Brett Wilson was the keynote speaker at a luncheon I recently attended in downtown Toronto. The event was hosted by Canoe Financial of which he is a principal. Do you remember Brett from Dragon’s Den? He was the mensch. (His personal website is refreshingly different and really interesting)

He shared his personal story and it turns out he is genuinely a self-made nice guy.

Brett’s advice to university students (and in all likelihood to us mature people J)  resonated with me on 3 key messages:

1. Study marketing

It is ultra-important. With the exception of marketing types who go on to work for powerhouses like Procter & Gamble, knowledge of marketing is sadly lacking among most graduates coming out of university. Study marketing first and then launch your concept or start a job or business.

2. Study Entrepreneurship

Analyze how people achieved success from scratch, not the guys who inherited it. First generation business people are usually self made types. He described the “hung over” college students at Queen’s university with nightly munchies who created The Pita Pit franchise.  They quit university once the business got going. Celebrate these and study them. Be hungry but not necessarily in a rush.  It’s all about planting seeds. Ray Kroc flipped his first burger when he was 58. Colonel Sanders perfected his secret recipe at age 60. Brett also recommended that young people should get retail experience to learn how to deal with consumers.

3. Incorporate Philanthropy in whatever you do (This was my favourite part)

Meet great business clients while helping change the world. He suggested developing a corporate plan around this and being sure to give a little bit to everybody. Giving while living is often more important than guiding from the grave.  Governments cannot do it, but we can and must.

When question period rolled around I asked him what fields of study would enjoy the highest demand. He identified Engineering and Technology and said we are just scratching the surface.  He studied engineering.

I was fortunate to get a copy of his new book “Redefining Success - Still Making Mistakes.”.  The book is a wonderful ‘must read’ for business owners, entrepreneurs and students.  Get yourself a copy.