In this episode of the Spinoso Podcast, I dive into one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in business: carrying the big stick. This advice came from a billionaire mentor I met while living in Frisco, Texas, and it’s stuck with me ever since. He told me that as I grew my company, I needed to get the best lawyers, keep them on retainer, and never hesitate to use legal action when necessary. At first, it didn’t sit well with me because, like most people, I don’t want to be a dick. But as I’ve grown in business, I’ve realized that sometimes you have to stand tall and protect what you’ve built.
The reality is, most of us want to be kind, decent, and good-hearted entrepreneurs. We want to build successful companies while treating our team and customers well. But there are plenty of people out there who don’t share that mindset. Scammers, fraudsters, and unethical competitors are out there, and if you don’t confront them head-on, they’ll tear down everything you’ve worked for. It’s not about being ruthless for the sake of it; it’s about protecting your business and your people. If you back down or avoid confrontation, those problems grow like cancer, spreading and eventually overwhelming you.
Using the big stick isn’t fun—it takes an emotional toll, and no one likes being the bad guy. But as entrepreneurs, it’s our responsibility to ensure our companies survive and thrive, even if it means making hard decisions. The longer I’m in business, the more I see the benefits of standing my ground and enforcing the rules. And while I don’t enjoy it, I know it has to be done. If you want to be successful, sometimes you’ve got to be willing to step up and take control, even if it means being the dick in the situation.
Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.
(0:00) - Intro
(1:30) - The Value of Relationships in Entrepreneurship
(3:04) - The Importance of Legal Protection
(4:50) - Dealing with Unethical Competitors
(6:40) - The Emotional Toll of Being a Successful Entrepreneur
(7:55) - Conclusion
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