Mike Coughlin is the owner of Digital Blue Creative, a full-service digital advertising agency in Boston with core competencies in marketing analytics consulting, search engine optimization, social media, global paid search management, and video production. Throughout his career, Mike gained a wide range of knowledge and experience working with global companies in almost every industry, including Sony Music, SAP, Four Seasons Hotels, Humana, Wharton School of Business, Scholastic, National Grid, BMW, DirecTV, and The Boston Globe.

Secret – timesaving technique

Mike is his own skeptic and tries to see his own challenges down the road -- work smarter, not harder. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Stay focused -- Mike creates a list of the five most important things he has to do each day.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Mike signed a partnership agreement that was not a good agreement -- and Mike tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Don't compete -- create."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"You don't need a partner."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have had hired a consultant sooner rather than later.

What one strategy or "recipe" would compound into big wins for business owners?

Go against the trends -- the majority is usually wrong.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would have a tolerance for risk taking and creative thinking.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. You have to do your due diligence before taking the plunge
2. Prepare for things to not go well for a while
3. It's all about reading

How best to connect with Mike:

• Personal Twitter: @mpc85
• Company Twitter: @thedigitalblue
• Website: www.digitalbluecreative.com