Research Center Events

Entrepreneur Robin Chase, Zipcar Founder, Shares Her Secrets of Success

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On September 22, Robin Chase spoke candidly to an audience of aspiring entrepreneurs about how she grew Zipcar into the world’s largest car-sharing service. As part of the David & Rose Himelberg Speaker Series, the event was hosted by NYU Stern’s Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

She shared the following anecdotes and tips on how to launch a start-up:

  • Being an entrepreneur is like being on a roller coaster; it’s scary but addictive
  • When you have a bad idea, ditch it quickly
  • Everyone is your free consultant when you’re starting a new business
  • Start-ups can be nimble and change quickly, which is a huge advantage over large organizations
  • Not learning from mistakes is a problem
  • Challenge conventional wisdom if your intuition tells you to do so
  • Engage your customers
  • Exercise intellectual honesty
  • Ideas are simple; implementation is the key to success
  • Choose your staff wisely; select people who share your values and whom you trust and respect
  • Luck is when preparation meets opportunity
  • Bad things will happen; don’t take it personally

Find out about other upcoming events hosted by the Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation