computers. Additionally, with two small children of his own and some recent health issues, Scott began development of new program designed to help business owners better manage their technology and lifestyle. This sometimes means turning it all off in order to focus on not just their businesses, but also their health and loved ones.

A graduate of UCLA, Scott had originally planned to go into the Entertainment field. However, a knack for technology and an interest in entrepreneurship led him along a different path. Scott has been featured by the N.Y. Times, and was nominated by the Century City Chamber of Commerce for their Men of Achievement award. Scott enjoys participation in the LA5 Rotary Club, EO, and any activities that involve spending time with his family and friends.

Tony Lillios

Tony Lillios is a serial entrepreneur and most notably a co-founder of Speck Products, the protective case maker for mobile products, which was acquired by Samsonite in 2014. His companies have been on the Inc 500 list several times and ranked as high as #41. He is passionate about early stage companies and leading them to a profitable and sustainable growth path. He enjoys working in a variety of industries and is currently actively involved in a publishing, a MI (music instrument), and a social networking business. He looks to work with companies targeting to disrupt their industry with a solid leadership team.

Show Quotes

It’s important for any business to have a good team around you and people that you trust. They are the one’s who will give you the harsh reality when needed.

Start focusing on where you can cut costs. Pay off your credit cards, and start focusing on how you can bring in new business.

Focus on what comes naturally and what you’re good at. For Scott, that means going out into the community and networking.

Get involved with direct marketing, go into media (news channels, radio shows, etc) to build credibility. Credibility is everything.

Potential clients want to know: what’s your pricing? What’s your value proposition? What are you promising to do for them? Do you have the testimonials to back it all up from existing clients? They want to know that you know what you’re doing.

Growing a business quickly does not = profitability.

You have to check your ego at the door. When you need someone for a specific task, take the time to find the right fit (it may not be you!)

Oh… let’s not forget this little gem of Tony 🙂