#279 What I Learned Before I Sold to Warren Buffett

What I learned from reading What I Learned Before I Sold to Warren Buffett: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Developing a Highly Successful Company by Barnett Helzberg Jr. ---- Get access to the World’s Most Valuable Notebook for Founders by investing in a subscription to Founders Notes ---- [5:00]  Then, right there on the sidewalk I told one of the most astute businessmen in America why he ought to consider buying our family's 79-year-old jewelry business. "I believe that our company matches your criteria for investment, I said. To which he replied, simply, "Send me the information. It will be confidential.” My conversation with Buffett lasted no more than half a minute. [8:00] My dream buyer for the family business all along was Warren Buffet. [11:00] "This can be the fastest deal in history," Buffett said. "But what about due diligence?" I asked, surprised at how fast the negotiations were moving. Most suitors demand to see every scrap of paper you've ever generated and to interview every top manager. That wasn't Buffett's way. "I can smell these things, Buffett said. "This one smells good.” [12:00] First A Dream by Jim Clayton. (Founders #91) [13:00] Buffett on his management technique: “Managers run their own shows. They don't have to report to central management. When we get somebody who is a .400 hitter we don't start telling them how to swing.” [14:00] I was always taught that many, many people were out there developing ideas I could use. I have found that to be true throughout my life. These thoughts and ideas have all been borrowed or stolen from many wise people. Think of the world as your garden of marvelous people and ideas with unlimited picking rights for you. [17:00] Cable Cowboy: John Malone and the Rise of the Modern Cable Business by Mark Robichaux. (Founders #268) [23:00] Despite missteps, entrepreneurs are a special breed who do not give up on the larger goals. [24:00] It's not hard to express the quality we're looking for in metaphors. The best is p