Ryan Ayres is a business coach and virtual chief operating officer who has had the privilege of working with companies of all sizes from Microsoft, Sports Illustrated, and Time Inc. to hundreds of small businesses in the last 20 years. His business, Focus 53, is focused on Business Operations and helping business owners identify and solve opportunities and roadblocks with the people and processes in their company. Ryan is also the host of the outstanding podcast, Focus 53.

Secret – timesaving technique

Ryan uses Trello to stay organized -- you need a simple, distraction-free way to organize the tasks you need to execute on every day. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Get the blood flowing -- Ryan finds that his worst days are the days when he doesn't exercise.

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

Ryan had a client that consistently made him unhappy -- and Ryan tells the whole story here.

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

"Focus -- work on the right things at the right time."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Own the successes -- and the failures."

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

I would have had a system that forces me to vet the tasks I'm doing.

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

Do more doing -- and less thinking and pontificating.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would be a good genuine person that works hard.

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

1. Make sure you don't get stuck on the things that bog you down
2. Have resources to help you

How best to connect with Ryan:

• Website: www.focus53.com
• Twitter: @ryanayres53