Randall Kaplan's quotes, sayings

You spend 25,000 hours in school, yet most people spend only 15 to 30 minutes preparing for a job interview that will largely determine how they live.

Extreme preparation - the habit that separates winners

Never give up, bet on yourself, persistence rules the day. Prepare more than anybody else - extreme preparation.

What was your superpower in business?

My superpower in business is tenacity - and schools don't teach that. I stuttered, I was bullied as a kid, and I had to learn a new way to speak, practicing my speech for two hours every night. People doubted me, made fun of me, and called me names. But I told myself, “I'm none of those things. One day we'll see.” Years later, I co-founded a $12 billion company.

The best relationships are built by adding value

Always look to add value to somebody if you want to build a relationship. It's never a one-way street. Even when you're asking someone for something, ask how you can help them in return. That's how great relationships are built, and it's been critical to my career.

Great relationships are built over time

Relationships are critical. You have to build them for the long term. Start young, stay in touch, and reconnect every six months or so. Send a note, make a call, and simply say, “Hey, how are you? Just thinking about you.” Some of the most successful businesspeople I know spend an hour every week doing exactly that.

You've got to go get it.

Closed mouth does not get fed. You've got to go get it.

Trust your gut, not the doubters!

Everyone said, “These people are never going to meet with you. Your idea is stupid. It's a total waste of time.” And you know what? You’ve got to trust your gut.

Ignore the Odds. Go Get It Anyway!

You look at the odds and say, 'Screw the odds, we're going to go get it.

Success makes rejection worth it

There's nothing better than getting rejected to your face over and over - because on the hundredth yes, you forget the first 99 no's.

Cold calling is a superpower

Cold calling is one of the best, most useful skills anyone can ever have.

The trap of golden handcuffs

Some people have golden handcuffs. They have an amazing job...

Bet on Yourself. You Are Your Best Investment!

There's no better person in the world to bet on than you.

The key isn't just using AI - it's knowing how to use it.

Will business owners who ignore AI get left behind?

I do think they'll get left behind. The key isn't just using AI - it's knowing how to use it. You have to educate yourself, learn how to ask better questions, keep drilling down, and get the information you're looking for. AI is an amazing tool, and anyone who wants to improve their business should learn how to use it effectively.

What does the future of tech look like?

It's all AI, period. End of story. AI makes life easier and more efficient. I barely use Google anymore - I use ChatGPT all day long. It saves me three or four hours every day and has dramatically increased my productivity.

Do you think everybody is built for entrepreneurship?

I do not. Entrepreneurship looks very sexy from the outside, but it takes a lot—long hours, sacrifice, and often 100-hour workweeks if you're going to do it right. You can learn to be an entrepreneur, but not everyone is willing to make the sacrifices it requires.

The Biggest Bet Is on Yourself!

I always wanted to be a founder of a company. I left an amazing job, left $3 million of stock options on the table to take a risk and bet on myself.