Practical e-Commerce lessons learned: Luis Hernandez, Jr. – The Motor Book Store

Best Advice for Other Merchants

“Find something that means something to you. This will keep things fun and exciting.

“Expect long hours and probably not a lot of money at first. I like to tell people I decided to work for myself in order to avoid working for a jerk.

“Read books, magazines, blogs, newsletters, etc. Learn, learn, learn.

“Visit websites that are similar to yours and do as Bruce Lee said, ‘Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is uniquely your own.’

“Don’t copy-and-paste from other sites. This is not only a bad practice but also bad karma.

“Early to bed and early to rise. I get out of bed at 5 a.m. every morning, and I use that time to read emails, magazines, etc., come up with new ideas, and even do a quick 5-minute session of kettlebell exercises before I shower.

“Exercise! Yes, I mean that seriously. Take care of your mind and body, and it will reward you many times over. I cycle approximately 5,000 miles a year, if not more. And when I say ‘cycle’ I mean road bicycle, the kind you pedal. That allows me not only to stay in shape, but also to clear the mind while doing something I love.

“Pay it forward. As corny as that may sound, it is rewarding. Don’t allow the irrational fear that ‘someone may steal my ideas’ keep you from helping others.

“And finally, as the Dalai Lama says, ‘Your prime purpose on earth is to help one another. If you can’t help one another at least don’t hurt one another.’”