Yale SOMAA Fairfield: “Succeeding in Business – Succeeding in Life” with Bruce Judson (Yale SOM ’84; Yale Law ’83), Michael Crystal, and Sandra Comas – January 19, 2005

Noting that a "fundamentally new entrepreneur is emerging – the go-it-alone entrepreneur," Yale SOM Senior Faculty Fellow Bruce Judson (Yale SOM ’84, Yale Law ’83) inspired Yale SOM alumni and local business people with the topic of his new book, Go It Alone! The Secret to Building a Successful Business on Your Own (HarperCollins, 2004) at Tom E Toes in Wilton, CT. Started with minimal investment (you really don't need venture capital) and run with few employees, these businesses can and do generate cash from the start. Co-speaker Michael Crystal, who provides professional coaching to business executives, including entrepreneurs, added a psychological dimension to understanding successful entrepreneurship. Sandra Comas, a financial consultant and financial planning specialist with Smith Barney, discussed personal and business financial strategies to round out the trio. Despite the blizzard-like conditions outside, more than thirty people packed the restaurant's back room, and by evening's end, left "fired up" with the entrepreneurial spirit. Special thanks to Amy Armitage SOM ’86 for her help with organizing this event.